Make the most of your kids’ holiday break and create a lifetime of memories on an unforgettable winter family vacation. Many people think of snuggling next to a fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa during the colder season, but it’s the perfect time to travel and explore unique locations.
Whether you’re looking to ditch the winter blues for a sunny spot, craving an outdoor adventure or some holiday spirit, you’ll find a wide range of options on this list.
Outdoor Adventures
First up are 5 destinations ranging from bikini weather to snowhaven with a plethora of family-friendly activities. Round up the family for one of these easy-to-reach destinations.
Sanibel Island, Florida
There are few better places to be in the winter than Sanibel Island where the sun is glowing and the air is warm. Although you don’t need to worry about trekking through snow to get to the beach, you can still leave the bathing suit at home. Temperatures dip into the high 40s but quickly rise with the sun to reach the low to mid 70s.
In the winter, the sun settles right on the horizon in the gulf, making for the picture-perfect postcard moment. Take your family holiday photos on the beach to make every snowbird back home envious.
Kid-friendly activities
Book a 90-minute excursion on the Lady Chadwick with Captive Cruises for guaranteed sightings of bottlenose dolphins. The incredibly friendly captain will invite children to briefly steer the boat and take photos with him.
Kayaking through the mangrove swamp is another must-do activity for the family. Allow naturalist guides to give you an up-close experience with the unique ecosystem where you can see alligators, raccoons, otters, and hundreds of birds. Of course, you can’t leave without combing the sandy shores for seashells at one of the best shelling beaches in the nation.
Disneyland (California) & Walt Disney World (Florida)
Decked-out Disneyland and Disney World are ideal winter family vacations with temperatures resting at a snug 70 degrees. It goes without saying that the parks are a huge kit for children of all ages. Both destinations see smaller crowds which makes it an ideal time to visit. Navigate the parks with ease or hop on rides with little to no wait.
Kid friendly activities in Disney World
Beyond the rides at the park, one activity your kids will love is visiting Fort Wilderness. The resort has some of the best recreational options like pony rides, wagon rides, boat rentals, bike rentals, hiking trails, playgrounds, and more. There’s something for everyone here without having to step foot in a park.
Kid friendly activities in Disneyland
Of course you will see Main Street since it’s the way to get to everything else. Many people avoid it and hop on the Disneyland Railroad but during the winter, you don’t need to dodge so many people. Take a moment to appreciate Walt Disney’s original vision. Finally, our pro tip is to ride the Disneyland Monorail to Downtown Disney for a relaxing lunch. It’s a convenient way to escape the park for a few hours and catch your breath on a scenic, tranquil trip.
U.S. Virgin Islands
America’s Caribbean Paradise boasts temperatures in the 70s and 80s throughout the year but the best time to visit is December through March or April due to the dry weather. Travelers are more likely to enjoy sunny skies and the perfect beach forecast. With easy-to-access beaches, family resorts with swimming pools, and tons of adventures waiting, the three islands have become a family destination filled with activities.
Kid-friendly activities
Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you can hike, horseback ride, go on a jeep safari or boat charter. All three islands have boat excursions that allow you to island hop and provide snorkeling equipment.
Children as young as eight can sea-trek, which is an experience allowing you to wear an astronaut-type helmet, and walk along the ocean floor for thirty minutes. This fun and educational experience allows you to explore the Caribbean ocean and all its wonders without specialized training (but with a guide, of course) that sucks up vacation time. This is the perfect opportunity to see an assortment of tropical fish, birds, rays, sharks, and sea turtles.
Breckenridge, Colorado
If your whole family is a sucker for snow, Colorado is the place to be. Breckenridge sits 9,600 feet above sea level and experiences around 300 inches of snow in the winter. Expect endless snowfall that makes for a perfect winter playground for kids of all ages.
Kid-friendly activities
Take your children to the Mountain Top Children’s Museum, on an adventure snow tubing, hiking, or opt for dog sledding with a team of huskies. If your kids are older and not easily spooked, thrill them on a ghost tour to explore the darker side of the wild west with chilling tales of ghosts that linger.
Wow your kids at the International Snow Sculpture Championship in January. The display of intricate works of art are hand-carved from a 20-ton enormous block of snow over the course of five days. The artists only use hand tools and creativity to create the mesmerizing larger-than-life sculptures. Check the schedule on the website so you can plan to be there for either carving week or viewing week.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg can be in the low 50s and mid 20s so the key to staying comfortable during your winter family vacation is to dress in layers.
Kid-friendly activities
Spend a day (or two) at Anakeesta, a magical mountaintop adventure that provides plenty of ways for kids to enjoy themselves in the winter. The theme park is a place of relaxation and exploration fun for people of all ages. Discover the longest tree-based skywalk in the nation for an incredible view of the trees below. The options are endless from ziplining to mountaintop garden retreats, there is something for everyone.
Challenge your kids to the TreeVenture and BearVenture courses where they can climb, swing, crawl and slide their way through three levels of play. Prices to participate are included in general admission.
Holiday Polar Express-esque
Almost anywhere you go on this list will lend themselves to some Yuletide peace because let’s face it, Christmas is everywhere if you’re traveling in November and December. If you have youngsters and you’re looking to start a timeless tradition to keep alive each winter, we rounded up a few spots that burst with holiday cheer, reminiscent of a long-time favorite, The Polar Express.
Taking a train ride with Santa and his elves or scoping out the most scenic winter wonderland can provide memories your children will never forget. Arm yourself with some bubbly or eggnog and let your inner Christmas child out to enjoy the ultimate winter family vacation.
1. The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s Polar Express: Arizona
Since 2000, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has taken passengers on nighttime rides through the wilderness of Williams, Arizona headed for the North Pole. Families have the option to extend the fun with a festive stay at the hotel, decked out in Christmas decor complete with Mrs. Claus waiting to share stories with the children.
Prices:
Tickets start at $45 for adults and $33 for children ages 2 to 15. Children are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas, much like the famed movie Polar Express, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Parents can enjoy refreshments from a private bar.
2. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: North Carolina
Enjoy a picturesque excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad located in Bryson City. On their journey over the river and through the woods to the North Pole, children will relive the magical story of The Polar Express. Upon arrival, Santa boards the train and presents each child with their own silver sleigh bell to help keep the spirit alive.
Prices:
Ride times begin at 5 PM every day and ticket prices start at $43 for adults, $29 for children ages 2 to 12, and children under 2 are free. Rates increase for crown class, premium crown class, first class, and on peak days.
3. The Santa Train: Napa Valley, California
Besides its beloved wine excursions, the Napa Valley Wine Train is transformed into its annual Santa Train for a festive musical experience enjoyable for children and adults alike. The train journeys through the rolling scenery of Napa Valley while passengers partake in games, sing-alongs, and indulge in hot chocolate and cookies. Santa conducts the train while holiday characters collect letters from children before reaching Santa’s Workshop in the “North Pole.”
Prices:
Tickets start at $59.99 Monday-Thursday and rise to $79.99 Fridays and Saturdays. Purchase your tickets today and give your kids an interactive and music experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.
These winter family vacation ideas will have your kids begging to go back every year. Start planning your trip to make the most of your kids’ winter break!
