As the first long school holiday in which to escape the leaden skies and perma-drizzle that typify the British winter, it’s not surprising that Easter is a popular time of year to enjoy a family adventure. Sunshine! Blue skies! Holiday happiness!
As for where to go, well, as you’ll see from this comprehensive list of action-packed Easter escapes, the world is pretty much your oyster, with a huge array of exciting destinations, many of which are enjoying ideal temperatures for active exploration – a Goldilocks combination of ‘not too hot, not too cold, but just right’.
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Easter family holidays round-up
Belize & Guatemala
Great for culture, beach, and wildlife, Belize and Guatemala are top choices for Easter family holidays
Two neighbouring but contrasting destinations make for the perfect two-week Easter family holiday. Even better, March and April are some of the best months to visit, when it’s generally dry and sunny with little rain.
Whilst Guatemala offers picture-perfect colonial towns surrounded by lofty volcanoes, lively indigenous markets, mysterious Mayan ruins, and the exquisite sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan, Belize has jungle that teems with wildlife, some of the best snorkelling in the world, blissful white beaches, and superb adventure activities. Take a look at our Belize and Guatemala sample itinerary for inspiration as well as some clients’ photos from recent trips to Belize.
Brazil
Take a selfie at Rio’s colourful Selaron Staircase in the legendary neighbourhood of Lapa
Brazil has one of the largest Catholic populations in the world which, like in Mexico, means that Easter is a major celebration. For the family traveller, you’ll witness spectacular, colourful processions through the historic cities, whilst some of the beaches will be busy with local families making the most of their spring holiday. If you prefer peace and quiet, however, in a country this size there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds and head more off the beaten track.
It’s also a great time of year to travel. By Easter, the scorching mid-summer temperatures of December / January are a distant memory, but winter (and the cooler temperatures of July/ August) is still a way down the track. If you want more inspiration on what to see and do here, then check out our favourite family activities. Or, see our sample itineraries, we’ve three to choose from!
Cambodia
As well as world-famous Angkor Wat, there are tons of fun activities for all the family in Cambodia
Less visited than its larger neighbours, Thailand, and Vietnam, Cambodia is a country that is so much more than its greatest draw – Angkor Wat. It will be hot and sunny but also humid during Easter, so a hotel pool is a must! Less visited also means less developed, too, and families who travel here say that’s absolutely part of its charm.
You’ll be riding bikes through country lanes watching farmers work in the paddy fields. Zip-lining through the forest canopy. Swimming from idyllic white sandy beaches and eating a traditional (and tasty) lunch. All truly authentic travel experiences as our Cambodia with Kids Top 10 blog shows. We’ve two Cambodia sample itineraries to choose from; our 15-day Cambodia Highlights trip or our Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights combination family adventure.
Colombia
Mix colourful colonial towns with exciting outdoor activities in lush landscapes and idyllic Caribbean beaches
Colombia is the big buzzword of the moment. Arguably Latin America’s most colourful and vibrant country, it has oodles to appeal to adventurous families looking to discover this up-and-coming nation. From the Andes to the Amazon, the Coffee Zone to Cartagena, it is the perfect place to enjoy ‘Semana Santa’.
Our Best of Colombia itinerary offers all the main highlights including a graffiti tour in Medellin, coastal walks in Tayrona National Park, and time on an idyllic Caribbean island at the end. Colombia Off the Beaten Track takes you on an exciting overland trip to the adrenalin centre of Barichara as well as including the legendary Lost City Trek. With direct flights from the UK to Bogota, go now and get ahead of the crowd!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an exciting outdoor playground – book early for a family holiday at Easter
April is the last month in Costa Rica’s dry season and is the ideal time to visit this tropical paradise, as our Costa Rica Easter & Christmas itinerary shows. There will be some rain (you don’t get the rainforest without frequent rain) but there should be lots of sunshine too. If you head to the Southern Pacific coast around Uvita, April is whale-watching season with superb sightings on boat trips off the coast.
Our Top 10 Costa Rica with Kids blog has lots of exciting ideas, too. It’s worth noting that due to Costa Rica’s increasing popularity during Easter, the best family-friendly accommodation (and flight availability) can get booked well in advance. Our advice is to book as far ahead as you can to bag the best accommodation.
Crete
Crete is lovely at Easter and packed with family-friendly activities
The largest island in Greece also offers the greatest number of family-friendly activities. Yes, being an island, there are beaches (large and off-the-beaten-track) galore. And the freshly caught seafood is exquisite. But wandering through the streets of the Venetian harbour of Chania (pronounced ‘Hania’), stopping off at tavernas, hiking a secret gorge, sea-kayaking in Sfakion, or cycling, slow-travel style, though picturesque villages are all on offer, making Crete the perfect Easter destination for families.
