winter travel memories

Winter Family Bucket List: 50+ Activities to Have the Best Winter!

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Winter is such a magical season. There’s the holiday season, New Years, and opportunities for snowy winter wonderlands. Ideal for creating your family’s winter bucket lists, to make sure you take advantage of capturing and creating those special memories with loved ones.

Plus it’s a great chance to avoid being cooped up in the house. Take time out from your busy schedule to focus your attention on what’s important for you; spending time with family and friends, and celebrating the beauty of the winter season indoors and out.

We’ve got over 50 fun ideas for Winter Bucket List activities for winter travel, kids, Christmas, the outdoors and more. Plus grab your free Bucket List printable at the end of this post , so you can easily create your own Winter Bucket Lists to have the best season yet.

Table of Contents

AT HOME BUCKET LIST FOR WINTER

Our At Home Bucket List ideas are perfect for those chilly days when you would rather hide out under the covers, than strap on your snow boots and brave the wind and snow.

Or perhaps to take advantage of a little post outdoor warm up activities. These are perfect ideas for a winter bucket list for families, couples or solo.

1. Try A New Recipe or Three

If you are stuck at home, why not spice up your life by learning to cook a new recipe a week or month from a different country. Cookies are always a favourite with the kids.

Or have a theme dinner and invite some family or friends over. Eat some festive appetizers . Make a night of it and watch a movie where that country is featured and eat some snacks from around the world.

Cooking with kids? Eat2Explore is a monthly subscription box that introduces kids to new cultures and baking from a different country every month. Plus it’s super easy way for parents as the box comes with the essential spice/sauce/grain mixes, shopping lists, interactive learning activities, country-inspired stickers, kitchen tools, and more.

2. Read A Book By The Fire

Cozy up by a warm fire, wrapped in a blanket, and immerse yourself in another world for the weekend (or an hour if the kids will let you).

Amazon has loads of free or really inexpensive books in Kindle. You can even just download the free Kindle App on your smart phone or tablet if you don’t have a Kindle. Or pop by your local library and borrow a favourite book or three.

Don’t have a fireplace? It might be time to rent a cabin for the weekend . You can cross off some other bucket list items like snow shoeiing, taking a couples winter weekend get away, or snow tubing at the same time.

3. Learn to Knit, Crochet or Start a New Hobby

Winter is the perfect time to learn to crochet some Star Wars Crochet Finger Puppets while your family binge watches your favourite tv shows.

There are a lot of indoor hobbies that can help make the winter pass well, if snow (or crocheting) isn’t your thing.

You could learn to paint, draw, play a musical instrument, write, or take an online course in philosphy, art history, coding, or anything that catches your fancy.

Maybe even brush up on another language you want to learn for your next vacation by taking a course.

Rosetta Stone is a very popular and affordable online language company that offers lessons in over 25 languages on their popular language app and online.

4. Create A Staycation At Home

If you can’t leave your city for a vacation, bring the vacation to you! Create a staycation at home or in your own home town. Here are a few ideas to inspire:

• Order your family an Escape Room Game & have an adventure at home. Work with your friends & family to solve riddles and conquer puzzles
• Give yourself a spa day. Make or buy face masks, give yourself a foot soak in some epsom salt water, then a pedicure while listening to some relaxing music.
• Find a cool local home, cabin or cottage rental and stay for a night or a weekend.
• Have an indoor picnic or camp out in a living room fort.
• Take a virtual tour of a place you’ve always wanted to visit.
• Do a winter indoor (or outdoor) scavenger hunt
• Be a tourist in your own home town and visit a local museum, art gallery or site you’ve never been to

5. Donate your time

There are many valuable organizations who are looking for volunteers year round. Donating your time can be rewarding and a great way to give back to your community.

You could volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food pantry, kids sports club, nearby museum, or women’s shelters to name a few. If volunteering isn’t possible, consider donating to a local charity.

6. Start a Gratitude Journal

Writing in a gratitude journal each day can help improve your mood, decrease stress, and help develop a more positive outlook on life as shown by research .

It doesn’t have to take long. It can be as simple as writing out 5 things you are grateful for each day in a cute lined journal, or use printable gratitude sheets with prompts to help you if you are stuck.

They don’t have to be grand, they can be anything you feel grateful for, clean sheets on the bed, a cup of hot chocolate warming your hands, a loved one’s smile in the morning.

You can grab a printable gratitude journal with prompts like the one we’ve created. Get your children in on the action and help them develop the practice as well with this fun & colorful kids unicorn gratitude journal we created for our own kids that now you can use too.

7. Binge Watch a TV Series

There is no better time than winter to climb into cozy pjamas, curl up in a warm blanket with some yummy tea and watch a favourite TV series you’ve been saving up for a special occasion.

This is a great way to spend time as a family or with friends when you are low on energy. Netflix, and Amazon Prime have oodles of shows to choose from.

So many binge worthy tv shows, so little time. Check out this list of The Best TV Shows to Binge Watch . Check out the classics like Friends, The Office, The Simpsons,& Grey’s Anatomy to more modern classics like Stranger Things, and Game of Thrones.

8. Do A Puzzle

There is something quite satisfying and relaxing about doing puzzles, and they are a great all ages activity. Make a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider, and gather around the table for family friendly brain workout.

Plus they have the added benefit of helping improve short term memory, visual-spatial reasoning and your mood.

9. Start A Scrapbook or Make A Year in Review Photobook

This usually happens for me by default as I make the grandparents a yearly photobook for their Christmas present. We also like to create photobooks for special vacations. The kids especially like having something they can flip through and look back on.

Scrapbooking is still extremely popular. What else are you going to do with all those miscellaneous photos?

Worried you aren’t creative? There are lots of ideas on the internet. Try this How to Make A Scrapbook Page beginner article or grab a scrap book kit .

10. Start a New Winter Tradition

No time like the present than to start a new winter bucket list tradition. I have heard of people buying a new cozy sweater or festive themed candle to burn each year.

You could host a yearly scavenger hunt, cookie decorating night or share your favourite memory of winter’s past.

WINTER BUCKET LIST IDEAS – Grab Your FREE Winter Bucket Lists

Make your own Winter Bucket Lists by grabbing your Free winter bucket lists here.

CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…… Tis the season to celebrate and spend time with friends, family, your sweetie. The Christmas Bucket List ideas could be a whole post in itself, which I may have to do one day.

10. Decorate A Gingerbread House or Cookies

Decorating Gingerbread Houses is a tradition in our house, and definitely on our yearly Christmas bucket list. Buy a pre-made gingerbread kit if trying to bake the perfect pieces of gingerbread is likely to end up like an episode of Nailed It.

If you want to change it up a bit try creating and decorating new gingerbread creations. Maybe it’s cars, boats, forest scenes with animals. Or grab a cute lego gingerbread house oyu can make year after year

Or try with different building materials like marshmallows, chocolate bars and cookies. The sky is the limit.

11. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon

What’s better than the Holidays than a Holiday Movie Marathon.

Invite some girlfriends over for your favourite romantic Christmas movies, or pick the classics from your childhood and watch them back to back with your kids.

Make it a Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt to add a little game action to the marathon.

Try watching a Christmas movie a day in December (or for the 12 days of Christmas). Try out themes like Christmas movies you’ve never watched before, movies from each decade, or choose all animated movies.

Make sure to stock up on some delicious hot cocoa to go with your movies. Up your game with some fancier Hot Chocolate Sticks or stick with the more traditional ground hot chocolate with a few mini marshmallows. Use our favorite homemade hot chocolate recipe here.

12. Invent a New Holiday Cocktail / Mocktail

Ever seen the show Nailed It? Where people who are not that gifted at baking compete against each other in baking challenges, and the results are often hilarious. My eight year old loves that show.

Think Nailed It for cocktails / mocktails. Invite a few friends / family members over and have a competition to see who can make the best creation. Have a judge, prizes and everything.

13. Donate Warm Clothes or Adopt A Family for Christmas

While I think it’s important to do acts of kindness and donate time or money to those who need it year round, Christmas time can be especially hard for people.

At my work we usually adopt a family for Christmas and provide the food or gift certificates for food, and unwrapped gifts every year. We also do a warm clothes drive, for gently used or new jackets, mitts, hats. It’s a great way to declutter and help someone stay warm in winter.

Getting some family, friends or coworkers together is an easy way to make a difference and can also make it more affordable for everyone.

14. Make Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater

While you may not be able to avoid your least favourite uncle at Christmas dinner, or the dreaded work Christmas parties , you will be able to rock the Ugly Christmas Sweater competition with these fun DIY ideas . The uglier the better.

15. Roast Chestnuts

Chestnuts roasting over an open fire.. but maybe bit inside your home. My first ever roasted chestnut was from a street vendor in Germany at a street festival. T

here is a reason why they are included in a song. They have such a sweet, delicious taste once roasted.

16. Send Holiday Cards

Who doesn’t love getting personal mail in this day an age of electonic communication. Make it even more unique by making your own holiday cards and sending them to elders in care facilities, military personnel overseas or write letters to inmates.

17. Wear Matching Christmas Pjamas & Do a Photoshoot

Grab a pair of matching pjamas and do a fun photoshoot. Stage some funny or cute holiday scenes. For a bonus create Christmas cards with the photos and send them out to family and friends.

Once you’ve got cozy pj’s a pjama day may just be in order. Lounge around all day doing relaxing things like reading by a fire, play games or cook nourishing food.

Looking for matching pj’s? We found some super cute matching pjama’s on Etsy last year. So many fun choices, and you support smaller businesses. Always a plus in my mind.

18. Celebrate Christmas at Home

There are some great ways to bring a little travel and adventure to your home, when you can’t travel. Check out our full post on ideas for Christmas at home here.

You may also like our list of 100+ Family Friendly Bucket List ideas

WINTER BUCKET LIST IDEAS: WINTER TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

Winter travel can be a fun adventure for those who don’t live in a place that snows each year. Even if you do, there are so many fun outdoor activities to take advantage of from snowsports like skiing, ice climbing and snowshoeiing, to visiting Christmas villages and markets, ice castles and glaciers.

19. See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are spectacular and magical lights dancing across the sky. Iceland, Finaland and northern Canada and Alaska are a few places you can easily see this wonder.

Yellowknife, NT, Canada is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world. I can see them from my porch almost every night. Check out our top tips for viewing the aurora.

20. Snowshoe in a National Park

Take a road trip to a local National Park to take in some majestic surroundings.

Crater Lake, OR offers ranger guided snowshoe walks in the winter, as do many national parks in the USA that are open all year round.

21. Visit a Christmas Village

Christmas Villages can enchant the young and old.

From towns filled with old word charm like Woodstock, Vermont with world class concerts, carriage rides and tours of historic homes, to Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland just north of the Artic Circle with real reindeer AND Northern Lights.

There are many winter wonderlands for you to discover.

Use this as an inspiration for your next winter vacation The Best Christmas Towns in the World .

22. Winter Travel Bucket List – Sleep in an Ice Castle

While there are many places in Canada and the US to visit ice castles, like in Yellowknife, NT Canada, or Midway, Utah, USA, there aren’t as many places to actually sleep in an ice castle. Here is a list of four stunnning ice hotels from around the world to add to your winter travel bucket list:

• Hotel de Glâce, Canada in Quebec City – Usually opens in January, offers 21 rooms, and is the only ice hotel in North America.hotel de glace
• Ice Hotel Winter, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden – Usually open December to April and has ski-in ski out access to the 137 roomed hotel, located 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
• Snow Castle Resort, Finland – The Snow Hotel is open only in winter and has 14 rooms. Their Seaside Glass Villas are open year round and offer gorgeous views of the Northern Lights.
• Kirkenes Snow Hotel, Norway – The Kirkenes Snow Hotel is open December to April and offers locally sorced three course meals, visits with reindeers and huskies, and tours such as king crab fishing, northern lights and cross country skiing.

23. Go Winter Camping

Only for the brave or well prepared, take your adventures to the next level with some winter camping. Just make sure you bring proper equipment.

Tip: Heading to a USA National Park? Grab the America the Beautiful Pass to get access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites including National Parks for the year.

24. Create Your Family Travel Bucket List for the Year

Cold weather has you stuck inside? Start dreaming of warm destinations, road trips and hikes. Plan out your family travel bucket list for the year.

Here is some warm destination inspiration to get you started:

• 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary – Kid (& Adult) friendly
• Vancouver Island, BC Canada Bucket List
• Best Family Spring Break Ideas around the world

Or plan an epic American road trip to National Parks & iconic attractions

• 7 Day Road Trip to Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon
• Yosemite California, here we come!
• Boston to Acadia National Park

25. Try Out a New Restaurant

Take a trip to new restaurant you haven’t tried out yet. It’s so easy to get stuck in your routines, but there is a world of flavours out there.

Maybe try out your favourite food, but just at a place you haven’t been to yet, or break out of the regular and try a new to you food.

26. Visit a Frozen Waterfall

Winter time the crowds at traditionally busy sights like Niagara Falls or National Parks clear and it provides a great opportunity to view these pristine world wonders.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone, Niagara Falls, and Multnomah Falls, Oregon are a couple of well-known places to experience waterfalls in winter.

Find out all the tips for visiting Niagara Falls here.

27. Attend a Winter Festival

No need to stay home hiding under your covers when there is a world of winter festivals to explore out there. Winter Festivals happen all over the world.

They celebrate everything from a historic victory over enemies in Venice, Italy with the weeks long Venice Carnival , to music festivals such as the Let it Roll Festival in Czech Republic or the Winter Carnival in Quebec, Canada complete with ice palace, music, ice slides and more.

28. Head out on a Winter Road Trip

Head out on the highway, feel the frozen wind in your hair and take a road trip with family or friends. Travel somewhere you’ve never been, or visit an old favourite you haven’t seen in awhile. Make sure to winterize your vehicle and know some tips for winter driving and road trips.

Tip: Use the Road Tripper App to plan out your route, collab with road trip mates and find best sites and places to stay.

29. Go on a sleigh ride

Take a sleigh ride through the wilderness and imagine reindeer pulling your sleigh through the snowy wonderland. Add a cozy blanket and your sweetie and it can be a romantic date.

WINTER BUCKET LIST FOR KIDS (OF ALL AGES)

Winter activities brings out the kid in all of us. Join the fun and get in the winter spirit with these winter bucket list ideas for kids. But let’s be honest, these aren’t only for kids. Anyone can participate in this bucketlist and enjoy themselves.

30. Make S’Mores

WInter campfires are a great way to spend time outdoors as a family.

Make sure to bring cozy blankets or sleeping bags to wrap yourselves up in, and the ingredients or a done-for-you kit for yummy S’mores.

31. Have A Games Night

Games Nights! What a fun way to connect with your kids. Or have an adult only Games Night while the kids are on sleepovers. Choose a few family favourites or try out some new ones. Bring out some snacks and you will be all set.

We love a good games night in our family. Need a few ideas? Trekking the National Parks is an award winning travel themed game perfect for 8+. Or maybe the silly giggle inducing Kids against Maturity .

32. Do A Random Act Of Kindess

Doing random acts of kindess is a great way to bond as a family and teach your kids about compassion and service to others. Here are some easy ideas to do as a family:

• Shovel Snow for a Neighbour
• Sort out and Donate toys you are no longer using
• Write thank you notes to a teacher, or someone who you appreciate
• Offer to walk a neighbour’s dog for them
• Pick up litter at your local park
• Donate food to the food bank
• Paint rocks then hide them in your neighbourhood or local park for others to find

33. Learn About & Draw Arctic Animals

Santa Claus isn’t the only thing that lives in the Arctic. Learn about the animals and people, Inuit who live in the North and then draw some cool pictures.

34. Camp Out In Your Livingroom

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t have a camp out, and stay warm. Deck out your living room as a fort with blankets, sleeping bags, and fairy lights. If you have enough room you can even set up a tent. Read campfire or ghost stories.

Etsy has some really sweet playhouses & indoor tents for kids that would be super fun to sleep in. Don’t forget the campfire stories .

35. Write A Holiday / Winter Story

The Holidays and winter time is full of inspiration for story writing. Grab a pen and some paper, take a winter stroll and then get writing.

We also love Mad Libs, where the story is mostly written for you, with blank spaces you & your kids can throw out words for. They end up with hilarious story lines that are guaranteed to make everyone laugh.

