Note: All of the destinations on this list (except for the international ones) offer many hotel options that cost around $100 to $250 per night. We've included one affordable family hotel pick for each US destination that fits within that price range.

Atlantis offers plenty of warm-weather fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy of the resort

Affordable Winter Vacation Ideas Abroad

1. Paradise Island, Bahamas

Atlantis, the sprawling Bahamas resort packed with family activities, isn't exactly what we'd call affordable. But if you stay at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island (just a five-minute walk away), you'll get full access to Atlantis and its amazing amenities, including Aquaventure Water Park and the world's largest open-air marine habitat with more than 250 species of animals. Mid-week rates in January and February average around $250 per night. That's a whole lot of fun for a steal!

2. Belize 

While Belize is a Central American country, it's often grouped in with the Caribbean nations due to its former ties as a British colony. It's also the only English-speaking Central American country. Belize is rich in history, and the Mayan ruins are a must-see. Beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and easy-to-spot native animals make Belize a fantastic destination for families. The average temperature is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, which also doesn't see as much rainfall.

Quick Hotel Pick: VRBO villas and cottages are the way to go if you're looking for an affordable family vacation in Belize, where you can also save money by preparing your own meals.

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Hotels Where Kids Stay Free

Cruises are so much fun, you may not want to leave the ship. Photo by Mommy Poppins

3. Cruises

Cruising out of Florida, Los Angeles, or Galveston, Texas will net you surprisingly affordable cruise options, even during school breaks. East-coast cruises go to the Bahamas, Jamaica, cruise-line private islands, and Central America. Texas and Los Angeles cruises typically sail to Mexican destinations. Cruise ships alone have so much to do onboard, you almost won't even need the offshore excursions.

4. Niagara Falls, Canada

While Niagara Falls isn't a warm destination, going in the winter certainly has its benefits: it's one of the most affordable vacation spots on this list. There's also plenty to do besides visiting the Falls itself, including an indoor water park, Ripley's Believe It or Not, an indoor aviary, and a bustling arcade. Toronto is just over an hour away and boasts a long list of its own attractions.

Quick Hotel Pick: The Skyline Hotel is a popular choice for families. Located just steps from the Falls, it features a three-acre indoor water park, an on-site restaurant, and a variety of rooms and suites starting at less than $60 per night—yes, really!

Sip on a piña colada by the pool while the kids run free at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is an extremely popular warm-weather vacation spot due to its miles and miles of gorgeous beaches and its welcoming vibe. The sheer number of fantastic all-inclusive resorts means they must offer competitive rates to attract families.

Quick Hotel Picks: One of our favorite Punta Cana all-inclusives, Nickelodeon Punta Cana, is offering up to 50% off winter stays if you book by November 18, 2024 (so hurry!). At Club Med Punta Cana, another favorite, kids under 4 stay free, while those ages 4-11 get up to 50% off and ages 12-15 stay for up to 20% off.

RELATED: 45 Fun Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona with Kids

There's nothing like seeing the Grand Canyon in person. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

Affordable Winter Vacation Ideas On The West Coast

6. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is very affordable and offers so many ways for families to enjoy this wonder of nature. There's traditional camping, which won't run you much in terms of cost, or glamping in an RV or cabin. There are luxurious resorts as well, and they're surprisingly inexpensive. Families with older children can traverse the canyon on horseback or mule. There are also endless hiking opportunities and spectacular views.

Quick Hotel Pick: The Grand Hotel, located just one mile from the Grand Canyon's south entrance, features an indoor heated swimming pool with a spa. Its rustic vibe and lobby fireplace will give you all the cozy feels.

7. San Diego, California

San Diego is home to SeaWorld, Sesame Place, Legoland, and one of the best zoos in the United States, the San Diego Zoo. There are so many kid-friendly museums, such as the Fleet Science Center and the New Children's Museum. Families can also explore beautiful parks like Balboa Park, not to mention all of the gorgeous beaches. 

Quick Hotel Pick: The Dana on Mission Bay is close to SeaWorld and features multiple swimming pools, lawn games, water sports, and more. It has also done away with its resort fees, making it a budget-friendly choice for families. 

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

With tons of kid-friendly museums and shows, theme parks and arcades, and delicious restaurants, Las Vegas isn't just for adults. It's also one of the most affordable winter vacation ideas on this list, with hotels starting at just around $50 a night—even in February, when many school districts have winter recess. Vegas is very hot, making it a nice reprieve from Old Man Winter, but you can cool off in the awesome hotel pools. 

Quick Hotel Pick: Despite being one of the most affordable hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, Circus Circus is packed with activities for kids, including a five-acre indoor amusement park called the Adventuredome, a splash zone and pool with water slides, and free circus acts.

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Though Colorado Springs does get cold in the winter, its abundant sunshine—about 300 sunny days per year—and high altitude make it feel much warmer. While there are loads of great museums and a fantastic zoo, there are also plenty of free things to do in Colorado Springs, from gorgeous mountain hikes to fun parks and playgrounds to a free tour of the US Air Force Academy. And at the Penny Arcade in nearby Manitou Springs, you can play games that cost as little as, yes—a penny!

