Whether you want your winter getaway to be a beach escape from the cold temperatures you’re used to or to hit the mountains for world-class skiing and snowboarding, we’re excited to show you some of the best winter vacations for families.
If you aren’t sure where you want to spend your holiday break with your kids, AAA Travel is here with all of the winter getaway inspiration that will turn your next trip into one of those winter family vacations you'll never forget.
1. Orlando, Florida
Best for: Families and anyone who is young at heart
Top Rated Accommodations: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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One of the best winter vacations with kids is to the beautiful, warm and fun-filled city of Orlando, Florida. Orlando is home to two of the most popular theme parks in the world — Walt Disney World and Universal Studios — and its location in central Florida means it’s a great jumping off point for other destinations in the Sunshine State.
After you and your family experience the magic of the Disney and Universal theme parks, you can check out some other theme parks and attractions in the area, like Sea World.
Head east to Cape Canaveral and visit the Kennedy Space Center, or head south to see the incredible beauty of the Everglades. The Florida Keys are just a short trip from the Everglades and offer beautiful island scenery that everyone will enjoy.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Best for: Families who love the sun and surf
Top Rated Accommodations: Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
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If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Hawaii with your family, visiting Honolulu is one of the best winter break ideas for families. With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches (hello, Waikiki!), snorkeling, and even important historical sites like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, there’s something for every member of the family.
Visit Honolulu in late December and January to save some money on accommodations and enjoy the area while fewer people are vacationing.
3. St. Petersburg, Florida
Best for: Families who want a great mix of beach living and culture
Top Rated Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
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The St. Petersburg and Tampa area of Florida is one of the most exciting parts of an exciting state. From world-class museums like the Dali Museum to the incredible beaches, including the picturesque St. Pete Beach (frequently voted as one of the best beaches in the USA), there is always something fun to do in St. Petersburg. If you visit during the winter, you can escape some of the crowds and still enjoy the sun and fun.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Best for: Families looking for a rustic, beautiful adventure
Top Rated Accommodations: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole
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In Jackson Hole, you and your family can get an incredible view of the majestic wilderness from an aerial tram ride or explore the natural wonders of nearby Yellowstone National Park. Visit Jackson Hole Resort or Snow King Mountain for some of the best skiing and snowboarding, and then relax by the fire in the lodge or in a cozy hotel room. Few places in the country offer as many picture-perfect winter activities as this charming Wyoming town.
5. Anaheim, California
Best for: Anyone who wants to enjoy warm California weather
Top Rated Accommodations: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa
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Anaheim is the perfect winter destination for families seeking warm weather and nearly endless amounts of entertainment. The area is home to the fabled Disneyland theme park, where you and your kids can meet your favorite characters and experience magical rides. The Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market is a nice way to get some sun while enjoying some fresh food. If you want more thrills, Knott’s Berry Farm is a short drive away.
6. Aspen, Colorado
Best for: Families that love to hit the slopes together
Top Rated Accommodations: The Little Nell
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Aspen is the premier family winter vacation for families who love skiing and snowboarding. With world-famous Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountain, there’s a perfect mountain for kids and adults of all skill levels. The area is an ideal winter getaway if you love snowshoeing, exploring the mountains or taking stunning photos that you’ll treasure all year. The town feels quaint and comfortable but offers some of the best lodging, culture and atmosphere in the West.
7. Breckenridge, Colorado
Best for: People who want to explore the mountains with their family
Top Rated Accommodations: The Grand Timber Lodge
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Breckenridge is a mountain town that perfectly blends historic charm with modern amenities and exciting winter sports. You and your kids can ski and snowboard at the Breckenridge Ski Resort, explore the shops and restaurants on Main Street and even pan for gold at the Country Boy Mine. The town’s friendly feel makes it a perfect location for a winter vacation with kids.
8. Keystone, Colorado
Best for: Families who want a full ski resort experience.
Top Rated Accommodations: Keystone Lodge and Spa
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Keystone is the perfect place for family-friendly winter vacations that you’ll remember forever. The Breckenridge Ski Resort and Arapahoe Basin offer excellent skiing and snowboarding. Your family can enjoy ice skating on Dillon Reservoir, and there are lots of opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and other outdoorsy adventures.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Best for: Families that want a cozy mountain town with lots of entertainment
Top Rated Accommodations: Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Waterpark
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Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town with lots of family-friendly attractions. While it’s cooler in the winter than during the spring and summer, it’s still pretty pleasant to be outside exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoying the views from Anakeesta. If you’re looking for fun indoor attractions, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or the Mysterious Mansion. The town’s festive, approachable atmosphere and lots of entertainment options make it a perfect winter getaway for families.
10. Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Best for: Families who want a well-rounded winter vacation
Top Rated Accommodations: Camelback Resort
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If you’re searching for a fantastic winter destination for families with a mix of outdoor adventure and indoor fun, Tannersville is a great choice. The entire family can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Camelback Mountain, Jack Frost or Big Bear, or you can splash around at the indoor Aquatopia waterpark and experience the thrills of Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains. The area is also famous for its tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing and other outdoor fun.
11. New York City, New York
Best for: Families who want a vibrant city experience in winter.
Top Rated Accommodations: SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan
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With its unmatched culture, food and history, New York City is a great place for families to visit at any time of year. But during winter, it transforms into a truly magical city. You can enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center under the glowing lights of the gigantic Christmas tree, explore the snowy landscapes of Central Park and see fascinating exhibits at the Met.
12. Boone, North Carolina
Best for: Any family that loves outdoor winter activities.