They even have Christmas Mad Libs if you are looking for a little holiday cheer.

37. Have A Snowball Fight

Grab a few friends, your kids and head out into the snow for an epic snowball fight.

38. Make An Obstacle Course

Kids got cabin fever because it’s another snow day?

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors and get in some fun physical activity. Build a winter obstacle course out of snow, or do a set of outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas:

• Jump over or climb through hula hoops
• Sled down a hill
• Make a snow angel
• Walking a wooden plank as a balance beam
• Pack snow in a bucket and make snow castles

39. Make Snow Cones

When I was a kid I grew up on the west coast of Canada where it rarely ever snowed, and if it did it melted almost right away. I always wanted a Snoopy Snowcone Machine.

My daughter loves to make her version of snow cones with fresh snow and a little drizzle of juice. You can also crush ice in the blender, and add some drink flavouring or juice.

While you can just use a blender or freshly fallen snow, if you want to get fancy you can grab a Shaved Ice / Snow cone maker on amazon. It will even make frozen cocktails for the adults.

40. Go On A Winter Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunts are a wonderful way to bond as a family any time of the year, and especially winter time. Here’s a free winter scavenger hunt printable.

41. Look At Christmas Lights

There is something magical about Christmas lights, twinkling in the darkness.

Take a stroll around your neighbourhood, or take a drive to Christmas Lights winter wonderland. Add some more holiday spirit by donning on your holiday-themed pj’s, and cranking Jingle Bells music on the radio.

42. Make Snow Angels

Put on your winter gear, jump into the snow, wave your arms overhead like you just don’t care and make beautiful snow angels.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO ADD TO YOUR WINTER BUCKET LIST

Winter Bucket Lists For The Snow

Living most of my my adult life in somewhere snowy over winter in Canada it is hard for me to imagine a winter without snow.

I did grow up on the West Coast of Canada where snow was a rarity, so I feel ya’ if snow is not part of your regular winter rituals. If you don’t live somewhere with snow, it may be a great chance to take a road trip, vacation or a day trip somewhere the white winter magic is.

43. Go Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is a really fun (and cheap) way to spend time in the snow. All you need is an inflatable tube and a good downhill run. Many popular resorts also offer snow tubing runs, where you can take a lift up, and tube down.

Check out our list of the best USA wintery vacation ideas here . Some of the top places to go snow tubing are on there too .

44. Take a Winter Hike or Walk In The Woods

Whether you love snowshoeiing or just hiking paths in the snow, a walk in the woods will help you connect with nature, as you hike through snow covered firs and pines.

Here is a list of the 9 Best Places to Snowshoe in North America , but you don’t need to go far to have fun (unless you live somewhere warm year round).

45. Ride A Fat Bike

When I first saw someone ride a fat bike in Yellowknife in -30C I thought they were crazy. But they are a lot of fun.

If you don’t know the fat bikes have large tires to make them able to ride on snowier & icier conditions. You don’t have to own a fat bike. There are many places that rent them or you can even join a fat bike tour.

46. Try Ice Fishing

For the adventurous, head out on the ice (make sure it’s safe first), drill a hole and do a little ice fishing.

Here’s a list of great places to Ice fish in Canada (Great Slave in the NWT is one of them) or here’s some ideas for ice fishing in the USA.

47. Learn to Ski or Snowboard

Winter is the best time to learn a new sport. Plenty of ones to try including skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiiing or snowshoeiing.

Even if it’s only down the bunny slope or you fall down many times (snowboarding was not in my skill set).

48. Organize a Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt

Grab a few friends or family members, put together teams and a list of of winter themed items or activities your teams will need to take photos of and let them race against the clock. Add some prizes to make it even more fun.

49. Go Stargazing

Cold, crystal clear winter nights are the perfect time to do a little stargazing. Take a trip outside the city lights for the best views, or book a cabin for the weekend, and take a midnight walk.

50. Ice Skating Down a Canal, Lake or Rink

Ice skating on a frozen lake, pond or canal can let you enjoy some beautiful scenery around the globe. There are also lots of outdoor ice skating rinks that open during the winter months, even in places without snow. Glide, twirl, skate backward if your lucky, then grab a hot cocoa to warm up.

51. Go to a tree lighting

Oh Christmas Tree….Tree Lighting Ceremonies are a big deal in many cities, and are a must for any winter bucketlist.

Leavenworth, Washington, USA is well known for it’s Hallmark Christmas movie vibe, and dowtown lights, which come on every night over the winter months. They have over 500,000 lights!

Don’t Forget to Grab your Winter Bucket Lists HERE

Conclusion: Winter Bucket Lists: 50+ Activities to Have the Best Winter!

Winter is a great time to get outdoors and try something new, so you don’t end up with cabin fever. Our 50+ actitivites to have the best winter are just a starting point to give you some inspiration. What is on your winter bucket lists?

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

Similar Posts

Spooktacular FREE Halloween Printables for Kids

Be ready for the ghosts, ghouls and jack o’ lantern…

8 Amazing Spring Break Ideas for Families (2024)

Wondering where to take your family for Spring Break? Not…

Ultimate Family Vacation Planner Printables

Dreaming of an awesome vacation with your family? Whether you…

10 Best Corn Mazes in Rhode Island: Play it by Ear & Escape!

Get ready to be a-maize-d by the best of the…

Bucket List Ideas: 100+Fun Family Activities

Simple Bucket List Ideas to do with your family right…

California Bucket List: 60+ Epic Places To Explore with Kids

Whether you’re a first time visitor, or a long-time resident, …

Really interesting and comprehensive article. I especially like Staycation At Home because we have two little children and it is very hard to go on a vacation with them. But definitely during the Christmas holidays, the accent should be on the acts of mercy and kindness.

I am bookmarking this! So many beautiful ideas! I live in Canada where winter lasts for like 8 months 😆 this is perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, I personally needed this 😃

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

Sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Frosty Fun: Create Cherished Memories on Our Winter Family Getaway

Article By: Juliana Sidsel

One of the best ways to enjoy the cold weather is by planning a winter getaway to create memories. By visiting a new location with a snowy landscape, your family will spend bonding moments to last you a lifetime.

But that’s easier said than done. The perfect trip requires a lot of planning and careful consideration. Even then, your plans need to change depending on the situation, such as an unexpected blizzard.

In this article, you’ll get to see a glimpse of what the entire winter vacation could look like starting from the planning to seeing it in action to creating memories. Let’s start.

Preparing for the Trip and Making Memories

If you’re determined to take your family out this winter, it all begins with the planning. Although it’s technically not part of the trip, it’s just as exciting looking up places and decide where you want to go. It might not be as exciting as booking a ticket for the Phantom of the Opera (if you’re into those things), but it’s just as memorable.

When choosing the ideal place for your family winter vacation , look for places where you can do things. Winter is not the time to spend indoors. So your holiday destination should have a plethora of winter activities to choose from, such as skiing or snowboarding. Enjoying activities together is how you create memories.

Then there’s the matter of packing for your trip. Unlike a summer vacation, where you can take a change of clothes, winter vacations are different. You need to pack enough warm clothes to enjoy yourself properly. Likewise, snacks are also something that you need to consider, as hearty sustenance makes all the difference in keeping everyone’s energy levels up.

Settling In and Taking in the Sights

You can ask anyone, and everyone will tell you the same thing. The first moments after arriving at your destination are magical; cherish them to create memories. That’s when you realize you get to take a break from your daily routine and relax with your loved ones.

Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, take a deep breath and let it sink in.

Once you’ve allowed yourself to enjoy the sights and surroundings, the realization kicks in that you’re on vacation. Hold onto that feeling while start unpacking.

When you’re all ready and set to go, start look for the different activity options. Look for the nearest sledding hill, or find a good place to enjoy a hot cup of coffee. If you have your kids with you, make sure the cafe serves hot chocolate, which they’ll definitely enjoy. Create memories at every meal.

Winter Activities for the Whole Family

For the next few days, focus on making each moment as memorable as possible. Everything that you do should fill your trip with laughter and joy.

Go skiing with your partner or snow tubing down the hill. Head to the woods or a favorite mountain resort . If you prefer a bit of adventure, snowboarding is one of the best things that you can do.

But you can’t spend the whole time outside. At night, when the cold settles in, get everyone and sit around the fireplace. Play cards or board games with your kids instead of scrolling your phones. You can also host a movie night complete with snacks like hot popcorn and smores. And don’t forget about some hot cocoa, that’s a must.

Create Memories And Capture Every Moment

These days, with social media being so popular, people are constantly documenting every aspect of their lives. Typically, just taking pictures would be the last thing you want to do on a trip.

But as the winter trip is a special moment, don’t hesitate to capture every single moment. The laughter, the snowball fights, staying huddled in front of the fireplace; be sure to take a picture of it all. Create memories and record them.

You should remember these images are not for uploading on your social media feed. Instead, they are time capsules that will take you back to these moments whenever you see them in the future.

Wrapping Up the Winter Getaway

As you near the end of your journey, don’t forget to take a moment to recollect the adventurous days you’ve spent with everyone. Reflect on your vacation together. Be thankful for the time that you were able to spend and think about what you want to do next year.

Make your winter getaways a regular thing. After all, that’s the best way to enjoy the season.

As you head back home and return to your daily lives, get some souvenirs to remember your time here.

But there’s something more important that you’ll be taking back as well. Those are the amazing moments that you get to spend with the people that are closest to your heart.

Although everyone calls a winter trip a vacation, it’s a journey and adventure where you create core memories. Every part of it is going to be memorable, so be sure to enjoy yourself through it all.

Juliana Sidsel and her family love winter holidays and look for opportunities to create memories together whenever the snow falls. She contributed this blog post on behalf of sponsor HelloTickets.com.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

3 Replies to “Frosty Fun: Create Cherished Memories on Our Winter Family Getaway”

Insightful and useful – that’s what I admire about your posts. This one on this subject is no different. The tips and recommendations you offer are practical and create a real impact.

Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

Planning a winter getaway is an adventure in itself. The snowy landscapes add a magical touch to the family bonding experience. You nailed it. meticulous planning is key, and being ready for unexpected twists, like a surprise blizzard, keeps the excitement alive. Any memorable winter destinations you’d recommend?

Comment on this article Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Mom Knows Best: 23 Winter Family Vacations to Embrace (and Escape) the Cold

Cold weather gets a bad wrap, but anyone who lives someplace where you can get a proper winter full of snow knows that folks down south are really missing out. Face the facts — you can’t ski down a sandy beach, you never have a reason to snuggle up to a fire, and sipping hot cocoa in Florida or southern California is just plain silly.

This year, we’re embracing the season by connecting with our family travel experts — moms — to share the top winter family vacations you can plan this year.

Lake Tahoe, California

For a family ski vacation, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Truckee, California has no Tahoe rival. This luxury hotel is located on the slopes of Northstar California Resort with easy ski-in and ski-out access. The laid back Tahoe vibe makes the destination feel especially welcoming to travelers with kids. Service is attentive, but not pretentious. Rooms at the Ritz are more than spacious enough for an entire family to share. The hotel has several dining options on property, and children are welcome at even the signature restaurant, Manzanita.

Skiing and snowboarding with kids can sometimes be challenging, but the hotel helps make those logistics seem like no challenge at all. A ski concierge whisks skis and boards out of your hands the moment you step off the slopes. Forget long rental lines, the hotel has a full ski shop for rentals on site. Parents can even drop children off for ski school at the hotel’s back deck.

The can’t-miss highlight for families? In the winter, the hotel offers “Marshmology,” a daily afternoon s’mores tasting by the fire pits. The sugar rush is always a welcome treat after a long day on the slopes. For more adventures off the slopes, take the short hop aboard the Highlands Gondola to the Village at Northstar. The Village is home to numerous restaurants and many non-ski activities, from ice-skating to bungee trampolines and even a movie theater.  — Leslie Harvey, Trips With Tykes

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Williamsburg, virginia.

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is our family’s number one choice anytime we are looking for a vacation of any length. (My oldest has even asked us to go to Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday instead of having a birthday party!) The reason is simple; the entire resort from top to bottom is designed with kids and families in mind. As a mom, I love it because for a few days I never have to tell my kids to “behave” or “be quiet.” I can let them get all their energy out, have a blast, and never worry that we’re disturbing someone because everyone else’s kids are doing the same.

Plus, can I confess? The resort brings out the kid in me, too. Every day, we start the day out by going to the pool (if you go in the morning you beat the crowd) and then in the afternoon, we hit the arcade, play mini golf, go bowling, you name it. There are so many options. By nighttime, we’re always playing Magic Quest and I love being able to let loose and run around the resort with my kids. It’s so much fun and an amazing bonding experience.

One question I’m often asked is whether little kids will enjoy the resort too, and the answer is a resounding yes. There is a story hour, dance party, balloon animals, a stuffed animal game (like a toddler-friendly alternative to Magic Quest).

One more pro tip is to bring snacks and meals you can make in the microwave, as every room has a microwave and mini-fridge. This makes taking a break to eat in the room a great cost-saving option, but also provides an excuse to take a breather if your kids get overstimulated.  — Rachel, The Analytical Mommy

Hotel Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Gatlinburg, tennessee.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a worthwhile destination no matter the season. In winter, visitors can enjoy the snow-peaked mountains while enjoying unique shops and experiences. Start your family’s visit by checking into the Park Vista DoubleTree hotel. The mountain view sets the stage for a memorable family trip. Lunch at one of the onsite restaurants (my husband recommends the club sandwich at the Vista Grill) then head to the lobby where the Gatlinburg trolley picks up Park Vista guests, making transport to nearby activities is a breeze.

Make Ober Gatlinburg your first stop. Accessible by aerial tramway, this mountain is full of activities from ice skating to an alpine slide. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are also available. The activities at Ober Gatlinburg are so plentiful that kids of all ages are able to discover something new. For a special meal, make a reservation for The Peddler Steakhouse. With its extensive salad bar and hand-cut, top-quality steaks, this restaurant is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Finish the day with a swim in the hotel’s kid-friendly indoor swimming pool. Our kids wore a path into the built-in slide while I relaxed in the spacious poolside lounge chairs. A Gatlinburg family winter vacation will be one you’ll cherish for years to come.  — Dianna Gardenhour, Savings In Seconds

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

North conway, new hampshire.

No matter the season, the Red Jacket Mountain Resort is a family favorite to visit, but especially so when the winter snow comes around. The resort is close to many of the premier ski mountains in the area, but also chock full of other amenities for non-snow lovers. The Red Jacket Mountain View has daily activities for your children, like family movie night, ceramic painting, face painting, story hour with fresh baked cookies, horse-drawn carriage rides and so much more. Not to mention, kids, teenagers, and adults love the Red Jacket Mountain Resort’s indoor water park, Kahuna Laguna with its 40,000 square feet of splish-splashing fun!

The Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is in the heart of North Conway, so you’ll be surrounded by quaint restaurants, unique little gift shops, and splurge-worthy outlets so you can shop ‘til you drop. Staying here, you’ll be close to other popular family destinations like Santa’s Village, Story Land, Conway Scenic Railroad, Clark’s Trading Post, and the Ice Castles. December is a great time to stay at the Red Jacket for their “Journey To The North Pole.” Families can enjoy being snuggled up in their pajamas, sipping hot cocoa, and nibbling cookies, all while listening to the Night Before Christmas poem.  — Beth, Real Life Mama Drama

Red Jacket Mountain View Resort

Hendersonville, north carolina.

During the school breaks, we like to take short little excursions into Western North Carolina which is just a couple hours drive from where we live in Charlotte . One of our favorite places to stay is the CedarWood Inn in Hendersonville because the town itself is central to a lot of fun activities, and the Inn is rather inexpensive with a homey, kitschy appeal.

Rooms come equipped with a fridge and microwave for storing and making snacks, and there are plenty of tasty restaurants in the area (Flat Rock Village Bakery and the Poe House, just to name a couple). The staff at the inn are very friendly and work hard to ensure you have a pleasant stay.

Hendersonville has two snow-tubing outfitters, places to ice skate, and is just a short 30-minute drive from Asheville . There are several places for skiing nearby and plenty of places to enjoy a winter hike. Chimney Rock (a 30-minute drive from the inn) is an awesome place to partake in a chilly tromp through the woods because the bare winter trees mean there are more places to snag a gorgeous view — a memorable cap on your school holiday break as a family.  — Dara Brewton Schweitzer, Like Sara But With A ‘D ‘

CedarWood Inn

Riverside, california.

