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Plan a Spring Break with Gaylord National Resort Spring Activities

From the moment I saw the press release about Gaylord National Resort spring activities I knew my boys and I needed a spring break at the National Harbor. I also knew our readers did too. Take a look at why we feel Gaylord National Resort is a great spring break destination near New Jersey.

I’m happy to partner with Gaylord National Resort to show families how they can plan a spring break to the resort. If you’re looking for spring break activities near New Jersey, you need look no further than the Gaylord National Resort.

At about a 3 hour drive from South Jersey, I figured I could make it to Gaylord National Resort and back on one tank of gas. I was right. We headed down early on a Friday afternoon and encountered very little traffic compared to those coming the other way.

Whether you plan your spring break before, during, or after Easter, the short ride and plethora of spring activities at Gaylord National Resort make it a great destination for spring break.

My teenager might have felt too old for some of the spring activities at Gaylord, but not all of them. And he definitely wasn’t too old to appreciate the specialness of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor.

Atrium at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor - daytime view from room balcony

Once Upon A Springtime, Spring Activities at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Both daytime visitors and overnight guests at Gaylord National Resort can enjoy delightful engaging spring activities, otherwise known as Once Upon A Springtime. Springtime activities include cookie decorating, Paint Me A Fairytale interactive stage show, the Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt, Wildlife Rescue experience, and more!

Once Upon A Springtime, spring activities at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor will be open from early March through May 8, 2022.

Spring activities for little kids at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Paint Me A Fairytale interactive stage show

Bursts of color and flashes of magic bring classic fairytales to life in this interactive storytelling adventure. Be drawn into the magic as Mother Goose herself paints to life some of your children’s storybook favorites, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and The Beanstalk, and The Princess and The Pea in this live stage show. Admission is priced at $16.99 per person.

Paint me a fairytale show, one of the Gaylord National Resorts spring activities photo credit Gaylord National Resort
Paint Me a Fairytale Show, one of the Gaylord National Resorts spring activities
Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort

Adventure Kids Bedtime Bunny Tales

Adventure Kid Sophie reads Beatrix Potter’s classic “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” for a very special bedtime story on the in-room TVs. Guests can enjoy the classic tale — all from the comfort of their room — while Sophie adds some real-world knowledge about rabbits, plants, nature, and more. This is a complimentary experience for overnight guests. Get the kids in their pj’s. Tuck them into bed and use the storytime to help them settle in for the night.

Spring activities for kids of all ages at Gaylord National Resort

Meet, Greet, and Take Pictures with the Easter Bunny

You likely won’t spot the loveable Easter Bunny as he’s hiding his eggs, but you can find him taking breaks to hang out with young guests. Gaylord National Resort guests can take photos with the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday and on other days he makes appearances at Gaylord.

We found him, during our visit, in the Atrium, while we were admiring the gardens.

Easter Bunny At Gaylord National Resort

Take some family portraits

The Gaylord National Resort is decorated beautifully for Easter. There are Easter eggs at the front desk. There are flowers blooming in the garden. There’s gorgeous sunlight that beams in and around the atrium. Use that to your advantage. Take some family photos. While it’s not a structured activity, it would be a shame to miss out on such a stunning setting for a family photo.

Gaylord National Resort Spring Activities - Easter Decor in Lobby

Sweet and yummy springtime treats are ready to customize and decorate to your kid’s delight! Decorate delicious cookies and take them home to enjoy in this creative, hands-on activity. The cookie decorating activity is priced at $15.99 per decorating kit.

Gaylord National Resort Spring Activities - Cookie Decorating

Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt

Buzz & Blossom are bursting with excitement as they navigate Gaylord National. Search high and low for clues throughout the Gaylord National Resort to solve the scavenger hunt puzzles and receive a prize. This activity is $12.99 per scavenger hunt booklet.

Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt, a spring activity for kids at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort
Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt, a spring activity for kids at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort

Search for Endangered Animals with Wildlife Rescue – An Augmented Reality Experience presented by bubbly™

Gaylord National Resort is transformed into an exciting safari for families to discover and learn about endangered animals. This virtual experience guides guests to track down endangered species and helps ensure they are monitored for their protection. The adventure highlights indigenous animals and, with the magic of augmented reality, brings them to life before your eyes! This is a complimentary experience for hotel visitors and overnight guests.

