Best Winter Getaways for Families in the USA: Top Kid-Friendly Resorts, Activities & Tips for Stress-Free Warm or Snowy Vacations
- kindlittleexplorer
- Aug 29, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 29
When the temperatures drop, winter is the perfect time to escape routine and create lasting family memories. But here’s the best part — you don’t have to love the cold to enjoy a magical winter getaway.
Whether your family is craving snowy adventures like skiing, sledding, and sipping hot cocoa by the fire — or dreaming of winter sun destinations with sandy beaches, tropical hikes, and poolside fun — the USA (and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico) has options for every type of winter traveler.
From snowball fights in the mountains to snorkeling in turquoise waters, winter getaways for families offer the ideal mix of excitement and relaxation. In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best winter destinations for families in the USA — including:
Top snowy getaways with ski-in/ski-out resorts and kid-friendly slopes
Family-friendly winter resorts
Warm-weather alternatives with beaches, theme parks, and outdoor adventures
Practical tips for stress-free planning, packing, and saving money
Jump to popular sections in this post:
Why Take a Winter Family Getaway?
Between juggling school, routines, and everyday chaos, winter is the perfect excuse to slow down and reconnect as a family. With built-in school breaks and quieter resorts, winter getaways offer a refreshing change of pace — without the summer crowds or heat.
Whether you're chasing snowy adventures or just craving cozy, quality time together, winter trips create memories that last longer than any holiday gift. And best of all? Many destinations are surprisingly family-friendly, budget-friendly, and easier to plan than you might think.
Benefits of a winter family trip:
School holidays (winter break & long weekends) make planning easier
Resorts often offer off-peak discounts in January & February
Kids’ ski schools and winter camps let parents relax too
Opportunities to experience unique seasonal activities like snow tubing, dog sledding, or indoor waterparks
Best Winter Getaways for Families in the USA
Here are some of the most kid-friendly destinations for a winter trip in the U.S., complete with where to stay and activities your whole family will love.
Why families love it: Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is a true winter paradise. From skiing and snowboarding to sledding hills and snowshoeing, kids will have endless fun. Plus, the area has plenty of cozy cabins and family-friendly resorts.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Ski lessons for all ages at Northstar and Heavenly resorts
Ice skating at Heavenly Village rink
Scenic gondola rides with lake views
Snow tubing & sledding at Adventure Mountain
Where to Stay:
Marriott Grand Residence Club – Spacious condo-style rooms with kitchens, perfect for families.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe – Slopeside ski-in/ski-out access, kids’ programs, heated pools, and gondola access to Northstar Village.
Why families love it: Known as “Ski Town USA,” Steamboat Springs offers world-class skiing plus plenty of family fun off the slopes.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Ski school programs for kids as young as 2.5 years old
Snow tubing at Saddleback Ranch
Indoor water fun at Old Town Hot Springs (with waterslides & soaking pools)
Evening sleigh ride dinners for a cozy family adventure
Where to Stay:
The Steamboat Grand – Prime slope-side location, rentals on-site, heated pools, kid activities.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas – Ski-in/ski-out, spacious villa-style suites with kitchens, family-friendly amenities, rooftop hot tubs, and game rooms.
Why families love it: This destination blends thrilling adventures with breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond skiing, families can explore wildlife and enjoy unique winter experiences.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
National Elk Refuge sleigh rides
Dog sledding through snow-covered trails
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Kids Ranch programs for ski and snowboard lessons
Where to Stay:
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole – Luxury ski-in/ski-out with kids’ programming.
The Lodge at Jackson Hole – Cozy lodge feel with indoor pool and family suites.
The Wyoming Inn – More budget-friendly, still central and family-friendly.
Why families love it: Twice host of the Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is a mecca for winter sports and small-town charm.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Ice skating on Mirror Lake
Toboggan chute rides (a family favorite!)
Skiing at Whiteface Mountain
Olympic Museum and ski jump complex tours
Where to Stay:
High Peaks Resort – Family-friendly with lake views.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa – Cozy upscale retreat with heated pool.
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid – Spacious rooms, central location, and good value.
Why families love it: A perfect balance of winter activities and Southern hospitality. Snow is lighter here, but Ober Mountain brings plenty of family fun.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Snow tubing & skiing at Ober Mountain
Scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Ripley’s Aquarium (great for indoor fun on chilly days)
Cozy cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs
Where to Stay:
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn – Family-friendly classic with central location.
Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail – Great value and close to attractions.
Cabin rentals – Ideal for larger families wanting space and privacy.
Warm-Weather Winter Getaways for Families in the USA
Not every family dreams of snowflakes and ski slopes. If your crew prefers sand over snow and sunshine over sledding, there are plenty of warm-weather destinations in the U.S. that make fantastic winter escapes. These trips are perfect for families who want a break from the cold without leaving the country.
Why families love it: With theme parks, warm weather, and endless entertainment, Orlando is a classic family getaway. Winter is one of the most comfortable times to visit — sunny but not too hot.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Walt Disney World Resort (cooler temps make park days easier)
Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)
LEGOLAND Florida for younger kids
Indoor/outdoor waterparks and resort pools
Where to Stay:
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – Family-friendly resort with a lazy river, multiple dining options, and convenient Disney transportation.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Budget-friendly with themed family suites.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando – Relaxed vibe with a waterpark and spacious cottages.
Why families love it: San Diego offers mild weather year-round and a mix of beaches, city attractions, and cultural experiences.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
LEGOLAND California Resort
Balboa Park museums and gardens
Whale-watching tours (winter is peak season!)
Family-friendly beaches like La Jolla Shores
Where to Stay:
Hotel del Coronado – Iconic beachfront resort with family programs.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – Known for kid-friendly pools and activities.
Vacation rentals in Mission Beach – Perfect for families who want space and easy beach access.
Why families love it: For a tropical escape without leaving the U.S., Hawaii is unbeatable. Oahu blends beaches, culture, and adventure in one destination.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Build sandcastles and surf lessons at Waikiki Beach
Visit Pearl Harbor for an educational stop
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Hike easy trails like Manoa Falls for waterfall views
Attend a family-friendly luau
Where to Stay:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Designed with families in mind, with pools, kids’ clubs, and character experiences.
Hilton Hawaiian Village – Huge resort with multiple pools, a lagoon, and kids’ programs.
Halekulani Hotel – Luxury beachfront hotel with exceptional service, spacious suites, and a central Waikiki location, perfect for families who want comfort and convenience.
Why families love it: Warm days, sunny skies, and plenty of outdoor adventure — Arizona is perfect for families who love nature and sunshine in winter.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Hike easy desert trails (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
Explore the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden
Enjoy resort pools, lazy rivers, and outdoor playgrounds
Day trip to the Grand Canyon or Sedona for stunning scenery
Where to Stay:
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Heated pools, waterslides, and kids’ club.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort – Lazy river, splash pads, and kid-friendly dining.
Local vacation rentals – Affordable option with space for larger families.
Why families love it: Puerto Rico combines beautiful beaches, rich history, and outdoor adventures — all without leaving the U.S. Winter brings sunny skies and warm weather, making it one of the best family-friendly escapes when you want to skip the snow.
Kid-Friendly Activities:
Build sandcastles and swim at Crash Boat Beach or Flamenco Beach
Explore the colorful streets and forts of Old San Juan
Take a guided tour through El Yunque National Forest (waterfalls, wildlife, and easy family hikes)
Experience a magical night swim in a bioluminescent bay
Enjoy a boat trip to Cayo Caracoles or Icacos for snorkeling and calm waters
👉 For a full guide to planning your Puerto Rico trip, check out my detailed post: Exploring Puerto Rico: 10 Things to Do in Puerto Rico.
Where to Stay:
Caribe Hilton (San Juan) – Beachfront, kids’ pool, and close to Old San Juan.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve (Rio Grande) – Near El Yunque with a massive pool and family suites.
Villa or Airbnb rentals in Rincon/Aguadilla – Great for families wanting more space and local vibes.
Whether your family dreams of snow-capped peaks and cozy cabins or sun-soaked beaches and outdoor pools, winter is the perfect season to plan a getaway that fits your style. The U.S. offers it all — from skiing in Lake Tahoe, dog sledding in Jackson Hole, and ice skating in Lake Placid, to snorkeling in Puerto Rico, whale watching in San Diego, and magical theme park days in Orlando.
The best part? A family winter trip doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning — choosing the right resort, packing smart, and taking advantage of seasonal discounts — you can create a vacation filled with unforgettable memories.
So… snow boots or flip-flops? Whichever you choose, your winter family getaway is guaranteed to bring warmth, joy, and adventure.
Happy Planning!