Spring break is the first real getaway of each year and families across the country take advantage of the time off school and work to enjoy a fun family vacation. While many head for sun, sand and ocean, I want to share a few of my favorite family travel spots.

Cowboy Up in Fort Worth

Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive

Fort Worth has a flair all it’s own. It’s a modern city that respects its roots.

5 Things to Do in Fort Worth

• Watch a cattle drive.

• Take in a rodeo.

• Visit the Cultural District.

• Eat at Joe T Garcia’s- where the locals go for Mexican.

• Stay in the Kids Suite at the Omni Mandalay (you won’t want to leave!)

Southern Comfort in Nashville

Loveless Cafe Famous Biscuits

Nashville may be known as Music City, but there is a lot of family fun here- even if you don’t like country music!

5 Things to Do in Nashville

• Visit Civil War forts and battlefields

• See unbelievable cars at the Lane Motor Museum

• The Nashville Zoo is at historic Grassmere Plantation; zoo animals, plantation farms and beautiful gardens

• Eat at the famous Loveless Cafe

• Spoil yourself with a stay at the magnificent Gaylord Opryland. Even if you don’t stay, make sure you stop for an afternoon visit!

History Lives in Boston

Paul Revere House, Boston Freedom Trail

Think history is boring? A few days in Boston will change your mind. History lives here.

5 Things to Do in Boston

• Walk the Freedom Trail. See the burial sites of some of our Founding Fathers, wander through Boston Common, sit in a pew in the Old North Church.

• Boston is the Ireland of the US. Get a taste of an Irish Pub at The Black Rose.  It’s near Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail- you can’t miss it!

• Head south to Plimoth Plantation. See how the pilgrims lived and step aboard the Mayflower II.

• Eat fresh seafood and chowdah.

• The beach may not be warm, but a seaside rental south of the city is fabulous any time of year.

Museums and More in Chicago

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Chicago

Chicago in March is crisp and, of course, windy. But with so much to do the weather won’t bother you a bit!

5 Things to Do in Chicago

• The Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum sit next to each other. Do not try to tackle both in one day.

• Take a spin on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and take your picture at “the Bean” in Millenium park.

• Get your food with attitude at Ed Debevick’s.

• You can’t visit Chicago and not shop along the Magnificent Mile. Kids will love the Disney Store; take girls to the flagship American Girl store if you dare.

• Spread out and relax in the all suite Omni Chicago Hotel.

Meet Me in St. Louis

Gateway Arch, St Louis

While St. Louis is the “Gateway to the West” it is also one of the most family friendly cities we have visited!

5 Things to Do in St. Louis

• You can’t be in St. Louis and not visit the Gateway Arch. Admittance to the Arch and the museums is free; a ride to the top will cost you, but the views are incredible.

• The St. Louis Zoo, on of the country’s best, is free. So is the incredible St. Louis Science Center.

• Young kids will adore The Magic House. Older children will love City Museum.

• The Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour is also free, and very interesting.

• With so much within walking distance, the boutique Omni Majestic in downtown St. Louis is the perfect place to rest your weary family.

Where do you plan to spend Spring break this year?

Photos are the author’s own.