A Wildlife Rescue Tiger smells the flowers in the Gaylord National Resort atrium.

This was the spring activity at Gaylord National Resort that my teen and I participated in. It’s the spring activity I feel will most appeal to teenagers.

Teen appears to be holding a Chesapeake Blue Crab with the Wildlife Rescue App at Gaylord National Resort.

The Wildlife Rescue activity took a little bit of time and searching to figure out just where it was, but once we did we had a great time searching for the animals. The spring activity takes place in the Gaylord National Resort Atrium. Using the Wildlife Rescue app, guests look for golden circle stickers on the floor. Scan the circle to trigger the app to share details about the endangered animal and an image of the animal in the Gaylord National Resort setting. You can scan the QR code to download the app.

Teens sits with a Tasmanian Devil on his lap with help from the Wildlife Rescue app

Pictures you take, within the app, are saved to your camera roll. Take a picture of your child holding the Tasmanian Devil in his/her lap. Take another picture of the tiger near plants in the Atrium. Then, use that app again and your saved animals to take pictures of the animals wherever you like. Abraham Lincoln with a gorilla in downtown National Harbor. The elephant on a Gaylord National Resort hotel room balcony. It’s all possible with the Wildlife Rescue app.

Wildlife Rescue gorilla with Abraham Lincoln in National Harbor

Spring activities for teens at Gaylord National Resort

Selfies with the Easter Bunny

In addition to getting a selfie with the Easter Bunny during his meet and greets, teens can find and pose with this chocolate bunny for selfies as well.

Selfie with Chocolate Bunny at Gaylord National Resort
Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Yummy Milkshakes

Your teens may participate in any of the above spring activities at Gaylord National Resort. After dinner, take your teen up to Replay Rooftop – an 80s-inspired rooftop lounge that is now serving delicious Cherry Blossom Milkshakes for the spring.

Cherry Blossom Milkshake at Replay Rooftop at Gaylord National Resort
Cherry Blossom Milkshake at Replay Rooftop at Gaylord National Resort Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort

Anytime Activities at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Anytime activities for kids of all ages

Swim in the Pool

The Gaylord National Resort offers hotel guests a Junior Olympic-sized, 24-meter indoor heated lap pool for swimming. The pool has steps to enter in at least 2 spots.

Towels are provided for hotel guests at the pool. There is a lifeguard on duty during the pool’s open hours.

Gaylord National Resort Indoor Heated Pool

The best part? The Gaylord National Resort pool is open till 10 pm. So enjoy your day participating in Gaylord National Resort spring activities and spend some evening time swimming in the pool.

Gaylord National Resort Indoor Hot tube and whirlpool.

There is a rectangular whirlpool available for hotel guests, 16 years old and older. It is located along one side of the wall when you come into the pool space.

Gametime in the Arcade

As you pass from the hotel elevators to the pool, you will pass through two adjacent arcade spaces. There are a variety of games guests can play. Some allow players to earn tickets toward prizes. There is a large prize redemption unit where players can turn in their tickets for prizes.

Anytime activities for teens at Gaylord National Resort

Replay

Your teen might not have been a teen in the 80’s, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy Replay. Replay at Pose Rooftop Lounge is an 80’s themed pop-up bar offering river views, over-the-top milkshakes, and more. The rooftop bar features Insta-worthy environments, neon lights, retro arcade games, and the best of 80’s music.

It’s my one regret from my stay with my teens at Gaylord National Resort. We just ran out of time to get there. Replay is open for teens and minors and their adults from 5 pm until 9 pm. At 9 pm, it becomes a 21 and older environment. We’ll definitely be making a visit on our next visit.