My family loves to enjoy the Festival of Lights each December in Downtown Riverside. It’s about a 30-minute drove from our home, which makes it an easy location for a quick getaway with our new baby in tow. The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa host the event and is a lovely place to stay to enjoy the festivities with beautiful accommodations. The hotel boasts charming traditional décor and winding staircases. (It even has a chapel for weddings, and catching a glimpse of a bride and groom is always a treat.)

The hotel is located right in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to the nighttime street fair. The event brings out an ice-skating rink, fresh donuts, hot cocoa vendors, and Christmas shopping. The original and award-winning Casey’s Cupcakes is also located on Main Street just outside of the Spa entrance. We love that the hotel hosts a delicious Sunday brunch and has several restaurants on-site as well.

During the holidays, the hotel is always decorated with trees, ornaments, and festive garlands and there are usually carolers that walk around at night as well. It is so nice to be able to go out for a walk and quickly return to the hotel with our baby if we need to. The hours of the event give us the flexibility to come and go as we please while still having enough time to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the getaway.  — Elise Laney, Polka Dotted Blue Jay

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Boone, north carolina.

When the kids are out of school for winter break, taking them to the wonderland of Boone, North Carolina provides fun, recreation, and stellar family bonding whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, tubing or just sharing a cozy mug of hot chocolate.

The Courtyard Boone is the perfect destination for winter play. It’s close to all the recreational opportunities that your family will enjoy and has super amenities, like an indoor pool if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor plans. If you’ve had enough snow, check out the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, just a five-minute drive from the hotel. The kids will have a ball panning for gemstones and mom just might get a new piece of jewelry out of the deal.

Less than a 10-minute drive away in Blowing Rock, the Tweetsie Railroad offers a Tweetsie Christmas extravaganza on Friday and Saturday nights in November and December. Roast s’mores over an open fire, visit with Santa and step into a huge snow globe. Whether your kids are young or teenagers, the town of Boone, North Carolina a the wonderful destination for winter family fun.  — Vicki Floyd, Coupondipity

Courtyard Boone - Marriott

Intervale, new hampshire.

We love heading north to New Hampshire to our favorite spot in Intervale: the New England Inn and Lodge . The Inn offers couples-only accommodations , family lodgings (great for groups too), and if the family dog likes to accompany you on family vacations , they also offer accommodations for Fido!

Another highlight is that a number of suites feature a fireplace or jacuzzi . Our go-to favorite is the newly renovated Garden Suite, with two queen beds and a gas fireplace, along with a mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. It’s like a home away from home with parking right out front.

Nestled in the heart of Mount Washington Valley, the New England Inn is the ideal spot for a family winter vacation. North of North Conway and south of Jackson, there’s plenty to do, including skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling and taking in the beautiful sites. There are plenty of tax-free outlets and specialty shops as well as the Cranmore Mountain, Attitash, Bretton Woods, Wildcat Mountain, and Waterville Valley resorts just a short ride away.

For dining, you can drive to the many ski resorts or check out North Conway, yet we love the quick walk over to Tuckerman’s Tavern for dinner, right on the New England Inn property. They have an amazing selection of food, featuring a gluten-free and kids menu, too. And if you enjoy a cold beer with your dinner, they have 20 brews on tap to choose from and a nice selection of wine and cocktails.

It’s only a short walk back to the cozy suite for a movie by the fire (they offer rentals at the front desk) and a nice early night to get up in time for the complimentary continental breakfast. Enjoy bagels, toast, pastries, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurts, juice, tea, and coffee in the main inn and be sure to try their delicious homemade granola, which is always fully stocked.  — Natalie McMenamin, Mamma Natty

New England Inn And Lodge

Grapevine, texas.

When you think “Christmas in Texas,” you have to remember “Everything Is Bigger In Texas.” We do Christmas big and the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center  is one of the top Christmas destinations for families for plenty of  big reasons.

The Gaylord in Grapevine (Dallas), Texas hosts tons of activities for the entire family. At Gaylord’s Lonestar Christmas you will find snow tubing, ice skating, and Santa’s Snow Throw for the older kids. There’s gingerbread house decorating, photos with Santa, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Breakfast and stories with Mrs. Claus for the little ones.

Boasting an over-the-top indoor Christmas lights show and Ruldolph’s Ice show featuring huge ice sculptures, the Gaylord is truly a place for everyone to immerse themselves in the full holiday experience. The resort’s property is expansive with accommodations for families of all sizes. Our favorites rooms are the atrium view rooms that look out onto the atrium where the Christmas tree and lights are displayed inside. The rooms are cozy and spacious, but during the holiday season, the last thing you’ll be doing is hanging out inside. Visit the Gaylord Texan from November to January to experience a one of a kind “Lonestar Christmas”!  — Jessica Conner, Grace and Ford

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

Manchester, vermont.

Right after Thanksgiving, The Equinox transforms itself into a winter wonderland. The grand hotel is at the base of a mountain, and with the evergreen trees, it’s right out of a winter holiday painting.

The National Historic Landmark is right in Manchester, Vermont surrounded by fantastic downhill skiing. There are also cross-country and snowshoe trails, and venues for ice skating and tubing. After a day of outdoor activities, you can relax in the warm indoor pool and hot tub. We also took our kids on a magical sleigh ride through the snowy woods and then back to the resort to cozy up next to the fireplace.

There are several places to eat in the hotel and you can walk into town for a wider variety. When the kids get older, they might like to wander around the designer outlets or antique shops. The luxury hotel was recently renovated but still has plenty of charming rustic touches. We enjoyed a large room with two queen beds, but there are also suites available for families who need more space during their winter family vacation.  — Judy Antell, Wheels and Eats

The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Vermont

Chittenden, vermont.

Our favorite picture-perfect winter getaway is the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont. It holds a special place in our hearts because we got married at Mountain Top, and we put kids on our invite list, so we know it’s perfect for families!

In terms of the best activities, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and my two family favorites, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. My kids also love the pool, hot tub, and the gift shop.

What’s really cool is that you can choose between standard hotel rooms, cabins, or even entire guest houses that you can share with other families. Once it snowed so much that we took sleds to breakfast down the hill from our house.

Our favorite place to stay is The Jewel, which has cozy fireplaces in every bedroom and is wonderfully modern. At night, curl up with a book or play some billiards.  — Tamara Bowman, Tamara Camera Blog

Mountain Top Inn & Resort

Breckenridge, colorado.

Each winter we make our way to Breckenridge, Colorado to stay at the Crystal Peak Lodge . Crystal Peak Lodge is the perfect home away from home for families. It has that upscale lodge feel that you seek when visiting Colorado, but with all the luxurious amenities of home. Large separate bedrooms for everyone to have their own space, cozy living rooms, and well-equipped kitchens — ideal for coming home to after a long day on the slopes.

The lodge is located right off the base of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 7, and is quite close to the BreckConnect Gondola and Independence Superchair. One of the best things about the resort is that there are so many activities within the property. The Recreation Center has a large pool with waterslides and some amazing art classes. You can also sign up for snowmobiling, Jeep tours, and more.

One of our favorite things to do is hop on the complimentary shuttle from the resort to walk around the town of Breckenridge. My kids love heading there in the evenings when it’s all lit up with twinkling lights. While we’re there we can’t seem to get by without at least one visit to Downstairs at Eric’s, a lively pizza restaurant full of fun arcade games that the whole family loves.  — Jen Giambalvo & Carrie Beth Posener, The Magnolia Mamas

Crystal Peak Lodge

Big bear, california.

When wintertime travels make their way into your schedule, a great place to vacation is in Big Bear, California. You can find a beautiful home away from home tucked back in the pristine snowy mountains close to skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and endless hot cocoa.

When we go to Big Bear, we stay at the Goldmine Lodge . It’s close to the lake, it’s close to the summit, and the cabins have an authentic, rustic feel to them. The free parking and the free WiFi are an added bonus, and the guys will love getting into a competitive game of volleyball on the premises. They also have barbecues for those sunny days and a large outdoor area for building snowmen and having snowball fights.

Even though it has an isolated cabin vibe, you’re still close to the city and all amenities, so running to the store for groceries or drinks is no problem. Our family always has an amazing time when we visit Big Bear. It’s the best spot for making family memories in the winter.  — Cate Rosales, Sweet and Simple Life

Goldmine Lodge

Park city, utah.

Park City proved itself to be a marvelous winter destination for families after we spent the Christmas holidays at Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection . The room is equipped with a kitchenette, private bedroom, and a steamy hot tub on the patio.

The hotel has abundant amenities, like game boards in the lobby, a baby grand piano, and twinkling holiday decorations in every corner. From cross-country skiing right on the hotel premises to snow tubing at Gorgonza park, there is so much to do as a family in Park City. One of our favorite activities was The Viking Yurt, an event that began with a 25-minute sleigh ride up 1,800 feet with incredible views of the night sky and the mountains. You’re taken to a Yurt where you’re served a traditional Nordic dinner along with live entertainment. (They also pass around hats, horns, and mask for dress up, which the kids adored!)

We also enjoyed skiing, dining around town, and diverse entertainment on Main Street. Park City really is the ultimate family destination.  — Evelyn Hernandez, Healthy Fit Couple

Park City Autograph Collection

Fairlee, vermont.

Nestled inside a ring of mountains in Vermont sits Lake Morey, and what happens on that lake every winter is nothing short of classic, simple joy in its purest form. Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vermont sits next to this gorgeous lake, and as the temperatures plummet and the lake freezes over, the resort can be found abuzz with family-friendly activities.

Our family of four spent a January weekend there and had a wonderful time. Our rooms were spacious and the beds were comfortable, plus the lake view made for truly epic scenery.

Walk out of your comfy, well-appointed room and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the resort’s restaurant. (We ate breakfast and dinner at the resort and give the dining two thumbs up for both variety and quality.) After fueling up, bundle up and head outside to the skate shack to rent some ice skates or perhaps a sled. The frozen lake is your playground!

Enjoy skating (there is even a trail that, and weather/ice conditions permitting, you can skate around the entire lake) or play some ice hockey like it originally was played. Other winter activities offered include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sleigh rides.  — Devon W, Mama Cheaps

Lake Morey Resort

Colorado springs, colorado.

Say the words “Colorado winter” and chances are visions of powdery snow blanketing miles of ski runs throughout the state’s Rocky Mountains will come to mind. But what if your family isn’t into skiing or boarding, not to mention paying steep winter resort prices? Simply head to the legendary Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, roughly 71 miles south of Denver. A 20th-century property combining old-world European craftsmanship with Old West charm, set at the base of majestic Cheyenne Mountain, this pink-stucco enclave known as the “Grand Dame of the Rockies” has hosted the likes of dignitaries and magnates since its 1918 debut.

Families will feel as welcome here as any celebrity, particularly in winter, when room rates drop to roughly half of high-season rates. Guests can select from a variety of complimentary weekend activities and classes throughout winter, from dance and fitness classes to fly-casting instruction, cooking demonstrations and more. Swim in the indoor pool, open year-round; bowl at PLAY, the resort’s activity and dining area, complete with six bowling lanes and a variety of games including Xbox and Wii; or venture next door to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to feed the giraffes.

Brave the chilly outdoor temperatures for fat-biking, snowshoeing or geocaching, or enjoy one of the resort’s most unique experiences — falconry lessons with new female master falconer Deanna Curtis. A winter wonderland awaits in one of the Centennial State’s most scenic settings.  — Heather Mundt, Momfari

The Broadmoor

Seaside, oregon.

Being a native Oregonian, a wintertime getaway means storm watching season . During the summer we have beautiful, mild weather, but winter is perfect for curling up with a blanket and a warm cup of coffee and watching the crashing waves, wind, and rain roll in. Anywhere along the Oregon coast is ideal to view this seasonal treat, but I prefer to go to Seaside, Oregon. This quaint town is great for settling in and feeling like a local.

Once you check in at the Rivertide Suites , all the food, activities, and amusement for family fun is well within a short walk. The oceanfront property is plentiful, which is particularly important for storm watching.

At the Rivertide Suites you will find full suites with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and cozy fireplace. The design and layout of the space make it feel especially spacious and comfy. We stayed in a room with a queen bed but were also able to pull the couch out for additional guests. The hotel is very clean, convenient, and a fantastic home for your little winter storm watching adventure.  — Amber Brault, Dazzling Daily Deals

Rivertide Suites

Escape the cold.

Even the Redmond Gerards and Chloe Kims among us need a break from the cold and a weekend (or more) under the sun with a little sand and ocean-based therapy. With that in mind, we also asked our mom experts to share their favorite winter family vacations far from the snow.

Cancún, Mexico

The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach in Cancun is our go-to escape from the NYC winter weather. Not only do they have the most incredible kids club we’ve ever seen, but the staff is super friendly and the property is gorgeous. The pools go on for days and the beach is immaculate. It’s also in the heart of the hotel zone, so you’re just steps away from shopping and restaurants as well as the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

From the moment we set foot in the hotel’s lobby, we were immediately transported to vacation mode as we gazed out over the ocean and the resort’s impeccably manicured grounds. The hotel’s oversized rooms are perfectly suited for families as they contain both a sleeping area and step-down living room. On those occasions when we’ve stayed on the Grand Club level, we’ve been treated to additional amenities, such as access to a private lounge complete with VIP check-in and check-out, complimentary beverages, and culinary presentations throughout the day.

Grand Club service extends to the beach area, where you’ll find an exclusive seating section, as well as a sundeck with complimentary beverages and culinary presentations. My kids never fail to delight in exploring the sprawling pool complex that stretches nearly the entire length of the hotel. With three swim-up bars, protected shallow areas for little ones to wade and splash around, and numerous mid-pool sun loungers, the Coral Beach pool complex is truly a sight to behold. A few steps down from the pool area is a pristine beach area where kids can spend hours splashing in the ocean, bodysurfing, building sandcastles, or just relaxing under one of the shaded palapas.

Beyond the beach and pool, there’s plenty of other fun to be had at the Grand Fiesta Americana, including a well-appointed fitness center, a Gem Spa boasting a 10-step hydrotherapy ritual, a small outdoor play structure, and our greatest vacation find of all time — the Coral Kidz Club, which offers so many activities that my kids typically ask to spend the entire afternoon there and have even been known to stay on for the evening programming. From cooking classes to crafts to dramatic play to video games and more, the club really is non-stop fun. The Coral Kidz Club recently added an outdoor water park component, which was a big hit with my kids on our last visit.

The Grand Fiesta Americana isn’t all-inclusive, but they do have several on-site restaurants and kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree, so it definitely makes for an affordable vacation. My kids were particularly enamored with the hotel’s elaborate breakfast buffet, where you’ll find a whirlwind of options, including a custom omelet station, Mexican specialties, Japanese breakfast staples, a smoothie bar, and more.  — Monica Storch, Macaroni Kid Manhattan East Side

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive

Fort myers beach, florida.

Who doesn’t want to build a sand castle instead of shovel snow? Located on the west coast of Florida, this area is ideal for a family getaway, and the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is the best resort to ensure activities for every member of your family.

The resort has so much to do you that you might never want to leave the resort. Multiple times a week they offer movie nights at the pool with a selection that caters to younger kids as well as teens and adults. Want to play some games? Head to the on-site arcade or stumble upon the many games scattered throughout the resort, like life-sized connect four, checkers boards, table tennis, corn hole, and more. There are also daily activities including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, beach volleyball, shaved ice, and bingo.

What’s a Florida winter vacation without the beach? Pink Shell sits right on the beach and offers free lounge chairs and umbrellas for guests. They also offer free water sports, such as kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. For an additional fee, you can rent jet-skis, parasail, or even go on a dolphin tour.

If you prefer the pool over the beach, there a multiple to choose from, including a splash pad dedicated to the resort’s youngest guests. Outside of the resort you can visit Lover’s Key State Park to canoe through the mangroves or go for a mild hike. Take a quick drive over the bridge to Sanibel Island, rent a bike and hit the trail to the Sanibel Lighthouse. (Cool down at the beach afterward!) You can also go fishing or take part in Sanibel Island’s world famous shell collecting.  — Monet Hambrick, The Traveling Child

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

San diego, california.

