Family Winter Guide to Unexpected Festivals, Hidden Thermal Springs, and Other Remarkable Vacation Destinations

After years of planning winter getaways with my once-skeptical teens, I’ve learned that winter vacations can create some of our most memorable family moments. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy adventures or seeking warm beach escapes, I’m sharing our tried-and-true destinations that have earned genuine teenage approval. Trust me, if these spots can impress my “been there, done that” teens, they’re worth considering for your family’s winter escape.

This special FamilyTravelConsulting.com winter family vacations travel section is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance and Montreal en Lumière Festival, but all experiences and recommendations are my own. Now, let’s explore some amazing winter vacation ideas that are worth protecting!

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

Protecting Your Winter Memories with Travel Insurance

Before we dive into our favorite winter destinations, let’s talk about something I’ve learned the hard way – travel insurance. As someone who once had to cancel a trip due to an unexpected storm (and lost the deposits), I now make sure our family trips are protected.

A recent survey by Allianz Travel Insurance revealed some interesting insights about how families are traveling this winter season. Among 1,000 customers planning a trip in 2023, a striking 71% reported feeling more confident about their travels simply because they had insurance coverage. With Europe being the top destination for guided tours this year, and over half of travelers including at least one tour in their itinerary, that peace of mind is more valuable than ever.

“Travel insurance is the perfect complement to any trip, with or without a guide,” explains Daniel Durazo, director of external affairs at Allianz Partners USA. “It offers reliable travel protection for covered travel delays, trip interruptions and cancellations plus available ’round-the-clock travel assistance and important emergency medical coverage.”

Why Consider Travel Insurance This Winter?

Given current concerns about the following items. Travel insurance is recommended and something I don’t travel without.

Unpredictable winter weather
Economic uncertainties
Global travel advisories (including the U.S. State Department Worldwide Caution)
Medical coverage needs abroad

It’s worth checking what situations are covered by your policy. Here’s what I appreciate about Allianz – they offer a 14-day window to review, exchange, or cancel your policy for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your family’s needs. This flexibility helped me choose the right coverage for our family’s different trips this year.

Make Your Holidays A Family Adventure

Looking ahead to the new year, exciting 2025 travel trends reveal more budget-friendly ways for families to create meaningful memories together. Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of vanlife, the relaxation of a mountain spa retreat, or the thrill of witnessing the Northern Lights in Alaska, there’s never been a better time to plan that dream winter getaway with your teens.

Want to test the waters of adventure travel? Services like RVshare.com connect you with local RV and campervan owners, making it easy to try the nomadic lifestyle without a major commitment.

Picture your teenagers disconnecting from their devices as they discover the simple joys of vanlife – cooking s’mores under starlit skies, snowshoeing through pristine forests, or capturing Instagram-worthy moments at snow-covered national parks. This winter adventure could spark something bigger, perhaps even inspiring your family to consider alternative education approaches like worldschooling, where the great outdoors becomes your classroom.

Winter Festivals That Even Teens Will Love

Montreal – The Ultimate Winter and Spring Break Destination

From Feb. 27 to Mar. 9, 2025, celebrate 26 years of lighting up winter! For the past quarter century, the legendary Montréal en Lumière festival has welcomed nearly 600,000 visitors yearly to experience Montreal’s winter to the fullest through a unique program combining performing arts, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities, and a whole night of original surprises.

Skating at the center of the festival. The Skating Loop overlooking the Place des Festivals in the heart of Montreal, allows festival goers to enjoy an extraordinary sound and light experience on the ice. Nearly 150 free activities are also offered to entertain the whole family, no matter the age or snow sports skills. Bundle up to experience the Ferris wheel, DJ Booth, animations, illuminated art and much more.

Discover everything the festival has to offer at montrealenlumiere.com

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE | FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 9, 2025 | GASTRONOMIC PROGRAMMING STARTING FEBRUARY 20

Quebec Winter Carnival: A Snow-Covered Wonderland

Let me tell you about our most surprising winter hit – the Quebec Winter Carnival. Running from January 26 to February 11, 2024, this festival transformed my teens’ opinion of winter entirely.

