If your kids are one of the lucky few that have mid-winter break, or Presidents week, off from school, you might be struggling to find something great to do during that break. February may seem like kind of a strange time to take a vacation, but there are tons of destinations that are absolutely perfect for a February trip!
Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches and sunshine or cozying up in a snowy wonderland, we’ve got the lowdown on the best spots to make those family memories. So, grab a cup of cocoa or your favorite tropical drink, and let’s dive into this guide to mid-winter family getaways!
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Costa Rica
February marks the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, which makes it an excellent time to visit and bask in the warmth while many regions are still gripped by winter chill. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Another plus- humpback whales return to Costa Rica in February, so it is an excellent time for whale watching.
Costa Rica is is an easy trips for US families, with flight times just over 3 hours from Texas or Florida. It’s on Central Time, so if you are coming from anywhere in the US, the time change is easy. That means no major jetlag, messed up naptimes, extremely early wakeups on vacation, or when you get home. And while you certainly can practice your Spanish while visiting Costa Rica, there are tons of English speakers throughout Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is also dream come true for many kids, with sunny beaches, tons of unique animals, and so many active, kid-friendly activities, such as ziplines, off-roading, kayaking, swimming in hot springs, nighttime jungle walks, and guided walks to find as animals as possible.
Ready to start planning your trip to Costa Rica? Check out our 7-day itinerary here!
Phoenix
For most of the US, February still feels like the middle of winter. But in Phoenix February marks the beginning of its transition from winter to spring. And that means perfect temperatures with TONS of sun for outdoor activities of all kinds, including tons outdoor activities that just can’t be done when temperatures rise later in the spring and summer.
Phoenix is can be a budget friendly destination with tons of things to do for families. Plus, for many US families, its just a quick flight away. Mid-winter break is the perfect time to explore the hiking scenic trails in the surrounding mountains and exploring the Desert Botanical Garden. You’ll also want to check out the Phoenix Zoo, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Legoland Discovery Center, and the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.
If you and your family love swimming, you’ll LOVE the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort with its 2.5 acre water playground including a waterslide, a sandy beach and more!
Disney World
Disney World is the ultimate kids vacation. With the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pandora – the world of Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON, and many others, Disney is becoming more adult-friendly as well, making Disney World a vacation the whole family can enjoy.
Both Disneyland and Disney World are great mid-winter break destinations, but Disney World wins on weather in February. Average highs in Orlando are around 75°F in February, and rain is less common that time of year. Although Anaheim is overall less rainy than Orlando, February is it’s rainiest month, and average highs are under 70°F.
Because mid-winter break is fairly uncommon, Disney Parks see fewer visitors in February than most school breaks. That means shorter ride wait times, and potentially even lower prices and more deals to be found.
But on the flip side, Disney tends to do more ride maintenance during the ‘off’ season, so make sure to check the website here to see which rides are scheduled to be refurbished during your visit. Remember that Disney doesn’t typically announce refurbishments many months in advance, but Disney blogs like this one may have a pretty good guess.
Pro Tip: Make sure you book Disney World at least 60 days in advance so that you can make dining reservations right when the reservation window opens. Consider booking with a Disney travel agency like Get Away Today– they can really help simplify the otherwise confusing process and get you set up!
Ski Vacation
A ski vacation offers something for every member of the family, from the youngest snow bunnies to seasoned ski enthusiasts. Many ski resorts offer high-quality ski schools for children, providing professional instruction in a safe and fun environment. Kids can learn to navigate the slopes, gaining confidence in their abilities while parents enjoy some quality time on more challenging runs or relaxing at the lodge.
While skiing is the main attraction, ski resorts offer a plethora of winter activities beyond the slopes. Families can indulge in snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, and even cozy evenings spent by the fire, sipping hot cocoa.
February stands out as an optimal time for a family ski vacation because of the typically excellent skiing conditions. By this time of the winter season, many ski resorts have accumulated a solid base of snow, providing a reliable and enjoyable skiing experience.
There are tons of great North American Ski Resorts for families. For us, accessibility and kid-friendly features are super important. Our favorites are close to an airport, and great ski school programs for kids and adults, plus other kid-friendly amenities!
