The winter holidays present the perfect opportunity to get in some decent quality time with the family, whilst also getting away from it all. For some, winter family vacations conjure images of cozy mountain cabins amongst the snow and ice, while for others beach destinations with sea, sand and a whole lot of winter sun come top of the wish list.
Being fans of both sun and snow breaks, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite winter vacations for families – from tropical island hideaways and cultural city breaks to Disney-worthy snowscapes with powdery slopes and hygge boltholes for gathering together around the fire.
1. Iceland
From Viking sagas to folk myths and tall tales, Iceland has more than its fair share of mystery and magic – as well some truly legendary scenery. With waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and active volcanos to explore this is one of the best winter family vacations for those seeking adventure in the great outdoors. Even in deepest winter, the majority of roads are still passable with whale watching tours, hiking, ski and horse-riding trips operating year-round.
The winter months are a great time to spot the illusive northern lights with the long dark nights providing peak viewing potential. Base yourself in a cozy cabin away from the city lights for the best aurora displays. Iceland is also famous for its geothermal pools – the Blue Lagoon being the most accessible for those staying in Reykjavik. Combine warming soaks and icy adventures with the vibrant restaurants and boutiques of the capital for the ultimate winter family escape.
2. Orlando, Florida
Nicknamed the sunshine state for good reason, Florida offers up year round warmth along with miles of beautiful beaches. Families in search of an extra sprinkling of magic will find it in Orlando, home to some of the world’s best theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World and Legoland. With day passes available, and plenty of spacious accommodation to be found outside the parks, you can make the most of the gorgeous coastline too with sandy shores and turquoise waters making it one of the best winter family vacations for sunseekers.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii more than ticks the box for winter family vacations that allow you to ditch the thermal layers. Tropical vibes come with added metropolitan chic in Honolulu, which offers up foodie rated hangouts, stylish boutiques and galleries, alongside some seriously beautiful beaches. From watersports and surfing to reef protected shallows ideal for little paddlers, there’s a beach to suit every age group and a good selection of ocean front villas for families. Waikiki is one of the island’s most popular family beach destinations, just 10 minutes south of Honolulu, with plenty of kid-friendly beaches and the diamond head walking trails on its doorstep.
4. Bahamas
Swapping grey skies and drizzle for the sun-drenched Bahamian winter is a move we approve of. With a string of islands to choose from, all with white sands, crystal clear waters and idyllic hideaways, deciding where to base yourself can be a trickier decision.
For those after some culture and buzz, the capital Nassau (on the island of New Providence) is an excellent base for winter family vacations, with an eclectic foodie scene and plenty of pirate themed activities for the kids. If picture perfect beaches and idyllic villages are your thing, Eleuthera and Harbour Islands offer quiet, uncrowded sandy shorelines with spacious, ocean-front villas offering an excellent base for larger family groups. If adventures of a truly unique kind are up your street, you can paddle or swim with wild pigs on the uninhabited Exuma island of Big Major – an experience the kids won’t forget in a hurry!
5. London
London is magical all year round but with streets full of twinkling lights, festive markets along the Thames, glittering department store windows and some truly excellent theatre, it has to be up there with the best winter family vacations. Head to Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Oxford Circus and Regent Street for some of the city’s biggest light displays – or catch a heated river boat and see its famous landmarks lit up, without battling the crowds. The London parks become veritable winter wonderlands from November to January, with Hyde Park hosting an annual festival packed full of rides, stalls, ice rinks and world-class circus acts.
Cozy down in a centrally located apartment just walking distance from the sights or make use of London’s excellent tube and transport network and opt for a spacious family townhouse with parks, cafes and coffee without the queues on tap.
6. Amsterdam
Arty, hip and history-filled Amsterdam is a delight at any time of year but its cozy canalside homes, snug cafes and lamp lit restaurants make winter visits an utter delight. From December to January, the annual artist-led Amsterdam light Festival illuminates the city with a trail of neon installations designed be viewed from land and water, as well as kid-focused events.
