My Favorite Family-Friendly Winter Vacations Across the U.S.
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Winter vacation can mean completely different things depending on your family.
You might want to trade the cold for sunshine and pool time, embrace the season with snow and mountain views, or simply find an affordable getaway that breaks up a long winter at home.
As an Iowa family of six, we have done a little of everything.
We have escaped to sunny destinations like Phoenix and San Diego, planned easy Midwest road trips to Kansas City, and explored places that offer plenty of indoor activities when the weather is unpredictable.
These family-friendly winter vacations in the U.S. include warm-weather escapes, snowy mountain destinations, and practical road trips with plenty for kids to do.
Most are places we have personally visited as a family, although not always during winter. I’ll be clear about our experience as we go.
If you want a winter trip that feels special but is still realistic to plan with kids, these eight destinations are a great place to start.
Quick Comparison of These Winter Family Vacations
| Destination | Best For | Typical Winter Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | Affordable outdoor adventures | Sunshine and mild temperatures |
| San Diego, California | Beaches and major family attractions | Comfortable coastal weather |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas | Indoor attractions with outdoor breaks | Generally mild but variable |
| Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Mountain scenery and seasonal activities | Chilly with possible snow |
| Kansas City, Missouri | An easy Midwest getaway | Cold with plenty of indoor options |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | Attractions and desert day trips | Cool, sunny desert weather |
| Palm Springs, California | Pools, hiking, and relaxation | Warm days and cool evenings |
| Branson, Missouri | A Christmas getaway | Festive, chilly, and occasionally snowy |
#1 Phoenix: Outdoor Fun and Sunshine
The Phoenix area is one of our favorite places to escape the Midwest cold.
Our family has visited multiple times, and we continue to find new parks, attractions, and restaurants to enjoy.
When I refer to Phoenix, I am really talking about the larger metro area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and nearby communities.
It is common to stay in one city and drive 20 to 30 minutes to attractions in another. We do this on every trip.
Winter is an especially nice time to visit because the comfortable temperatures make it easier to hike, explore the desert, visit playgrounds, and eat outside.
It is also possible to plan a memorable Phoenix vacation without filling every day with expensive attractions.
What to Do in Phoenix with Kids
One of our favorite Phoenix memories is hiking to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. The hike is short enough for kids, but the rocks and views still make it feel like an adventure.
Afterward, we like to walk around the nearby lagoon and look for birds and fish.
Papago Park is also close to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, making it easy to combine the hike with one larger attraction.
Other family favorites include McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Goldfield Ghost Town, and walking around Old Town Scottsdale.
There are also fantastic playgrounds throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and the surrounding communities.
My husband and I have taken a hot-air balloon ride over the desert, too. It was an unforgettable experience and something we would consider doing again when all four boys are older.
For many more parks, attractions, restaurants, and planning tips, read my complete guide to a Phoenix family vacation.
Two Phoenix-Area Restaurants Our Family Loves
Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa is one of the most unusual restaurants we have visited.
A huge pipe organ provides the entertainment while you eat, complete with audience song requests and fun surprises. Our boys loved it so much that we went back a second time.
For dessert, Sugar Bowl is a retro ice cream shop that pairs perfectly with an afternoon or evening exploring Old Town Scottsdale.
A Simple Three-Day Phoenix Itinerary
Day 1: Hike Hole in the Rock, walk around the lagoon, and visit either the Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden.
Day 2: Visit McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, explore Old Town Scottsdale, and stop at Sugar Bowl for ice cream.
Day 3: Explore Goldfield Ghost Town and have dinner at Organ Stop Pizza.
Where to Stay in Phoenix with Kids
We stayed at Home2 Suites by Hilton Mesa Longbow. Its spacious suites have kitchens, and the hotel offers complimentary breakfast. We also enjoyed its quiet location, pool, and relaxing patio overlooking the golf course.
Check prices for Home2 Suites by Hilton Mesa Longbow
Staying outside central Phoenix or Scottsdale can sometimes save money without taking away from the experience.
Since attractions are spread throughout the metro area, you will likely drive between communities regardless of where you stay.
Browse more family-friendly Phoenix-area hotels or search for Phoenix-area vacation rentals for larger families.
Why Phoenix Is Doable for Families
- Many parks and outdoor activities are free.
- Attractions can be grouped by location to limit unnecessary driving.
