A: Visit a Ski Resort!
If you envision a white Christmas complete with snowmen and snow angels, head for the hills, where snow began to fall as early as October. Ski resorts abound in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, California and the Rockies, with flights under five hours from nearly all destinations. Skiing is a family affair, whether you've been hitting the slopes for years or always wanted to give it a go. Ski schools will get the kids started, and ski resorts offer an array of fun from snowmobiling to ice skating to dog sledding. Hotels located at the base of the mountains make it easy to spend a day outdoors, and provide families with lodge-like settings complete with wood-burning fireplaces, cabin decor and hot cocoa aplenty.
OK, so it may be pricey but this mountainside Ritz-Carlton caters to families, providing parents with a luxurious stay while treating the kids like rock stars. The Ritz Kids program keeps kids entertain in a camp-like setting for full- or half-day programs, and the outdoor, heated pool is great fun to play in while skiers swoosh by on the slopes. Deals like Quad Pack Lift Tickets and Double Whammy Season Passes are available for the budget-conscious.
A: Head to Hawaii!
Isn't it everyone's dream to enjoy a Hawaiian vacation (or is it just me?)? Hawaii was meant for families with water parks meant for splashing, waves meant for surfing, reefs meant to be explored by snorkel or SCUBA, and wildlife meant to be discovered at nature reserves, aquariums and hikes. The Pacific location offers ocean breezes, palm trees, and hundreds of sandy beaches. While a flight from California takes more than four hours, making Hawaii a trek for East Coasters, the sun, sand and surf -- as well as the luaus -- are well worth it.
There is no shortage of oversized resorts catering to families but the Kona Village Resort, located on the Big Island, is secluded and provides an "old Hawaii" ambience with thatched-roof bungalows. The 82-acre resort is nearly all-inclusive and features a free kids' program, multiple pools, paddle boarding, outrigger canoe trips, windsurfing, and even a chance to tour the Hawaiian night skies with a professional stargazer.
A: Make It a Big City Getaway!
Hitting a major city like New York, Chicago or Washington, D.C. during the holidays means your family will never lack for anything to do or see. (Not to mention plenty of restaurants remaining open on major holidays to ensure you are well fed!) Visit historical sites, stroll through museums and take in shows at the theater, as well as find kids'-specific fun like discovery museums, zoos and aquariums. Need more ideas? We've got a list of our 10 Best Cities for Families.
What city is better than New York at the holidays, with the Rockefeller Christmas tree towering over it's famed ice skating rink, Central Park alit in twinkling lights and store windows telling stories in fantastical displays? The Hotel Giraffe is a charming boutique hotel with large rooms (in New York terms), complimentary breakfast, and special family packages welcoming kids with cookies and stuffed giraffes.
A: Sit on a Beach in the Caribbean
Before you had kids the thought of reclining on the beach and listening to the gentle waves were your idea of the perfect vacation. Who says you can't do that with the little ones in tow? Caribbean destinations like Aruba, the British Virgin Islands and St. Lucia provide a slower way of life (island time), sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters and plenty of family-friendly fun to make the entire family feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a week in the sun.
In all our travels around the Caribbean, no place provided such a sense of calm than the Bitter End Yacht Club, located on the remote island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Arriving my boat, bungalows nestled into the hills overlook gorgeous expanses of ocean dotted by islands, providing fantastic sunsets, best watched from the hammock. As a yacht club, this resort's focus is to get the kids in the water, where they can learn to sail or kite board, or sail away to the rocky Baths and explore its many coves and pools.
A: Take Them to Meet the Mouse!
There isn't a child of any age who doesn't long for a visit to Walt Disney World, and Christmastime at its many theme parks is a magical time to visit. With Main Street decorated to the hilt in holiday decor, Christmas-themed parades, and snow falling from the sky even in Florida's warmer climate, you sure to be in the spirit of Christmas. A visit to Orlando for the holidays means a chance to visit the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Animal Kingdom as well as Universal Studios, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, MGM Studios and more. Even though this vacation is 100-percent kid-focused, you'll surely stumble upon the Fountain of Youth and turn into a big child, too! Check out our guide to Disney, as well as what else the Orlando area has to offer.
Disney won't come cheap when you factor in tickets, meals, transportation, unavoidable gift shop purchases, character dining and more. Save a little in your pocket but don't lose any of the experience at one of Disney's All-Star Resorts, including All-Star Music, All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies. The Value Resorts properties provide budget-friendly rate, themed rooms and pools, family suites with mini kitchens, and free transportation to and from all Walt Disney World theme parks.
A: Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort!
When it comes to family vacations, all-inclusive resorts make the trip a breeze -- book a flight, book a room, done! We especially like that you can stick to a budget on an all-inclusive trip. All-inclusives mean you won't have to say "no" to the kids when they beg to go kayaking, play tennis, play in the game room, or even want seconds or refills at the restaurant. Fixed prices and amenities means your family can enjoy lobster every day of the trip, and as many trips down the water slide as you can before you prune up like the California Raisins family. All-inclusives pepper the shores of Mexico, Caribbean and Hawaii, as well as mountain resort areas in the U.S. like Vermont and upstate New York, so there is sure to be a resort within your price range. Check out our 10 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts for ideas.
Of all the all-inclusive resorts catering to families, the Franklyn D. in Jamaica is the only one that assigns your family a nanny for the duration of your visit. Included in the stay, your nanny will spend the daytime hours with the kids, cleaning, bringing the family meals and just making the vacation a true vacation for parents. A supervised kids' club, which welcomes infants through 16 (whereas most are for children 5 through 12) keeps kids entertained, while teens may enjoy the teen program complete with group trips away from their boring parents. Of course, there are multiple swimming pools, water sports and games on the beach, as well.
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