Winter Vacation Ideas for a Family-Friendly Getaway

winter vacation ideas

There’s plenty of winter vacation ideas to go around, but what about winter family vacations? You’re likely looking for a destination with exciting attractions, beautiful sights, and holiday flare. Sound overwhelming? Well, finding a great place spend the holiday season with the kids doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, we have some destinations in mind, as well as places to stay nearby, with plenty of entertainment to fill your time away with unforgettable memories. What’s more, if winter weather isn’t your cup of tea, we’ve included a few destinations to escape the cold and say hello to sunshine. Continue reading to start planning your winter getaway.

Winter Vacation Ideas for Families that Love the Cold

For families that love cold winters, there are plenty of fantastic vacation ideas that will make for a memorable winter getaway. From racing down ski slopes to admiring a snow dusted mountain surrounded by the warmth of a resort fireplace, if you like the cold, you’ll have plenty of winter-time destinations to explore across America. Here are just a few winter vacation ideas for travelers who enjoy the chilly weather.

Take a Ski Trip for Winter Family Vacations

Nothing welcomes the winter season more fondly than a fresh blanket of snow and exhilarating winter sports. From skiing to snowboarding, to sledding and snowshoeing, the activities feel endless once the first full snow settles on the ground. Moreover, there are plenty of great ski towns with amazing slopes, as well as cross-country skiing, ice skating rinks, snow tubing, and other fun winter activities.

But while there’s many charming ski resorts in New England and Europe, one of the best destinations for winter adventures (and one that the whole family will enjoy) is Colorado! From Denver to Aspen, to Breckenridge, Colorado is home to countless top-tier ski resorts, arts and culture, and breathtaking landscapes. So, family getaways to Colorado are definitely at the top of our list of winter vacation ideas. Explore our favorite Colorado resort below.

Stay at Grand Colorado on Peak 8

Looking for the perfect Colorado family vacation? Welcome the holiday season at Grand Colorado on Peak 8 Resort in Breckenridge! With magnificent alpine surroundings, this luxurious resort offers the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access via the Colorado and Rocky Mountain chairlifts. With acres of groomed slopes and countless ski runs to choose from, skiers of all levels will find a blissful escape here on peak 8. Spend your days nestled by the cozy fire or sipping a libation from the rooftop Elev8 Lounge & Bar, The Lobby Bar, or Robbie’s Tavern. Or, refresh at the adult-only infinity spa, complete with a hot tub, cold plunge pool, steam room, and basic spa services.

Not to mention, this resort is a hub for family fun, with many kid-friendly attractions. Even if your little one can’t ski quite yet, on-site, you’ll also find an ice skating rink with stunning views of the slopes. What’s more, spend your downtime at the Family Fun Center, equipped with private movie theaters and a game room. You can even make a splash, no matter the weather, at one of two aquatics areas, featuring heated indoor/outdoor pools, children’s pools, waterslide, and hot tubs. So, family-friendly activities abound, even off the slopes.

Accommodations

When you make Grand Colorado on Peak 8 your home for the winter holidays, you choose from a glamorous studio, one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom residence with all the comforts of home. Cozy up next to your roaring fire, sip your morning coffee on your private balcony, and make a steaming bowl of soup in your gourmet kitchen. With the largest accommodation sleeping up to sixteen with 2,600 square feet of space, it’s safe to say there’s plenty of room for family time.

Check Out the Best Timeshares in Colorado

Known as the quintessential all-season destination, Colorado boasts stunning resorts that impress year round. So, if you’re looking for your new home away from home in Colorado, continue reading below.

Winter Vacation Ideas: Visit NYC

Visiting New York City is one of the most popular winter vacation ideas, and it’s clear why! The Big Apple is the setting for many classic Christmas films, so it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, New York turns into a true winter wonderland in the winter months, with plenty of can’t-miss attractions dusted in fresh snow and hung with lights. NYC also has a handful of places enjoy ice skating, including Central Park and the Rockefeller Center.

