With the days getting shorter and nights getting colder, we think it’s about time for a winter getaway. From California to Vermont, from beginner bunny trails to adrenaline-junkie black diamond rides, these ski-resorts have it all. Not only are the amenities worth bundling up for, their kid-friendly activities make them the perfect family-friendly holiday destination.

Photo credit: Vail Resorts

Heavenly Mountain Resort, California

Facebook

Instagram

Overlooking the cool blue waters of Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder they named this resort Heavenly. With over 34 miles of trails to ski in both Nevada and California, a kid-friendly zip line and ropes course, Heavenly is more like an outdoor adventure park than a ski resort. Did we mention they have a mountain coaster too? They offer ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of experience, child development teams and even a nursery and day care if your little ones are tuckered out after a day on the slopes. With several properties and types of rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find a match made in heaven.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Facebook

Instagram

Park City is a family-friendly fantasy with their new $50 million investment project debuting this year. Teach your kids in comfort at High Meadow Park, or enjoy a meal on the ridgeline at Cloud Dine with this sustainability-committed resort. Park City offers childcare, youth ski programs and sleigh rides through the town center for a truly immersive kid-friendly winter wonderland. For a parent’s night out, Utah boasts a vibrant nightlife with several bars, restaurants and wine tastings a short walk from the mountain. Pulled a muscle on the slopes? Stop by the RockResorts Spa for a hot stone massage. Park City is only a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, so strap on your snow boots and get skiing.

Bridger Bowl, Montana

Instagram

Facebook

Bridger Bowl is perfect for an adventure on a budget. With ski passes $63 a day for adults and $25 for kids 7-12 years old, there’s no excuse for missing out on a snow day. Bridger Bowl is home to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, 75 trails and comfortable lodging with low rates even during the busiest seasons. They also offer youth ski and snowboard programs, guided ridge terrain tours and a playcare nap room at the ski lodge. Plan your trip for December or January for plenty of local, fun family-friendly events. No need to worry about long lines at Bridger Bowl, just take a moment to enjoy all of what nature has to offer.

Photo credit: Abby Hein and Vail Resorts

Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

Facebook

Instagram

It wouldn’t be a ski list without Colorado, and Beaver Creek is a real winter gem. Explore 1,800 acres of terrain with three base camps at the only mountain in the US to regularly host the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by for the daily Cookie Time ritual or one of their four award-winning restaurants on the mountain. Warm up next to the campfire, rest your feet on the heated sidewalks and see a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center – all with a view of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Beaver Creek also offers childcare services, but you may be able to buy some patience at the famous Candy Cabin.

 

Photo credit: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia

Facebook

Instagram

Leave no trail unexplored at the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. With winter storms from the East and North dumping snow in this little town, you’re sure to get the powder you’re after. Teach your kids at the Ski and Ride School, get your snow legs on trails designed for all abilities or hit the 6-story Tubing Hill for a family-friendly adrenaline rush. When it’s time to hang up the skis, take a sleigh ride through the mountains or stop by the bouncy house/climbing wall/movie room for a cost effective break from the cold. With 11,000 acres to roam in the Appalachian Mountain Range, your family can get the perfect Christmas-card worthy photo in this vast national forest.

Photo credit: Rob Bossi / Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

Facebook

Instagram

Get ready for an activity-packed weekend at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. This location redefines family-friendly with their popular Kids Night, an indoor pool and their year-round Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Enjoy a bike trip through the snowy Jackson Gore, take a ride in the Snowtubing Park or watch your kids explore in their very own snowmobile tour. With plenty of events planned through the winter season, you’ll never run out of things to do. For an extra-spectacular Holiday getaway, plan for the end of December to meet Santa and see a torchlight parade and firework show on the slopes.

The Historic Hotels of America have released their finalists for the 2018 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence just in time for holiday vacation. With 17 categories ranging from Best Social Media to Hotel Historian of the Year, we’ve got a few samples to inspire your next family trip.

Airlie

Warrenton, Virginia
Sustainability Champion finalist

Photo credit: Airlie website

Airlie, a 19th century estate burrowed into the Virginian countryside, focuses on reconnecting guests with the great outdoors. With over 300 acres of land, Airlie has its own farm specializing in local dishes and delicacies. Ride a complimentary bike through the fields, take a yoga class on the grass, and unwind at the end of the day with s’mores around the fire. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can sign up for archery, clay shooting, and complimentary fishing passes. With several variations of rooms and cottages, you are sure to find something that fits your family.

Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage, Alaska
Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Hotel Captain Cook

Inspired by the Alaskan discoveries of Captain James Cook, his namesake hotel is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. With most everything in the city walking distance, guests may be tempted skip out on the amenities, but Hotel Captain Cook holds its own. With an astounding four restaurants, private art collection, several athletic clubs, and over 500 rooms to choose from, you may never want to leave. Pro-tip: request a room in an upper floor of the third tower for an extra special view.

The Buccaneer

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Best Historic Resort finalist

 

Photo credit: Steve Simonsen Photography

The Caribbean’s longest running family-owned resort, The Buccaneer, is a dreamy snapshot of pure relaxation. With over 340 acres of perks to explore, this island getaway definitely feels like a home away from home. With four sandy white beaches only a short walk away, a water-sports center and weekly crab races, your little mermaids and mermen are sure to earn their gills. While parents spend some quality time at one of the three restaurants or eight tennis courts, kids ages 4-12 can make new friends at the complementary year-round Kids Camp.