Whether you’re looking for a place for out of town guests to stay or a holiday vacation, the Rancho Bernardo Inn is a great option. We stayed during the inn’s December Days and Nights event, and immediately upon check-in, we were greeted by carolers to get us in the holiday spirit.

Guests and locals alike have made the Rancho Bernardo Inn a place to stop on their holiday list because of the life-size gingerbread house. We couldn’t believe the detail of this candy palace! After, we headed to the December Nights event, where we decorated gingerbread ornaments while grandma and grandpa took our little guy on the train.

If you need a break from the holiday festivities, the Rancho Bernardo Inn has a pool for families and one for adults . It’s also home to the 18-hole San Diego Championship Golf Course and an unforgettable spa. If your family is craving even more local fun, the inn is close to the famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, beaches, and Legoland.  — Mei Ling, Family Entourage

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Playa del carmen, mexico.

One of the best ways to enjoy winter is by immersing yourself in nature and ancient Mayan history in a unique all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen called Sandos Caracol Eco Resort . There’s something for everyone in the family, from swimming in the clear fresh waters of the natural sinkhole in the jungle or lounging on the beach to petting the farm animals at the resort’s mini farm or spending a day at the full-size water park.

Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, this resort has attractions to keep the entire family entertained throughout their stay with eco-activities, games, and sports all day. Lunch and dinner are always something to look forward to after burning all that energy thanks to an excellent selection of bars, fine dining restaurants, and delicious buffets serving mouth-watering cuisine all day.

The fun doesn’t stop after the day ends. Evenings at the resort are filled with excitement and entertainment with nightly Maya performances set in gorgeous natural locations. Also, mom and dad can enjoy a couples pampering session at the luxurious Spa del Mar and discover a variety of relaxing treatments.  — Arushi, The Snazzy Mom

Select Club At Sandos Caracol All Inclusive - Adults Only Area

Koloa, hawaii.

We tried to convince ourselves to plan a white Christmas for a while, but we’ve finally embraced it. We’re just warm weather people! That’s why we love planning winter trips to places like Kauai, where the average high in December is in the 70s. The Garden Island is small, but incredibly diverse thanks in part to the varied climate.

We opted to stay in the sunny southern part of Kauai at the Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu, Autograph Collection . There are tons of fun activities at the resort including pools, waterslides, lawn games, and volleyball. Your kids might be begging you just to hang out at the resort!

The spacious rooms at the resort include a kitchenette, convenient for making a quick breakfast, a packed lunch for hikes, or for just having food on hand when someone needs a midnight snack. We also appreciated the washer and dryer in the unit. With muddy treks to waterfalls and sand getting everywhere, it was nice to give our clothes a quick wash right in the hotel room.

Staying at the Koloa Landing Resort in Po’ipu gives you easy access to exploring the most amazing sights in Kauai. Take the family for a hike through Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, or up through Kōkeʻe State Park where the lookouts onto the Na Pali Coast are almost too beautiful to be real.

Whether your family likes surfing, snorkeling or sunbathing, there are plenty of beautiful beaches like Po’ipu and Shipwreck’s just a few minutes away by car. Drive a bit further to Kauai’s north shore to visit Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach or hike the first few miles of the Kalalau trail along the Na Pali Coast.  — Kelly Barcus, No Man Before

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Hollywood, florida.

We had a wonderful winter stay at the Diplomat Beach Resor t in Hollywood, Florida. They have a kids’ club, on-site ice cream parlor, spa (with kids’ treatments as well), room service, and of course, pools and the beach!

My daughter is usually pretty apprehensive about kids’ clubs or babysitting services on vacation, but she didn’t want to leave when I came to pick her up. We had a relaxing experience at the spa, and my gel manicure lasted for weeks. For dining, there were so many delicious restaurant options, you can literally eat at a new restaurant each day of your stay. Every restaurant was welcoming to kids and had diverse menus with a variety of options at different price points. (There were options for picky eaters as well if that’s something you deal with.)

Our room was spacious and the connecting window between the bathroom and bedroom allows parents to prepare in the morning or bathe one child while keeping an eye on the rest. There was additional seating for leisurely mornings and the view from the balcony was stunning. The beach was well-maintained and lounge chairs come with your resort fee. There are also cabanas for rent which is nice if you have mixed-age groups and one child needs to nap while the others want to stay in the pool.

Breakfast room service was also top-notch and great for slow mornings with kids. The Diplomat was a welcome (hot) break in the cold winter and gave our family that much-needed dose of Vitamin D.  — Jennifer Tammy, Sugar, Spice and Glitter

Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton

Best Winter Travel Destinations: A Journey Through Snow and Sun

H ello, dear readers! Today, we're embarking on a magical journey to discover the world's best winter travel destinations. Whether you're a snow lover or a sun seeker, a perfect winter getaway awaits you!

Lapland, Finland: A Snowy Fairytale

Imagine a land where snow-blanketed forests and the Northern Lights dance in the sky. In Lapland, you can ride reindeer sleds, meet Santa, and feel like you're in a real-life winter wonderland.

Queenstown, New Zealand: Thrills in the Snow

For those who love excitement, Queenstown becomes a snowy winter playground. Ski down beautiful slopes, hike on glaciers, and warm up in hot springs surrounded by mountains.

Yellowstone National Park, USA: Winter's Natural Wonder

Experience the raw beauty of nature in winter at Yellowstone. Watch geysers erupt and steam rise from hot springs. Walk on snowshoes through snowy fields and see bison roaming free.

Maldives: Tropical Winter Paradise

Swap snow for sand in the Maldives. Dive into clear blue waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, and relax on sunny beaches. It's a warm winter dream!

Costa Rica: Jungle and Beach Adventure

In Costa Rica, you can explore rainforests, relax on unique volcanic beaches, and see the mighty Arenal Volcano. It's a place where the sun and jungle meet.

Seville, Spain: Winter Sun and Culture

Enjoy winter in a city full of history and sunshine. Seville invites you to see beautiful palaces and grand cathedrals and taste delicious tapas under the warm sun.

Harbin, China: Ice Festival Extravaganza

Be amazed at the world's largest ice and snow festival in Harbin. See incredible ice sculptures and try fun activities like ice skating and fishing on ice.

Srinagar, India: Snowy Beauty of Kashmir

Visit the Kashmir Valley for a different winter experience. Take a gondola to the Gulmarg ski resort and enjoy the stunning views of snowy mountains.

Cayambe, Ecuador: Snow at the Equator

Hike to the snow-capped Cayambe volcano, right on the equator. It's a unique place to experience winter in the world's middle!

Unforgettable Winter Experiences

No matter where you go, winter travel is full of memorable moments. Try local foods, enjoy winter sports, relax in a hot spring, connect with nature, and make memories to share.

Thoughtful Planning for a Smooth Trip

Staying Informed and Prepared: Weather can be unpredictable in winter. Stay informed about conditions at your destination and be prepared for changes. This helps avoid any surprises and ensures a smooth travel experience.

Health and Safety First: Winter travel can come with health and safety concerns, from slippery roads to cold weather. Take precautions like getting vaccinated if needed, carrying a first aid kit, and being mindful of local safety guidelines.

Sustainability Matters: As you travel, remember to be kind to the environment. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, respect wildlife and natural habitats, and minimize carbon footprint. Sustainable travel helps preserve these beautiful destinations for future generations.

Budgeting Wisely: Winter travel can range from budget-friendly to luxury. Plan according to your budget, looking for deals and discounts where possible. Remember, the value of an experience isn't always tied to its cost.

Wrapping it up

Our winter travel guide comes to a close, but your adventure is just beginning. Whether you're chasing snowflakes or sunshine, each destination offers its unique charm and experiences. Plan wisely, pack your enthusiasm, and set out to make incredible memories in the world's best winter travel destinations. Have a safe trip, and enjoy every moment of your winter wonderland journey!

How Budget Airlines Are Changing the Travel Landscape For The Better

The Insider’s Guide to the Best Travel Websites

4 Places To Go In The Southern States For Magical Winter Memories

This post may contain compensated links. Refer to my  disclaimer  for more info.

You won’t believe these 4 magical places to go in the Southern states that have incredible experiences throughout the wintertime. Have you been wondering… “where should I go for vacation in the south? Where should I vacation in the Southeast US? What places are in southern USA? or What is there to do in the South?” you’ve come to the right place. The following are the best places to visit in the Southern USA any time of year, but especially for a winter couple or family vacation. You’ll fall in love with the hospitality, mild climate, comfort food, and magical experiences throughout the entire winter season.

PLACES TO GO IN THE SOUTHERN STATES

Throughout my childhood, my maternal Grandfather loved nothing more than to load up our immediate family and haul us to what I know now as the best vacation spots in the southeast. From inexpensive vacations in the south to the most luxurious, there is no shortage of fabulous places around the Southeastern U.S . 

I blame him for my insatiable appetite for travel and desire to become the travel journalist that I am now!

Contrary to popular belief, family travel during the holidays can be absolutely magical. Some of our fondest memories have been family winter vacations. Christmastime in Charleston South Carolina and being chilly on St Simons Island and Hilton Head’s beaches during the wintertime are some of my fondest memories with my kids.

BEST GUIDES TO SOUTHERN DESTINATIONS

4 MAGICAL PLACES IN THE SOUTH TO VISIT THIS WINTER

These spots are breathtaking places to take the family that are unlike other travel destinations they’ve seen before. 

#1  DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

One of our absolute favorite places in the South, Charleston, South Carolina never disappoints no matter what time of year. I guarantee that throughout the winter season, there are more charming experiences than you could possibly attend. 

Most of the magical Christmas in Charleston events last until January 1st just in case you can’t get there until after Santa’s visit. The Annual Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island (one of Charleston’s five islands) and the College of Charleston Holiday Light Show Spectacular are both especially wonderful.

January and February in Charleston don’t slow down by any means either.  Be sure to visit Charleston Restaurant Week , Charleston Jazz Festival , Lowcountry Oyster Festival , and the Southeastern Wildlife exposition just to name a few.

#2 DAHLONEGA’S OLD FASHIONED CELEBRATION

December in Dahlonega Georgia is jam-packed with family activities to thrill the whole family – right in the heart of this historic gold mine town. Similar to a cozy Hallmark town ( Hallmark already DID film a movie here ), you’ll feel right at home in this friendly, mountain community.

WATCH HALLMARK’S DAHLONEGA MOVIE TRAILER

From November 23rd through December 23rd, the already gorgeous downtown area turns into an old-fashioned, experience with caroling, Christmas tree lighting, gingerbread house contests, a Christmas Market, and more.

#3  BILTMORE ESTATE

It’s most likely that you’ve heard of Biltmore Estate (largest private estate in the U.S.) located in Ashville, North Carolina. It is one of the more well-known places to go in the Southern states where you can feel the wonder of Christmas. And they celebrate up until January with elegant decorations, live music, lights galore, and Candlelight Christmas Evenings. There are also many memorable events all winter.

Close your eyes and imagine a winter getaway weekend where you can actually stay onsite at Biltmore Estate.  Crowds and prices are the lowest to visit from January 7th until March. If you want an exceptional activity, attend the Vanderbilt House Party. You can get a taste of what the Gilded Age was like. Vivid audio storytelling and displays of clothing allow you to be a guest to Biltmore in the 1900s.

#4 OPRYLAND

Although the theme park called Opryland USA closed in 1997, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is an experience like no other. It’s truly one of the most magical places to go during the holidays in the Southern states. The atrium (pictured below) delivers an extraordinary view of larger-than-life decorations, lights, and waterfalls.

Of course, no Nashville, Tennessee family vacation would be complete without riding through the famous Music Valley Drive and catching a Show or tour at the Grand Ole Opry .

VACATIONS IN THE SOUTH FAQs

• Which states are truly Southern?

This was a popular question, so I’ll answer it. 

True Southern states are those who geographically appear in the lower section of the U.S. AND that participate in unique Southern culture when it comes to food, vocabulary, hospitality, and manners. When I think of the South, I think fondly of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Carolinas.

• If you consider 10 states to be southern, why do you only write about Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas?

I wish I could write about all of the Southern states but honestly, there’s not sufficient time to thoroughly cover all of them. I’d rather provide the best insider information on fewer than do a mediocre job trying to cover them all.

YOU MAY NEED…

This handy-dandy compact Travel Charging Cube is essential with its 5 ft extension cord, 3 outlets spots, and 3 USB ports! Overload protection and a fire-retardant casing protect your devices. And, at less than 2 ½ cubic inches, it’s the best space-saving tool for your travel bag.

OTHER PLACES IN THE SOUTHEAST US TO VACATION:

Disney World Hacks 

Key West vacation ideas for families

Coastal Georgia vacations

More North Carolina vacation ideas

Places to visit in South Carolina

Whether you choose to spend your winter vacation in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, or North Carolina, I hope these details were helpful to you!

Don’t miss the BEST GUIDES TO INCREDIBLE SOUTHERN DESTINATIONS

Check the latest health updates for the states you want to visit.

PIN FOR LATER

Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.

☕️ It’s THE REAL DEAL around here ☕️

You may also enjoy these Related Posts:

Cumberland island: coastal georgia’s magical secluded …, sapelo island ga: a private island escape …, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Website URL

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Are you sure?

How to capture your winter memories in a travel journal! ❄️

Are you planning on collecting winter memories during the colder months? Then keep on reading to get some inspiration for your next adventure abroad!

Do you remember our other blogs about travel journaling? Well, we are ending this series with some inspiration for collecting your winter wonderland memories! Your overcrowded gallery with pictures and the pile with souvenirs that are gathering dust in the living room will be history, after reading this blog. So keep on reading to find out how you can capture your winter wonderland adventure in a travel journal!

Spectacular pictures

An overcrowded gallery with pictures we don’t look at enough, we all know it! In our third blog about travel journaling we already told you the tips & tricks to tell stories with those pictures. And since the winter season has begun, we hope that your travel journal will also be filled with a lot of pictures of the snow! But did you ever think about how you take a good picture of this? 📸 A picture of the white snow can quickly get underexposed due to wrong settings on your camera, or due to a mischosen perspective. So look for a subject that stands out and doesn’t disappear into the beautiful landscape! You could think of a little house or some snowy trees against the blue sky. Would you like to be able to add the prettiest winter memories to your travel journal? Then go out early, so you can still photograph the snow without seeing all the footsteps. With these wintery pictures you can definitely relive your winter wonderland memories anytime you want to! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Winter Photography (@__winter_photos_)

Wintery souvenirs

During the winter months, It’s often harder to find souvenirs at local stores. Many of them are closed several days a week, but in the northern part of Europe the tourist season is in full swing! One of the most popular souvenirs to bring home from Norway is a sweater or a pair of socks with a traditional snowflake pattern. Whereas Finland is known for the stories about the Moomins! In 1945 the Finnish writer Tove Jansson wrote the very first story about these characters and since then they have been popular worldwide. Did you know that you can buy souvenirs of these characters on the official website or in local stores? There is a lot to choose from, but some souvenirs are not suitable for a travel journal! You can check in our  second blog about travel journaling already which souvenirs are suitable. To give you some inspiration, these wintery souvenirs are the favourites from the Yobbers team:

1. Christmas labels 2.  city maps 3.  postcards  4.  postage stamps 5.  tea bags 6.  gift tags 7.  receipts 8. candy wrappers 9. passport stamps 10.  entrance or public transportation tickets 11. limited edition packaging 12.  coins and bills.

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken Een bericht gedeeld door TRAVELER'S COMPANY (@travelers_company)

Visit a Christmas market 🎄

Every year there are approximately 177 cities in Europe that organise Christmas markets! There you will not only be able to find the nicest gifts, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to buy winter souvenirs. Have a look at the traditional ornaments for your Christmas tree or take home the reusable cup of your mulled wine. In other words, a visit to this popular hotspot is a must during your winter wonderland adventure! Are you still looking for inspiration on where to travel this month? Then read our blog about  the places you don’t want to miss in December !

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken Een bericht gedeeld door Eline (@creatievelien_)

How do you add these memories to a travel journal?

In our  first blog about travel journaling we told you all the ins & outs about collecting memories in a (digital) travel journal. From landscape photography to a self written review of the food hotspots you visited during your adventure abroad. A travel journal is the place for all these winter memories, so let your creative inspiration run wild! Are you still looking for a travel journal? Then consider buying  the Adventure book ! This journal helps you tick off places from your bucket list and capture your travel memories. How cool is that? 🧡 And you can even choose from three amazing options!