- Families can balance one larger attraction with playgrounds, pool time, and relaxed meals.
#2 San Diego: Sunshine and Family Adventures
San Diego is one of those places we keep bringing our boys back to. We have visited multiple times during winter, and it is one of our favorite escapes from the Midwest cold.
The mild weather allows us to spend plenty of time outside, even when much of the country is dealing with snow and freezing temperatures.
Winter can also bring fewer crowds than summer at some of San Diego’s most popular attractions.
What I love most is how easily we can combine one major attraction with waterfront walks, parks, beaches, or time to simply slow down together.
What to Do in San Diego with Kids
Every time we visit San Diego, I make sure we visit the USS Midway Museum.
It is one of my favorite places in the city because the ship is fascinating to learn about and explore, and the views from the flight deck are incredible.
The boys always end up loving it, too.
They enjoy climbing into the cockpits, seeing the aircraft, and completing the Junior Pilot Program.
Afterward, we often walk to Seaport Village for a carousel ride, a treat, and some time by the water.
On another day, we head to Balboa Park. We love walking through the gardens and seeing the beautiful Spanish-style buildings and open spaces.
There is so much to explore that we usually only have time to visit one or two museums.
Two of our kids’ favorites are the Fleet Science Center and San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
Both of these museums are included in my guide to the best museums for kids in San Diego.
Families who prefer animals can visit the San Diego Zoo, which is also located in Balboa Park, and then add a short garden walk if everyone still has energy.
La Jolla is another must for our family.
Our boys enjoy watching the sea lions and harbor seals, exploring the tide pools when the timing is right, and taking in the ocean views.
Families can also visit the nearby Sunny Jim Sea Cave by descending about 145 steps to the cave opening.
For more attractions, restaurants, lodging advice, and planning tips, read my complete San Diego family vacation guide.
Two Places Our Family Loves to Eat in San Diego
Corvette Diner is one restaurant our boys always ask to visit again. This lively 1950s-style diner has fun decor, milkshakes, and an arcade that makes the meal feel like part of the vacation.
Liberty Public Market is one of my favorite options when everyone wants something different. This upscale food hall has dozens of choices, including tacos, sandwiches, and desserts, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Both are located in Liberty Station, which is also where we stay whenever we visit San Diego.
A Simple Three-Day San Diego Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the USS Midway Museum, walk through Seaport Village, and have dinner at Liberty Public Market.
Day 2: Explore the gardens and architecture at Balboa Park and choose one or two museums. Families can visit the San Diego Zoo instead if animals are a higher priority.
Day 3: Visit La Jolla to see the seals and sea lions, explore the tide pools if the timing is right, and optionally visit Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. Have dinner in La Jolla or at Corvette Diner in Liberty Station.
Looking for inexpensive additions to your itinerary? Find more ideas in my guide to free and budget-friendly things to do in San Diego.
Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
Whenever we visit San Diego, we stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station.
Its one- and two-bedroom suites give our family of six plenty of space, and the complimentary breakfast saves us time and money before we begin the day.
The hotel also has a pool, a patio with a fireplace, and outdoor seating areas.
Its location is one of our favorite features. We can walk along the waterfront trail to the restaurants, shops, and green spaces at Liberty Station instead of getting back in the car for dinner.
Read my complete review of Homewood Suites Liberty Station.
Check prices for Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station
Browse more family-friendly suites near Liberty Station, explore downtown and bayfront hotels, or search for San Diego-area vacation rentals.
Why San Diego Is Doable for Families
- Families can plan one major attraction each day and keep the rest of the schedule flexible.
- Many popular attractions can be grouped by location.
- Beaches, parks, gardens, and waterfront areas provide free places to explore.
#3 Dallas-Fort Worth: Big Adventures and Unique Family Experiences
The Dallas-Fort Worth area had been on our family travel list for a while, and we finally made it happen.
After exploring Dallas, Frisco, and Allen, we returned on a separate trip to experience the Fort Worth Stockyards.
These trips showed us just how many different family experiences this area offers.
Winter weather in Dallas-Fort Worth is generally milder than what we experience at home in Iowa, although it can still be unpredictable.
Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor attractions for colder days, along with parks, outdoor spaces, and walkable areas to enjoy when the weather cooperates.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is very spread out, so planning each day around one part of the metro area can save your family a lot of unnecessary driving.