Here’s what made them actually put down their phones:

Night parades with incredible light shows and music
Ice skating through the historic Plains of Abraham
The iconic ice castle that’s perfect for Instagram
Dog sledding adventures right in the city
Traditional sugar shack experiences (maple taffy on snow is a game-changer!)

Pro tip: Book accommodations within walking distance of the Plains of Abraham. We stayed at the Château Frontenac, and while it’s a splurge, the central location saved us countless cold-weather Uber rides.

Other Must-See Winter Festivals

Winterfest in the Smokies (through February): Think small-town charm meets mountain magic
St. Paul Winter Carnival (late January to early February): Ice sculptures and winter sports competitions
Lake George Winter Carnival (Every weekend in February): From motorcycles racing on ice to hot chocolate contests

Festival Planning Resources – Complete winter travel packing guide [LINK]

Snow Capped Escapes

For smaller crowds and budget-friendly skiing, head to Ski Cooper, one of the smaller resorts known as Colorado Gems. For those seeking relaxation, Sunlight in Glenwood Springs boasts the world’s biggest hot springs pool.

Step into the winter wonderland of Hot Springs, South Dakota with your family for an extraordinary cold-weather adventure. Variety of winter experiences highlight the charm and uniqueness of this historic town that is the southern gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills.

Holiday Lights Adventures

Remember when finding Christmas lights meant driving around your neighborhood? We’ve discovered some spectacular displays that take holiday lights to a whole new level. Here are our family’s top picks that even impressed my “too cool for this” teenagers:

Must-See Light Displays

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Austin Trail of Lights (pro tip: go on Teen Night for special activities)

For a complete guide to the country’s best holiday light displays, check out our comprehensive Christmas Lights guide here.

Epic Winter Road Trips

Southwest Desert Adventure

This trip changed our family’s definition of winter vacation. Here’s our tested route:

Start in Scottsdale or Phoenix (perfect winter temperatures)
Sedona for red rock hiking and pink jeep tours
Grand Canyon South Rim (less crowded in winter)
Page for Antelope Canyon winter photography
End in Las Vegas for indoor entertainment

Eastern Culture Crawler

Perfect for history-loving teens:

Start in Washington DC (free museums!)
Philadelphia for historical sites and amazing food scenes
New York City for Broadway shows and winter shopping
Boston for colonial history and amazing indoor attractions
End in Newport, RI for mansion tours

Pro tip: Many historic sites offer special winter programming with smaller crowds and better prices.

Pacific Northwest Explorer

For outdoor-loving families:

Seattle for Pike Place Market and indoor culture
Olympic National Park for winter rainforest hiking
Mount Rainier for snow adventures
Portland for foodie adventures and indoor markets
Cannon Beach for winter storm watching

Road Trip Resources

Warm Weather Escapes

As the temperature drops and the frost settles, there’s no better time to pack your bags and head to sunnier destinations. Whether you’re seeking the golden beaches of Hawaii or the vibrant streets of Miami, these warm weather escapes offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Bask in the sun, explore the local cultures, and rejuvenate your spirits with these idyllic retreats that promise endless sunshine and blissful experiences. Discover your perfect getaway with our handpicked warm weather destinations.

Beyond Orlando: Florida’s Hidden Gems

While theme parks are great, here are our favorite alternatives:

Crystal River: Swim with manatees in warm springs
St. Augustine: History meets beach time
Anna Maria Island: Old Florida charm without crowds
Marco Island: Luxury meets nature
Nothing beats panoramic views on these other Florida’s beaches
We love the towns of Panama City, Clearwater and South Walton for a real Florida family-style New Year’s celebration

Caribbean Winners for Teens

These islands earned our family’s approval:

St Lucia: Perfect weather and teen-friendly water sports
Grand Cayman: Amazing snorkeling and food scene
Aruba: Culture, history, and beach combination
U.S. Virgin Islands: Easy travel and great activities

Savings tip: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are also excellent bets for midweek, non-holiday vacationers. These islands are served by low-cost carriers Sun Country, Frontier and Spirit; have myriad vacation rentals and don’t require passports from US citizens.

