For many Palm Beach County families, school schedules set the rhythm of the year. Between homework, sports, and after-school activities, finding time for a family vacation can feel impossible — unless you plan ahead using the school calendar.

With the 2025–2026 Palm Beach County School Calendar now available, it’s the perfect time to start organizing your travel plans. Whether you’re thinking about a quick long weekend or a longer getaway, here’s how to plan vacations that line up perfectly with school breaks.

1. Know the School Breaks Before You Book

The foundation of good planning starts with knowing exactly when school is out. Palm Beach County’s public school calendar typically includes major breaks around Thanksgiving, winter, and spring, along with a variety of long weekends and teacher workdays.

For the 2025–2026 school year:

• Thanksgiving Break: November 24 – November 28, 2025

• Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

• Spring Break: March 16 – March 20, 2026

• Summer Break: Starts after May 29, 2026

There are also one-day holidays sprinkled throughout the year — such as Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day — that make for ideal three-day weekend trips.

Keeping a printed or bookmarked copy of the Palm Beach County School Calendar 2025–2026 ensures you never miss a date and can plan vacations well in advance.

2. Book Early for Major Holiday Breaks

If your family prefers to travel during the big breaks like Thanksgiving or Winter Break, booking early is essential. These are peak travel seasons across Florida and the U.S., and prices rise quickly.

For smooth, budget-friendly travel:

• Book flights and hotels at least 90 days ahead.

• Compare rates using flexible-date tools to find the lowest prices.

• Consider midweek departures — they’re often cheaper and less crowded.

• Reserve rental cars or theme park tickets early (they can sell out during winter and spring breaks).

Winter Break is particularly popular for Palm Beach County families heading to destinations like Orlando, the Florida Keys, or out-of-state ski resorts. Even local staycations can fill fast, so a little early planning goes a long way.

3. Take Advantage of Long Weekends

Not every vacation has to involve airports or full weeks off. Long weekends are great opportunities to recharge without missing school. Palm Beach County schools are closed for several federal holidays, creating easy mini-vacation windows.

Ideas for quick family escapes:

• Orlando – Perfect for Disney, Universal, or just a change of scenery.

• Naples or Marco Island – Relax on the Gulf Coast for a slower pace.

• Miami – Explore museums, Vizcaya Gardens, and local food markets.

• The Treasure Coast – Less crowded beaches and family-friendly attractions.

If you’d rather stay close to home, even a two-night stay in Palm Beach or Delray Beach feels like a getaway when you unplug and relax.

4. Pay Attention to Teacher Workdays

Teacher workdays are often overlooked but can be goldmines for family time. These are days when students are off but teachers report for training, giving parents bonus time without interrupting the school schedule.

In the 2025–2026 school year, teacher workdays fall on dates like October 17, November 11, January 5, February 18, and March 23. When they land near a weekend, that’s your cue to plan a short trip — even if it’s just a night or two away.

Because they’re not major holidays, hotels and attractions tend to be quieter and more affordable, which is a nice perk.

5. Consider the Weather When Planning Trips

South Florida weather plays a big role in travel decisions.

• August through October is hurricane season, so if you’re booking coastal trips during those months, make sure your plans are flexible or refundable.

• November through April offers the most pleasant weather — ideal for both local and long-distance vacations.

• Summer months can be hot and humid, but they’re perfect for beach or mountain trips where water and outdoor fun are part of the plan.

If you’re staying in-state, a staycation during the winter months can be just as enjoyable as traveling elsewhere — especially when local beaches are at their most beautiful.

6. Make the Most of Spring Break

Spring Break is one of the most popular times for families to get away, but it’s also one of the busiest. The 2026 break (March 16–20) falls during peak travel season for many school districts across Florida.

To make the most of it:

• If you’re flying, try to leave the Friday before break starts.

• Avoid returning home the Sunday before school resumes — that’s when airports are most crowded.

• Consider regional trips to avoid airfare costs: Sanibel, Key Largo, or St. Augustine are all great options for driving vacations.

• For an educational twist, visit destinations like Kennedy Space Center or the Everglades, where learning and fun go hand in hand.

7. Explore Local Attractions During Breaks

Not every vacation has to involve long drives or big budgets. South Florida is filled with incredible local destinations perfect for family time.

Great local ideas include:

• Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee

• Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach

• Green Cay Nature Center in Boynton Beach

• Rapids Water Park during warm weather breaks

• Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach

Day trips and weekend outings can make school breaks feel like mini-adventures without the stress of travel.

8. Use a School Calendar to Plan Year-Round

One of the smartest ways to organize your family’s year is to sync the school calendar to your digital calendar. Add breaks, teacher workdays, and holidays so you can quickly see when travel opportunities line up with your work schedule.

If you prefer a printable version, the Palm Beach County School Calendar 2025–2026 includes downloadable and printable options. Having it handy ensures you won’t double-book vacations or appointments during critical school weeks.

9. Plan Around Testing and Report Card Dates

Older students often have end-of-quarter exams or state testing close to major breaks. Avoid scheduling big trips during these times so kids don’t miss review sessions or important assignments.

In Palm Beach County, the quarters typically end in October, December, March, and May — so it’s best to plan vacations immediately after those dates.

10. Stay Flexible and Watch for District Updates

While the school calendar is finalized months in advance, it’s not uncommon for small changes to occur — particularly around weather make-up days or teacher training schedules. Before finalizing travel, check the district’s website or your school’s newsletter for updates.

The School District of Palm Beach County keeps the most accurate information posted online. Staying flexible means your plans won’t be disrupted by unexpected changes.

Final Thoughts

Family vacations are more enjoyable when they align with the school calendar, giving kids and parents a much-needed break without stress. By planning around Palm Beach County’s school schedule, you can make the most of long weekends, major holidays, and seasonal breaks — while avoiding missed classes and scheduling conflicts.

Whether you’re exploring Florida’s beaches, flying to a new destination, or planning a relaxing staycation, a little preparation goes a long way.
Before booking your next trip, check the official Palm Beach County School Calendar 2025–2026 for key dates, printable PDFs, and updates throughout the year.

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About the Author

The above real estate article “How to Plan Vacations Around Palm Beach County School Breaks” was written by Michelle Gibson. She has been specializing in residential real estate throughout Palm Beach County since 2001. Not only does Michelle assist buyers and sellers, she assists landlords and tenants too. She would love to share her expertise and guide you through your buying, selling or renting journey.

Our brokerage services the following areas; Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and more.