Or make a once in a lifetime trip!

As long as temperatures are pleasant, tourists keep booking city trips or holidays to popular destinations. So that means that in most countries, the peak season is between spring and autumn. See the winter as your chance to make a once in a lifetime trip outside the tourist season. Start planning that winter wonderland adventure abroad to collect new memories in your travel journal! 🙌🏻 By the way, we think a sleigh ride with huskies in Lapland should definitely be on your winter bucket list. And obviously the same applies for a road trip through Scandinavia, as this is truly a winter wonderland! Did you know that during this time of the year, you also have the best chance of seeing the Northern lights? So make sure to explore Norway, Sweden, Denmark or Finland! The winter sports enthusiasts among us can also enjoy the snow in Italy, Switzerland or Austria.

👉🏻 Would you like to start with a new adventure in winter wonderland, so you can collect the memories that you made during your time abroad in a travel journal? Then check out  our job offers ! Or get inspired by our other  blogs on the website. We wish you lots of fun with collecting your special memories in a travel journal! 📓

No comments yet

• Trips and Travel
• Park Series
• What is it?
• Past Events
• MinneMama Products
• MinneMama Recommends
• Our Top Cards
• Elevated Offers
• Top Airline
• $0 Annual Fee
• $95 Annual Fee
• Miles 101 Course
• Flight Deals

25 Unique Ways To Make Family Winter Memories

Holing up under a blanket in the same pajamas you’ve been in since last Sunday is always an option during the not-so-nice Midwest winter. It’s warm under there, and the TV will continuously provide new entertainment while you grumpily countdown the days until either spring arrives or you smell so badly you can’t stand yourself. And don’t even get me started on the pent-up energy of your children that will literally destroy your home from the inside out.

Yes, that is an option. Not a great one, but an option nonetheless.

Now let’s flip the switch for a second. What if you came into the day prepared with something fun and different to do? An adventure for the whole family that is slightly out-of-the-box but makes the snowy days go by a teensy bit faster? Something that gives your whole family positive memories of wintertime and potentially brings everyone closer together? I love those kinds of winter days.

But to be completely transparent, I have plenty of days holed up under a blanket watching Love is Blind too. Life is about quality, not quantity. We have to try our hardest to make it all count!

Here are 25 tried-and-true family ideas, adventures, and activities that can be enjoyed when the days are chilly but the spirits are high:

1) Have a Spa Night

Who doesn’t love to decompress after a long, cold winters day? I know I do. And sometimes I include the kiddos in my decompression (which makes it far more comical). Pick up a tube of mud mask, a cucumber, any salty scrubs you can find, and go full-on facials. Or paint each other’s nails. Or soak your feet in a bathtub. Or lay on a heating pad. Whatever you do, do it together. The more ridiculous, the better.

2) Indoor Campout

Our family loves the outdoors, but winter isn’t super conducive to sleeping out there like we do in the summer. So we bring the tent inside (not the monster 10-person tent, but the smaller pop-up one), clear out the living room, throw in a million pillows and blankets, make s’mores in the microwave (yup, it’s messy.), and play games, read books, tell ghost stories…whatever makes it feel like camping. Plus, the easy walk to indoor plumbing is a major bonus.

3) Visit all the Libraries

Sometimes with all the hubbub of play and action, our family forgets about those beautiful brick buildings called libraries. Even if they aren’t natural readers, most libraries will provide shelves of easy readers, book clubs, some entertainment, music, audio books, and even movie rentals. And be sure to check with your local library about potential museum discounts or free admission tickets they might provide.

4) Do a Room Swap

If you have kids who don’t have an aversion to loss of control, this is a fun one. Pick names out of a hat to see whose room they will be living in for a day. They get to sleep in that person’s bed at night then swap back the next day. The rules are you can’t move anything, take anything, or break anything, but you have full reign of the other kids’ stuff and a glimpse into their life and how they spend their day. It sounds relatively mundane, but the kids think it’s hilarious and they find plenty to do.

5) Make Snowman Characters

When I was 13, my dad, sister and I built the entire cast of Wizard of Oz out of snow in our front yard. It was an awesome challenge finding props to make a Scarecrow look like a Scarecrow, and don’t even get me started on the Tin Man. Our kids have built Anna and Elsa and the Ninja Turtles but the options are truly endless. The creativity that comes from this challenge is always surprisingly impressive! Plus there’s always hot chocolate to get them through.

6) Head Indoors to Play

If the energy is just too high in the house (it happens), it’s time to get out. While indoor play places cost money, sometimes it’s worth it just for a change of pace. We love the Minneapolis Bouldering Project , Good Times Park , The Children’s Museum , Bell Museum , Mall of America , The Crayola Experience , MiniSota Play Cafe , Urban Air, Brookview Backyard , Edinborough Playground , the K.U.B.E , and Playground Plaza .

7) Bust Out Some Exercise

Know what’s nice? Exercise. Know what’s even better than that? YouTube. We do a whole lot of family workout videos (the simpler the better) via YouTube and lately I’ve even started doing yoga with my teenager to help improve his posture. Dancing is always fun and usually winds up in laughter because we all have no rhythm. But it’s a good way to burn the energy and boost the endorphins. And it’s totally free and warm and wonderful. My youngest loves GoNoodle for a good workout right their speed.

8) Have a Movie Marathon

Some days are just made to be lazy. Those are the days when we stay in the comfiest clothes, grab a favorite stuffy, and settle in for a movie marathon. We are big fans of doing sequels (sometimes even trilogies) and themed films like Toy Story, Back to the Future, Pixar movies, Jurassic Park, 80s classics, Star Wars, Home Alone, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, or family-friendly musicals (my teenager’s least favorite but my daughter’s choice every time).

9) Visit a Museum

This one seems obvious because it’s such a simple way to spend a cold day, but that’s what makes it worth mentioning. The Twin Cities has some truly remarkable museums for children and families and some are really affordable too. We love the Children’s Museum , but also enjoy the Bell Museum (and the planetarium is awesome), MN History Center , Mill City Museum , the Bakken Museum , and of course the Science Museum of Minnesota.

10) Sign Up for a Class

Again, these cost money but I find a one-on-one class with a child is one of the best ways to truly get to know them and their interests. Our family has taken baking classes, painting classes, fairy houses, pasta-making, lego building, walking-stick-making…the choices are endless and the prices vary greatly, which is nice. Check your local Park & Rec catalogue or simply Google something in your child’s interest, and make it happen!

11) Host a Bar

No, not that kind of bar. The kid-friendly kind (but you can have a cocktail. I’ll allow it). We have done some fun “bars” in our house in the past – sundae bars, mashed potato bars, pasta bars, caramel apple making bars – really anything can be a bar. Load the table with toppings and options and let the kids go to town making it however they see fit. It’s a blast and they’ll be sure to tell you so.

12) Open a Restaurant

I am the proud CEO of both “Mama B’s” and “Mom’s Spaghetti,” two pretend restaurants we’ve had in our house. You can have family members dress up, use a table cloth and the “nice” dishes, light a candle, even make a menu. It’s like being at a restaurant except you’re the only server and you should’t expect a good tip. But you should anticipate their excitement of changing up the day-to-day dinner routine with just a few little additions.

13) Sled. Sledding is the Best.

I’m the mom who kind of dreads the idea of sledding, but once we are out on that hill and everyone is fully geared up and excited, it’s just a really glorious parenting moment. Did you know if you type “sledding hill” into Google Maps you will see a bunch in your area? I choose smaller hills for the smaller kids, but when it’s just my oldest and his buddies, we go big! Most regional parks have big hills and there’s no shortage of difficulty levels with jumps and obstacles if that’s what you are looking for.

14) Take a Winter Hike

Winter hikes can be far more beautiful than even Fall hikes, which is a bold statement for a Minnesotan to make. Make sure everyone bundles in warm waterproof gear and enjoy a classic footprint-making, animal-tracking, sled-pulling (and snack-eating) family winter hike. We have so many family favorites (see my list of wide open spaces here ) but if you download the All Trails app , it’s really simple to search and find some unique hikes with filters for difficulty level, views, even family-friendliness.

15) Take a Food Tour

Have a day with time to kill and a little cash on your hands? Pick a favorite family treat, plot out a plan in your maps app, and hop in the car for a fun food tour. We’ve done this with donuts (more times than I care to admit) and the kids love it. You can create a ranking sheet and let them rate each place, comparing notes at the end. If you do bigger items like burgers or pizza, may I suggest sharing so you aren’t full after a stop or two. It’s like the State Fair, but with less walking. Oh, the irony.

16) Do an Art Dump

Do you have a drawer filled with old art supplies? Paint, play doh, clay, paper scraps, tape, glue, buttons, pipe cleaners…whatever it is. Take it out and dump it on the table. Give them some parameters then let them go to town creating. Have a specific project in mind or need some inspiration or more supplies? The best stop ever is the Artscraps Reuse store in St. Paul. Endless stuff. Just stuff. So much stuff. Trust me, worth the stop for an adventure just like this.

17) Make Your Own Board Game

Keep it simple, or make it complicated. Whether you’re aiming for a Candyland or a Risk, making a board game from scratch is super fulfilling and takes a lot of time and thought. It can be as cheap as you want it to be as well. We used a piece of cardboard, wrapped it in aluminum file, taped the sides down, made cards and a trail, cut out people for our “players” and played for a remarkable amount of time. It’s nice to see the clever ideas they come up with.

18) Try Snow Shoeing

Snow shoeing is a beautiful way to spend a day outdoors walking atop fresh powder, and for cheap. Most state parks rent snow shoes for around $5 for the day and many kids love the idea of walking without sinking – especially if it comes with some epic scenery (like frozen waterfalls or lakes of ice to slide on). This family activity is not for everyone, but it IS a very Minnesotan thing to do and doesn’t require any skill…other than walking.

19) Brave the Snow Tube

One of the most exhilarating (that’s my “mom word” for scary) winter adventures we’ve ever done was snow tubing at a tubing park. We did Badlands Tubing in Hudson, WI , but there are a many out there who do the same thing. It’s a little pricy, but it’s also legendary. You FLY and sometimes your butt actually leaves the seat. If you aren’t a big adrenaline family, skip this one. But if your kids fear nothing, this might be a memorable way to spend a winter day.

20) Grocery Shop for Favorites

You want simple? I’ll give you simple. Pile in the car as a whole family and head to the grocery store. Yup, the grocery store. When you get there, tell everyone they can pick out their own dinner and their own bedtime/movie snack. It’s a blast watching them run around and hum and haw over their special decision. I like this because a) you’re spending time together and b) you’re giving them a little freedom of choice, even if it’s something as simple as food.

21) Do Some Giving Back

Teaching our kids empathy and compassion is so important. Volunteering is such a pre-set way for them to learn just that. We have done Second Harvest Heartland and the Animal Humane Society , but the opportunities are endless of course. Maybe check out a local food pantry or animal shelter. It’s on my bucket list to build beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace with the kids, but find something that works for you and run with it. Still unsure? Visit volunteermatch.org and filter by age and/or interest.

22) Make Ice Stones

What can you make with water, balloons and food coloring? Let me tell you. Fill a balloon with water, set it outside overnight, peel off the balloon the next day and squirt food coloring on it. The colors mix together making a beautiful ice stone. We lined ours along the front walkway and the kids enjoyed pointing theirs out to visitors until they melted weeks later. It’s messy so I recommend using cookie sheets to hold in the potential disaster.

23) Spend Time with Animals

Do you have an animal lover in your house? Get out and spend some time with them, give them some love, and make their day. Where? We frequent The Cafe Meow , Carlson’s Llovable Llamas, and the Animal Humane Society but there could also be volunteer opps at animal sanctuaries like 22 Farms in Hudson, Furball Farm in Faribault, Farmaste in Lindstrom or Soulspace Sanctuary in New Richmond, WI.

24) Bring the Snow Inside

This one is easy and a little counterintuitive, but kids complain about cold (um, so do I) so bring the outside in. Fill a giant Rubbermaid with powdery snow, fill it with toys and utensils, lay a towel down and let the imaginations run wild. Only rule was – No Snowball Fights! I am always shocked by how long this keeps them busy, but I’m always thrilled by the joy it brings them.

25) Make Your Own Reality TV Show

Do your kids watch reality TV with you? Mine do (I have no shame) so we started making our own at home. For example, my kids love Alone (best show ever, btw) so we handed them a few tarps, started a bonfire in the fire pit, threw them a few buckets, rope and a pocket knife (I know, I know) and set them free to build their shelters and forage for food. The squirrel trap (completely non-successful) was a favorite. We filmed a few moments of it and I iMovied it together for the with musical accompaniment and they were so proud! You can also do Amazing Race scavenger hunts, Big Brother challenges, or Floor is Lava obstacle courses.

Here is a slightly embarrassing example of #25 coming to fruition:

And there you have it. 25 winter adventures that range in price, simplicity and variety. I know winter is long but we can make it special and merry and bright with a little time, effort, and positivity. The days are long, but the years are short. We get 18 winters with these little buggers. Let’s try our best to make the moments memorable.

You Might Also Like

Minnehaha Falls

Chaos Waterpark

Tamarack Nature Center

Italy Family Vacations

Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, 10 unexpected winter travel ideas for families.

• By Loren Braunohler
• August 14, 2022

It happens slowly and beautifully. The kids go back to school, the cool, crisp air soon seeps in and the leaves begin to change. Pumpkin spice everything makes a comeback. We don cozy sweaters and gather with friends and family for the holiday season. The cheer and excitement of Christmas keeps us going despite the decreasing temperature outside. But before we know it, the Christmas tree and lights are coming down, the holidays are over — and winter? Winter is here, and it’s here to stay for a while.

To make the best of it, we head off to our annual ski destination . To escape it, we head south in search of warm water and sandy beaches . But why not try something different this year: a family winter getaway that is both unusual and unexpected? If you are in search of something new, or if you just want to impress the kids, we have an enviable list of winter travel ideas and activities that will deliver a fresh set of adventures and memories.

Winter Travel Ideas with Kids: Where to Go

Hokkaido, japan.

Head to Hokkaido and hit the slopes in Niseko, a ski town dubbed the “St. Moritz of Japan .” This lesser-known ski area offers Champagne powder, authentic ramen joints and therapeutic hot springs. January is the most popular time to visit for high amounts of snow, with the month being referred to by many as “Japanuary.” In addition to fresh powder and stylish ski resorts, families can visit Lake Shikaribetu to experience an ice village that has everything from an ice bar to an open-air bath made of snow and an ice chapel (January-March). Plus, nearby Sapporo hosts a snow festival with towering ice sculptures and impressive ice carvings every February.

We can help you plan an unforgettable winter vacation with kids!

Our Family Travel Advisors work with you one on one to choose the right destination, book vetted kid-friendly accommodations, create a custom itinerary and more. Click to get started.

Alta, Norway

Isn’t northern Norway cold during the winter? Yes, it is … but imagine the things you can see and do, and the people you can meet, at a time of year when other would-be visitors are eschewing the cold. Alta, one of the northernmost cities in the world and known as the “Northern Lights Capital,” offers a remote icy wilderness where you can take the family on a whole host of adventures: dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing and, of course, catching a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights. Holmen Husky Lodge offers families the opportunity to sleep in a tepee at a kennel with nearly 100 dogs as company, and guests can drive their own canine team through the forest for an exhilarating experience. Enlarge your children’s worldview (and your own) by spending time with a Sami reindeer herder, learning about his livelihood and visiting his home.

Cape Town, South Africa

The northern hemisphere’s winter months are a beautiful time to visit Cape Town . Families can take in the sun and sea at one of the white sand beaches of Camps Bay, stroll along the Cape Town waterfront, hike up (or ride a cable car) to the top of Table Mountain, visit the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch and explore the Cape Winelands. If you seek more adventure, consider pairing a trip to Cape Town with a safari in Tswalu Kalahari Reserve , South Africa’s largest private game reserve. Accessible via charter flight, the reserve offers a bit of everything: day and night game drives, horseback riding, star beds, rock paintings and art, and much more.