What’s even better is that at this time of year, Crete is arguably at its beautiful best – the mountains giving way to a swathe of flowering shrubs and plants whilst Easter celebrations are everywhere! Our top tip? Don’t miss Bougatsa Iordanis, the oldest cheese pie shop in Crete for its traditional eponymous delicacy. Take a look at our 10-day Crete Adventure for what you could be doing this Easter. Parakalo!
Egypt
Explore Egypt’s world-class sites and take a relaxing trip by felucca along the Nile
In just over four and a half hours from London, you could be at the foot of the Giza pyramids on the first day of your Easter family holiday with zero jet lag and excited, not over-tired kids. The temperatures in Egypt are absolutely sublime during the Easter holidays, warm and sunny enough for t-shirts during the daytime and the optimum temperature for discovering the country’s rich history (Egypt with Kids is a must-read!).
Our 8-day sample itinerary takes in all the Highlights of Egypt, but if you’ve got extra time, extend the trip to allow for some relaxing by the hotel pool. Alternatively, why not combine Egypt with a trip to Jordan – see our 15-day Egypt & Jordan Highlights adventure to find out more!
Galapagos Islands
Enjoy some close-up wildlife experiences on an Easter family holiday in the Galapagos
A special Easter mention must go to the Galapagos Islands. At this time of year, eggs are hatching all over the place so it’s a particularly wonderful time to visit. Although giant tortoise hatchlings are coming to an end, land iguanas hatch in Isabella and green sea turtles start to emerge, whilst the massive arrival of waved albatross on Espanola marks the start of courting season. See our sample Ecuador & Galapagos Highlights itinerary, and for further inspiration, check out our blog on the top 10 must-do activities in the Galapagos with Kids.
Iceland
Stop for a selfie at frozen Seljalandsfoss, multiple clothing layers recommended!
Journey to the land of fire and ice during Easter for an action-packed holiday you’ll never forget! The months of March and April may still be on the chilly side when visiting Iceland at Easter, but you’ll benefit from a strong possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Enjoy the delights of soaking in hot geothermal pools and visit all the main attractions with fewer crowds. Perhaps best of all, the prices are significantly lower than those in high summer.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Take a look at our 2-week Iceland in Summer sample itinerary, which works well in the Spring too, to see what you could be doing this coming Easter.
India
Jump aboard a ‘ship of the desert’ and explore out-of-the-way villages in Rajasthan
Travelling to India during Easter is a game of two halves, depending on when the school holiday falls. In March, the north of the country, Rajasthan, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, and other places on our Wonders of Rajasthan trip as well as our Kerala itinerary are all do-able, although temperatures and humidity are beginning to rise.
In April, though, we’d only recommend visiting the jaw-droppingly beautiful cities, Moghul architecture, and national parks in the north. If you’re considering the south, we’d recommend only families with older children will find the visit comfortable. If you’d like to know more about what you could be doing, take a look at both our India with Kids top 10 round-up and our selection of family holiday photos of India.
Japan
Strike a pose in Osaka, one of Japan’s liveliest cities, a Mecca for foodies and home of Universal Studios
Springtime in Japan heralds cherry blossom season and as such, is one of the most popular times to visit. This annual spectacle draws crowds from across the globe, who gather to capture sakura (cherry trees) bloom. Peak blossom season lasts for approximately a fortnight in March and early April, depending on the winter weather and temperatures (see this handy guide for where and when to see Japan’s Cherry Blossom next year).
If you travel earlier in the year, then the lesser-known plum blossom period is at best in February. An Easter family holiday is also a great time to enjoy the onsen (hot springs) and see Mt Fuji still snowcapped. See our sample Japan itineraries and what you could be doing in Japan with the kids and our Tokyo Top Twelve.
Jordan
There’s so much to do and see in Jordan, but Wadi Rum is always a firm favourite
Visiting Jordan for a family holiday at Easter is ideal. The temperatures are warm but not yet ‘fried egg on rock’ hot, and you can expect endless sunshine to show off the beautiful desert landscapes. Travel now and you could be covering yourselves in mud and washing it off in the Dead Sea, riding camels and hiking in Wadi Rum, or following the Wadi Feynan trail through the spectacular Feynan Valley. Add in remote crusader castles, stunning Roman ruins (often carpeted by wildflowers at Easter), and the dramatic Nabataean ruins at Petra, and you might just have found your perfect Easter break – see our sample Jordan itineraries.
For photos and more ideas on what to do in Jordan with the kids, check out our blog post and the stunning pictures of Jordan that our clients have sent us.