Park City Mountain Resort
Utah skiing is hard to beat. The dry climate and high elevation means dry, fluffy snow, making a really great skiing experience. The resort has high quality ski lessons for all ages, rentals, and childcare for children too young (or uninterested) in skiing or snowboarding. Aside from skiing, there is ziplining, a mountain coaster, sleigh rides, and tons more. And getting to the resort is easy- just a 40 minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport.
We love the Marriott’s Mountainside because of its ideal ski in/ski out location, and easy walking distance to Park City’s numerous activities, shopping, and dining options. Plus is has year-round heated pool, and tons of kid-friendly amenities.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat is a super family friendly town and resort, with all the wonderful kid-friendly amenities you are looking for like high quality ski schools, childcare, rentals. The town is oh-so charming and lots to do when you aren’t skiing, like soaking in a natural hot springs, snow tubing, horse back riding, lots of evening events, and campfires galore.
We love the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas for families because its ski in/ski out, has larger suites and rooms for families to spread out, an outdoor heated pool, and a game room.
Big Sky Resort Montana
Big Sky is famous for having the most vertical feet of skiing in the county, and for being less crowded than many of the other big players. But Big Sky is just as well equipped. They have a great ski school program for all ages plus day care younger kids. Even though temperatures in Montana can be cold, Big Sky Resort has you covered, literally. Several of the lifts have a ‘bubble’ and heated seats to keep you warm on the way up! And if you get tired of skiing, check out some of the other great area activities, like dog-sledding, snowshoeing, exploring the enchanted forest, or even a snowcoach ride through Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky is easy to get to – just an hour drive from the Bozeman Airport.
The Huntley Lodge is the perfect ski in ski out hotel for families. Its located right in the middle of the action, has a year-round pool and hot tubs, and they just make things easier for families!
Norway
For adventurous families yearning for a winter wonderland experience, Norway is an enchanting mid-winter break destination. One of the primary reasons families choose Norway for their February getaway is the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis- a once in a lifetime experience for many!
2024 is expected to be a big year for aurora borealis. Experts are reassessing their predictions and now expect to hit Solar Maximum sometime in 2024, so if this is a trip you’ve been wanting to take, this might be your year!
Northern lights aren’t the only reason to visit Norway, however. Your family will also enjoy tons of wintery experiences such as cross country skiing, dog sledding, and ice fishing. Plus Norwegian cities are beautiful and charming, with delicious and interesting food, beautiful sightseeing of fjords, rivers, and mountains, amazing museums such as the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.
Looking for a unique experience? Take the overnight train from train from Bergen to Oslo. The sleeper cars and comfortable and clean, and, if you can manage to stay awake, the views, as the train makes its way over the mountains and across the county, are incredible. Even if you can’t, the train is a fun and interesting way to get across the country.
The Caribbean
While the allure of a winter wonderland beckons some families, others have had quite enough winter and prefer to bask in the sun-drenched warmth of a tropical paradise during the winter months. The Caribbean, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, emerges as an enticing destination for families ready to get an early start on spring!
The Caribbean has so many great options for families with kids no matter what you love to do! But we have a couple of favorites that we think you and your family will love!
Grace Point Resort and Spa, Turks and Caicos
Grace Point Beach, consistently ranked one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world, has 3 miles of powdery white sand, and calm, pristine, turquoise waters perfect for young children. Head out into the water, and you’ll find healthy reefs filled with tropical fish, rays, and green and hawksbill turtles. A vacation hear is a dream come true for any beachy family.
Grace Point Resort and Spa is a smaller resort, but with all the amenities you want to make your family vacation easy breezy. There are 2 on-site restaurants, and beautiful pool. We love the smaller size, which makes it feel uncrowded and a little extra special.
If you are using points and miles to book, we love that Grace Point Resort is a part of Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels of the World Program, making it bookable with Hyatt points!
Kimpton Seafire, Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is famous for its beautiful seven mile beach with white, powdery sand and clear, turquoise water. Many areas of the beach are swimmable, and with fantastic snorkeling. Wildlife enthusiast will love searching for rays, dolphins, sea turtles, iguanas, and tropical birds on the island.
Kimpton Seafire is perfectly located on seven mile beach and has all of the amenities you and your family need, including 4 restaurants, a huge pool and splashpad, water sports toys including kayaks, standing paddle boards, water tricycle, floating rafts, and sail boats, and an excellent kids club for ages 5-12.
If you are booking with points and miles, Kimpton Seafire is part of IHG’s program and can be booked for around 70,000 points/night.