Tofino, Canada

Do you want to wow the kids with something completely unexpected? How about a winter storm watching trip to Tofino, British Columbia ? Between November and February, legendary winter storms rise out of the Pacific on this stretch of the Vancouver Island coastline, and you can have a front-row seat for the 20-foot swells that crash on the shore. Don waterproof outerwear (and work up your nerve) to venture out into the squall and watch Mother Nature at work. Named a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission, storm watching is best done at the Wickaninnish Inn , which provides full rain gear and rubber boots in each guest room. Kids will also enjoy beachcombing along the wild shore after the storm.

Bangkok + Koh Samui or Phuket, Thailand

The best time of year to visit Thailand is December through January, when the days are cooler and sightseeing can be done without the persistent heat and humidity that dominate the remaining 10 months. Spend a few days exploring bustling, vibrant Bangkok . Take a river cruise on the Chao Phraya, stop by the newly re-opened Wat Arun Temple and make your way to the Grand Palace. Pay a visit to the weekend market in Chatuchak and spectate a muay thai (Thai boxing) match. Once you’ve had enough of the big city, hop a flight down to Koh Samui or Phuket and spend several days basking in the tropical waters of the country’s southern islands.

Bariloche, Argentina

Let’s talk Argentina ! Bariloche, situated in the foothills of the Andes on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, offers excellent activities for families who love the outdoors. Hiking, river rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, ziplining and mountain biking are just a few of the things to choose from in this land of glacier-fed lakes and rugged forests. Families should consider renting a car and driving the scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes) in order to appreciate the scenery and discover some off-the-beaten-path beaches and vistas. Cerro Otto, the closest peak to Bariloche, can be reached via cable car and delivers great views over the town and its lakes. Bariloche’s chocolate shops are sure to be a hit with the whole family, and the Fenoglio Chocolate Museum offers a fun way to discover the history of chocolate and chocolate production, as well as sample delicious homemade treats.

In the winter, Reykjavik is awash with lights and festive decorations, making the city look like one giant Christmas card. Iceland becomes a total winter wonderland during the cold season, with ice fields as far as the eye can see to partially frozen waterfalls and blue ice caves. While not all roads are passable during this time, the Golden Circle, the south coast, Reykjanes peninsula, Snæfellsnes peninsula and Akureyri are accessible and can be done in a day tour from Reykjavik. Iceland’s most beloved waterfall, Gullfoss, is especially impressive during wintertime, surrounded by icicles and with thundering water bursting through thick layers of ice. Winter also allows visitors to experience Iceland’s natural ice caves, which form in the Vatnajokull glacier between November and March. Because the nights are long this time of year, you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. And last but definitely not least, there are geothermal pools around nearly every corner if you crave a respite from the cold.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is spellbindingly beautiful in the depths of winter. Its landmark Prague Castle is magical under the snow, and families will be able to enjoy the castle courtyards and surrounding area without the crowds. Don’t miss St. Vitus’ Cathedral within the castle complex — an impressive ode to Gothic architecture and artistry. Consider paying the small fee to climb the cathedral tower; the reward is a stunning view over the historic heart of the city. The medieval Charles Bridge, breathtaking in the snowfall, is another must-see. Christmas markets are a key part of enjoying the holiday season in Prague, where families can feast on barbecued sausages (klobasa) and hot sugar-coated pastries (trdelnik), and perhaps catch a glimpse of St. Nick, who roams the Old Market Square during this time. To catch a break from the cold, treat the kids to a marionette performance at one of the many theaters around town.

Galapagos Islands

A trip to the Galapagos is the ultimate family adventure. December through May is the islands’ “warm season,” when ocean temperatures are comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. In order to fully experience and appreciate this exotic, remote wilderness, put your faith in  Lindblad Expeditions , an award-winning ecotourism company,  and board the National Geographic Endeavour for an action-packed week of exploration and discovery. Each day includes a visit to a new island, a snorkeling trip in deep water to observe marine wildlife, and a walk or hike with an educational component. Every sailing includes a fleet of professionals to enrich the guest experience, from National Geographic -certified photo instructors to trained naturalists with an average of 10 to 12 years of experience.

The best time to visit Dubai is November to March, when the city offers blue skies, primo beach weather and temperatures in the high 70s (be aware that is this also peak season). Experience the thrill of an SUV excursion to the Arabian Desert, twisting and turning up and down the rims of sand dunes. Try your hand at sandboarding or gather up the courage to ride a camel on the beautiful desert peaks. Visit the towering Burj Khalifa and take in a fascinating vantage point from the public observation deck on the 124th floor. Stroll through the impressive Dubai Mall, which holds an aquarium, an indoor ice rink, a cinema with more than 22 screens and 1,200 stores. And last but not least, don’t leave Dubai without seeing the old part of the city. Board an old-fashioned wooden boat, or abra, and cross the river to browse and bargain in the souks.

With this list, there is no excuse for a ho-hum family winter getaway this year. Move beyond your comfort zone and go for the unexpected. You will create wonderful family memories in new and exotic places, and even make more than one traditional traveler a bit jealous.

Relevant Links:

Best 1-week itinerary in Japan with kids

Family-friendly luxury in the heart of Vancouver Island’s pristine wilderness: The Wickaninnish Inn

Norway in winter: An incredible, action-packed adventure at the Arctic Circle

Essential tips for planning a vacation to Argentina with kids

Best beach destinations in Thailand with kids

5 incredible places to see the Northern Lights

An epic 7-day tour of Iceland with kids

72 hours in Dubai with kids

72 hours in Bangkok with kids

72 hours in Prague with kids

72 hours in Cape Town with kids

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let Ciao Bambino! Plan Your Dream Trip with Kids

Family travel blog, norway in winter: an incredible, action-packed adventure at the arctic circle, 10 iconic christmas activities in london with kids, best american national parks to visit in winter, get the latest family travel news, exclusive deals & more.

Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations.

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Site registration is required to get started. Happy planning!

Forgotten Password

Create an Account

Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account.

• Name First Last
• Password Enter Password Confirm Password
• Yes, please!

• Privacy Policy
• Contact us 

Considering visiting Spain in winter? From delightful islands to food towns, these are the best places to browse.

Something I love most about visiting Spain in the colder time of year is that you can be knee-somewhere down in snow in the excellent mountains briefly and afterward partake in the warm sun near the ocean 30 minutes after the fact. Truth be told, this is by and large the thing I did a couple of years prior when I went out traveling to Spain in the colder time of year. I dared to Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Sierra Nevada and Nerja in half a month, partaking in an alternate involvement with every area.

On the off chance that you’re battling with the cool, an outing to Spain in the colder time of year may be exactly what you really want. Not exclusively are temperatures for the most part hotter (particularly in the south), yet the nation additionally offers an assortment of encounters that you probably won’t have considered previously. An occasion in Spain doesn’t need to incorporate sea shores and resorts, you can go on a colder time of year experience in the mountains, partake in a food-filled trip in one of Spain’s clamoring urban areas, or unwind in a portion of the nation’s beguiling waterfront towns.

Furthermore, Spaniards love to observe Christmas, so December is an incredible opportunity to visit to absorb the occasion energy and get a couple of presents!

Whether you’re arranging a colder time of year excursion to Spain or need thoughts for radiant spots, I trust this guide will assist you with choosing where to go.

Winter in Spain – climate

The climate in Spain throughout the colder time of year shifts significantly starting with one district then onto the next. The Atlantic coast gets very blustery on occasion, yet temperatures seldom decrease under 5 degrees Celsius. The southern piece of the nation is sunnier all through the colder time of year, with temperatures coming to up to 18 degrees in any event, throughout the cold weather months.

Assuming you visit precipitous regions, for example, the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada, you can anticipate cold days and freezing temperatures. At long last, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands are the absolute most ideal choices for winter sun, with temperatures as high as 22 degrees.

Best places to visit in Spain in winter

The city of Bilbao isn’t the sunniest spot to visit in winter in Spain, yet it is certainly one of the most fascinating! Bilbao offers a blend of custom and advancement, across the board awesome city.

Workmanship and engineering sweethearts will adore visiting the renowned Guggenheim Museum. This inconceivable structure, planned by Frank Gehry, houses things of beauty from the legends of the contemporary craftsmanship scene. In addition, in the event that the weather conditions is chilly, it’s great to have a couple of historical center or exhibition choices to keep you warm!

Bilbao is likewise the core of the Basque locale and with that comes a great food scene. I would prescribe going from tapas bar to tapas bar, inspecting “pintxos” (a Basque variant of tapas, for the most part served on a stick).

You can likewise watch a Basque pelota match-up or investigate a few other astonishing spots close by including San Sebastian and Pamplona. Assuming you are keen on wine this is likewise an incredible spot for you as you will be overall quite near the Rioja locale. Envision visiting Spain in winter and partaking in a day of wine sampling? Sounds wonderful to me!

Canary Islands

Assuming you are searching for a warm spot to remain yet could do without to leave Europe, the Canary Islands are an extraordinary choice. Situated off the northwest shore of Africa, this assortment of volcanic islands incorporates Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. The islands gloat warm temperatures all year, with highs during the twenties throughout the cold weather months.

Sightseers appreciate investigating the volcanic scenes, courageous individuals can partake in an assortment of water sports, while ocean side darlings can unwind on the volcanic dark sand sea shores. Every island has its own remarkable appeal, so it merits investigating which suits the style of occasion you’re searching for.

Quite possibly the most famous spot to visit in Spain throughout the colder time of year, Barcelona has something for everybody. From Gaudí’s magnum opus, the notorious Sagrada Familia, to exhibition halls, sea shores and notable areas, Barcelona is one of my #1 occasion objections.

It’s additionally an extraordinary spot to visit in December as there are a few Christmas markets in Barcelona, ideal for getting some latest possible moment Christmas presents! There are likewise numerous amazing eateries spotted all through the city.

Sierra Nevada

In the event that you appreciate skiing, this is an astonishing spot to visit throughout the cold weather months. The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia is exceptionally famous from November – March.

For certain tops over 3000m, you’ll track down good snow in the colder time of year, ideal for skiing, snowboarding and other tomfoolery snow exercises. The ski station has north of 130 runs for all levels and there are a lot of facilities in the primary town to suit all spending plans.

Since it’s in the south of Spain, one could consolidate a ski trip in the Sierra Nevada with a city break in Granada or Malaga.

Situated on the south bank of Spain, Cadiz may not be just about as well known as different urban communities in Spain, however it’s certainly worth a visit! Truth be told, this is one of my #1 spots – I frantically need to return!

It is brimming with chronicled destinations, including a tremendous basilica and a great Roman theater. In the event that you partake in a casual break, you can partake in the fundamental promenade, unwind near the ocean, lose all sense of direction in the beguiling slight roads, or take photos of the multitude of pleasant structures and fishing boats.

Since Cadiz is on the south coast, this is an extraordinary spot to visit in Spain throughout the colder time of year for warm climate and daylight. Winter temperatures are ordinarily somewhere in the range of 16 and 20 degrees Celsius with a lot of radiant days.

While the Christmas time frame is excellent in Cadiz, I suggest February for your outing. It is then that the yearly fair happens in the city, giving a ton of extraordinary diversion!

I have composed numerous Cadiz directs so most certainly perused my movement guide, café guide and convenience guides before you go!

The origination of the popular painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga is situated at the furthest finish of southern Spain. Because of its area, it is one of the hottest and sunniest spots in Spain in winter.

As well as ocean side time and eating fresco, you can visit the Picasso Museum, the city’s inconceivable church building, or the food market. This is a city popular for its Christmas lights, so make certain to walk the central avenues around evening time.

Likewise, there are some incredible roadtrips from Malaga including Montes from Malaga, a characteristic park with grand woods that is great for climbing or loosening up strolls.

History buffs can partake in an outing to the 5,000 year old Antequera Dolmen or the staggering Ronda Bridge. There is such a huge amount to do around here – it is one of my number one spots to visit Spain throughout the cold weather months.

The Spanish capital isn’t the hottest spot in Spain in winter, however there are totally loads to see and do. The fundamental square, Plaza Mayor, transforms into an immense Christmas market around Christmas.

The city is likewise loaded up with Christmas lights and designs. In the event that you don’t want to shop, the bars, cafés, exhibition halls and nightlife make certain to keep you engaged.

Not quite so well known as Malaga or Seville, Granada is somewhat of an unlikely treasure in southern Spain. The Alhambra is the most visited site nearby and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet that is not entirely there is to see. The city is loaded with history with its great Cathedral, religious communities and recorded markets.

The old city of Granada is charmed. I would suggest strolling around and wondering about the thin roads and eccentric engineering. From Granada, it’s additionally simple to get to the Sierra Nevada mountain range for a roadtrip, so you could join the two of every one experience through Spain.

The most well known of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza has an alternate examine winter than in summer. It’s still very warm and bright, however you won’t find the groups cheerful and drinking.

Visiting unavailable will offer you the chance to encounter the absolute most staggering perspectives on the island on the planet! You can visit uninhabited sea shores, appreciate flavorful fish and partake in the verifiable sights of Ibiza town. It’s likewise a famous island for wellbeing breaks, with yoga and reflection occurring during the cooler months.

Less famous than Barcelona or Madrid, the Andalusian city of Seville benefits from gentle winters and is ideally suited for an end of the week escape. While visiting a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for example, the genuine Alcazar, you will wind up wondering about the lovely design while absorbing vitamin D.

The city is likewise well known for its flamenco exhibitions and tapas culture. Indeed, even in winter, you will actually want to sit outside while the servers bring you food after a scrumptious Spanish supper.

Santiago de Compostela

The capital of the Spanish locale of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is known for its lovely house of God, which denotes the completing place of the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile climbing trail that is embellished with history.

Try not to stress that you don’t need to be a vacationer to partake in this city situated in the western piece of Spain! There are many spots of interest here, including the historically significant area. In December, the city gets a merry extra with a Christmas market and an ice arena.

This is one more extraordinary spot in Spain for food. Galician food is wealthy in new fish cooked in an assortment of ways. Try not to miss pulpo (octopus), which is particularly delectable in this piece of Spain!

Related Stories

Instructions to get to the lofoten islands, schedule “optimal south of france”, instructions to get to cozumel, mexico, 10 travel tips for visiting mexico on a careful..., there are such countless motivations to visit costa rica, astounding activities in breckenridge in winter, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Methods for purchasing and picking a movement insurance contract. Uplifting articles for picking your next trip. Country guides and travel news from around the world.

About Travel-Memories

Enjoying my content.

Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!

