25 best family vacations this winter

Head to the shores of Lake Huron for a quintessential Canadian experience complete with snowshoeing, tobogganing and camping. Yes, camping! This provincial park (the yurt capital of Ontario), offers 16 heated yurts decked out with lighting, beds and can accommodate up to six people. Ward off winter’s chill, cozying up beside outdoor fire pits or skating along paths that wind through the woods and are romantically lit at night.

More: www.ontarioparks.com

If you’re looking for a resort town that hasn’t lost its authenticity and is flush with family-friendly accommodation, consider Canmore. Benefiting from being on Banff National Park’s doorstep, the un-touristy town offers easily accessible activities for families. Stroll down main street, popping into toy and candy shops, or skate circles around one another at the picturesque, outdoor ice rink. Budget time to glide through the woods at the Canmore Nordic Centre or drive 20 minutes in either direction for world-class downhill skiing.

More: tourismcanmore.com

Charleston: The name conjures up historic plantations, the civil war and mint juleps. But this antebellum city, famed for its southern hospitality, is also a perfect spot for families who like beach combing, historic forts and animal encounters. Embark on a journey through the Charleston area, by having the kids join the Charleston Explorers Club, scouting attractions, collecting souvenir stamps and logging secret codes, turning your visit into a prize-winning vacation.

More: charlestoncvb.com

The kids will be tickled pink at the prospect of building sandcastles with the island’s legendary pink sand. This jewel in the Atlantic boasts blissful temperatures, crystal-clear water and sheltered coves where wee-ones frolic safely. Check out the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute for hands-on aquatic activities, or pack it all in at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

Bonus: You can wear Bermuda shorts here and not look frumpy!

More: gotobermuda.com

Looking for an escape from flashy theme parks and expensive excursions? You’ll find it at this gem of a beach town, along the Gulf of Mexico. The big draw here is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter, the dolphin without a tail who catapulted to stardom in the movie, A Dolphin Tale. This working animal rescue center, lets families get up close and personal with all kinds of marine life, through animal interactions and behind the scenes tours.

More: visitclearwaterflorida.com

Looking for European ambiance without transatlantic costs? One of the Laurentians' highest peaks, Mont Tremblant is a charming, pedestrian-only village, packed with pretty patisseries, bistros and hotels flanking quaint cobblestone streets. The hill has close to 100 runs, making families perfectly positioned to hit the slopes or spend their days soaking up the festive, old-world atmosphere. Bon voyage!

More: tremblant.ca

With three massive resorts, just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, families are spoilt for choice at this winter wonderland. Boarders can shred the slopes hoping to catch up to the Park City All-Stars, an elite group of freeriders that tear up the terrain park and pipe everyday. Not a powder hound? Snuggle up on a horse drawn sleigh ride, hit the outlet mall or wander historic Main Street, home to hundreds of shops and family-friendly restaurants.

More: visitparkcity.com

With a world famous aquarium and Safari Park, miles of golden beaches, and the best Mexican food in all the US, it’s easy to see why families looking to soak up a SoCal experience, make a bee-line for this border town. Teens can act confidently cool inline skating along Mission Bay, while the younger set burn off their energy at LEGOLAND.

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If your family is serious about winter sports, then Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski area on the continent, is your Mecca. The mega mountain runs excellent ski and snowboard programs, and childcare is available for 18 months and older. Pooped powder-seekers can rest their legs with an exhilarating slide down the mountain at the Tube Park.

More: whisterblackcomb.com

Famed for its golf and shopping, this sunny city is also home to one of the top five zoos for kids in the US. Active families can hike along several kid-friendly trails in the McDowell Mountains, or get their fill of exotic cacti at Desert Botanical Garden. Tweens will ogle the Taylor Swift exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum or check out the Phoenix Children’s Museum for interactive exhibits.

More: arizonaguide.com

Sitting at 8,793 feet above sea level, it’s easy for families to get their Rocky Mountain high on, at one of the most picturesque ski towns in North America. With wide, well-groomed trails, the relatively uncrowded ski resort offers a good mix of green, blue and black diamond runs. Tom Cruise has a chalet here, so your kids might run into Suri on the slopes. Don’t forget to tell Dad, Colorado boasts more craft breweries per capita than any other state.

More: colorado.com

This cultural community is an ideal spot for a laid back, city retreat. Families can spend an entire day in the 5,000-square-foot interactive children’s museum or saddle up and explore the surrounding mountain valleys on a Llama trek; where kids lead their own llamas, helping feed and groom the animal. Bond through a GPS mountain treasure hunt, or take it easy on a gentle hike through the preserved property of artist Randall Davey.

More: santafe.org

If ever there was a time to head down under, winter (or summer depending on how you look at it), is the perfect season. Animal lovers can cuddle with a koala at Australia Zoo or make like Nemo, cruising down the EAC towards Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef in the world, is home to some 1500 species of marine fish and 30 species of whales and dolphins. Beware — once you’ve been bit by the magic of Oz, you’re sure to boomerang back.

More: australia.com