5 Great Family Winter Vacations

Does this winter have you coming down with cabin fever already? Is your family feeling it too? Maybe it’s time for a trip! But you don’t need to plan a lavish week-long getaway (unless you want to) to reap the benefits of time away. Even a long weekend might help to put you back on track.

One great thing about traveling with kids is that you get to see the world from their point of view. What may seem like just another place with snow to you could be a winter wonderland to them. When you’re planning a getaway for your family this season, don’t ignore destinations that are closer to home, or ones that are in your same climate but offer completely different scenery.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Known as a destination the whole family can enjoy, Gatlinburg has a plethora of fun things to do in every season. Winters bring on the beauty of majestic snow-covered mountains—and if you play your cards right, forays into ice skating, snow tubing, snowboarding, and skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. The town offers a range of affordably priced hotels—or house rentals, if you’d prefer to feel settled in a home during your trip. Outstanding restaurants and plenty of places for sweet treats can round out your vacation and help your whole family enjoy this winter wonderland.

New England

You don’t have to ski to love a trip to New England. This region of the country offers plenty to do for the entire family. Snowshoeing, tobogganing, and snow tubing are just some of the fantastic ways to enjoy the oceans of white powder New England is known for. Winter sports such as curling are also fun to try. Zip lining and snowmobiling offer ways for more extreme adventurers to test the elements. You and your family can also enjoy the rich history of this region (and the chance to bring that history to life) by visiting places such as Boston or Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Chicago, Illinois

A short car trip north will land you in one of our country’s largest cities: Chicago. Winter creates a magical landscape in the Windy City, offering you outdoor ice-skating rinks, the chance to see Lake Michigan in all its winter glory, and a myriad of festivals and events geared toward families. Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium are all popular destinations for families. If discovery is more your thing, bring your kids to Chinatown and other city neighborhoods to enjoy attractions off the beaten path.

If you’re craving some warmth and sunshine, a family vacation can set you up to make beautiful memories while enjoying a break from winter’s cold. Yes, it might mean taking a longer trip—but in the end, it’ll all be worth it when you step out of your hotel room wearing short sleeves.

St. Pete, Florida’s Beach

Florida has become a very popular destination for Hoosiers during the winter months. St. Pete Beach, located along the state’s west coast, is a great place to enjoy the ocean, build sandcastles, and soak in the warmth of the sun. Most resorts offer both beach and pool access, making them ideal for families who want both sand and the pleasure of diving into a clean, temperature-controlled pool. State parks provide great hiking opportunities, and exploring John’s Pass or Pass a Grille Beach can be a great way to get out and see the sights.

Cancun, Mexico

If you want to go a little farther away from home, Cancun is a great family destination. Affordable flights and hotels let you roam outside the U.S. without breaking the bank. Not only that, but you can generally find resorts that have on-site restaurants, making it easier to get to dinner when your family is worn out from sun and surf. Some locations even offer babysitting and activity-filled “kids’ clubs” to let parents and their children enjoy a little vacation time apart.

No matter what you’re looking for, a vacation can ease the doldrums, and help your family make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you stay close to home or venture farther away, we hope you have a wonderful trip this winter!