Winter is the perfect time for families to take a break from routine, bond over shared experiences, and explore new environments that spark children’s curiosity and creativity. Whether you’re looking to hit the snowy slopes or enjoy a warmer climate, we’ve curated a list of destinations across the U.S. and nearby, perfect for your Winter vacation with family.
Choosing the Perfect Winter Destination
First and foremost, choose the location that best suits your family’s preferences.
Consider where you live to understand if you want to enjoy Winter in places with typically cold temperatures and snow, or if you prefer milder temperatures. This definitely defines where you should head for the Winter vacation.
Next, consider your family’s disposition for traveling. If you have to adapt to a shorter holiday, it might be worth not to outdistance too much from home because that would require a longer trip.
While still choosing your Winter destination, ponder on the types of activities you’re interested in. If you head to a place covered with snow, this could mean lots of time in the cold, or maybe snuggling inside your lodging. If you want to step away from the cold, do you prefer time in the outdoors enjoying the beach, or exploring more urban settings?
These are the first things you should consider when planning your perfect Winter vacation. From here on, you can actually start to look up the perfect location.
Where to Head for the Perfect Winter Vacation
For families who love snow, these two U.S. destinations offer memorable Winter activities that combine outdoor play with opportunities for children to spend precious time indoors while still enjoying their holidays.
Snowy Winter Destinations
Breckenridge, Colorado
This is a top choice for families seeking a snowy winter wonderland! This Colorado town has gentle slopes ideal for beginner skiers, as well as snow tubing, ice skating, and the famous Snow Sculpture Championship, which is sure to ignite children’s imaginations.
The town’s educational nature trails and sledding hills are excellent for teaching kids about nature.
Lake Placid, New York
Located in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid is rich in winter activities and history, making it a great choice for families. Parents can take kids to Olympic sites, where they can try bobsledding or ice skating at the same venues as past Olympians.
Snowshoeing trails allow children to explore nature at a slower pace, noticing animal tracks and winter wildlife while burning off energy.
Milder Climate Escapes
San Diego, California
San Diego’s warm winter temperatures make it an ideal destination for families seeking sunshine. Balboa Park’s many museums and the San Diego Zoo allow children to learn about science, history, and wildlife in hands-on ways.
San Diego is also known for its many family-friendly parks, perfect for picnics and open-ended play.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s desert landscape offers unique outdoor adventures that inspire curiosity and imagination. The local zoo’s ZooLights event also brings magic to the evenings with illuminated animal displays and interactive light shows.
Planning Activities for All Ages
A Winter vacation is a wonderful chance for families to enjoy activities that appeal to every family member, and provide opportunities for learning, playing, and enjoying each other’s company.
Outdoor Winter Activities
For families embracing the snow, classic winter activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowman-building offer easy, inclusive fun.
Sledding and tubing can be done on gentle slopes, ensuring safety while allowing younger children to experience the thrill of gliding down the hill.
Ice skating is another enjoyable activity for the whole family, and many rinks offer skating aids for little ones, making it a confidence-building experience.
Indoor Activities for Cozy Evenings
After a day of outdoor adventures, families can continue the fun indoors. Reading together by the fire encourages imagination and bonding while watching family-friendly winter movies creates shared experiences.
Families might enjoy educational board games or puzzles that challenge everyone’s creativity and thinking skills. Additionally, cooking a meal or baking treats together can also be a memorable activity – especially when children join the fun and get hands-on measuring ingredients and decorating the baked treat.
Bonus: Winter-Themed Activities for Warmer Destinations
For families escaping the snow, creating Winter-themed playtime can still capture the magic of the season. Indoor “snow” crafts, like making snowflakes from paper or modeling clay, help children learn about shapes and symmetry.
Families can also incorporate winter-themed learning activities, such as cooking traditional holiday treats from various cultures, helping children understand the global diversity of holiday celebrations.
Packing Essentials and Staying Organized
The last step before immersing yourself in the Winter holiday is packing essentials that can make the trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s what you can’t miss while planning your getaway packing scheme.
Packing for cold weather means prioritizing warmth and layering. Essentials include:
- insulated jackets
- snow pants
- waterproof boots
- mittens
- hats
- thermal socks and base layers
If the family is headed to a mild-climate spot like California or Florida, packing becomes lighter and easier. Opt for:
- light jackets or hoodies
- breathable long-sleeve tops, leggings, and casual pants
- swimwear, sunscreen, and hats for eventual beach or pool visits
- lightweight blankets, and portable, easy-to-carry toys
For both types of destinations, don’t forget to carry essentials like snacks, refillable water bottles, and a well-stocked diaper bag. Having an organized travel kit with toiletries, medications, and baby essentials will make each day manageable and enjoyable.
Whether you’re planning a Winter vacation with family in snowy landscapes, or escaping to warmer locales, these destinations offer much more than a holiday journey. You get to create new memories and explore new settings alongside the people you love the most.
While your Little One is growing up and understanding the world around them, you’ll want to visit as many destinations as you can. So take a look at our guide for places to visit in the US with the family!
