Phoenix

There are many incredibly family-friendly cities in the American Southwest and Phoenix is a particularly welcoming city for an enjoyable spring break. The Phoenix Zoo is well regarded for its conservation programs and VIP experiences for animal-loving visitors. These range from Discovery Tours on private eco-shuttles to backstage meetings with animal ambassadors and customizable wildlife adventures.

At the Phoenix Art Museum, join a PhxArt Field Trip for Kids program or Family Fun Day, with arts-engagement programming suitable for all ages. In nearby Tempe, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona is another perfect day out for multi-generational groups. The VIP experience here includes a personal host who accompanies your family throughout the day, sharing tips and modeling facts, as well as presenting a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s workshops.

For a unique souvenir, head to Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, where you’ll find a resident artist that will draw charming caricatures of you and your family. The resort also runs yoga and lawn games for families, including corn hole, pickleball and bocce ball. There’s also plenty of fun to be had on the triple waterslide and saguaro splash pad in the Paradise Pool. Take a guided historical walk around the neighborhood, or around the property itself. Before bedtime, future astronauts can enjoy a stargazing experience and see the Milky Way through powerful telescopes with knowledgeable astronomers from Arizona Star Tours.

Park City, Utah

Visit Park City for its acres of ski and snowboarding trails through mid-April. Once the weather warms, families can still bask in the great outdoors, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activity options. Park City is home to more than 400 miles of trails for hiking or biking adventures suitable for every age and skill level. Gentle slopes and beautiful scenery await on tracks such as Dawn’s Trail or Gambel Oak Loop.

Take in stunning landscapes on a guided horseback ride, riding through the mountains and foothills around Park City, overlooking alpine valleys, lakes and rivers. Trot through the Aspen groves of Deer Valley or rise to the Jordanelle Reservoir views of Heber Valley. Take a day trip to Arches National Park, a four-hour drive from Park City, to experience the longest natural stone arch in the U.S. For even more outdoor adventure, try a family river rafting trip with highly experienced guides on the Weber River and spot the local wildlife, including marmots, chipmunks and squirrels.

The fun continues at Waldorf Astoria Park City. If you visit during ski season, the property is conveniently located near the slopes. The resort also runs Marley the Moose scavenger hunts, and younger guests can earn a special Moose Scouts pin for each adventure they complete. The Little Miners Camp package includes a tent set up in the room when your family arrives, an in-room camping experience that includes a stuffed animal, camping lantern and a book to take home. As well as the all-season heated pool and a special welcome for family dogs, the resort also has the perfect family nightcap — complimentary s’mores roasting kits to enjoy at the on-site fire pits.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.