6 Winter Vacation Ideas for Families: Trips That Fit Your Time, Budget, and Energy
Our family has already prioritized vacations and experiences over possessions. This will be the first winter we don't get away, but that's only because we are empty-nesters now. They'll come to us, and we've already purchased tickets for multiple plays and activities.
If you enjoy vacations like us, this post is for you. Here are six winter vacation ideas for families that fit your time, budget, and energy.
1. Warm-Weather Escapes That Minimize Planning
Three years ago we went to Gulf Shores. Two years ago we went to Miami over winter break. Last year we went to St. Augustine just before Christmas! Pro tip: they have the best Christmas lights in the South!
What I love about vacationing where it's warm is that it's usually easier. You don't have to worry about endless layers of clothes or ski equipment. Here are some resources to help you find the destination that fits your family best.
Explore warm winter destinations in the U.S.
Consider Southwest Florida and Siesta Key.
If your kids are theme-park age, Legoland Florida is a blast!
2. Snow Trips Without the Extreme Learning Curve
Our middle kid went skiing in Edmonton last year. Sounds fun, if you're great at skiing. It's not so fun when you end up in the hospital. He's fine now, but the lesson is that for the once-a-year skier, a cheaper and safer trip in the Midwest might be a better fit. It's also cheaper. Here are a few options:
Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota is one example of a family-friendly ski area with varied terrain.
Boyne Mountain in Michigan offers snow tubing and winter activities that do not require advanced skills.
3. City Winter Trips Built Around Indoor Fun
We're doing a city trip this year! Well, it's not a trip for us; our kids are coming back home to Atlanta, so it's a trip for them. We're taking in a couple of plays and lights at the park. We might hit the ice rink; well, they'll skate, and I'll watch. I've read great things about Chicago, New York City, and Quebec in the winter.
This roundup highlights several family-friendly winter cities.
4. Multi-Generational or Grandparent-Centered Trips
Our entire family on my side rented a place on the beach in Gulf Shores a few years ago. The picture above is of my dad from that vacation. It's one of my favorites.
There were 18 of us. It's much more fun than cramming together for just one holiday evening. The key was choosing a rental home large enough to give everyone their own space, plus a common area big enough for everyone.
5. National Parks in the Off-Season
National parks in the off-season are a great way to take a vacation when money is tight. You also don't have to deal with the crowds and long lines. Years ago, we rented a cabin in Hueston Woods during the winter and found the slower pace was just what we needed.
Yosemite, Zion, the Smoky Mountains, and Joshua Tree are popular winter park options.
Here is a guide to winter national park trips for families.
6. Staycation Plus
Sometimes the smartest winter vacation is staying close to home while changing the environment. When our kids were young, we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati. We didn't have to spend a lot of money or spend time in the car, but it still felt like an escape.
Click here to find a Great Wolf Lodge near you.
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