Ideas for Family Winter Break Vacations in California


Get the kids outside and moving during winter break with a trip to California. You can take a break from the winter cold by heading to temperate Southern California, or you could enjoy the snowy beauty of the Northern California mountains. Southern California has numerous theme parks and beaches that kids of all ages can enjoy. If your family enjoys outdoor sports, Lake Tahoe is a winter paradise.

Disneyland

  • You will have a memorable and fun time taking your kids to the "Happiest Place on Earth," as Disneyland is sometimes called. There are two parks: Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. You can purchase a "park hopper" ticket that will let you visit both parks the same day, but with so much fun to be had at each park, one day for each is well worth it.
    Disneyland
    Anaheim, CA 92802
    disneyland.disney.go.com

San Diego Zoo

  • San Diego's climate is perfect for the winter getaway. Kids will love exploring the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park. The zoo calendar updates often with special seasonal events, including sleepovers. Throughout the year, you can take special tours for a chance to experience the animals up close.
    San Diego Zoo
    2920 Zoo Drive
    San Diego, CA
    619-231-1515
    sandiegozoo.org

Legoland

  • Legoland California is a 128-acre park full of numerous sculptures made of Lego bricks and geared toward the imaginations of children ages 2 to 12. The park features more than 50 rides for the whole family, shows and fun educational attractions. It is located in Carlsbad, about a half-hour north of San Diego.
    Legoland California Resort
    1 Legoland Drive
    Carlsbad, CA
    760-918-5346
    legoland.com

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort

  • The Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is a winter getaway for all ages. You will find a fantastic array of 35 different shops and restaurants as well as a 9,000-square-foot skating rink. The resort is open year-round, though skiing on its 92 ski runs over 3,000 acres of pristine mountain terrain is available only during the winter.
    Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
    100 Northstar Drive
    Truckee, CA 96161
    1-800-466-6784
    northstarattahoe.com