Winter Memories

• A lot of the things you can do in the game will give you Experience. When it is full, click your head with the " ! " Exclamation Point, in the upper right, to gain a bonus. Do this as often as you can.
• Your main stats are Stamina and Lust, but money and items will also be very important throughout the game.
• Stamina and Lust are mainly used for sex. Money and items will be used for many things.
• If you run out of Stamina while having sex, you'll pass out. Try to avoid this. It won't happen during most events, though.
• If you don't properly manage your lust and it overfills, something unfortunate might happen. (But this can have an unexpected benefit too)
• Uncle is in the house, and he will hear you if your sex gets too loud -- unless he's gone to work that day.
• Talk to the girls and you can view how to advance the scenario.
• There are many ways to earn Affection, including giving gifts, having sex, chatting, and triggering various events.
• Various things you do will become Memory Points. These can be spent after each day to unlock any skills you wish from the Skill Tree in the Diary Page, after each day.
• The skills are not created equally, so think carefully about which ones you would like the most.
• The girls will actively show how to advance their scenario if you only speak to them - even listing the time period the event will happen ((though a few of these are incorrect as of the English launch version.))
• Your tightest resource, time, is given in ample amounts.
• You don't have to clear any requirements to have sex with Yui, Rio, or Miyuki. You can unlock virtually any skill on day one, and use it on any/all of the main 3 girls straight away.
• Most importantly: Most events do not increase Uncle's suspicion, so it is much, much easier to manage. In Summer Memories, the more you try to achieve in 1 playthrough, the faster you will go through the game's events, and many of these increase Uncle's suspicion... this doesn't really happen in Winter Memories.
• There are even more super-exploitable systems than last time.
• Morning is from 8:00AM to 12:Noon (4 hours)
• Afternoon is from 12:Noon to 4:00PM (4 hours)
• Dusk is from 4:00PM to 7:00PM (3 hours)
• Night is normally 7:00PM to 10:00PM * (3 hours) However, when you add the "Nightwalker" skill on the Lewd Tree of your Skills page, your Night hours change, and a new time period, Late Night, becomes available...
• Night becomes 7:00PM to 12:Midnight (5 hours)
• Late Night is from 12:Midnight to 3:00AM.
• It is decided if Uncle will work. If he does, he'll be gone until the Night phase.
• Characters update their locations and statuses (Normal, In Heat, Devoted, Turned On, Asleep)
• The items in fridges are selected. They cannot be changed.
• Restaurant Work
• Love Hotel visits
• Omurice, Pasta, Steak, Fried Rice, Ramen
• Freeform sex can be initiated by asking a girl, or using a Map Sex Skill on her -- when she is willing to participate, or KOed from previous sex acts. Freeform sex always leaves a girl KOed. If you run out of Stamina during Freeform Sex, you'll get KOed instead.
• Event Sex, as the name suggests, is triggered by Events. It usually includes one or more unique CG and may also include pixel art. Event Sex will never KO you. There's usually nothing you can do except let things play out. Some very late events transition into Freeform sex.
• Coax Commands are under the menu option. They tend to play short, unique animations and have unique stat effects. Girls will occasionally Coax the player as well (when status-changed). Coax commands do not always KO the girl.
• Attacks are a special class of involuntary sex animations. While most attacks are Skills used by the main character, Status-changed girls may attack you in the morning -- or occasionally, even when you speak to them. Attacking a girl will leave her KOed - and usually, unable to handle freeform sex (though, sometimes you can attack them further.)
• Night attacks are a special type of attack only usable in Late Night, on the main 3 girls (for now)
• Freeform Sex always KOs the girl. A KOed girl will be unable to act until she's restored. This takes an hour. If you travel using Power of Time, or use other Time-Condensed skills, the girl will recover in 30 minutes. If the Time Frame changes, or you play a Minigame, this can reset. If you initiate sex with her again, the Hour Timer resets.
• Suzuka and Shizuku are often in a public space, and Map Commands don't work in public. Talk to the girl, and ask for Sex - and she'll relocate somewhere private, so you can get to work.
• Sex will spend Stamina. Higher settings spend it a lot faster. If your Stamina runs out, you'll be KOed. Try to avoid this. (Experiencing it just once might be okay - if only to create a memory.) You get 1 Experience for every 3 Stamina you spend on Sex. You'll also spend 1 minute. But no matter how much Stamina you spend, you'll never spend more than an hour on a sex session . This starts to matter when you spend more than 180 Stamina. Spend 300+ Stamina to guarantee a Level Up after sex. If your Stamina gets low, you can use items to boost it, right in the middle of sex.
• As you spend stamina, it is quietly totaled. Freeform sex always ends with your Orgasm (or your KO) - there is no escape in this game... When you orgasm, your Lust is drained up to the Stamina you spent. You'll get 1 point of Memories for every 2 points of Lust you spent. If you run out of Lust, you'll stop earning Memories. Spending 12 Lust on sex will earn 1 Affection for your Partner.
• Freeform Sex comes in three types. These will gradually build various Status Points on your sex partner as you play. Once you reach certain breakpoints, Status Change will start to happen. All Freeform Sex Skills build Status Points equally, so just do whatever you'd like.
• Show Me Your Panties, to Show Me Your Butt, to one of the two Sex Commands, will KO a girl from a Coax command. They cannot be performed in public, though.
• Show Me Your Panties, to Show Me Your Butt, then exiting with right click generates 25 Lust in 10 minutes - 4 with Power of Time.
• Show Me Your Panties, to Show Me Your Butt, then Sex (Normal) is the only Coax command that causes a status change. It generates Perversion.
• Watch Me requires panties for the girl, and does not consume them. Watch me, then a spectacle command, then Wear It generates Lewdness or Service, but won't cause a status change, no matter how much you do it.
• Suck It is the best way to manage excess lust, lowering your lust by 30 in just 5 minutes - 2 with Power of Time. To unlock it, first buy the Blowjob Freeform Sex skill from the Lewd Skills page, then exit the Skills page and it will appear on the Sex Skills page.
• If a character is in a Status Change, and you talk with them, they'll perform a Coax Command on you, unless they're in cooldown from doing one recently. Occasionally, Route-Cleared heroines will Coax you the moment you enter the same screen as them. Being Coaxed won't spend time, and it awards plenty of memories and experience.
• Lewdness Coax will turn into Freeform Sex and result in a KO.
• Service Coax will turn into a blowjob animation.
• Turned-On Coax will result in instant Piledriver Sex and result in a KO.
• If the Love Hotel is unlocked, a high level Lewdness Coax will be an offer to the Love Hotel (free)
• All Sex Attacks require either the Lockpick skill or the Nightwalker skill. Without either, you won't be able to learn any Sex Attack skills.
• Sex Attacks are not required to advance the scenario at all. But you will need both Lockpicking and Nightwalker for certain scenarios. (Kagami, Kanae)
• Once you unlock Lockpicking, if your level reaches 5, you'll be able to buy Toilet Attack.
• With Lockpicking and level 10, you'll be able to buy Tub Attack.
• After Nightwalker, you can learn 3 types of Sleep Attacks.
• The most versatile of the Sleep Attacks is Sleep Blowjob. It can be used on people napping in various places. The other two commands are only usable on a character in bed.
• Tub Attack can be used with or without bathing with the girl.
• If you perform a Sleep Attack at anytime other than late night, the girl will be put into a Revenge State. If you visit them while they're awake in the same, or the next, Time Frame -- they'll perform a Sex Counterattack and force your pants off for a blowjob.
• Late Night Sleep attacks on the Main 3 transform into Sleep Sex, a separate minigame.
• If you perform Sleep Sex and finish, and the character Status Changes, they'll almost always perform a Sex Counterattack in the morning.
• Lucky: +5 EXP, +5 Memories, Mood Boost, +1 Affection bonus awarded when Affection is gained
• Favored: +10 EXP, +10 Memories, Mood Boost, +2 Affection bonus
• Blessed: +20 EXP, +15 Memories, Mood Boost, +3 Affection Bonus, 500 Yen
• Bad Luck: -30 Stamina. It will not go below 1, though.
• Terrible Luck: -50 Stamina. it will not go below 1.
• Yui bathes at 7:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 8:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.
• You can always choose to sleep with Yui. Either talk to her at Night, or Pass Time at night (and choose to go to bed if you have Nightwalker) and choose Yui. Choosing Yui will give her 5 Affection.
• Yui can clear several events at once in the afternoon, though. Using Happy Ramune, or talking with her a lot to boost her mood, can make it easier to build Affection fast, and stack events up.
• Earning 20 Affection in one time frame can be tricky. You can use chat or gifts, but keep in mind Yui's next event can also be done in the same afternoon. Try to be flexible about this, and keep in mind that if you run out of other options, you can always have sex with her...
• Three events in one day is as hard as you can push Yui. 60 Affection in 2 time periods is a pretty high target, so use all your tricks - use the tutorial, chat, gift, and have plenty of sex.
• You can get her Affection to 80 on day 1 if you are insane . . . but there's no reason to do this . Yui's Affection-80 event is locked to 1/1, because it requires Calligraphy. And on the morning of 1/1, Yui will gain 20 Affection at the sunrise, and reach 80 Affection if she was previously at 60.
• The Next Affection Event (100) requires 50 Perversion, but if you chose the Shrine Maiden event, she'll likely have enough. It's very easy to get her to 80 Affection for this step, especially if she was 60 in time for the Shrine Maiden event. Her Affection will be maxed and she won't need or benefit from attention until tomorrow... so this stage of Yui's Route is relatively trouble-free.
• Rio bathes at 8:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 9:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.
• You can always choose to sleep with Rio. Either talk to her at Night, or Pass Time at night (and choose to go to bed if you have Nightwalker) and choose Rio. Choosing Rio will give her 5 Affection.
• Once you manage the two pictures, the rest of this event is trouble-free.. I recommend taking the pictures on 12/25 to hurry the process along.
• As long as you remember to attend this event, it's easy to fit in, and is very little trouble.
• It's best to start this event just before the afternoon ends, at 3:55 or so.
• Be careful building up Rio's Affection, and control when this event happens. You'll lose 7 hours of time instantly, and there's no way around it.
• Miyuki bathes at 9:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 10:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.
• You can always choose to sleep with Miyuki. Either talk to her at Night, or Pass Time at night (and choose to go to bed if you have Nightwalker) and choose Miyuki. Choosing Miyuki will give her 5 Affection.
• If you allow your lust to overflow, the next day Miyuki will notice. This will trigger a unique side event. The event is not needed to clear Miyuki's route, but it is needed to select her event on January 1.
• Miyuki will notice the overflow on the morning after it happens. Then speak to Miyuki at night . She'll perform a sex attack (-30 Lust) and from then on, the first time you speak to Miyuki each night, she'll ask if you need attention.
• The last day to trigger the Overflow event, to be able to pick Miyuki on New Years, is 12/29 . If you overflow on 12/30, the Festival will block the night conversation - and the event will be incomplete when New Years comes about.
• Note that there are no other benefits to Miyuki's nightly cleanup. She won't gain affection, and you won't gain memories or experience.
• The next event requires the Cleaning Skill. If you don't already have it, make sure to buy it.
• The second floor hall
• The kitchen
• The tatami room
• The couple room
• The dressing room
• NOTE: This event consumes a lot of time. You can minimize the time loss by spending part of the afternoon before finishing the above list, and then finishing before 3PM (or otherwise triggering the cutscene before the afternoon ends)
• Both the massive loss to Lust and the time loss can be inconvenient. You'll be able to raise Miyuki's Affection after that, but further progress will be impossible until the next day.
• This event, and the previous, both have forced delays - and as an additional wrinkle, Uncle must be out of the house. Prior planning prevents poor prematurity - in other words, gift Uncle beforehand.
• Akari uses Fixed Location movement. The only times she moves around randomly is Dusk/Night, at very high Affection levels. Otherwise, she will be in the Secret Base, or specific plot-based locations.
• Akari bathes at 7:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 8:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room. To even enter Akari's home, you must first befriend Hikari.
• There's a forced delay after this event. Please play freely with Akari at this time.
• Immediately after this sex event, the Menko Hunters event will start. This quest will last for several days, and sex with Akari is impossible until this is all over.
• In front of the apartment, MORNING
• At the Shrine, DUSK
• At the Levee, NIGHT
• It is recommended you get at least one picture of a Menko Hunter, for your collection.
• Although you can clear Akari by 1/1 easily, to access Akari's house ...
• Until you meet her, Kagami uses Fixed Location movement. She can be found in specific places depending on the time of day. Before you speak to her, Kagami can be spotted at:
• The third screen of Main Road in the morning
• In front of the Candy Shop in the afternoon
• At the Mountain at dusk
• Once you contact her, Kagami is fixed in her Training Room, and never leaves it until her Route is cleared.
• Kagami will kick you out at Night until she's Route-Cleared.
• Kagami bathes at 8:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 9:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.... but, [of course] you already have it, as it is required for her route. More Importantly, to be in Kagami's house at night, she must already be Route Cleared.
• There's no forced delay to the next event, but you will need the Lockpick skill. The only way to do it on 12/25 is to choose the Lockpick Skill on the very first day of the game (or carryover a complete save and reset the Heroines.)
• Even with the Lockpick skill, you may find it's difficult to build up 40 Affection in just eleven hours on the first day - if you also have Double Gifts skill from day 1, it's possible... if you're a skilled cook and time your gift carefully... or if you chat very efficiently... The Shrine can also help a lot...
• To activate Kagami's next event, she must be at 80 Affection and the day must pass. You're kicked out for the night -- and she won't have enough Affection from just event three. If you're really clever or skilled, you might just manage this event on 12/27. But it's much more likely you'll have to wait until 12/28.
• For the next event, you'll need the Treasure Hunter skill, and some persistence or luck.
• You won't be kicked out of her home anymore.
• Once Kagami's Route Clears, she'll start roaming around her home. This will allow you to Treasure Search her home for panties.
• You'll also be able to challenge her to Menko.
• You'll be able to bathe with her (since you definitely have Lockpick) and activate any Attack Skills as well.
• Mizuki's location is dependent on where you are in your Route with her. At different stages, she will sometimes be on the second screen of Main Road in the morning and afternoon. The rest of the time, she will move freely in her own home.
• Mizuki bathes at 9:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 10:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.
• Mizuki's first event is tricky enough that you actually don't need to raise her Affection at all to clear it. You just have to figure out how to help her, and then you can proceed. But you'll still need 40 Affection to clear her next event. It would probably be more efficient to boost her affection to 20 as soon as you can.
• Mizuki must be 40 Affection.
• You need to talk to three specific people about Mizuki --
• One is in the Candy Shop in Morning/Afternoon.
• One is at the Mountain at Dusk.
• One is on the Park 2 bench (south of the Park) at Night.
• To proceed, Mizuki needs to reach 60 Affection. Since you can use your full bag of tricks, this is pretty easy.
• Mizuki's next event consumes a lot of time, so prepare accordingly.
• Treasure Hunt Sunglasses from Rio's Room (closet). These will appear quickly once you have triggered the search for them, by talking with Mizuki.
• A Mask, by losing the lottery on Main Road once.
• The Hat. it's in the Park, hanging from the tree. But it won't appear the same day. So if you don't already have it, you'll have to wait a day to continue!
• Suzuka uses Fixed Location movement until her Route is clear. She will be in front of her tent in Morning/Afternoon, and inside the tent in Dusk/Night. After her Route is clear, she'll move around randomly. Once the Hot Spring is revealed, she will randomly move there too.
• Unlike most sub-heroines, Suzuka cannot bar you from her house at night (it's a tent) so you can perform various attacks on her, without even clearing her route first.
• Suzuka bathes at 7:00PM every night. To be able to enter the Hot Spring, you must learn of the location first.
• Suzuka has two possible appearance requirements. When you first clear Miyuki's first event, and receive money to buy ingredients in town, Suzuka will appear.
• Alternatively, if you do not clear Miyuki's first event by 12/28, a morning event will play where the girls discuss campers. Suzuka will appear at that time.
• Go to River Beach 2 and click on Suzuka. You'll gain 5 EXP and 10 Memories, and Suzuka will gain Affection.
• Suzuks's events involve cooking, which means you'll also need to work at the restaurant for at least two shifts to acquire recipes. You'll also need to hike and/or fish, and shop at the market.
• Gifting Suzuka food in the morning or afternoon will raise her affection. Generally speaking, if this brings her affection to the next breakpoint, it will trigger the event.
• You cannot gift Suzuka food except in the morning or afternoon - Suzuka is the only character with this restriction.
• Suzuka's event require you to make food dishes, but otherwise, they are straightforward and simple. The food will also raise Suzuka's affection, so she's generally easy to clear.
• Give, or have given, a 4* dish to Suzuka. Suzuka only needs to have eaten a 4* dish at any point to trigger this one.
• Affection 80
• Talk at Dusk. I recommend visiting towards the end of Dusk, as this one takes awhile.
• Affection 100
• Talk at NIGHT.
• Shizuku uses Fixed Location movement. The only times she moves around randomly is Dusk/Night, at very high Affection levels. Otherwise, she will be in the Store.
• Shizuku bathes at 8:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 9:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.
• Kanae's home is only accessible from Monday-Friday. On weekends, her husband will be home.
• Kanae bathes at 9:00PM every night. If you enter the dressing room in that hour, you can attack her panties (with the correct skills) for -30 Lust/19 Memories. The next time you speak, or if you are in the dressing room at 10:00PM, she'll perform a Sex Counterattack. Or, you can use Tub Attack at this time. You'll need the lockpicking skill to enter the Dressing Room.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

7 things you NEED to do in Moscow this winter

1. Get your skates on

People at the opening of the Street Rink outdoor skating rink in Gorky Park, Moscow.

Young or old, sporty or couch potato, it doesn’t matter – ice skating is THE quintessential winter activity in which pretty much everyone Muscovite partakes. For that reason, Russians tend to be quite good at skating, but don’t let that put you off if you’re a beginner. Public ice skating is more about embracing the crisp winter mornings here than hardcore sporting endeavor, so expect high spirits and friendly atmospheres.

What’s more, there are a staggering 45 year-round skating rinks to choose from in Moscow. Gorky Park’s rink is a must-see that allows for pleasant strolling, coffee drinking, and art viewing afterwards. The VDNH rink is also worth checking out for the park that surrounds it, offering majestic light shows, fountains, and Soviet relics. For a more open-plan skating arena, head to Sokolniki Park, where you’ll find a whopping 5,400 square meter rink.

