Regardless of where you live within the US, most kids get some sort of winter break in the early part of the year. My kids get both a February and April vacation, which is a great way to escape our winter weather with a warm winter vacation. Some kids also get a longer break around the holidays.
If you are looking to escape the cold this upcoming season, here are some ideas for warm weather vacations. Each link leads to a warm weather family vacations post written by another family travel blogger or by us, so you’ll get lots of great information that you’ll need before planning your trip.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.
Tips and Ideas for Warm Winter Vacations
Warm Weather Vacations in Florida
Florida is filled with wonderful vacation destinations for families, and offers things like warm winter weather, scuba diving, palm trees, and lots of water sports. If you live on the East Coast, it can be very easy to get to Florida.
Not all of Florida is hot during the winter, but late February and March can definitely be warm. For the warmest weather and water, head south. For instance, Captiva, Sanibel, and Marco Islands are all kid-friendly, as are the Florida Keys, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
If you want to do water sports or enjoy swimming in the water, definitely look at the weather averages before planning a trip during the winter.
We’ve been to Clearwater Beach in February during our kids winter vacation, and while it wasn’t very hot, it was still so much warmer than the weather in the Northeast. The white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast are fabulous vacation destinations for kids.
Check out these posts below for some of the best warm winter vacations for families in Florida.
Kid-Friendly North Captiva Island
Shells, Serenity, and Sanctuary on Sanibel Island
Family Fun in the Florida Keys
Marco Beach Ocean Resort Review
Things to Do in Clearwater FL with Kids
Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids
A Review of the JW Marriott Turnberry Miami Resort
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona is a nice warm spot to escape the cold. It’s a great destination for a March warm weather vacation, because you can enjoy spring training with the Cactus League. We’ve been to the greater Phoenix area several times and have enjoyed each visit.
The one thing Phoenix doesn’t have is beaches. Many of the resorts have gorgeous pools, but if you want to dip your toes in the ocean, you’ll want to visit elsewhere.
Family Things to Do in Chandler, Arizona
Family Things to Do in Tempe, Arizona
5 Tips to Enjoy Spring Training in Phoenix
California Family Vacations
Last year, we visited San Diego, California during winter break. The weather wasn’t hot, but we were still able to wear shorts and capris. Here are some posts to help you plan your winter warm family vacation in San Diego.
Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo
If you’d like to visit a theme park during your California family vacation, you may consider flying into Los Angeles, and visiting Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Universal Hollywood.
Texas
Like Florida, Texas isn’t necessary hot in the winter. But it’s usually warmer than the Northeast, so it can be a nice escape from the cold. Texas is filled with several great family vacation destinations, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.
Why Texas Should Be Your Winter Getaway Spot
Visiting the San Antonio Riverwalk
Things to Do in San Antonio With Kids
Puerto Rico Vacation Ideas
Several years ago, we visited Puerto Rico over February vacation. It’s such a great spot for a warm winter vacation, but it’s not too far away, and you won’t need a US passport if flying from the US. We were able to fly direct from Boston, and it was so convenient.
Snorkeling and Ziplining in Puerto Rico
10 Best Things to Do With Kids in Puerto Rico
Review of the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico
Hawaii
To paraphrase a famous saying, Hawaii is always a good idea. There are so many different things to see and do – so make sure you do your research in advance. From the east coast, it’s a long flight, so you may want to stay for a while to justify the length of the flight.
Family Vacation in Hawaii: Affordable Ideas on The Big Island
Kauai With Kids: Family-Friendly Hotels
North shore of Kauai with Babies and Toddlers
The Caribbean
I always love traveling to the Caribbean. Each island so different, with so many choices for activities, lodging, and dining. From Boston, it can be pretty convenient to get there too, with plenty of direct flights.
This past winter, we visited Beaches Turks and Caicos, an all-inclusive resort with lots of delicious restaurants, a water park, gorgeous turquoise water, and many activities. It was one of our favorite vacations.
Here are a few options. Keep in mind that the winter months are peak season, so prices may be a bit higher.
Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas in Turks and Caicos
Things to Do in Turks & Caicos With Kids
The West Bay Club Turks & Caicos
10 Reasons to Consider a Family Vacation to Beaches
Atlantis Bahamas Resort With Kids
Taking a Family Cruise
I’m a huge fan of cruising, and there are a lot of ships, routes, and ports. If you are looking for warm weather, you’ll probably want to take a cruise to the Caribbean.
Here are a few options.
Disney Fantasy Western Caribbean Itinerary
Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships
Tips for Traveling on the Disney Cruise Line
Other Ideas for Warm Winter Vacations
Here are a few other locations that may be perfect for your winter family getaway.
Bora Bora (Look at these photos and you’ll be on the next flight)
Cancun, Mexico With Kids (visit the Mayan Ruins while you are there)
Beyond the Resorts & Beaches…Experiencing The Real Cancun
Snorkeling with Sharks and Stingrays in Moorea
Paradise Found at South Sea Island Fiji
Mother Nature Calls in Costa Rica
Do your kids get a winter vacation?
Harmony, Momma To Go
Wednesday 21st of December 2016
Love this! Heading to sw Florida this winter so will check out those posts