Laos
Rub shoulders with the monks as they go on their alms round to collect breakfast or lunch
Oh, how we love Laos! Less visited than its neighbours Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia or even Burma (Myanmar), Laos retains an untouched quality that you’ll not find elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Even better – the months of March and April (hot, sunny, with little rain) are a fantastic time to explore the verdant jungle-covered hillsides, float down the mighty Mekong River, discover charming towns, and be wowed by diverse landscapes of rugged karst scenery, mountain ranges, and highlands here.
Visit during April and you may also catch Laos’ New Year celebrations, too!
We’ve two sample itineraries to inspire you; our 14-day Laos Highlights or our 15-day combination trip, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia family adventure. Check out our Laos with Kids – 10 reasons to take the family for further inspiration!
Mexico
Explore jungle-clad Mayan ruins, swim in hidden cenotes, and kick back on a Caribbean beach
Easter in Mexico is A VERY BIG DEAL. Semana Santa (Holy Week), the week leading up to Easter, is an important religious holiday in Mexico. You’ll see religious celebrations and processions, palm leaves aloft, through towns and villages. It’s also a time when families head to the beach and tourist attractions to make the most of their spare time as well as escape from the cities.
If you’re a family who travels to experience this unique festival atmosphere, there’s rarely a more vibrant time to visit, (except for October’s Day of the Dead festivals). However, we do recommend booking early to guarantee accommodation availability.
See our sample itinerary, Best of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and take a look at our Top 10 things to do in Mexico with Kids for ideas on what else you could be doing on our Easter family holidays.
Morocco
Morocco is perfect for a short break or a more extended trip – explore the mountains, desert, and the coast
As the most exotic place you can travel to in just over 3 hours, Morocco makes for a quick and easy Easter escape.
Spring arrives towards the end of March in Morocco but it can be quite changeable when it comes to guessing temperatures. In some years, you can experience the high 30s in Marrakech, in others, you’ll still need a warm fleece, even if you’re in the Agafay desert. Our advice is to come prepared for both! Whenever you travel, in March or warmer April, you’ll enjoy lovely blue skies and plenty of sunshine. As for what you can be doing there, take a look at our Morocco with Kids Top 10 blog.
We’ve two sample itineraries to choose from depending on how much time you have; our 15-day Highlights of Morocco or our 8-day Morocco Family Short-Break.
Namibia
From climbing the giant dunes of Sossusvlei to the Big Five in Etosha, Namibia offers a wonderful variety of family experiences
It’s Autumn in April and if Easter falls late, this can be an excellent time to visit Namibia. It will be warm, often with sunny afternoons. Our 2-week Namibia Highlights trip is the perfect length for the Easter break, where you’ll search for the Big 5 in Etosha National Park, race down vast sand dunes, take a game drive in the Kalahari, and see ship-wrecks and seals in Swakopmund. Namibia is also a fantastic place to self-drive, which offers the ultimate freedom and flexibility for adventurous families.
Inspired? Here are our Top 10 Namibia with Kids experiences. Which will be your favourite?
Nepal
Mix a trek in the Annapurnas with cultural experiences and a safari at Chitwan
Easter is springtime in Nepal, with the Himalayan foothills flanked with banks of rhododendrons in full pink and purple bloom. The air is still clear but the temperatures are much warmer than at Christmas. This is a magnificent time to take to the trekking footpaths and experience the full majesty of the Annapurnas.
If not trekking, then there are loads of other exciting things to see and do too, like visiting Chitwan in search of tigers or white-water rafting whilst the rivers are full of snowmelt. Want to know more? Take a look at our Nepal Highlights (no trek) or Active Nepal (with a 3-day trek).
Norway
Try a glacier hike on an Easter break, perfect for active families
Calling adventurous families who thrill at spectacular scenery, fabulous food, and an almost endless choice of thrilling outdoor activities. Norway, with its dramatic fjords, remote fishing villages, and astonishing 100,000 kilometres of coastline offers families a natural playground – and Easter is a wonderful time to visit.
Before you pack the shorts and t-shirts, though, Norway in March and April is still a time of winter adventure. The Arctic north will still be covered in a thick blanket of snow (snowmobiles and sledding!) and there’s also a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in March. April is also a good time to visit the countryside and cities.
Check out our Norway in Winter and Norway in Summer itineraries to see some of the things you could be doing. Given that Easter straddles between the two times of the year, it’s likely we’ll create your own bespoke itinerary so you can enjoy Easter in Norway to the full.
