Spring break is a popular time for families to drive to a big city for a few days of museums, ballgames, aquariums and good food. Driving gives you freedom and saves on airfare, but it also brings a question that can shape the whole trip: what do you do with the car once you arrive? This checklist helps you plan.
Before you book a hotel
- Ask about parking. Does the hotel have its own garage, valet or a partner garage nearby? Are there height limits for vans or vehicles with roof boxes?
- Check the location. A hotel near transit or within walking distance of major sites can mean parking the car once for the whole trip.
- Compare neighborhoods. Staying slightly outside the center, near a transit line, can make parking easier while keeping attractions within reach.
- Read the fine print. In-and-out privileges and overnight policies vary, so ask before you arrive.
Planning each day
Map out your days by neighborhood. Grouping attractions that are close together reduces how often you move the car. For each stop, note:
- Whether the attraction has its own parking or relies on nearby garages.
- Whether it is near a transit station.
- Any timed entry or advance ticket requirements.
- Events, games or festivals that might affect traffic and parking that day.
Many attractions list parking information on their official websites. City websites and transit agency sites are also good sources for current information.
Using parking apps and reservations
Parking apps can help you compare garages and reserve a space in advance. This is especially useful for busy attractions, games and evening events. Before you book, check the entrance location, hours, height limits and whether the reservation covers the time you need. Save your confirmation offline in case your phone loses signal in an underground garage.
Street parking tips
If you plan to park on the street, read every sign on the block, including any temporary signs for street cleaning, construction or events. Rules vary widely between cities and even between blocks. When in doubt, choose a garage. A parking ticket or a tow can take the fun out of a vacation day.
Keeping the trip relaxed
- Keep valuables out of sight and take bags into the hotel.
- Take a photo of your parking spot, level and garage entrance.
- Build extra time into your schedule for traffic and finding parking.
- Consider transit for at least one day. Kids often enjoy riding trains and buses as part of the adventure.
- Plan your departure. Check out of the hotel, retrieve the car and leave the city outside rush hour if possible.
A spring break road trip to the city can be full of great memories. With a little planning around parking, the car becomes a convenience rather than a chore, and the trip becomes about the places you came to see.
Putting the Checklist to Work: A Sample Trip
Imagine a family of five driving to a big city for three nights over spring break. Here is how the checklist might play out from planning to the drive home.
- Three weeks before: They compare hotels and choose one a short walk from a subway station, with an on-site garage that fits their minivan. They ask about in-and-out privileges and learn that they can take the car out and return without an extra charge.
- Two weeks before: They group attractions into three days: a museum day, an aquarium and waterfront day and a neighborhood day. They check each attraction’s parking information and buy timed tickets.
- One week before: They look at event calendars and see a big game on the second evening. They decide to use transit that day instead of driving.
- Arrival day: They arrive in the afternoon, park in the hotel garage and walk to dinner nearby.
- During the trip: They drive to the museum on day one, ride transit on day two and walk to a nearby neighborhood on day three.
- Departure: They check out mid-morning, after rush hour, and are on the highway before the midday traffic builds.
Common Mistakes on a Family City Trip
Choosing a hotel without asking about parking
A great room rate can be offset by an expensive or inconvenient parking arrangement. Ask about parking before you book, not at check-in.
Forgetting the height of your vehicle
Minivans with roof boxes, larger SUVs and vans can run into clearance problems in older garages. Know your vehicle’s height and check posted clearances before entering.
Moving the car too often
Every time you move the car, you face another search for parking and another fee. Grouping activities by neighborhood keeps the car parked longer.
Not planning for tired kids
Long walks between a distant garage and an attraction can wear down young children. A garage closer to your destination may be worth it, or plan a transit ride for part of the trip.
A Packing List for the Car
- A printed or offline copy of hotel and parking confirmations.
- A phone charger and a portable battery.
- Snacks and water for the drive and the walk from the garage.
- A small bag for each child with a change of clothes and essentials.
- A compact stroller or carrier for younger children.
- A notebook or phone note listing each day’s garage, entrance and level.
Questions Families Ask
Is it cheaper to park at a garage near the hotel or at the hotel itself?
It depends on the city and the hotel. Sometimes a nearby garage offers better terms, and sometimes the hotel’s arrangement is more convenient. Compare both, and consider in-and-out privileges and walking distance as well as price.
Should we use transit with young children?
Many families find that kids enjoy trains and buses. Plan for crowded stations, keep children close and choose off-peak times when possible.
What if our plans change?
Check the cancellation policies for any parking reservations before you book. Flexible options cost nothing to keep in mind and can save money if your schedule shifts.
How do we handle a late-night arrival?
If you will reach the city after dark, confirm that your hotel garage or nearby facility is open when you arrive, and know the exact entrance address. Driving into an unfamiliar garage late at night is much easier when you already know where to turn. Call ahead if you are running late, since some valet services close at a set hour.
Is it worth leaving the car at home?
For some cities and some families, a train or bus trip can replace the drive entirely. Compare the cost and convenience of parking for several nights with the alternatives before you decide.