Costa Rica – Sustainable Travel Deal

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise where winter really takes on a different meaning where you can immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes to create lasting memories during your stay! Visit La Fortuna and explore the area hot springs or Arenal volcano.

Check out these day trips from San Jose (the capital city) including a nearby cloud forest and an animal sanctuary. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or something in between – Costa Rica has it all.

Mexican Winners for Teens

Los Cabos: Abundance of resort destinations in Baja California and Cabo. See this guide to Los Cabos and where to stay, dine and play should help you decide where to go.

Desert Southwest Surprises

Scottsdale: Resort pools and desert adventures
Palm Springs: Modernism tours and aerial tram
Tucson: Saguaro National Park and Mexican food
Las Vegas: Yes, really! Amazing shows and outdoor adventures

Warm Weather Planning Resources

Unique Indoor Adventures

Let me share two extraordinary experiences that transformed our winter travels:

San Antonio Zoo’s Spekboom Lodge

Imagine waking up to wildlife sounds from your luxury accommodation! The Spekboom Lodge offers:

Exclusive morning access before crowds arrive
Behind-the-scenes animal encounters
African-inspired luxury accommodations
Perfect winter temperatures in Texas

Tanganyika Wildlife Park, Wichita

Swimming with penguins in Kansas? Yes! This unique experience includes:

Indoor, temperature-controlled facility
Personal penguin encounters
Professional photos included
Year-round availability

Related: For more unexpected fun in Wichita, check out these activities for families in Wichita, Kansas.

Other Indoor Gems

Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo Tropical Forest (72° year-round)
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium (amazing touch tanks)
Georgia Aquarium’s overnight programs
National Aviary in Pittsburgh (tropical paradise)

Indoor Adventure Resources

Discounted attraction with Groupon
Save up to 60% off admission prices when you bundle with CityPASS tickets

Planning Your Winter Escape

Timing is Everything. Here are some of the best times to travel when you are looking for deals and good weather:

Early December: Great deals between holidays
Mid-January: Lowest prices of winter
February: Perfect for warm weather destinations
March: Spring break alternatives

Budget-Saving Strategies

Look for “kids ski free” programs in:
- Idaho
- Michigan
- New York
- Utah
- Vermont
Use the WinterKids app for New England deals
Book vacation rentals for group savings
Travel mid-week for better rates

Packing Smart

Layer, layer, layer for variable weather
Pack swimsuits even for cold destinations (indoor pools!)
Bring portable chargers for cold-weather phone drain
Don’t forget sunscreen (winter sun is strong)

New Experiences to Consider

Iceland’s growing winter tourism scene: Airlines like Icelandic Air now offer free stopovers in Reykjavik making it a great addition to your European travel plans
New cruise line winter itineraries: Alaska, Norway, and Antarctica
Skiing in Japan: Experience the famous powder snow and unique cultural experiences
Winter camping or glamping: Embrace the beauty of winter while staying cozy and comfortable
Ice hotels: Stay in a hotel made entirely of ice and experience breathtaking ice sculptures and activities such as ice skating and dog sledding
Sustainable winter travel options: Choose eco-friendly accommodations and activities to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the winter season
Northern Lights viewing: Witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in countries like Finland, Canada, and Iceland
Adventure sports: Try snowmobiling, ice climbing, or dog sledding for an adrenaline-filled winter experience
Relaxation retreats: Unwind at a spa or hot springs resort surrounded by snowy landscapes for a rejuvenating winter getaway.

Remember, the perfect winter family vacation isn’t about following trends – it’s about finding what makes your family smile. Sometimes the best memories come from those unexpected destinations that become your special place.

From snow festivals to warm beaches, winter offers unique opportunities for family bonding. The key is matching the destination with your family’s interests while keeping comfort and budget in mind. And don’t forget, even the most skeptical teens can surprise you with what they end up loving!

Safe travels, and here’s to making amazing winter memories with your family!

For more vacation ideas, see:

Family Winter Guide to Unexpected Festivals, Hidden Thermal Springs, and Other Remarkable Vacation Destinations

Protecting Your Winter Memories with Travel Insurance

Make Your Holidays A Family Adventure

Winter Festivals That Even Teens Will Love

Montreal – The Ultimate Winter and Spring Break Destination