Oman
All the family will love exploring Oman’s mountains, wadis and forts, and finish with time at the beach
The popularity of Oman has soared amongst family travellers in recent years – and with good reason. It boasts fabulous beaches, mountain scenery, ancient forts, picturesque fishing villages, oases, and deserts (think true Lawrence of Arabia and you’re there). And although there are luxury hotels popping up all over the place, the price tag is much lower than in its glitzier near neighbour, Dubai.
With a direct flight time between the UK and Muscat of just over 7 hours, you can have guaranteed spring sunshine which makes Oman a great Easter holiday destination for families! Take a look at our Highlights of Oman sample itinerary to see what you could be doing on an Easter family holiday this year. And also see our round-up of the best holiday activities in Oman with kids.
South Africa
Easter is an ideal time to go on safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
As a southern hemisphere destination, South Africa’s climate is the reverse of the UK’s, which means Easter falls in Autumn when temperatures are not too hot, there’s little rain and plenty of sunshine!
There are a ridiculous amount of things to see and do on a family adventure here, from safari and seeing the Big 5 in Kruger National Park, seeing unforgettable sunrises over the Drakensberg mountains, learning to surf on beautiful beaches, meeting penguins on Boulders Beach or sampling world-class food and drink (hello, wine!) in Cape Town and its surrounds.
Have a look at our sample itineraries, our 15-day Classic Cape & Garden Route, or our Kruger & Beach family Safari. Of course, we can also make a combination of the two!
Sri Lanka
Packed with wonderful historical, cultural, and scenic attractions, Sri Lanka works for all ages
It doesn’t matter what time of year you want to visit, Sri Lanka is a stand-out winner, whether it’s Easter, Summer, or Christmas! No wonder it’s one of our most popular destinations. In March and April, the temperatures are dry and warm, with the southern and west coast beaches enjoying the best of the weather.
If you fancy visiting the highlights of the Cultural Triangle, taking a train through tea plantations, or searching for leopards on safari, see our 15-day Sri Lanka Christmas & Easter Tour. We also recommend checking out Sri Lanka with Kids – Top 10 things to do, to find out why it’s such a great Easter family holiday destination.
Thailand
Snorkel, swim, mess about in boats, or simply chill in a hammock
Thailand is hot and humid throughout the year and April can be fairly steamy. The perfect time, in fact, for a water fight. A giant one. Across the whole country. Songkran is the Thai New Year and falls in mid-April; it is a time of re-birth and renewal and is celebrated by everyone taking to the streets with giant water pistols, throwing buckets of water onto passers-by, and generally getting wet.
After all of the excitement, head to the beaches, perhaps a peaceful island off the west coast? This time of year in Thailand is perfect for snorkelling, swinging in a hammock, and being cooled by breezes under the shade of a palm tree. It may not be the most active end to an Easter family holiday, with temperatures of just over 30 degrees, but if a slice of paradise is what you’re after, Thailand is hard to beat. Check out our sample Thailand itineraries and our Top 10 activities in Thailand with kids.
USA
Many rivers in the US offer great rafting, with rapids suitable for beginners to experts
Given that the USA is so vast, with such a wide range of temperatures at any one time, there’s generally somewhere that is ideal for a family holiday. During late March and early April, California and the Western National Parks are your best bet, with plenty of sunny days on the Pacific coast and warmer evenings. There’ll still be some snow in the mountains, though. Take a look at our 15-day Classic California Family Holiday and 17-day Western National Parks USA for what you and your family could be doing this Easter.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s sandy beaches and spectacular karst scenery make it a perfect destination for family Easter holidays
Vietnam is a long and narrow country, meaning that whenever you visit, there’s always somewhere which will be perfect for that time of year. Whilst most of our families travel during the longer summer holidays, it’s actually Easter (March and April) when the weather is at its most favourable between Hanoi in the north and Saigon in the south. See our Highlights of Vietnam trip, which starts in Hanoi and goes south before finishing on the beaches of Hoi An.
If you want to know more about this charming, fascinating and diverse country, take a look at our Vietnam with kids activities round up. You might also want to check out our other sample itineraries, our 10-day Northern Vietnam adventure or our 15–day Cambodia & Southern Vietnam combination itinerary.
More about Easter family holidays
If you’d like to know more about any of our suggested Easter destinations we’d love to help. Every Stubborn Mule holiday is tailor-made to suit you and your family and we will advise you every step of the way. Call us on 01728 752751 for the inside story on all our destinations or use our enquiry form.
For other school holidays, see our selection of round-ups:
February Half Term Holidays
Summer Family Holidays
October Half term Holidays
Family Christmas Holidays
You may also find our suggestions on holidays with teenagers and multigenerational holidays helpful.
Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel
I’m always interested to hear about your travels so do email me with your feedback and experiences of past Easter family holidays or any trips you’ve taken with us.
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