What to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth with Kids
We started our Dallas trip at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Our boys raced a virtual cheetah and Tyrannosaurus rex and explored so many hands-on exhibits that they did not want to leave. We all had a great time here.
The Dallas World Aquarium was another memorable stop.
It feels more like walking through different ecosystems than visiting a traditional aquarium.
There was plenty to see, but the sloth was my favorite!
One of the biggest highlights for our boys was visiting The Star in Frisco, the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters and practice facility.
They had an absolute blast running around on the 50-yard replica football field at Tostitos Championship Plaza.
For a moment, they felt like professional football players.
On a separate trip, we spent time at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Watching the longhorn cattle drive down Exchange Avenue was such a unique experience, and our boys had fun racing through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze.
We also explored the shops inside Stockyards Station and walked through Mule Alley.
Everything is close together, which made it easy to slow down, explore, and take breaks without constantly getting back in the car.
Read my complete guide to visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards with kids.
For more help grouping these areas together, see my complete Dallas-Fort Worth itinerary with kids.
A Simple Three-Day Dallas-Fort Worth Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards. Walk through Stockyards Station, watch the cattle drive, choose one or two kid-friendly activities, and spend some time in Mule Alley.
Day 2: Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, followed by time at Klyde Warren Park and its children’s area.
Day 3: Explore the Dallas World Aquarium, then visit Reunion Tower for views of the city if everyone still has the time and energy.
For sports-loving families, The Star in Frisco makes an excellent substitute for one of these days or an easy addition if you have a fourth day.
Where to Stay in Dallas-Fort Worth with Kids
Where you stay can make a major difference because the Dallas-Fort Worth area is so spread out.
I recommend first deciding which areas you plan to explore and then choosing a hotel close to most of your priority activities.
For more help choosing the right area, read my complete guide to where to stay in Dallas-Fort Worth with kids.
When we explored Dallas, Allen, and Frisco, we stayed at Residence Inn Dallas Allen/Fairview because it was also close to family.
The suite layout, kitchen, and complimentary breakfast worked well for our family of six.
Check prices for Residence Inn Dallas Allen/Fairview
Browse family-friendly hotels near The Star in Frisco or explore suite-style hotels in Allen and Fairview.
When the Fort Worth Stockyards were the focus of our trip, we stayed at Hyatt Place Fort Worth Stockyards. The hotel has rooms that can accommodate a family of six, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
The biggest benefit is its location. We could walk out of the hotel and immediately begin exploring the Stockyards.
Being able to park once and walk to the attractions and restaurants made the entire trip easier.
Check prices for Hyatt Place Fort Worth Stockyards
Why Dallas-Fort Worth Is Doable for Families
- Indoor attractions provide options when the winter weather is unpredictable.
- Grouping activities by area helps reduce unnecessary driving.
- The Fort Worth Stockyards provide a walkable day with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment close together.
#4 Gatlinburg: Mountain Scenery and Winter Activities
Gatlinburg has my heart. We have visited the Smoky Mountains multiple times during spring and summer, and the combination of mountain scenery, family attractions, and walkable downtown areas keeps us coming back.
I want to be clear that we have not experienced Gatlinburg during winter yet.
I am including it because many of the attractions our family loves are available during the colder months, while Ober Mountain adds seasonal activities such as snow tubing and skiing.
Winter weather in the Smoky Mountains can be unpredictable, and snow is not guaranteed.
Attraction hours, roads, and outdoor activities can also be affected by the weather, so this is a destination where a flexible plan is especially important.
What to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids
Anakeesta is always on our Gatlinburg itinerary.
Our boys love the Treetop Skywalk, climbing structures, slides, obstacle courses, and play areas.
I enjoy the mountain views and the chance to slow down while the boys explore.
Winter can bring different hours and weather-related changes, so check Anakeesta’s operating calendar before your visit.
You can also read more about why our family keeps returning in my complete Anakeesta guide.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a helpful indoor option for a cold or rainy day.
Our boys especially enjoyed the penguins, and its downtown location makes it easy to combine with shops, restaurants, or a walk around Gatlinburg.
Our boys also enjoy looking for the bear statues located throughout downtown Gatlinburg.
This turned into an unexpected game during one of our visits and gave them something free and fun to do while we walked between attractions.
For more ideas while exploring this area, read my complete downtown Gatlinburg guide and our favorite free things to do in Gatlinburg with kids.
