April Holiday Ideas: Family-friendly Destinations

Admire the cherry blossom in Tokyo, Japan. Image source: Adobe Stock 

April has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re settling into the new year, the next we’re juggling school holidays, Easter break, Anzac Day long weekend and some free time on our hands. It’s no wonder so many families plan trips abroad around the Australian and WA April holidays. 

For some April holiday ideas, we’re recommending these five family-friendly destinations which are all easily accessible from Perth! 

Japan: Fun-filled and interactive escapades

Japan is among the top countries to visit in Asia and one of the most family-friendly places to go during Easter break. Tokyo in spring is bursting with colour, offering weeks of pleasant weather, while its theme parks and activities keep everyone entertained.  

Disneyland and DisneySEA

Spend the day enjoying classic amusement at Tokyo Disneyland with story-driven rides and games. Character encounters will leave the kids star-struck, while the parades provide hours of fun. 

For another big day out, visit DisneySEA. Check out the Mermaid Lagoon, join engaging rides or roam through Fortress Explorations, featuring exhibitions about planets and nautical instruments. 

teamLab Borderless

Swap traditional art galleries for the immersive digital art of the teamLab Borderless museum. Wander through glowing, ever-changing rooms as light, colour and movement respond to you in a spectacular living artwork.

Hedgehog Cafe

Get ready for a cuteness overload at ChikuChikuCAFE. Book a slot to interact with hedgehogs that live in miniature dollhouses. Feed and play with them, and pose for photos. 

Ueno Park

Admire the famous cherry blossoms at Ueno Park. Stroll down its wide, welcoming paths with picnic spots, visit nearby museums and see giant pandas at Ueno Zoo. 

How to get to Tokyo from Perth: Fly ANA or Singapore Airlines

Early morning view over the Li River, Yangshuo, China. Image source: Adobe Stock

China: Cherry blossom and outdoor adventures

April’s mild weather and beautiful spring scenery make Southern China one of the best places to go during Easter break and the April holidays.

Cherry blossom season highlights

Viewing the flowers of ornamental cherry trees, also known as sakura, has a long history in China, dating back to the Qin Dynasty, when trees were planted in the royal palace. Today, enjoying their blooms is still a beloved tradition.  

Top parks to see the cherry blossom in China’s southern regions include:  

Trendsee Cherry Blossom Aulacese Park

When visiting Guangzhou, stop at its largest cherry blossom park. Spot sakura varieties such as Red China, Guangzhou Cherry and Diaochan peppered across 66 hectares. 

South China National Botanical Garden

Walk around the Long Dong Magic Forest and discover the plant-rich Dinghushan Nature Reserve, while you admire the cherry blossoms, palms and other exotic plant life.

Tianshi Cherry Blossom Park

Be prepared for a colourful spectacle! Several varieties of cherry blossom trees, such as Good Luck Cherry and Xishi Cherry, flower alongside snapdragons, cosmos and rapeseed.

Yungshuo County

Bike along country trails, take in the pastoral views and unwind. It’s a quieter experience here in April, with fewer crowds.

Outdoor adventures

Walk along the Great Wall or hike Mount Huangshan, especially green at this time of year. Visit the Three Gorges or cruise along the Li River surrounded by karst landscape. 

How to get to China from Perth: Fly China Southern Airlines or Cathay Pacific

Ho Chi Minh City at dusk, Vietnam. Image source: Adobe Stock

Vietnam: History, culture and traditional experiences

Vietnam is another strong contender for Easter break and school holiday travel and is also high on the list of top countries to visit in Asia. From Perth, non-stop direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport make it a convenient destination to visit with kids in tow.

Colonial landmarks

Admire some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most striking colonial architecture in District 1, including Independence Palace, the Saigon Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral. Stop at Ben Thanh Market for a bite to eat and indulge in some souvenir shopping.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Kids can learn more about Vietnam’s history in an interactive, educational way at the Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside the city. Crawl through tunnels, run through the jungle and find hidden trap doors!

Mekong River Delta

Families who love immersive experiences will love this region! Sign up for hands-on cooking classes and experience the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats double up as floating cafes serving freshly made pho.

Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park

Explore temples, mythical palaces, eco trails, water attractions and live shows all in one place. This theme park blends Vietnamese legends with over 150 attractions! 