Top Rated Accommodations: Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
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For families that love vacationing in cozy mountain towns with lots of fun winter activities, you’d be hard-pressed to ask for a better destination than Boone. The area has some of the finest ski resorts in the Southeast. Beech Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort have tons of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. If you want to relax and enjoy some of the area’s scenery, take a train ride at Tweetsie Railroad or explore the breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain.
13. Yosemite
Best for: Families who want one of the most stunning natural winter experiences.
Top Rated Accommodations: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
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Yosemite in winter is a breathtaking experience. Whether you’re exploring the snowy landscapes of Yosemite National Park, rushing down the slopes at Badger Pass Ski Area or marveling at the giant sequoia trees, you and your family will never forget how special the area is. If you want to see some of the more famous areas in the winter, including Glacier Point, you may be out of luck. Check the park’s schedule to see when these areas open and close for the season, and plan your trip around those dates.
14. Paradise Island, Bahamas
Best for: Families seeking a tropical island getaway during the coldest time of year
Top Rated Accommodations: The Royal @ Atlantis
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One of the world’s best winter vacations for families is only a short flight from the United States. Have fun with your kids riding the thrilling water slides at Aquaventure, exploring the underwater world at The Dig and interacting with dolphins at Dolphin Cay. The island’s beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect warm weather destination for families looking to escape the cold while creating incredible memories.
15. U.S. Virgin Islands
Best for: Families looking for a plethora of beach activities
Top Rated Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
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You and your family will love the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Snorkel in Trunk Bay to see some beautiful ocean life up close, explore the underwater trails at Buck Island Reef National Monument and have a calm, relaxing moment with the people you love most on the beautiful Magens Bay.
16. Banff, Canada
Best for: Families that want to experience the beauty of one of Canada’s gems
Top Rated Accommodations: Hidden Ridge Resort
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Banff’s stunning mountain scenery is so incredible that pictures don’t really do it justice. If your family loves spending time outdoors during the winter, they’ll love exploring Banff National Park and having the time of their lives skiing or snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the entire area with a serene ride on the Banff Gondola to make your trip one that every member of the family will remember fondly.
17. Cayman Islands
Best for: Families who love beautiful beaches and spending time on the water
Top Rated Accommodations: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
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No matter what your family likes to do on vacation, you can find it in the Cayman Islands. Spend some time relaxing on Seven Mile Beach while your kids swim or snorkel, then interact with real stingrays at Stingray City. While there are lots of distilleries and breweries in George Town, there are many kid-friendly restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat between adventures.
18. Lake Tahoe
Best for: Families who want a mix of skiing and lake activities
Top Rated Accommodations: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
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Whether you're considering a road trip (check out our safe winter driving tips) to the Lake Tahoe area or you’re flying, you’ll feel comfortable and welcomed as soon as you get there. Lake Tahoe seems like it was made specifically for enjoying winter sports. Great skiing and snowboarding are on tap at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort. Plus, the nearby Emerald Bay State Park is perfect for nature lovers and photographers. To experience the lake even in winter, go for a cruise — the brisk temperatures and beautiful scenery will make it a unique family memory.
19. Adirondacks
Best for: Families that want a winter escape in nature
Top Rated Accommodations: The Whiteface Lodge
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The area's natural beauty makes it a perfect winter getaway, whether you want to take advantage of some excellent snow on the slopes, experience the thrills of ice climbing or have fun at one of the country’s oldest winter fairs, the Saranac Winter Carnival. When you visit, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, explore the historic Lake Placid Olympic Sites, and learn about the region’s history at the Adirondack Experience.
20. Whistler, British Columbia
Best for: Families who want a world-class ski resort experience in the Great White North
Top Rated Accommodations: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
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For families that love to ski and snowboard, the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb are some of the best in all of North America. When you aren’t cruising down the mountain, take a scenic ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and explore the charming Whistler Village for a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
21. Quebec City, Canada
Best for: Families that love Old World charm
Top Rated Accommodations: Hôtel Château Bellevue
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Quebec City offers a charming European-style winter experience with snowy streets, historic landmarks and a festive vibe that is home to the Quebec Winter Carnival. If you want to take in some history, explore historic Old Quebec and carve out enough time for a leisurely stroll on the Plains of Abraham. Whether you only have a winter weekend in Quebec or you’ve booked a longer stay with your family, there are so many activities to try that you’ll probably start planning your next trip before you even leave!
22. Alberta, Canada
Best for: Adventurous families who love the rugged beauty of the Canadian west
Top Rated Accommodations: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
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Alberta is full of natural scenery that will inspire countless adventures for your family in the winter. There’s ice skating on Lake Louise, exploring the vast landscapes of Jasper National Park and some of Canada’s best skiing at Banff Sunshine Village. Along with these obvious attractions, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path sites where you can camp, hike, go for a snowmobiling trek or snowshoe in peace and quiet.
23. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best for: Families looking for a quick trip to an incredible island
Top Rated Accommodations: Casa de Campo
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Where else in the Dominican Republic can you hop on a four-wheeler and traverse a muddy mountain trail, ride horses on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and see unique and exotic wildlife underwater and in the jungle? Once you’ve had your fill of thrills, relax on Bavaro Beach or enjoy a meal at one of Punta Cana’s incredible restaurants. The region’s all-inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches make it a perfect winter escape.
Book Your Family Trip with AAA
Now that you have some great ideas for the best winter vacations for families, it’s time to start planning your dream trip. From the warmest, sunniest beaches to the most awe-inspiring ski resorts, a unique vacation is just a few clicks away.
AAA Trip Canvas can help you plan your family’s winter vacations quickly and easily with our guides, recommendations, and expert travel advice. Whether you need help planning a stress-free trip with your kids or want to know how to make the most of your time off, AAA can help. And if you’re a AAA Member, you get exclusive discounts at some of the most popular winter vacation spots worldwide!