Ober Mountain is another option for families who want a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
We have visited Ober during a warmer season, but its colder-month activities can include snow tubing, skiing, ice skating, and ice bumper cars.
Winter activities are seasonal, so check availability before building your day around them.
Families can also spend time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park when the weather and road conditions allow.
A scenic drive, visitor center stop, or short walk can provide a quieter break from the attractions in town.
For more of our favorite attractions, restaurants, and practical advice, read my complete guide to visiting Gatlinburg with kids.
A Simple Three-Day Gatlinburg Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Anakeesta, explore downtown Gatlinburg, and look for the bear statues as you walk between shops and attractions.
Day 2: Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, followed by dinner and an evening at The Island in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Day 3: Visit Ober Mountain for the winter activities available during your trip. If the weather and road conditions cooperate, add a scenic stop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For more detail, use my complete three-day Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge itinerary for families as a starting point and adjust it for winter hours and weather.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with Kids
We have stayed in both hotels and cabins throughout the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area.
One hotel that worked especially well for us was Residence Inn Pigeon Forge. Its spacious suites, kitchen, complimentary breakfast, and seasonal zero-entry pool made it a comfortable option for our family of six.
The hotel is also close to The Island in Pigeon Forge, which made it easy to reach restaurants, rides, shops, and the fountain show.
Check prices for Residence Inn Pigeon Forge
We have also enjoyed staying in cabins and vacation rentals around the Smoky Mountains.
A downtown Gatlinburg hotel can be a better fit if walking to Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium, restaurants, and shops is one of your priorities.
Read my complete guide to where to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with kids.
Browse more family-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge or explore Smoky Mountain cabins and vacation rentals.
Why Gatlinburg Is Doable for Families
- Downtown Gatlinburg has several attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance.
- Indoor and outdoor options make it easier to adjust plans when the winter weather changes.
- Families can choose from suite-style hotels, walkable downtown properties, and cabins with room to spread out.
#5 Kansas City: Hands-On Museums and Easy Winter Days
Kansas City is one of our easiest Midwest getaways and a place our family visits a couple of times each year.
It may not offer the warm winter weather of Phoenix or San Diego, but it has plenty of indoor attractions for cold days.
Many of our favorites are also grouped around Union Station, Crown Center, and downtown, making it easier to plan a full day without driving all over the city.
What to Do in Kansas City with Kids
Union Station is one of our favorite places to begin.
Our boys love climbing, experimenting, and exploring the hands-on exhibits at Science City.
We have visited several times, and there is always enough to keep them busy for hours.
Read my complete guide to visiting Science City with kids for more information about the exhibits and what to expect.
After Science City, families can explore Union Station’s historic halls, visit the Model Train Gallery, or check the schedule for a traveling exhibit.
During the holiday season, Union Station becomes even more festive. When offered during your travel dates, Holiday Reflections transforms the Grand Plaza into an indoor walk-through experience filled with lights, decorated trees, and seasonal displays.
Check the current Union Station schedule before planning your visit because dates, tickets, and availability can change each year.
Crown Center is another convenient area for indoor family attractions.
Families can choose between SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, then explore the Crown Center shops or add another smaller attraction.
The Hallmark Visitors Center, Kaleidoscope, and Museum of BBQ are also located in this area.
Kaleidoscope is free, but families should check the current session schedule and arrive early because walk-in admission is limited by capacity.
If the weather cooperates, the seasonal Crown Center Ice Terrace is a fun outdoor addition to the day.
For older kids and basketball fans, the College Basketball Experience is another family favorite. Our boys enjoyed testing their basketball skills and pretending to call a game from the broadcast desk.
Read my complete guide to the College Basketball Experience with kids.
Looking for inexpensive additions to your trip? Browse my list of free and almost-free things to do in Kansas City or learn what to expect when visiting the Money Museum with kids.
A Simple Three-Day Kansas City Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Science City, visit the Model Train Gallery, and walk through Union Station. If you are visiting during the holiday season, check whether Holiday Reflections is available.
Day 2: Choose either SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium or LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Crown Center. Add Kaleidoscope, the Hallmark Visitors Center, the Museum of BBQ, or seasonal ice skating based on your family’s interests and the current hours.
