Best Places to Travel with Kids in January
The holidays have come and gone. Everyone in the house is back to work and school. Already you’re starting to hear an “I’m bored” here and there (now that the novelty of holiday gifts has worn off), so now is the time for a getaway. Here are 10 of the best places to visit with kids in January. Have fun. 🙂
New Orleans
Head to New Orleans to ride on a streetcar for a look at antebellum mansions and historic monuments before learning to cook with insects at the Insectarium. Explore the history of Mardi Gras at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. As a bonus, you’ll get a free slice of King Cake. Yum.
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
Home to fantastic ski resorts, like Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, there’s a lot for snow lovers in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. There’s even a Snow Days road trip itinerary to help you make the most of a long weekend in the region. And, don’t forget to sign your 4th or 5th grader up for a Snowpass.
Miami
I love South Florida, especially in January. Once the holidays are over and there’s nothing left to do but wait for snow (then shovel snow), I love to head south and Miami is a great place for a getaway with kids. Explore sea life at the Miami Seaquarium or go on a safari at Jungle Island. Plus, there’s the beach. 🙂
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs just this week saw more than two feet of snow, making it an ideal time to head out for skiing, snow tubing and snowboading. Even better, thanks to direct flights from a dozen cities, including Atlanta and San Diego, you and the kids can reach the slopes more quickly than ever.
Puerto Rico
While airfares are relatively low, hop a flight to historic San Juan in Puerto Rico. Pay a visit to the old forts, including Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Try a 45-minuted guided Segway tour around town or simply wander the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan’s pastel colonial neighborhoods.
Austin, TX
There’s a lot to do in Austin and the weather should be perfectly pleasant in January. Wander the Cathedral of Junk, take a pedicab tour of the murals around town or take a dip at Barton Springs, which is always a delightful 68 degrees. Climb Mt. Bonnell at sunset for 360 degree views of downtown.
Quebec City
We loved exploring Quebec City over the summer, but a getaway in January can be just as fun. That’s when the Hotel de Glace opens back up for the season. Each year, this ice hotel is re-created, enabling the curious to snuggle into a Nordic sleeping bag for the night. During the day, enjoy ice skating and dog sledding.
Belize
For eco-adventures, Belize is the place to go. The Lodge at Chaa Creek offers an all-inclusive Eco-Kids Rainforest Adventure that your kids won’t soon forget. Children will learn all about the tropical rainforest, explore Maya temples and canoe on the Macal River to meet a local family in the village of Christo Rey.
Long Beach, CA
Just south of Los Angeles and west of Disneyland, you won’t want to overlook Long Beach as a must-visit destination to spend time as a family. From whale watching to renting bikes to splashing on the beaches, there are a lot of things to do in this Southern California town. Book a stay at the Queen Mary. It’s a must.
Iceland
It’s so deliciously cheap to fly to Iceland, especially if you can book a flight to Reykjavik with WOW. Take a trip around the Golden Circle, making stops for geysers, waterfalls and volcanic craters, and of course, enjoy a soak in the famed Blue Lagoon. As a bonus, there’s no better time to seek out the Northern Lights.