Castle Hotel and Spa

Tarrytown, New York
Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms) finalist

Photo credit: Castle Hotel and Spa

If your history-buff kids have ever begged you for their own castle, this 20th century New York hotel is the place for you. The Castle Hotel and Spa sits on 10 wooded acres and includes a breathtaking view of the historic Hudson River. Originally built as a single-family home, the Castle Hotel boasts 31 uniquely refurbished suites and rooms. While the kids explore the grounds or play in the whirlpool, parents can enjoy the luxurious Sankara Spa or a meal at the renowned Equus fine dining restaurant.

 

 

Natural landmarks bring beauty, fun and wonder to any family vacation. Go out there and enjoy these awe-inspiring national parks and create unforgettable memories for your whole family.

 

Yellowstone National Park (WY)

 

Grand Prismatic Spring and thermophiles, by Curtis Akin (August 2013)

Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first National Park for a reason. At over two million acres, the park houses more than four hundred species of animals, one thousand species of plants, and ten thousand thermal features. With awe-inspiring waterfalls and over three hundred geysers, you and your family will be amazed at this incredible wonder in America. Stay for as long as you want in one of the twelve campgrounds scattered throughout the park, each in close proximity to many of Yellowstone’s greatest marvels. Take your family on a tour with one of many ranger-led programs only available during winter and summer, and give your children the learning experience of a lifetime. They can even participate in the junior ranger wildlife Olympics, a program where they can test their abilities and compare them to many of the animals found in the park. Your entire family will be amazed from the second you arrive at Yellowstone National Park to the time you leave.

Websites: https://www.yellowstonepark.com

https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Yosemite National Park (Yosemite, CA)

Courtesy of NPS

If breathtaking sequoias and massive waterfalls sound like your ideal vacation, then Yosemite National Park is the perfect getaway for your family. Whether you’re a group of experienced hikers or a group of sightseers, Yosemite offers a magical experience for everyone. Your family can enjoy water rafting, guided walking and tram tours, scenic hikes, horseback riding, and so much more. You can lodge in the famous Majestic Yosemite Hotel or rough it out at one of the many campsites spread throughout the park. Adventure awaits at every corner of Yosemite National Park, so get ready to have an exceptional experience like no other.

Websites: https://www.travelyosemite.com

https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

 

Haleakalā National Park (HI)

Courtesy NPS

Your family will never be more motivated to wake up before the sunrise than they will when heading out to Haleakalā National Park. At 10,023 feet above sea level, the breathtaking views your family will experience will create memories they’ll never forget. If you’re having a relaxing vacation on Hawaii’s island Maui, Haleakalā is only a drive away. You will see some of the most unique ecosystems in the world, as the grounds are filled with rare biotic species and scenic pools. If visiting during the summer, the unpredictable and chilly weather will surely come as a bit of a shock, but it will definitely be a nice way to cool down from the Maui heat. As long as you come prepared with layered clothing, you and your family will have an amazing experience at Haleakalā National park.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

 

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)

Grand Canyon National Park: Cedar Ridge Ranger-led Hike 9986

Whether you want to be in the Grand Canyon for one day or seven, this National Park will truly take your breath away. Your family can enjoy a variety of tours — ranging from a bus and a jeep to a helicopter and airplane. For older kids, incredible hikes all around Grand Canyon National Park are perfect ways for them to find adventure. Also, there are plenty of things to do at the top and bottom of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon offers river rafting, camping, mule rides, and so much more. With sights that will blow your mind and activities for any adventure seeker, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s wonders you don’t want to miss out on.

Websites: https://grandcanyon.com

https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

 

Acadia National Park (ME)

Courtesy of NPS

For both thrill seekers and leisure lovers, Acadia National Park is a true American treasure that your family will love. Just driving along the famous 27-mile long Park Loop Road is a scenic view sure to astonish people from ages 1 to 100. Your family can also enjoy a daring hike along Precipice Trail or a picturesque bike ride along the carriage roads. Stop for lunch at Jordan Pond House and experience a heavenly taste of their famous popovers. With the sheer amount of activities to do, you’ll want to stay in one of the numerous resorts, lodges, campgrounds, or hotels in the area. Spending your trip relaxing on Sand Beach or taking in the mountainous views will create an unforgettable trip for the entire family.

Websites: https://acadiamagic.com

https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

 

Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)

Courtesy of NPS

A family trip to the Rocky Mountains is so much more than a vacation. With incredible mountain views, interactive museum exhibits, lake activities, abundant wildlife, cowboy sing-alongs, horseback riding, and more, the entire family will be immersed in all the landmark has to offer. Festivals such as the Elk Fest, Autumn Gold Fest, and the Longs Peak Scottish and Irish Festival all occur in September, so early autumn is a terrific time to explore the Rocky Mountains and its town. You will always be surrounded by the park’s natural beauty while relaxing at hotels or going on wild adventures. Any family trip to the Rocky Mountains brings numerous opportunities to learn about nature and to simply appreciate all the wonders the park has to offer.

Websites: https://rockymountainnationalpark.com

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

 

 

Don’t Miss Out On The Fun

Sign up for our ENews and be the first to know the latest on toys & family must-haves, giveaways & gift and play ideas!

No Thanks Let's Connect

Family must-haves, articles & giveaways