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Perth: Fly Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet

Enjoy the attractions of Manila, capital of the Philippines. Image source: Adobe Stock

The Philippines: Summer vibes in a coastal getaway

While the beaches of Palawan, Boracay and Siargao are irresistible for island-hopping and ocean fun in summer, this gorgeous archipelago holds many other surprises for families willing to go further afield.

Tagaytay City

Just a 90-minute drive from Manila, Tagaytay City’s cool climate and lush vistas make it a favourite local spot for a relaxing getaway. Highlights include: 

Picnic Grove: Catch sweeping views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from this scenic spot on Tagaytay Ridge. Picnic Grove spans 13 hectares and features zip lines, a cable car and horseback riding.

Sky Ranch: This playground of fun with attractions for all ages features the iconic Sky Eye Ferris wheel.

Puzzle Mansion: Visit an unusual museum dedicated entirely to jigsaw puzzles. The extraordinary collection ranges from beginner-friendly puzzles to mind-bending, detailed designs.

Subic Bay

Another family-friendly destination a short drive from Manila, Subic Bay offers a mix of coastal charm, wildlife and adventure. Try these attractions: 

Zoobic Safari: Experience a Tiger Safari jeep tour, the Croco Loco bridge with over 200 crocodiles, reptile displays and interactive animal encounters in a forest environment.

Beaches and water sports: Go swimming and paddleboarding, or enjoy a giant obstacle course in the ocean at Inflatable Island. Tree Top Adventures takes it one step further with even more adrenaline-filled activities.

Meet marine animals: Ocean Adventure hosts dolphin shows, sea lion encounters and other interactive conservation programs for kids and adults.

How to get to Manila from Perth: Fly Philippine Airlines or Jetstar

The Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua, New Zealand. Image source: Adobe Stock 

Bonus getaway: Enjoy ANZAC Day long weekend in New Zealand

Need a romantic, adults-only break after the school holidays end? The Anzac Day long weekend on Monday, 27 April 2026, is the ideal time for a getaway from Perth to New Zealand.  

Many people plan a trip to New Zealand around summer or winter, however April is an underrated sweet spot with autumn bringing comfortable temperatures, striking scenery and far fewer crowds. Take a couples-only mini-break at one of these destinations: 

Queenstown

From high-speed jet boat rides to daring bungy jumps, Queenstown offers heart-racing adventure and laid-back wine tastings.

Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Experience the magic of Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with snow-tipped peaks and some of the world’s clearest stargazing skies.

Rotorua

Rotorua’s thermal pools, Māori traditions and forest escapes offer couples the perfect combination of relaxation and outdoor fun.

Hawke’s Bay

Cycle together through vineyards, taste local produce and appreciate Napier’s art deco architecture.

Lake Taupo

The North Island’s largest lake is ideal for fishing, romantic forest walks, relaxing by the shore and exploring the nearby geothermal areas.

Bay of Islands

With 144 islands to explore, the region offers walking trails, secluded beaches and water activities such as kayaking and snorkelling.

Road trip from Auckland

A seven-day road trip in New Zealand, starting in Auckland, gives you enough time for sightseeing together at a relaxed pace. Start by driving south past rolling hills to Hamilton, then continue to Otorohanga to see New Zealand’s national bird at the Kiwi House. 

Other stops along the way include: 

Waitomo Caves: Step into a hidden world where limestone caves sparkle with glowworms. See them on a boat tour, get adventurous with blackwater rafting, or test your courage with abseiling.

Hobbiton: Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, featuring 44 hobbit holes. Explore the gardens and claim your complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.

Waimarino Adventure Park, Tauranga: Adventure awaits with water slides, trampolines and Tarzan swings, or paddle in a kayak and sunbathe by the water’s edge.

How to get to New Zealand from Perth: Fly Air New Zealand or Qantas

Aspire Lounge at T1 International, Perth Airport. Image source: Perth Airport

Jet off on your April holiday, direct from Perth

Make unforgettable memories with your kids during the WA April holidays, Easter break and school holidays. Whether you’re jet-setting to Asia or heading for New Zealand, flying from Perth is easy for the whole family. Book your parking online for a more cost-effective rate and relax at our award-winning Aspire Lounge in T1 International before take off for a smooth start to your holidays abroad.