Day 3: Choose the pairing that best fits your family. Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and National WWI Museum and Memorial, or stay near Crown Center for more indoor attractions. Families with older kids can substitute the College Basketball Experience and lunch in the Power & Light District.
For a more detailed plan, read my complete three-day Kansas City itinerary for families.
Where to Stay in Kansas City with Kids
Because we visit Kansas City regularly, we have stayed in several different areas depending on the focus of the trip.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Kansas City Speedway has roomy suites with kitchens and complimentary breakfast. Its location near the Legends shops, restaurants, and Kansas Speedway works well when our plans are on the Kansas side of the metro.
Check prices for Homewood Suites by Hilton Kansas City Speedway
Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park includes complimentary breakfast and the evening 5:30 Kickback with food and drinks. It also has an indoor/outdoor pool that our boys enjoy.
Check prices for Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park
Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City works well when you want the hotel to be a major part of the getaway. A stay includes access to the indoor water park, along with family activities and other entertainment available at the lodge.
Check prices for Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City
Not sure which part of the city fits your plans? Read my complete guide to where to stay in Kansas City with kids.
Browse family-friendly hotels near Union Station and Crown Center, or explore options near Country Club Plaza and Overland Park.
Why Kansas City Is Doable for Families
- Union Station, Crown Center, and several downtown attractions are easy to group by area.
- Indoor museums and attractions provide plenty of options during cold or unpredictable weather.
- Families can choose from suite-style hotels, suburban stays, and resorts with built-in entertainment.
More Family-Friendly Winter Vacation Ideas
The five destinations above offer plenty of possibilities for a family winter getaway, but they are not our only favorites.
Our family has also enjoyed Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Branson during the colder months.
These destinations are especially worth considering if your family wants desert sunshine, outdoor adventures, resort time, or a festive Christmas getaway.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may not be the first place that comes to mind for a family vacation, but our family found plenty to enjoy beyond the casinos.
The Bellagio Fountains are one of my favorite free attractions, while the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay gives families an indoor option.
There are also incredible hotels to explore, entertaining shows, and plenty of restaurants from which to choose.
Winter is a comfortable time to explore outside without the intense desert heat of summer.
It is also a great season for day trips from Las Vegas.
We visited Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park during our trip. Both gave us a chance to step away from the Strip and add history, scenery, and outdoor exploration to our vacation.
Read my complete guide to the family-friendly side of Las Vegas, learn how to plan a day trip to Hoover Dam, or explore my guide to visiting Valley of Fire State Park from Las Vegas.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is another destination that surprised us with how much there is for families to do.
Winter brings comfortable temperatures for exploring the desert, visiting outdoor attractions, and spending time at a resort.
Many Palm Springs-area resorts also have beautiful pools, although families should confirm that the pool is heated before planning on winter swimming.
Our family enjoyed visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Palm Springs Air Museum.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was another highlight because the ride provides incredible views as it climbs into the mountains.
Temperatures at the top of the tramway are much colder than they are on the desert floor, and families may even find snow during winter.
Check the current conditions and bring warmer clothing for the top.
Joshua Tree National Park also makes a memorable day trip from Palm Springs, especially when cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring more comfortable.
Find more ideas in my guide to Palm Springs attractions for families.
You can also read about our stay at Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas, learn what to expect on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or plan a visit to Joshua Tree National Park with kids.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is our holiday pick for families planning a trip during November or December.
Christmas lights, seasonal shows, and festive attractions fill the area during this time of year.
Silver Dollar City is one of the biggest highlights, with millions of lights, holiday entertainment, seasonal food, and rides available when the weather cooperates.
Branson is also a practical road trip for many Midwest families.
Because winter weather can be unpredictable, I recommend leaving some flexibility in your schedule and including indoor activities or shows in your plans.
Start with my guide to Branson Christmas activities for families.
If you are deciding which area or property will work for your family, read my guide to where to stay in Branson with kids.
Start Planning Your Winter Family Vacation
Whether your family wants sunshine, snow, indoor attractions, outdoor adventures, or a festive holiday getaway, there is a destination on this list that can work for you.
The best winter vacation does not need to include an expensive attraction every day or a schedule packed from morning until night.
Choose the experiences that matter most to your family, leave room to slow down, and build a trip that feels realistic for everyone.
Ready to begin planning? Download my free Travel Itinerary Planner to organize your accommodations, activities, reservations, and daily plans in one place.
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May you love your adventures. KW
