A Guide to Family-Friendly Holiday Vacation Ideas

Summary: Whether seeking snowy adventures or magical holiday lights, families of all ages can enjoy memorable experiences together on a holiday vacation. Find the perfect destination for you, plus read our top tips on budgeting your trip to avoid post-holiday financial stress.

The holiday season is often one of the busiest times of the year. There are dinners to organize, gifts to purchase, places to be and people to see. It’s also a great time to get away with your kids, grandkids, or extended family. Here’s how to plan a trip that will keep everyone engaged, no matter their age, from toddlers to teens and beyond.

Best family holiday vacations for young children

Walt Disney World—Orlando, Florida

Summer is clearly the most popular time to visit Disney. But it may be hard to top the magic of winter at Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom when it is decked out in festive décor and holiday lights. There are special events for the season and you can enjoy the other Disney parks in a whole new way. And, your vacation can be both fun and educational. Learn about holiday traditions all around the world at Epcot Center or study animal habits in the Animal Kingdom. Plus, the average temperatures of 50-73 degrees will keep everyone cool and comfortable as you walk through the theme parks.

LEGOLAND—Multiple locations

LEGOLAND is a perfect vacation destination for kids aged 2-12. It features age-appropriate rides, interactive play zones and LEGO-themed shows. “Holidays at LEGOLAND” features seasonal decor, character meet-and-greets and festive LEGO-building activities during the holidays. There are three LEGOLANDs in the United States: Winter Haven, Florida; Carlsbad, California; and Goshen, New York.

Hershey Park—Hershey, Pennsylvania

From Nov. 10 to Jan. 1, Hershey Park Christmas Candylane is a unique vacation idea that everyone in your family will enjoy. Admission includes holiday rides, festive lights, entertainment, and a meet and greet with Santa and his reindeer. They also offer light shows, cookie workshops and ice skating on Rudolph’s Pond. With plenty of activities, places to stay and dining options, Hershey Park is a family-friendly idea for more than just chocolate lovers.

Sesame Place—Langhorne, Pennsylvania

All Sesame Street’s popular characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster come to life at Sesame Place, a perfect vacation destination if you have younger grandchildren. The park’s “A Very Furry Christmas” features parades, themed rides and musical shows.

Best family holiday vacations for teens

Ozark Mountains—Branson, Missouri

Visit the heart of the Ozark Mountains for old-fashioned family fun this year. Branson offers tons of entertainment and activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including teens. Stop by Silver Dollar City, where 5 million lights decorate the streets, or drive through one of the town’s three drive-through light displays. If light shows aren’t your thing, Branson offers live music performances, plenty of shopping and roller coasters.

Universal Orlando Resort—Orlando, Florida

While younger children may enjoy Disneyland, older kids and teens may prefer nearby Universal Studios. The park includes thrilling rides based on blockbuster movies and franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Marvel. During the holidays, the park holds special events like “Holidays at Hogwarts” and “Grinchmas.”

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center—Nashville, Tennessee

The holidays are one of the busiest times of year at this resort, and for good reason. The hotel is covered in lights, offers many dining options and is in a prime location outside of Nashville. Visitors can play in an indoor winter wonderland called ICE!, see the Cirque Dreams Holidaze performance, board a holiday cruise or catch a concert at the Grand Ole Opry. You can create a new family tradition with your children and grandchildren with this charming country Christmas destination.

Skiing—Park City, Utah

Teens will love the thrilling outdoor adventures they’ll find at Park City, Utah, such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowmobiling. Those who don’t know how to ski can take lessons. Parents can also enjoy the city’s trendy shops and cozy eateries in downtown Park City.

Tips on budgeting for holiday family vacations

To avoid post-vacation stress, make sure you don’t overspend your budget. Here are some key tips on budgeting for your family vacation.

1. Book early and use alerts – Holiday travel prices can spike quickly. Use fare-alert tools like Google Flights and Hopper to track the cost of flights and hotels so you can get the best deal. Booking months in advance can save you money.
2. Consider off-peak days – Many people start their vacations on Friday or Saturday, so it’s understandable that travel costs can be higher on those days. If your schedule has some flexibility, try traveling mid-week to save money on flights and accommodations. Try to avoid peak travel days like December 23, 26 and January 1.
3. Bundle and save–Look for packaged deals that include lodging, event tickets, and meals. Sites like Expedia, AAA Travel, and Costco Travel offer family vacation bundles to places like Disney and all-inclusive resorts.
4. Look for free or low-cost holiday activities – During the holidays, many destinations offer free events the whole family can enjoy, such as parades, festivals, light displays and live music.
5. Pack smart and bring snacks – You can avoid spending too much on overpriced snacks at the airport or on a road trip by bringing your own healthy snacks with extra protein. Pack clothes for all types of weather to avoid last-minute shopping.
6. Use credit card reward points – Several credit cards enable you to earn points you can use to save money on flights, hotels or other travel costs. These are handy to have, as long as you are diligent about paying them off every month.

Planning your trip

If you like these family holiday vacation ideas for your family, start planning today. Remember, it is important to have a plan and a budget, whether you are a family of two or 20. So, check out these articles on planning a road trip and budgeting for your vacation to help you get started. Enjoying magical memories on a family holiday vacation will last much longer than this season’s hottest toy.

FAQs

Q1: What are the best family holiday vacation ideas?

The best family holiday vacation ideas combine engaging activities for all ages and opportunities for everyone to relax and bond with each other. Whether riding Space Mountain at Disneyland, stepping into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort or ice skating at Hershey Park, the key is choosing a destination that caters to all age groups. A great family holiday vacation allows for creating lasting memories without the stress of packed schedules or other challenges.

Q2: When is the best time to book a family holiday vacation?

The best time to book a family holiday vacation is three to six months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or Easter. Booking early may help you secure better prices on flights, accommodations and attractions. For the best deals, consider starting your trip mid-week.

Q3: Are all-inclusive resorts good for family vacations?

Yes, all-inclusive resorts can be excellent for family vacations, especially during the busy holiday season. Resorts bundle accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment into one upfront price, making it easier to stick to a budget. They’re especially convenient for families looking to relax and maximize quality time together. Many all-inclusive resorts offer kid-friendly amenities like pools, water parks, kids’ clubs and teen lounges. While the kids enjoy themselves, parents can take advantage of spa services, adult-only areas and group excursions.

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