5 Best Winter Family Vacations
Create Memories to Last a Lifetime
Winter is the perfect time for family vacations, offering a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to embrace the snowy wonderland or escape to somewhere warm, there’s a perfect winter getaway waiting for you. Here’s a friendly guide to the 5 best winter family vacations that will make your holiday season unforgettable.
1. Whistler, Canada: A Winter Wonderland for All Ages
Why It’s Great for Families
Whistler, British Columbia, is a dream destination for families who love the magic of winter. Known for its world-class ski slopes, this Canadian gem offers much more than just skiing. The village is designed with families in mind, featuring pedestrian-only streets, cozy restaurants, and plenty of activities for kids.
What to Do
- Skiing and Snowboarding: With a wide range of slopes for beginners to experts, Whistler Blackcomb is perfect for families with varying skill levels. Enroll your kids in ski school, while you explore more challenging terrain.
- Ice Skating: Whistler Olympic Plaza turns into a skating rink during winter. Rent some skates and enjoy gliding across the ice as a family.
- Snowshoeing and Tubing: For those who prefer to stay off the skis, snowshoeing through the scenic trails or tubing down the hill at the Coca-Cola Tube Park offers plenty of winter fun.
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Don’t miss the chance to ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.
Insider Tip
Book your activities and dining reservations in advance, especially during the holiday season, as Whistler can get quite busy.
2. Orlando, Florida: Sunshine and Theme Park Magic
Why It’s Great for Families
If you’re looking to escape the cold and dive into some theme park fun, Orlando, Florida, is the ultimate winter destination. With mild weather and fewer crowds than during the summer, it’s the perfect time to explore the theme parks and other family attractions.
What to Do
- Walt Disney World: Experience the magic of Disney with festive holiday decorations, parades, and special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There’s something for every age, from meeting beloved characters to thrilling rides.
- Universal Studios Orlando: Don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can sip on butterbeer, ride on the Hogwarts Express, and explore the shops of Diagon Alley.
- Kennedy Space Center: Take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center and inspire your little astronauts with a tour of NASA’s launch facilities, interactive exhibits, and the chance to meet an astronaut.
- Beaches and Outdoor Activities: When you need a break from the parks, head to one of the nearby beaches or explore Orlando’s many parks and nature reserves.
Insider Tip
Take advantage of “extra magic hours” if you’re staying at a Disney resort, allowing you to enter the parks earlier or stay later than the general public.
3. Lapland, Finland: Experience the Magic of Christmas
Why It’s Great for Families
Lapland, Finland, is where the magic of Christmas comes to life. This winter wonderland is the perfect place for families to experience the true spirit of the season, with snowy landscapes, reindeer sleigh rides, and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself.
What to Do
- Visit Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is open year-round, but there’s something extra special about visiting during winter. Your kids will love meeting Santa, sending postcards from the official Santa Claus post office, and crossing the Arctic Circle.
- Reindeer and Husky Safaris: Take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests or enjoy the thrill of a husky sledding adventure. Both experiences offer a unique way to explore the Lappish wilderness.
- Northern Lights: Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Join a guided tour to increase your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.
- Snow Fun: Enjoy activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or building a snowman. The whole family will have fun playing in the deep, powdery snow.
Insider Tip
Dress in layers and invest in quality thermal clothing, as temperatures in Lapland can drop significantly during winter.
4. Aspen, Colorado: Skiing and Beyond
Why It’s Great for Families
Aspen, Colorado, is known for its luxurious ski resorts, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families. The town has a charming, small-town feel with plenty of winter activities to keep everyone entertained.
What to Do
- Family-Friendly Skiing: Aspen Snowmass offers slopes for all skill levels, and the ski school has excellent programs for kids and beginners.
- Snowmass Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center: This facility offers indoor fun and outdoor adventures for kids, including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, and ski lessons.
- Snowmobiling and Dog Sledding: For a break from skiing, try a snowmobile tour through the scenic mountain trails or experience the thrill of dog sledding.
- Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES): Visit ACES for educational nature walks, wildlife encounters, and fun, interactive exhibits about the local environment.
Insider Tip
Take advantage of Aspen’s free shuttle service, which makes it easy to get around town and between ski resorts without needing a car.
5. Quebec City, Canada: A European-Style Winter Escape
Why It’s Great for Families
Quebec City offers a European vibe without the need to leave North America. With its cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and festive winter atmosphere, it’s a magical destination for a family vacation.
What to Do
- Old Quebec: Wander through the historic Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The picturesque streets are filled with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and quaint shops selling local crafts and treats.
- Tobogganing at Dufferin Terrace: For an exhilarating winter activity, head to Dufferin Terrace and ride the toboggan slide. It’s an old-fashioned thrill that kids and adults alike will love.
- Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace): For a truly unique experience, visit the Ice Hotel just outside Quebec City. The entire hotel is made of ice and snow, and even if you don’t stay overnight, you can take a tour and admire the incredible ice sculptures.
- Winter Carnival: If you visit in February, don’t miss the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the largest and most famous winter festivals in the world. The event includes parades, ice canoe races, snow sculptures, and more.
Insider Tip
Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine from one of the many charming cafés in Old Quebec. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the winter scenery.
Winter is a magical time to embark on a family vacation, offering opportunities to bond, explore new places, and create cherished memories. Whether you’re seeking snowy adventures in the mountains, theme park thrills in the sun, or a festive escape to a winter wonderland, these destinations offer something for every family.