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.

Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. Photo by Diana Kim

Affordable Winter Vacation Ideas Abroad

1. 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 $85 per night—yes, really!

More to Learn: See our tips for visiting Niagara Falls with kids, which includes info on both the US and Canada sides. 

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.

More to Learn: Our founder went to Belize and wrote up an awesome Belize family travel guide to help you plan your trip!

3. 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: Join the free Karisma Insiders program for deals at one of our favorite Punta Cana all-inclusives, Nickelodeon Punta Cana, including a kids stay free offer, a free room upgrade, and a spa discount. 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.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Want a vacay that blends city life with tropical vibes? Mexico City is your spot! It reaches the mid to high 70s in the winter, perfect for walking the city streets and exploring its awesome parks and playgrounds. Plus, prices are lower and crowds are thinner than in other seasons. Highlights for families include the Frida Kahlo Museum, Chapultepec Park (which has an awesome zoo, a children's museum, and a castle you can tour), boat rides through the canals of Xochimilco, and a day trip to the pyramids in Teotihuacan. 

Quick Hotel Pick: Rent a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment with one or two bathrooms for as little as under $120 per night in the winter through Nido Parque Mexico. 

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

5. 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. Rooms start at just around $150 per night in January and February. 

More to Learn: Check out our ultimate guide to visiting the Grand Canyon with kids for must-see viewpoints, kid-friendly activities, and other tips from a mom who's been there. 

6. 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. 

More to Learn: Our massive list of 59 family-friendly things to do in San Diego will keep your family more than busy!

7. 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.

More to Learn: Still don't believe that Vegas can be a family destination? Our roundup of 48 things to do in Las Vegas with kids will change your mind!

8. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Though Colorado Springs does get cold in the winter, its abundant sunshine 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!

More to Learn: Our travel editor, who lived there with her family for three years, shares the 35 best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids. 

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

9. 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. It also offers free hot breakfast and an outdoor pool. 

More to Learn: Read about some of the top attractions on Sanibel Island for families. 

10. 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.

More to Learn: Our list of the best things to do In Nashville with kids includes over 60 fun museums, outdoor adventures, hotels, restaurants, and attractions for families. 

11. 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.

More to Learn: Our three-day Atlanta itinerary by a local mom includes some of the top attractions to visit with kids. 

12. 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, free made-to-order breakfast, games for kids, and laundry facilities at a reasonable price. Plus, every room is a two-room suite!

More to Learn: The gorgeous photos and helpful info in our post all about Savannah will make you want to book a trip, stat!

13. 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.

More to Learn: Find out why you don't need to head to the east or west coast for a fantastic family beach vacation in our list of 25 things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with kids. 

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

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

14. 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 tree house. 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.

More to Learn: Learn even more fun things to do in San Antonio with kids in our handy guide to San Antonio, Texas. 

15. 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.

More to Learn: Our list of the 30 best things to do in Charleston with kids includes historical sites, outdoor fun, kid-friendly hotels and restaurants, and more. 

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

16. 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.

More to Learn: Seriously, there is so much to do in New Orleans with kids! Read all about them in our New Orleans travel guide. 

17. 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 rentals, 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 $150 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.

18. Oahu, Hawaii

OK, hear us out—we know Hawaii isn't at the top of the list for affordable travel. But, January and February are considered the shoulder season, when the rush of holiday travel has ended and spring break and summer travel hasn't yet begun. That means flights, hotel prices, and car rentals are cheaper, so you can find ones that fit your budget if you do your research. Once there you can have plenty of free fun, like visiting the gorgeous beaches and enjoying free cultural performances at malls and outdoor markets.

Quick Hotel Pick: The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki is a retro-meets-modern Hilton hotel just minutes away from several beaches, including Waikiki Beach. It has an outdoor pool, lofted bunk-bed rooms, free beach rentals and cruiser bikes, and poolside activities such as hula lessons. Prices start around $200 per night in the winter!

More to Learn: Our list of 30 things to do in Oahu with kids highlights the best beaches, hikes, attractions, and restaurants for families. 

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