Replay Rooftop Lounge at Gaylord National Resort
Replay Rooftop Lounge at Gaylord National Resort Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort

Hang out in the Atrium

What teen doesn’t want to get away from their parents or their siblings for a while? The Atrium is a safe place where a teen can sit back take in the views, read a book, catch up on homework, and get some gaming in on their devices. Grownups with rooms with atrium views can keep an eye on their teen from above while giving their teen some space below.

tables with seating Atrium at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Workout in the Fitness Center

Fitness center access is included in your resort fee. If your teen wants to get in a workout, the fitness center is open 24 hours a day. I have to say, compared to other hotel gyms, the Gaylord National Resort fitness center is extremely impressive.

The fitness center is equipped with:

  • Cardiovascular Equipment
  • Exercise Bikes
  • Free weights, including dumbbells and kettlebells
  • Strength Equipment
  • Treadmills

Spa Time

The Relâche Spa was closed during our visit. Once reopen, teens and their grown-ups can book spa services like massages, manicures, pedicures, and more.

Sip & Chill

Not only does the Atrium offers plenty of places to sit and chill, but your teen can also pick up their favorite beverage and some snacks at the Potomac District Cafe and Market. Outlets and USB ports along the sofa seating make it easy for teens to sip and chill.

seating at Potomac District Cafe and Market at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor 1

Shop

Teens visiting Gaylord National Resort can get shopping with the boutique shops and delicious food and beverage offerings inside the resort. Or teens and their families can step outside of the resort and take an easy walk (or ride the complimentary shuttle) to more than 40 restaurants and 160 shops (including Tanger Outlets).

Shop in the Atrium at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Ready to stay the Night at Gaylord National Resort?

With all these great spring activities at Gaylord National Resort, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to spend the night. We were so thankful we did. Between the spring activities at Gaylord National Resort and all there is to explore in town, it would really be hard to fit all that spring fun into one day. You really do need a night or two or three or a whole spring break.

Gaylord National Resort Spring Hotel Offers and Packages

Gaylord National is offering the Spring It On overnight package, starting at $339, which includes:

  • Overnight accommodations
  • Springtime Cookie Decorating for two
  • One Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt booklet

Remember there is no fee for the Wildlife Rescue and bedtime story activities. Book your stay by visiting their website or calling 301-965-4000.

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center signage with Cherry Blossoms
Photo Credit Gaylord National Resort

What’s it like to stay at Gaylord National Resort for Spring Break?

From the moment I came into the Gaylord National Resort and headed toward the front desk and atrium, I could just sense this National Harbor resort is different and special.

Atrium at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor - daytime view from room balcony

The openness, the 19-floor atrium with gardens, the multitude of tables and seating, it’s all so warm and inviting. I couldn’t help but be stunned by the beauty of it all.

When I got to our room I was even more in awe. As part of our partnership with the resort, we were provided with a double queen bed guestroom with an atrium view for our stay. Watch our Facebook Live room tour.

2 beds from Opposite angle Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

The Gaylord National Resort guest rooms are spacious, calming, and inviting. The blue mural behind the beds put me at ease as if to say, “yes, you can relax here.”

2 chairs and table Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

The fun chairs and table invited me to sit and I took notes and planned for our spring break activities at Gaylord National Resort.

Balcony doors in Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor 1

But it was the balcony, the balcony overlooking the 19-story atrium that commanded my attention the most. Double doors from the room open up to a nice-sized balcony.

Balcony in Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor 2

With 2 chairs on the balcony, my son and I could take in the morning sun coming in through the windows. We could watch the Capital Wheel turn in the distance. We could admire the sun as it set on the Potomac River in the evening.

Daytime views of Atrium from Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Though we kept busy exploring Gaylord National Resort spring activities and things to do with teens in the National Harbor, I could have been just as happy spending our entire spring stay on that balcony or chilling in the atrium. I know my teen feels the same way.

Nightime views of Atrium from Double Queen Guest Room with Atrium View at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor

Learn more about booking a stay at the Gaylord National Resort for spring break by visiting their website or calling 301-965-4000.

Learn more about our other stays at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor

While I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at Gaylord National Resort before our spring visit, other members of the Jersey Family Fun team have. Click to read their stories below.

Exterior signage for Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor.JPG

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