From ski resorts to safaris: 16 winter holiday ideas for the whole family

Family vacations are a great way to bond and create shared memories that will last a lifetime. The main thing is to choose the right place that suits your interests and goals. Travel Leisure collected great ideas for winter holidays - from skiing to Caribbean travel.

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Sun lovers should consider flights to the jungles of Costa Rica and the Caribbean island of Antigua, while avid skiers will love the US slopes of Park City and Telluride. Parents looking for a city break with kids may want to head to Toronto. It is worth considering a long trip to some exciting place, for example, Siem Reap.

Here are the 16 best winter family vacation ideas, according to travel experts.

Rovaniemi, Finland

The gateway to Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a true winter wonderland full of magical moments - from reindeer sledding to surreal views of the northern lights. Outdoor Jacuzzis, ice baths and saunas await parents and older children to unwind.

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For families looking for even more thrills, Carly Patain Moss, travel expert Black Tomato, offers to book a guided night snowmobile tour. At the end of a day of arctic adventure, curl up in a glass igloo surrounded by snowy terrain.

Arenal, Costa Rica

Ready to trade the cold for an action-packed family vacation in a warm, tropical location? The epicenter of eco-adventure in Costa Rica, the area around Arenal Volcano National Park is ideal for canyoning, crossing a network of suspension bridges, ziplining through forest canopies, and spotting local wildlife.

“One of my favorite family vacation spots in the area is Nayara tent camp. It creates a secluded rainforest feel with glamping tents that have balconies with hammocks for lounging and stunning views of the volcanic landscape,” says Moss.

Park City Utah

Park City is the perfect destination for families during ski season with groomed trails and lessons from experienced instructors. In addition to hitting the slopes, visitors can look forward to scenic gondola rides, dog sledding and ice skating. Deer Valley Montage — a resort in Utah — offers young guests a Paintbox kids' club, tubing, adorable in-room camping amenities, late-night snacks and bowling.

Bruges, Belgium

If you're looking for a place that's full of charm and brings history to life, Bruges is definitely a great choice thanks to its winding canals, cobbled streets and medieval architecture.

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A great holiday destination with Christmas markets and the spirit of the season.

“No matter what you're celebrating, the city evokes a sense of joy,” Moss notes. Without the crowds of the summer months, it's the perfect time for families to enjoy chocolate treats and join free historical walking tours.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

If your kids handle long flights fairly well and you don't mind dealing with the time difference, there are plenty of family holiday options in New Zealand. Moss recommends Kaikoura, a coastal town on the South Island popular with wildlife enthusiasts.

“Experiences for the whole family range from swimming with dolphins to whale watching boat trips and bird watching tours to see majestic albatross and other seabirds in their natural habitat,” he says.

Toronto, Canada

There are still plenty of things to do in Toronto during the winter. Since it's quite cold outside, be sure to pack some warm clothes to keep everyone safe and happy walking along the boardwalk, exploring the shops and restaurants of the vibrant Distillery District, and sightseeing. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and Casa Loma, one of the few castles in North America, is a favorite place for little ones. When you're hungry, head to St. Lawrence Market.

Moss recommends heading to the quaint Cabbagetown neighborhood for some sledding followed by some hot cocoa.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“Kenya's winter 'secret season' offers an amazing program combined with fewer visitors. Great weather and lots of wildlife will make your vacation unforgettable,” says Moss.

Travelers of all ages will go crazy for the chance to see lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinoceroses and various bird species at waterholes during daily game drives. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is also full of family lodges such as Angama Mara. Kenya Air flies direct between New York and Nairobi.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Summer brings crowds to Lake Geneva, but this Wisconsin town also impresses in the colder months. Located just an hour from Milwaukee, it's a quick and easy weekend getaway to the Midwest. Besides the convenience, the abundance of activities for all ages and affordable prices really attract travelers and make the city a great winter destination.

You will enjoy winter festival, a free annual event featuring a grand snow sculpture competition, ice skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Frosty fun reigns here.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Once you get over long-haul flights, Siem Reap is your family holiday destination. It is home to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as dozens of other ancient religious sites dating back to the Khmer Empire.
Morning tuk-tuk tours of the temples teach children about the distant past. Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang with a sparkling pool - the perfect place to cool off on warm days before heading to Cambodia Phare, the Cambodian Circus or to a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Telluride, Colorado

A favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado is known for its mountain towns that come alive in the winter. From world-class skiing and snowboarding to plenty of fun after, there's definitely no shortage of adventure for families traveling to Telluride during the colder months.

“Telluride's proximity to multiple airports makes it one of the most affordable options for winter sports, which means more convenient flights and less time spent in the car with kids,” Moss says.

Antigua

With countless beautiful beaches of soft sand and clear water, Antigua aims to appeal to families of all sizes.

“Here you can do incredible snorkeling around shallow coral reefs and Stingray City, as well as offshore scuba diving for teens and adults,” says Moss.

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On the adventure side, helicopter tours give passengers a bird's eye view of the rainforests and sparkling ocean. The hike to Shirley Heights also offers great views. Child-friendly resorts include Curtain Bluff и Carlisle bay.

London, Great Britain

London is one of the most family-friendly cities in Europe. Melissa Da Silva, President of Trafalgar, reminds travelers that cloudy skies and light rain won't stop winter fun. Buy tickets to a West End show, ride the London Eye and explore the many parks.

“Harry Potter fans should stop by King's Cross Station and take a photo on platform 9 ¾,” she says.
Traveling with kids? Carlton Tower Jumeirah caters to the youngest guests, offering carefully selected children's menus and packages for the whole family.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando may be the obvious choice for a family vacation. Yes, there will be crowds at various theme parks, especially during the school holidays, but it's worth braving the queues to see the joy on children's faces as they zip around the attractions, pose with Mickey and his pals and sample the delicious treats. Additionally, skip-the-line passes and early entry options help reduce wait times, making this a magical experience for visitors of all generations.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

DaSilva encourages nature and adventure lovers to plan a family vacation to Grand Canyon National Park during the peaceful off-season. It's much less busy during this time and your chances of getting a social media-worthy group photo are much higher. While the North Rim remains closed, the South Rim is open to hiking trails for all skill levels and provides opportunities to see wildlife, from elk to ravens.

“Particularly exciting is the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the snow-striped rock formations and valleys below from scenic overlooks,” says DaSilva.

Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo may not be the first place that comes to mind as a winter destination, but that doesn't mean Portugal's agricultural heartland isn't the best place to take the whole family during the quiet months of December, January and February. Families can take tours of Cork, visit Badock Safari Park and book farm stays. Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a Relais & Châteaux hotel on a working farm, offers spacious accommodations, animals - horses, cows and pigs - and a famous restaurant with coloring books and crayons for children.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a fantastic city for families. The coastal capital is a center of Icelandic culture, home to the glass-domed interactive nature museum Perlan and the concrete Hallgrimskirkja church, as well as casual and sophisticated restaurants. It's also a great base for day trips to Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal Blue Lagoon, as well as northern lights expeditions further afield.

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