For a cozy winter treat, the Dominique Ansel Bakery is known for their iconic blossoming hot chocolate, which has a marshmallow flower that “blossoms” when it’s placed into a cup of hot chocolate. Other winter family activities include the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens, Chinese New Year in China Town, or simply admiring the winter beauty of Central Park. If you’re looking for winter vacations on the East Coast, it doesn’t get better than NYC.

Stay at The Hilton Club New York

Looking to make it the ultimate New York City winter vacation? Then stay at The Hilton Club New York! This spectacular resort is settled right in the heart of central Manhattan, mere blocks away from iconic locations like Central Park, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Rockefeller Center. With so much to do nearby, it’s near perfect for winter family vacations!

But there’s still a lot to enjoy on-site, especially when it comes to food. The Herb n’ Kitchen restaurant features a delectable breakfast buffet, as well toasty brick-oven pizzas, to-go bites and drinks, as well as room service. Moreover, parents will adore the sophisticated Bridges Bar on-site, which specializes in martinis and portrays murals of the Big Apple’s bridges. Or, stop by the Lobby Lounge, featuring light fare, wine, cocktails, and plenty of space to unwind before or after hitting the town. Other amenities include a fitness center, business center, and concierge.

Accommodations

When you’re tuckered out from exploring the city, you’ll be happy to fall into bed here at The Hilton Club. Choose from a stylish studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom suite, each complete with sleek designs and chic furnishings. These accommodations sleep two, four, and six guests. So, whether it’s a vacation for two or your bringing the whole family along, there’s a space for you.

Spend New Years in New York!

Itching to see the ball drop in the Big Apple? Celebrate New Years in America’s most iconic city with these New York resorts!

Best Winter Vacation Ideas for Warm Weather

While there’s a lot to love about the winter months, the cold isn’t for everyone. If you and your loved ones prefer to stay out of the snow, don’t worry; there are still plenty of things for you to enjoy. Here are some ideas winter family vacations if you like to stay warm.

Travel to the Caribbean for a Winter Family Vacation

If white sand beaches are more your speed, one of the best winter vacation ideas is to spend the season basking in the warm weather in the Caribbean. And though all of the Caribbean islands are stunning, we especially recommend taking a trip to Aruba. Here, temperatures “drop” in January and February, but they stay pleasant at 70-80 degrees. So, you’ll still be able to enjoy the sun and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

You can tour the island while horseback riding, or soak up the sun at Aruba’s world famous beaches. If your family is especially interested in exploration, check out Arikok National Park. This park takes up almost 20 percent of the island and takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the island’s past with striking geological, cultural, and historic sites. Also make sure to visit the capital, Oranjestad, for beautiful beaches and unique shopping.

Stay at Divi Village Resort

With a resort like Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, you’ll quickly forget about the bitter cold weather back home. Bask in the warm Caribbean sun at the private beach, or unwind in one of four pools on-site, including a children’s pool and water slide, as well as a swim-up bar. What’s more, this all-inclusive resort is home to a meticulously landscaped nine-hole golf course with views of the turquoise coast. Stay active at Divi Village with tennis, a beachside rock climbing wall, as well as a water sports center.

Additionally, this resort’s all-inclusive plan gives guests access to a whopping fourteen restaurants and twelve bars. Some highlights include Windows on Aruba, which serves brunch and dinner on the top floor of the clubhouse, and Pure Lime, which features fresh tacos, burritos, and tostadas. Other amenities include a luxurious spa and fitness center, casino, and a wealth of local activities and nightlife nearby.

Accommodations

Staying at Divi Village will provide to be one of your best winter vacation ideas yet. Accommodations include studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites. These suites feature king-sized beds, queen-sleeper sofas, and private balconies. Overall, the suites at this Aruba resort can accommodate four to six guests, depending on which you choose, and making it perfect for winter family vacations.

Top Bahamas Timeshares for a Sunny Getaway

Want to explore more island vacations in the Caribbean for this winter vacation? Check out our top picks among Bahamas resorts in the blog below!

