The 12 Best Winter Vacation Destinations For Families

Quebec City

Quebec City, Canada

Who Will Love It: Culture lovers; urbanists; winter activities buffs; foodies

All-Star Attractions: Funicular; Ice Hotel; ice skating, tobogganing

What Not To Miss: Rush down the 140 year old toboggan lanes outside the Château Frontenac in Old Québec

Where To Stay: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac; Auberge Saint-Antoine; Chateau Deluxe

Quebec City celebrates winter with tons of frosty fun activities, plus plenty of French flair (and fabulous food). Stroll through Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where kids can marvel at the historic architecture and enjoy hot chocolate, crepes, and croissants at cozy cafés. Take the funicular railway from the Lower Town to the Upper Town for a thrilling ride and beautiful views, then lace up your skates at Place d’Youville for outdoor ice skating. Get an adrenaline rush on the toboggan run with speeds up to 50 miles an hour (parents can ride with kids). Then stop in at the sparkling Ice Hotel (Hotel de Glace) to see the chapel, ice slide, and rooms, all crafted from ice—if you’re especially brave, you can even spend the night.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida

Who Will Love It: Theme park fans; sun seekers; active families

All-Star Attractions: Disney World and Universal Studios

What Not To Miss: Catching the active wildlife at Animal Kingdom

Where To Stay: Disney’s Grand Floridian; JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa; RU Incredible Parents (Airbnb)

Once you visit Orlando in the winter and experience its temperate climate, it’s hard to want to come any other time. For Disney fans, winter is the ideal season to visit Animal Kingdom, where the cooler temps make the animals more active and make Kilimanjaro Safaris even more exciting. Although it might not be perfect swimming weather, you can still ride the new Tiana’s Adventure water flume ride in the Magic Kingdom. Over at Universal Orlando Resort, check out the immersive world of Harry Potter and DreamWorks Land, where you'll find characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls as well as rides based on those films. And for fun that doesn’t require a pricey ticket, spend time at Disney Springs and Universal City Walk, both filled with entertainment and eateries.

Nassau

Nassau, The Bahamas

Who Will Love It: Waterpark fans; swim enthusiasts; animal lovers

All-Star Attractions: Atlantis; Aquaventure; Blue Lagoon Island; Junkanoo Museum

What Not To Miss: Rushing down a waterslide through a shark tank at Atlantis

Where To Stay: Atlantis Paradise Island; Baha Mar Resort; Comfort Suites Paradise Island

The Bahamas is an ideal winter destination for families looking for an easy-to-reach destination from the East Coast. Nassau, in particular, has fun at every turn: Kids will love exploring the vibrant marine life snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, swimming with friendly dolphins, nurse sharks and stingrays at Blue Lagoon Island, building sandcastles on pristine beaches and enjoying the thrilling water slides at Aquaventure. Don’t miss the Fish Fry, a festive area comprising multiple seafood eateries, for local dinner, downtown Nassau for shopping and the Junkanoo Museum for Carnival fun.

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

Who Will Love It: Water sports enthusiasts; beachgoers; sun seekers; culture lovers, foodies

All-Star Attractions: Tulum; Chichen Itza

What Not To Miss: Downtime on the beach

Where To Stay: Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort; Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort; Club Med Cancun

Easy to reach from much of the western U.S., Cancun offers a mix of stunning beaches, warm weather and vibrant culture, along with some fabulous all-inclusive options for families. Active families can choose from swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear Gulf waters to exploring nearby ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum and Chichen Itza. And for an easy vacation, it’s hard to beat the golden sands and gentle waters of the area's beaches. Don't miss the opportunity to savor delicious Mexican cuisine and experience local traditions with a trip downtown.

Turks & Caicos

Who Will Love It: Beach lovers; sun seekers

All-Star Attractions: Coral Gardens snorkeling; Grace Bay Beach

What Not To Miss: Spotting sea turtles at Half Moon Bay

Where To Stay: Wymara Resort & Villas; Beaches Turks & Caicos; Beach Enclave

Trade in snow for snow-white beaches in Turks & Caicos, a true tropical paradise ideal for relaxing under swaying palms while the kids build sandcastles. It’s a beach bliss winter vacation, but there’s still lots to keep families occupied, with catamaran sails, whale watching cruises and snorkeling among on the “bright reef” at Coral Gardens. Don’t miss a boat trip to Half Moon Bay, where children can spot playful sea turtles.

Key West

Key West, Florida

Who Will Love It: Sun seekers; active families; culture lovers

All-Star Attractions: Shipwreck Museum; Mallory Square; Aquarium; Conch Train; Hemingway House

What Not To Miss: Fort Zachary Beach and its Civil War era fort

Where To Stay: Southernmost Beach Resort; Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina; The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Key West, the furthest point south in the United States, is about a four hour drive from Miami, making it an easy option for families on the East Coast. During the winter, you're guaranteed sunshine, not to mention tropical fun like swimming with dolphins and watching the sunset celebration every night at Mallory Square. There’s plenty to fill days with, including a stop to see the cats at the Hemingway House, a step back into history at the Shipwreck Museum and a look at the colorful fish at the aquarium. The Conch Train is a fun way to take in the town, and kids will love Fort Zachary Beach, which has a sandy play area and a real Civil Era fort to explore.

Oahu

Oahu, Hawaii

Who Will Love It: Sun seekers; beach fans; active families; culture lovers

All-Star Attractions: Luau; Pearl Harbor; Diamond Head; Hanauma Bay

What Not To Miss: An authentic luau with dancing, music, and pig roast

Where To Stay: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort; Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk

Families will love visiting Oahu and Waikiki in the winter, where sunny skies and warm temperatures provide the perfect escape from colder climates. Kids can enjoy the soft, sandy beaches and gentle surf at Waikiki, ideal for swimming and beginner surf lessons. Explore the rich culture at the Bishop Museum or take a hike to the stunning Diamond Head crater for breathtaking views. Don’t miss a family-friendly luau, where everyone can experience traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and cuisine.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Who Will Love It: Urbanites; active families; culture lovers

All-Star Attractions: Universal Studios; Santa Monica Pier; Griffith Observatory

What Not To Miss: Santa Monica Beach and pier for a day of fun in the sun

Where To Stay: The Hollywood Roosevelt, Loews Hollywood Hotel; The Garland

For families who love a vacation with lots of variety, and don’t want to wear a coat, Los Angeles delivers entertainment, culture and outdoor fun in an almost guaranteed sunny climate. Start out at Universal Studios Hollywood, with a new Super Mario World, big thrill rides and behind-the-scenes movie tours. Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then head to Santa Monica Pier to enjoy the rides, games, and beach atmosphere—great for a family day out.