Winter holidays with kids can mean very different things from one family to another: their first ski runs, a husky sleigh ride, meeting reindeer or discovering a European city illuminated for Christmas. Before asking “Where should we go with the kids this winter?”, there is a more useful question: what kind of experience is right for our family?
At ActivTours®, when we design a family winter holiday, we start with the children’s ages, the experiences you would like to share, the number of days available and the way you want to spend your time together. The destination comes after these answers.
If you are already thinking about the next winter season, we have also looked at when to book a winter holiday and why planning ahead can make a difference.
How to Choose the Right Winter Holidays with Kids
Age can significantly change the way a trip works. With a young child, a long transfer after a flight may matter more than fitting in one extra activity. School-age children may be ready for ski lessons and greater independence, while teenagers often appreciate active experiences and some freedom to follow their own interests.
One factor that is often overlooked is the amount of actual holiday time you have. Four nights with a direct flight and a 30-minute transfer can give a family more quality time together than five nights involving a connection, a late arrival and a long transfer.
That is why transport, hotel, activities and the pace of each day should be considered together.
6 Winter Holiday Ideas with Kids
There are many ways to experience winter. We have selected six types of holidays for different interests, ages and family rhythms.
1. Your First Family Ski Holiday
For a child’s first days on skis, the size of the ski area does not necessarily need to be the main criterion.
A good beginner area, the quality of the ski school, the distance between your hotel and the lesson meeting point, and the activities available away from the slopes can matter far more.
For a family discovering skiing for the first time, being close to the right facilities can be more valuable than having hundreds of kilometres of pistes available.
If skiing will be the focus of your trip, you can also explore our guide to choosing the right hotel, resort and pace for a ski holiday.
2. Lapland with Kids: When Winter Becomes the Experience
Husky and reindeer rides, Arctic landscapes and experiences associated with Santa make Lapland very different from a traditional mountain holiday. Under the right conditions, there is also the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.
Cold temperatures, suitable clothing and the amount of time children spend outdoors all influence the itinerary. Two well-chosen experiences may work better for a family than filling every hour from morning until evening.
In Lapland, free time in the itinerary can be just as valuable as the activities you include.
3. A Mountain Holiday Without Skiing Every Day
Sledging, walks through the snow, easy snowshoe trails, swimming or a family-friendly spa can all alternate with days on the slopes.
This works particularly well when family members have different interests. The hotel then becomes an important part of the experience through its location, restaurants, shared spaces and access to activities.
These are precisely the kinds of winter journeys found within AURORA, the ActivTours® collection dedicated to winter and mountain holidays.
4. Christmas in a European City
Vienna, Strasbourg, Prague or Nuremberg can combine Christmas markets with ice skating, local food, museums and experiences suitable for children.
When travelling with younger children, hotel location becomes especially important. Being able to return to your room easily for a break can be more valuable than additional facilities at a hotel far from the centre.
On a winter city break, sometimes the most useful luxury is the distance you do not have to travel.
5. Disneyland Paris in Winter: When the Experience Chooses the Destination
Sometimes children already know exactly what they want to do.
At Disneyland Paris, the hotel, flights, transfers and number of days can all be planned around the main experience, while taking into account the particular conditions of travelling during the colder season.
If you are considering this kind of trip, our guide to planning a theme park holiday with children looks in greater detail at the criteria worth considering.
6. A Three-Generation Winter Holiday
When children, parents and grandparents travel together, everyone does not need to follow the same schedule.
A well-chosen resort can allow part of the family to ski while others enjoy the spa or a winter walk, before coming together for shared experiences later in the day. Easy access, room configurations, distances and the variety of activities therefore become particularly important.
Skiing, Lapland or Christmas in a European City?
If being active and learning something new are priorities, a ski resort with good facilities for children is worth considering.
For an Arctic experience, Lapland offers a distinctive setting. If you want snow combined with a more varied programme, a mountain resort may work better. And if you prefer shorter, varied experiences, a European city during the Christmas season could be the right choice.
When your child already has a very clear wish, the entire journey can sometimes be designed around that experience.
The Right Hotel Can Transform a Family Holiday
The term “family-friendly” is only a starting point.
Family rooms can have very different layouts. Kids’ clubs may have age restrictions, while pools and spas may offer specific access times for children. On a ski holiday, the distance to the ski school, ski room facilities and actual access to the slopes also matter.
The value of a family hotel lies in the facilities you will genuinely use during your stay.
How ActivTours® Designs a Family Winter Holiday
Our process begins with a few essentials: your travel dates, the children’s ages, the number of days available, the experiences you would like and your indicative budget.
From there, we compare destinations, flight connections, hotels and experiences. Our recommendation might mean choosing a different resort, selecting a better-located hotel or even including one activity less so that the holiday has the right pace.
This is also the role of our Travel Concierge: to look at the journey as a whole and select the elements that work well together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Holidays with Kids
What are the best winter holidays with kids?
Ski holidays, Lapland, mountain resorts, European cities during the Christmas season and trips built around a special experience can all be excellent options. The right choice depends on the children’s ages, their interests and the pace your family prefers.
At what age can children go on a ski holiday?
There is no single ideal age. It depends on the child’s development, their interest in skiing and the conditions offered by the ski school. For beginners, good instructors and a suitable learning area are essential.
Is Lapland worth visiting with kids?
Yes. Lapland can be an excellent destination for children when their age, the daily schedule and the amount of time spent outdoors in cold conditions are considered from the beginning.
When should you book a family winter holiday?
There is no single deadline. Fixed travel dates, family-room availability, school holidays and experiences with limited capacity can all make early planning particularly valuable.
What Kind of Winter Will Your Children Remember?
Their first day on skis. A husky ride. The lights of a Christmas market. A day at Disneyland Paris. Or an unplanned afternoon watching the snow fall outside.
You do not need to have chosen the destination yet.
Tell us your preferred dates, the children’s ages, how many days you have, the experiences that appeal to you and your indicative budget. We can then select the destination, hotel, transport and experiences that work well together for your family.
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