As the days get colder, the food gets heartier with local stalls and foodie hangouts offering warming local dishes alongside sweet treats, including the infamous stroopwafel. Biking is the year-round transport of choice here but for those with little ones, a heated canal boat can provide a fun alternative…
7. Whistler, Canada
There is plenty of family-focused winter fun to be had in Whistler, North America’s largest ski resort. Powdery soft ski runs cater to all abilities and there are loads of mountain themed activities besides. From winter ziplining adventures, snow mobile tours and Nordic skiing to ice skating, snow tubing, and chilling out in hot tubs.
The Whistler village is an ideal base for those travelling with kids – its family-oriented restaurants, snow pile play zone, treehouse playground and huge outdoor ice rink are ideal for those who still have energy to burn after a day out on the slopes. A 10-minute drive north of the village is Vallea Lumina, an immersive light show that takes place in magical lantern lit woodland, while for teens the Fire and Ice show where pro skiers and boarders flip and jump their way through fire hoops might hit the spot. For those looking to complete their winter family vacation with some city culture, add on a few days in Vancouver.
8. Quebec, Canada
Icy temperatures don’t hold things back in Quebec, with ice hotels, sleigh rides, winter carnivals, skiing, snow sliding, and festive light displays bringing the hardy winter fun. Quebec and Montreal cities are packed full of culture with underground shopping centers and cozy restaurants, bars and cafes serving up hearty local dishes (including poutine and maple syrup drenched pancake stacks), often alongside live music.
If winter family vacations equal snow sports for your crew, the Laurentian mountains or the Mont Tremblant ski resort are a perfect extension to a Montreal city break. With dog sledding, ice skating, snow tubing and cozy cabins on offer alongside skiing and snowboarding, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
9. Palm Springs, California
Winter is the perfect time to visit Palm Springs when temperatures are warm but comfortable, unlike the more intense heat of the summer. Many vacation rentals come with their own pools, and offer space alongside desert retreat vibes. Head to Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley for rugged mountain beauty, family-friendly hiking trails and those famous dark skies – perfect for toasting S’mores beneath the stars.
Palm Springs and Palm Desert city areas are a good base for families ditching the car with restaurants, spas, parks/playgrounds and bus networks on the doorstep. The rotating Palm Trees Aerial Tramway is a family favourite with stunning canyon views on its ascent up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park where kids and parents can enjoy the natural history museum, observation deck, hiking trails and restaurants with some serious views.
10. Yellowstone Park
Between November and March, the snow begins to fall across Yellowstone, blanketing the landscape and scattering the crowds. With beautiful, wild terrain, icy geysers and optimal wildlife viewing during this quieter period, making it one of our best winter family vacations.
Daily winter shuttles and snowcoaches driven by seasoned guides take the pressure off driving – though the North/ North Eastern entrances in Montana remain open for cars, providing access to the Mammoth Hot Springs. Old Faithfull Snow Lodge and Cabins are open year round and are an excellent base for wildlife photographers, skiers and adventurous families.
11. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Situated along the Dominican Republic’s pretty Coconut Coast, Punta Cana is the ideal base for those in search of postcard-worthy palm beaches with turquoise waters that also come with fine dining, spas and all the conveniences of resort living. Adventurous families will find plenty to enjoy alongside laid-back beach time, with guided diving and snorkelling, and wildlife rich rainforests full of hiking and biking trails to explore. Local Scape Park has caves and turquoise cenotes to swim in, as well as ziplining and horseback riding.
For family groups winter vacationing together, it’s worth checking out island resorts with villa options. Spacious, and often ocean-facing, guests have access to hotel amenities without compromising on privacy for the best of both worlds.
Booking Your Perfect Winter Family Vacation
Whether you opt for snow or ice, spending time together is at the heart of all the best winter family vacations. Playing board games by the fire or volleyball on the beach – finding the right vacation base is a good place to start.
Choose from spacious mountain cabins with ski runs on the doorstep to stylish coastal villas just steps from the sea with our collection of kid-friendly accommodations.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/oahu/the-mokulua-drive-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/nassau/the-club-lane-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/kensington-chelsea/the-gregory-place-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/vondelpark/the-frederiksstraat-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/yucca-valley/the-inca-trail-residence