The 12 Best Winter Vacation Destinations For Families
Forbes November 22, 2024
Lifestyle
Forbes November 22, 2024
Lifestyle
The best winter vacation destinations for families should both keep kids entertained and make adults happy—so it’s not surprising that finding the perfect spot requires some research. Ideal locales can range from a snow-covered wonderland to a warm weather tropical escape, a city break or an off-the-grid adventure getaway.
Mountain lovers and avid skiers should consider Park City and Keystone, while crews who crave winter adventures without the downhill runs will enjoy Iceland and Quebec. Meanwhile, the Bahamas, Honolulu and Key West offer plenty of sunshine and sandy beaches. Below, the best winter vacation destinations for families that are easy to reach from locations around the U.S.—and the best places to stay in each one.
Who Will Love It: Snow lovers; active families; new skiers; budget conscious families
All-Star Attractions: Snow Fort; Kids Ski Free program; snow tubing; ice skating; sleigh ride dinner
What Not To Miss: Playing in the world’s largest snow fort
Where To Stay: Hyatt Place Keystone; Keystone Lodge & Spa; Cozy Keystone 2 Bedroom
Keystone is both the closest ski resort to Denver as well as the largest ski resort in Summit County, with more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The destination is home to one of the biggest learn-to-ski programs in the Rockies, not to mention snow tubing and outdoor ice skating in quaint Lakeside Village. Kids will love playing in the largest snow fort in the world, while parents will appreciate the “Kids Ski Free” program (for kids 12 and under when you book a two-night stay). Don’t miss a Sleigh Ride Dinner: an open-air, horse-drawn sleigh through the Soda Creek Valley to a meal that includes stories, live music, hot cider, and a visit from Santa during the holiday season.
Who Will Love It: Snow lovers; active families; skiers
All-Star Attractions: Park City Mountain; Deer Valley; Historic Main Street; Utah Olympic Park
What Not To Miss: Taking an adrenaline-pumping ride on the bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
Where To Stay: Pendry Park City; Sunrise Lodge, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club; Charming Rustic Cabin
Over the past two winter seasons, Park City has had nearly 128 feet of snow combined, meaning your chances of a great day on the slopes here are high. With two major ski resorts—Park City Mountain and Deer Valley—families can enjoy a variety of slopes for all skill levels. Both resorts offer ski schools, making it easy for kids and beginners to learn. Beyond skiing, Park City offers snow tubing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. Learn about even more winter sports at the Utah Olympic Park where teens 16+ can also enjoy a bobsled track. Historic Main Street has Old West vibes and features shops where you can find cowboy gear, family-friendly restaurants and galleries.
Who Will Love It: Snow lovers; active families; skiers; small-town lovers
All-Star Attractions: Village at Spruce Peak; Stowe Adventure Center; Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
What Not To Miss: Skating under the start at the Village at Spruce Peak
Where To Stay: Trapp Family Lodge; Stoweflake Resort; The Lodge at Spruce Peak & Residences
Stowe is the quintessential Norman Rockefeller small town—think: covered bridges, red barns, mom-and-pop shops and eateries and snow-covered churches. The cozy area is perfect for families on the east coast, where it’s an easy drive to get to some truly great alpine skiing. Stowe’s Village at Spruce Peak is centered around a 10,000 square foot ice rink which hosts complimentary skating for families.The Stowe Adventure Center houses the Stowe Children’s Ski and Ride school for outdoor fun, Stowe Rocks—a climbing gym that replicates some of the local rock formations—a movie screening area and special teen lounge. For fun off the mountain, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour is a sweet afternoon break.
Who Will Love It: Active families; snow lovers; adventure seekers; nature enthusiasts; urbanists
All-Star Attractions: Golden Circle; The Blue Lagoon; Sky Lagoon; National Museum of Iceland
What Not To Miss: Spotting the technicolor Aurora Borealis
Where To Stay: Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection; Fosshotel Reykjavík; Reykjavik Residence Hotel
For families who love to add adventure to their travels, Reykjavik is a perfect fit. Within a short drive of the compact city you can visit the steaming geysers and dramatic waterfalls of the Golden Circle, hike on a glacier and walk through an ice cave, and even swim in natural geothermal pools while watching it snow (try Blue Lagoon with kids over 2, and the newer Sky Lagoon with kids 12 and up). And, of course, there’s the natural phenomenon of the glowing aurora borealis, which you can often spot right from town or on special evening sightseeing tours. In town, check out the views from the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church, stroll down Laugavegur Street for hot cocoa and kid-friendly eats, and learn about local culture at the National Museum of Iceland.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Buyer
March 13, 2025
Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming.
Lifestyle
March 13, 2025
As much as our stories are about ourselves, they are also a window into our ancestral past.
Buyer
March 13, 2025
At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”
Lifestyle
March 12, 2025
It is not uncommon to go on a vacation and wonder, “Why am I not living here?” While the U.S. only ranks 23rd on the World Happiness Report, there are pockets of happi… Read more
Seller
March 12, 2025
A new data report from Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) has reached the conclusion that the wealthiest 1% of Americans have the financial capacity to buy 99% of the nation’s home… Read more
Seller
March 12, 2025
Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically.
We Guide Homeowners through the complicated process of selling their home using our 4 Phase Selling Process and 3 Prong Marketing Strategy that alleviates their stress and moves them effortlessly to their next destination. Schedule a 15 Minute Complimentary Strategy Session Today