Visit Cancun for Winter Family Vacations

Next on the list of winter vacation ideas is Cancun! This popular destination in Mexico is ideal if you’re looking to escape the cold weather and soak in the vibrant culture and glittering landscape. What’s more, since the weather is cooler in January and February, you can stay warm without getting too hot. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of downtown for authentic Mexican cuisine, lively nightlife, and bustling shopping districts. Or, waste the days away on the world famous beaches, complete with soft sand and plenty of beachfront activities, or zip lining through the jungle.

Moreover, if you love history, Cancun is home to the El Rey Archaeological Zone, which is the site of ancient Mayan ruins that have existed since 300 B.C.E. A visit here will make you feel like you’ve stepped back almost 1,000 years into the past! Another historic site you won’t want to miss is Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world, and it’s one of the most visited spots in Mexico. Here, you can marvel at the imposing Temple of Kukulkan and learn about Mayan civilization.

Stay at Royal Sands Resort

When it comes to winter vacation ideas in Cancun, it doesn’t get better than Royal Sands. Located on a breathtaking stretch of crystal beach, this tropical resort provides a luxurious vacation getaway at an all-inclusive resort and spa. You and your family can take a dip in one of three large pools, including an infinity pool, two children’s pools, and a lap pool. Indulge in a handful of unforgettable restaurants on-site, including a karaoke sports bar, the Hacienda Sisal, and La Veranda, all serving up delectable cuisine you won’t want to miss.

When you want something a bit more relaxing, enjoy being pampered at the Royal Sands’ on-site spa. These spa treatments will leave you feeling rejuvenated for the rest of your winter trip. And while you relax at the spa, the little ones can hang out at the kids club or check out the activities program and sports courts. There’s also a fitness center to help you stay active. This is just one of many fantastic resorts in Mexico in our collection.

Accommodations

Spacious accommodations will be waiting for you when you’re ready to rest. Guests have their choice of junior, one-, or two-bedroom suites. These suites feature king-size and double beds and can accommodate three to six guests, depending on which you choose. Relish in private balconies with ocean views, living and dining areas, and a full kitchen or kitchenette.

Spend the Weekend in Mexico

From Cancun to Cabo, to San Jose, there a handful of breathtaking oceanfront resorts to choose from in sunny Mexico. Explore options below.

Book Timeshares (Not Hotels) for Winter Vacation Ideas

Think that boutique hotels are the best fit for your winter vacation ideas? Think again! Timeshares actually have a lot more to offer. First, timeshares give you much more room to stretch your legs, which is important when booking winter family vacations. In fact, timeshares typically have about three times the amount of space as hotel rooms. That means you and your family won’t have to worry about being cramped.

Timeshare ownership also saves you money over the years. So, if you plan to vacation often, a timeshare will help you save over time. While some may think that owning a timeshare means you visit the same resort at the same time every year, the system has evolved! Many timeshares work off of a points-based system, where you get a certain amount of points each year that you can spend to stay at resorts whenever you want, wherever you want. So you’ll have plenty of flexibility to see something new on every winter vacation.

Buying Timeshare Resale vs Direct Youtube Video

Want to learn more about the timeshare resale market? Then check out our video, “Buying Timeshare Resale vs Direct: What to Know.”

Buy Winter Family Vacations on the Timeshare Resale Market

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If you’re ready to buy a timeshare and enjoy a lifetime of unforgettable winter vacation ideas, then check out our marketplace! We have listings for plenty of great resorts from top developers like Marriott, Westgate, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, and more! Skip the sales pitch by browsing our website for the perfect timeshare for you. Once you find one you like, just make an offer. It really is that simple! What are you waiting for? Find the timeshare of your dreams today.

Sell Your Timeshare with Fidelity Real Estate

On the other hand, not all good things last forever. If you’re a timeshare owner and have decided you no longer want your ownership, we can help you, too! At Fidelity Real Estate, we’ve been helping owners just like you, sell their timeshare for over 20 years. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll be happy to help. Or, if you have any questions, please email us at team@fidelityresales.com or call us at 1-800-410-8326.

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