Quick Hotel Pick: The family-owned Academy Hotel Colorado Springs offers free breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and on-site dining—all starting at less than $100 per night in the winter!

RELATED: Best Florida Beach Vacations for Families

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are the perfect places to hunt for seashells. Photo by Mandy Mitchell

Affordable Winter Vacation Ideas in the South

10. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

What makes these gorgeous Gulf Coast islands so affordable is their multitude of free and cheap activities for families, like hiking, biking, and swimming and lounging on the beaches. The biggest draw for kids, though (and what the islands are famous for) is the shelling. Hundreds of thousands of seashells wash up on the shores daily, and families can spend entire days collecting these gems.

Quick Hotel Pick: The affordable Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway is a one-minute walk to a trolley stop that will take you to the beach and other nearby attractions. 

11. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital of country music, but there's so much more to see and do besides the Grand Ol' Opry. The Tennessee Central Railway Museum lets visitors ride a vintage train. The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is an interactive children's museum with water features, pretend shops, and more. And hockey fans can check out a Nashville Predators game at Bridgestone Arena.

Quick Hotel Pick: Holston House Nashville is a downtown Hyatt property with a rooftop pool, an on-site restaurant, and a luxurious feel despite its low price.

12. Atlanta, Georgia

This southern city is home to lots of kid-friendly attractions, including Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Children's Museum of Atlanta. There are also plenty of fun winter activities, including ice skating and gorgeous winter hikes.

Quick Hotel Pick: Rooms at the Courtland Grand Hotel near downtown Atlanta, which boasts a pool and an oversize Jacuzzi beneath a retractable roof, start at less than $100 per night in the winter.

13. Savannah, Georgia

With average high temperatures in the 60s and fewer crowds, winter is a great time to explore Savannah. The Savannah Children's Museum is completely outdoors, with exhibits including a maze and a sensory garden. Older kids will love going on a ghost tour, and Tybee Island is only a 20-minute drive if you crave some beach time.

Quick Hotel Pick: Centrally located in Savannah's historic district (about half a mile from the riverfront), Embassy Suites by Hilton Savannah features outdoor pools, a restaurant, games for kids, and laundry facilities. Plus, every room is a two-room suite!

14. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

This beach area along Alabama's Gulf Coast is one of the most affordable winter vacation ideas on this list, with hotel rooms often costing less than $150 a night. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, winter is the perfect time to visit. The beach and Wharf shouldn't be missed, especially the large Ferris wheel. There are lots of water sports to enjoy on warmer days, as well as hiking, fishing, arcades, and more.

Quick Hotel Pick: The one-bedroom suites at the beachfront Phoenix All Suites Hotel and Phoenix All Suites Hotel West include fun bunk beds for kids and gorgeous balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There's also an outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, an on-site laundry room, and covered parking.

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

Make a splash at San Antonio's Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

15. San Antonio, Texas

There are so many fun things to do with kids in San Antonio, including a fantastic children's museum with an ADA-accessible treehouse. Brackenridge Park is home to the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, and a miniature train ride. There are also lots of theme parks, such as Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort, and SeaWorld San Antonio.

Quick Hotel Pick: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk Downtown, located in the heart of the city, includes free made-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening reception that make it extra affordable for families.

16. Charleston, South Carolina

While this charming southern city has a great aquarium and children's museum, its historic Revolutionary War past shouldn't be missed. Visit Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon for a one-of-a-kind look at US history, including a dungeon where Revolutionary War prisoners were held. Seafarers can also go for a pirate cruise along South Carolina rivers.

Quick Hotel Pick: Stay at the trendy Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District and enjoy free breakfast and an indoor pool. Bonus: It's just blocks away from the children's museum and the Charleston Museum.

There is so much to see in the famed French Quarter. Photo courtesy of French Quartour Kids

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

Similar to Las Vegas, New Orleans isn't a locale people usually think of when it comes to family vacations, but steer clear of Bourbon Street and you'll find a city full of culture, fun, and family-friendly destinations. There is a gorgeous aquarium with a walk-through tunnel, an insectarium, the Audubon Zoo, and a nature center. Check out the French Quarter for culture, dining, and music.

Quick Hotel Pick: Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River, Hilton New Orleans Riverside is located just a few blocks from the aquarium and the French Quarter (and on a streetcar line), as well as epic shopping at Riverwalk.

18. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island has some of the best beaches in Texas, all featuring buttery soft, white sand. While it's a popular spring break spot for the college crowd, South Padre Island is perfect for families any other time of year. Winter is very mild and makes for perfect hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing weather. There are multiple beachfront resorts and vacation rental properties, as well as campgrounds on both the north and south ends of the island, making South Padre Island one of the most affordable winter beach vacations for families.

Quick Hotel Pick: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front starts at less than $100 per night and boasts three pools, a gaming lounge and activity center, poolside movies, and family activities. Kids 19 and under stay free, which means they don't have to pay the hotel's amenity fee to enjoy these activities.

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