2. Sweat out the winter blues

Sandunovsky baths

We challenge you to find a more relaxing atmosphere than a Russian banya . You simply won’t – this tradition will warm up your body and your soul. Sure, being practically boiled in a firewood sauna and then hit with a birch tree while half-drunk might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but trust us, they’re missing out on this unique detox.

Check out the Sanduny bathhouse for the most jaw-dropping Russian relaxation experience imaginable, characterized by palatial columns and mosaics, as well as stylish cold water pools for you to dive into after your beat-down. Happy steaming!

3. Light up your life

Teatralnaya Square

Moscow city center’s mesmerizing light display is not only the pride of the city, but of half of Russia too, who travel to the capital specifically for the luminous spectacle. In the lead up to New Year, the areas around Red Square, Teatralnaya Square, Nikolskaya Street, Pushkin Square, and Tverskoy Boulevard become a neon ocean.

The lights are a significant annual investment for the Moscow council, not least because they tend to replace the lights with new ones year on year, but it’s usually deemed worth it by admiring onlookers and tourists. If this display doesn’t get you in the festive spirit, nothing will.

4. Shout your lungs out at an ice hockey match

If there’s one sport Russians are particularly passionate about, it’s ice hockey. Go and experience the fierce athleticism, frequent on-rink fights, and rowdy crowds for yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. In contrast to Russian football matches, where there’s often little more than atmospheric novelty to be had, the country can take pride in having world-class hockey players, whose quality will be immediately obvious.

The best place for a match is the slick 12,100-seater VTB Ice Palace, home to CSKA’s ice hockey outfit.

5. Step back in time

Woman pulls a sled with a child on frozen pond in Moscow, Russia

Fancy a glimpse of the Orthodox Christmas atmosphere as it was in the Russian Empire? Look no further than Novodevichy Convent , a picturesque, snow-covered religious haven with a history stretching back five centuries. Initially used as a fortress for noblewomen, this stunning riverside ensemble is now a functioning monastery and peaceful cloister that boasts four stunning cathedrals, Kremlin-like walls, and a spectacular icon collection. Holy, placid, and serene, the convent is a uniquely antiquate enclave that’s night and day from the bustling modernity that surrounds it.

6. Wallow in the snow

A view of a rebuilt 18th century palace in Moscow's Tsaritsyno Park.

Sometimes, you don’t need anything particularly ambulative to feel at home in a city. In fact, nothing embodies Moscow’s winter wonderland better than a mere stroll in one of its stately parks, sure to be piled high with endless snow dunes throughout the winter.

For a pleasant outing beloved by Muscovites and tourists alike, check out the grandiose Tsaritsyno Park , where nature peacefully co-exists alongside tsarist palatial pomp. The more sizeable Kolomenskoye Park is also worth checking out for a longer excursion that packs in medieval wooden architecture, never-ending rows of trees, and a postcard-ready river view.

However, if you want to really get off the beaten track and experience the winter pristine snow, head further outside the city limits to one of Moscow’s forests – Izmailovsky Park, Timiryazevsky Park, or Elk Island National Park, for example (all accessible by metro).

7. Get festive at the city’s many Christmas markets

Sip on a mulled wine, soak up the bright lights, haggle over a matryoshka  doll with Putin’s face on it. Moscow’s Christmas markets are an absolutely essential tourist experience, with the most popular fair set up right on the Kremlin’s doorsteps on Red Square. Indeed, those quaint stalls in the heart of the city take some beating against the backdrop of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the illuminated GUM shopping center. There are some other cool festive spots throughout the city, though – Gorky Park, for one, will be decked out in lights and international food stalls, while the Izmailovo Kremlin offers an unmissable experience in the world of kitsch souvenir shopping from vodka to pottery, to (sort of) authentic samovars.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• 12 places in Moscow you gotta visit (according to expats)
• 10 surprising facts about Moscow
• Souvenirs, a fake Kremlin, craft food: Your ultimate guide to Izmailovo Market
• 10 places in St. Petersburg that expats say you should visit
• 8 Russian winter wonderlands you need to visit before the Xmas lights go out

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Ultimate 100% Guide: All Routes and Secrets for Winter Memories

• Developer: Dojinotome
• Publisher: Kagura Games
• Genre: Adventure
• Release: Jan 5, 2024
• Platform: PC
• ESRB: Not Set

Ultimate 100% Guide: All Routes and Secrets

In this Definitive Guide, we will provide you with Basic Knowledge and Some Tips to Get You Started on your journey.

First and foremost it is crucial to obtain the Skill "Power of Time" before anything else. This skill will cut nearly every action's time cost by half, giving you a significant advantage.

There are several other Skills that should be prioritized such as "Infinite Film, which eliminates camera battery loss, "Treasure Hunter, which is necessary for certain routes, "Lockpicking, which is needed for Kagami and "Nightwalker, which is essential for Kanae and provides you with more time for money-making activities.

It is also recommended to acquire at least one of the Service Skills and Perversion Skills as they may be required for certain conditions that require EXP in their respective Sex Bar. Furthermore "Social Skills One & Two" should be obtained to make it easier to increase Affection and Mood, reducing the time spent on talking.

Understanding the Time of Day is crucial for effective planning. The different time periods are as follows: Morning (08:00 - 12:00), Afternoon (12:00 - 16:00), Dusk (16:00 - 19:00), Evening (19:00 - 00:00), Late Night (00:00 - 03:00) and Dawn (03:00 - 08:00 which is an unplayable time).

An additional note regarding events triggered automatically during the Time of Day: these events generally occur when the time hits XX:00 the next hour. If an event does not occur at XX:00 it must trigger precisely when the Time of Day changes to the start of the next one.

Now, let's move on to some other important tips you should know.

Make it a habit to visit the Shrine in the Morning and draw a fortune at the Omikuji. Utilize the Save/Load feature to get the best possible fortune. It costs ￥100 so you can easily cover this expense by washing the dishes and receiving your first paycheck. The different fortune effects are as follows:

• Best Luck: Blessed Boy buff (+8 to mood when talking and +8 affection for gifts), Bonus ￥500
• Good Luck: Favored Boy buff (+5 to mood when talking and +5 affection for gifts)
• Luck: Lucky Boy buff (+3 to mood when talking and +3 affection for gifts)
• Bad Luck: -30 Stamina
• Terrible Luck: -50 Stamina

When playing Minigames that offer money rewards, always aim for a perfect score. Completing a Minigame without a single mistake will unlock bonus money which is always higher than your base pay, unless you have a good gaming chair. It is advisable to either save before every Minigame or take your time and avoid rushing. A low but perfect score will pay more than a high but imperfect score.

If you want to maximize your earnings the Part-Time Waiter Minigame is the best paying option. With a perfect and high score you can generally earn around ￥6000 to ￥9000 per shift. It is worth noting that although the Minigame states it takes 60 minutes it actually just skips to the next Time of Day. To optimize your earnings, play the Minigame just before your current Time of Day ends. If your current time is 11:55, playing the Minigame will jump you to 12:00 instead of taking a full 60 minutes.

On 01/01, there is another highly lucrative Minigame available - fishing. This Minigame allows you to earn the "King of Games" Achievement which enables you to skip Minigames entirely. You can instantly fish at the Levee and sell your catch to the "Fisherman Man" NPC who only appears on 01/01 and beyond. Make sure to stock up on bait and use your idle time for fishing.

The Menko Minigame is an excellent method for gaining EXP, unlocking new Skills and becoming a pro Menkoer. Defeating each new opponent rewards you with 20 EXP, 15 Memories and an item. Remember to level up before challenging another NPC to maximize your progress.

Yui (CV: Kotone Aruha 琴音有波)

First Event: Talk in the Afternoon Affection Level: 20 This event will automatically trigger in the afternoon.

Second Event: Math Drills Minigame in Yui's Room Affection Level: 40 This event will automatically trigger in the afternoon. Participate in the Math Drills Minigame in Yui's Room.

Third Event: Math Drills Minigame in Yui's Room Affection Level: 60 Lewdness Level: 30 Once the previous conditions are fulfilled, engage in the Math Drills Minigame in Yui's Room during the afternoon.

Fourth Event: Calligraphy Minigame in Tatami Room Triggers only on or after 01/01 Affection Level: 80 In the afternoon, participate in the Calligraphy Minigame in the Tatami Room.

Fifth Event: Go to Bed with Yui Affection Level: 100 Perversion Level: 50 Reach a high level of affection and perversion to go to bed with Yui.

Rio (CV: Hinata Yuka 陽向葵ゅか)

First Event:

To initiate, Rio's affection level needs to be at 20. The event will automatically trigger during dusk or evening time.

Tasks: 1. Take 5 photos. 2. Capture a photo of the Offerings Box at the Shrine. 3. Snap a photo of the Candy Store. Once these tasks are completed the event will progress to the next day.

Second Event:

Rio's affection level should be at 40 for this event to automatically trigger during the afternoon.

Third Event:

To trigger this event, Rio's affection level needs to reach 60.

Tasks: 1. Engage in a conversation with Rio. 2. Go to bed together with Rio.

Fourth Event:

Tasks: 1. Capture 25 photos. 2. Rio's affection level should be at 80. The event will automatically trigger during the afternoon. The following day, make sure to have at least 150 Stamina. Talk to Rio in the morning or afternoon.

Fifth Event:

Tasks: 1. Capture 30 photos. 2. Rio's affection level should be at 100. The event will automatically trigger in the afternoon. Note: Most photos can be taken retroactively.

Miyuki (CV: Yuzuki Tsubame 柚木つばめ)

Event 1: Morning Dishes Minigame Affection Level: 20 Location: Kitchen Trigger: Automatically triggers in the morning.

Event 2: Evening Ingredient Hunt Affection Level: 40 Required Items: Carrot, Onion and Potato (Bought from the store at Main Road) Trigger: Automatically triggers in the evening.

Event 3A: Afternoon Cleaning Session Affection Level: 60 Task: Talk to Miyuki and clean 5 dirty rooms Rooms to Clean: Tatami Room, Dressing Room, Kitchen, Couple Room, Second Floor Trigger: Automatically triggers in the afternoon.

Event 4: Evening Surprise Affection Level: 80 Trigger: Automatically triggers in the evening.

Event 5: Uncle's Absence Affection Level: 100 Condition: Uncle's Mood at 100 (He will be out the next day) Trigger: Automatically triggers the next morning.

Akari (CV: Honda Miki 本多未季)

Introductory Event - Menko Battle: Defeat Akari, Shiori and Kouta

First Event - Requirements: Affection 20, Level 5 - Talk to Akari

Filler Event A - Menko Battle: Defeat Akari, Shiori and Kouta

Second Event - Requirements: Affection 40 - Talk to Akari before Dusk - Talk to Akari again at Dusk

Third Event - Requirements: Affection 60 - Menko Battle: Defeat Akari

Filler Event B - Menko Battle: Defeat the 3 Menko Hunters - Locations: In front of the Apartments (Morning/Afternoon only), At the Shrine (Dusk only), At the Levee (Evening only) - Talk to Akari who introduces Hikari - The next day, talk to Akari at Dusk by the park restrooms - In the Evening, go to the Mountain Trail and rescue Hikari - The next Morning/Afternoon, go to the Park and rescue Akari and Hikari (Scripted Menko Battle)

New Character: Mentai-kun inside the Mountain Trail Cave

Fourth Event - New Character: Hikari on the Main Road - Talk to Akari in the Secret Base - Talk to Akari at Dusk

Fifth Event - Requirements: Affection 100 - Talk to Akari

Kagami (CV: Ooyama Chiroru 大山チロル)

Event 1: Training at Kagami's Home - Location: Kagami's Home (Apartment 203) - Requirement: Affection 20 - Action: Do training at the Pull-Up Machine

Event 2: Surprise Visit - Requirement: Lockpicking Skill - Affection 40 - Action: Knock on Kagami's door at Dusk/Evening - Next day, do training at the Pull-Up Machine

Event 3: A Thoughtful Gift - Requirement: Affection 60 - Action: Gift a toy (Shrine hint) Fish at the River Beach - When above are fulfilled, knock on her door at Dusk/Evening

Event 4: Curiosity Unveiled - Requirement: Affection 80 - Action: In Kagami's room, check the package on her table the next day

Event 5: The Final Step - Requirement: Affection 100 - Action: Own an eye mask (Shrine Hint) and raid the women's dressers - The next morning, knock on Kagami's door

Note: The toy given in Event 3 counts as a gift so you may not be able to proceed if you've reached the gift limit.

Mizuki (CV: Yuzuki Akari 柚木朱莉)

Unlocking Requirements: - Unlocked on 12/27 at Main Road, on the bridge

First Event: - Find a way to help her (Shrine hint) - Talk to a man at the shrine in the Evening - The next Morning, talk to Mizuki - Affection 20 - Talk to Mizuki

Second Event: - Affection 40 - Seeking help (Shrine hint) - Find a girl in the Candy Store (Morning/Afternoon) - Look for a woman on Mountain Trail (Dusk) - Approach a man by the Park restrooms (Evening) - The next Morning, talk to Mizuki - New Area: Mizuki's Home (Apartment 101)

Third Event: - Affection 60 - The next Morning/Afternoon, talk to Mizuki at the Main Road Bridge - At Dusk/Evening, knock on Mizuki's door - In the Afternoon, talk to Mizuki

Fourth Event: - Talk to Mizuki - Have three disguise items in inventory (Shrine Hint) - Obtain a Mask (Lottery at Main Road) - Get a Hat (Park Morning/Afternoon) - Retrieve Sunglasses (Raid Rio's Closet) - Talk to Mizuki

Fifth Event: - Affection 100 - The next day, talk to Mizuki in the Morning/Afternoon (Timeskips to Dusk)

Suzuka (CV: Sawano Popura 沢野ぽぷら)

Unlocked on 12/26 at the River Beach Camp

Event 1: Suzuka's Tent To unlock: Reach an Affection level of 20 Requirement: Gift a 1-star dish

Event 2: To unlock: Reach an Affection level of 40 Requirement: Gift a 2-star dish

Event 3: To unlock: Reach an Affection level of 60 Requirement: Gift a 3-star dish

Event 4: To unlock: Reach an Affection level of 80 Requirement: Gift a 4-star dish Additional task: Talk to Suzuka at Dusk Unlock: Talk to Suzuka again to reveal the Hot Spring behind the camp

Event 5: To unlock: Reach an Affection level of 100 Requirement: Talk to Suzuka in the Evening (Yes, it's actually Evening)

Shizuku (CV: Suzuka Minase 涼花みなせ)

Introductory Event - Shizuku's mood: 50 - Take a photo of Shizuku

First Event - Shizuku's affection: 20 - The next day, check Dwitter (Rio's Laptop) without anyone present - Engage in a private activity

Second Event - Shizuku's affection: 40 - Shizuku's mood: 50 - The next day, check Dwitter (Rio's Laptop) without anyone present - Engage in a private activity - Talk to Shizuku before dusk - Talk to Shizuku at dusk

Third Event - Shizuku's affection: 60 - Shizuku's mood: 50 - The next day, check Dwitter - Unlock new area: Shizuku's Home (Back of Candy Store) - In the evening, knock on Shizuku's door

Fourth Event - Shizuku's affection: 80 - Shizuku's mood: 50 - The next day, check Dwitter - Optional: Talk to Shizuku - Go to the Park restrooms and urinate - Check Dwitter - Optional: Talk to Shizuku - At dusk, talk to Shizuku at the Park restrooms

Fifth Event - Requirement: Nightwalker Skill - Shizuku's affection: 100 - Shizuku's mood: 50 - The next day, check Dwitter - Unlock new area: Love Hotel on Main Road (between the Grocery and Restaurant) - Enter Love Hotel - Route is complete, but check Dwitter the next day - Introduction of a new character: Kanae in front of the Condo (Requires completion of Hikari's route as well)

Kanae (CV: Nogami Natsuki 野上菜月)

Requirements To fully experience Kanae's route, make sure to complete the routes of Shizuku and Hikari. Look for Kanae in front of the condo in the morning.

Important tip: Kanae will be inaccessible on Saturday and Sunday due to her difficult relationship with her husband. You can only pursue her route after completing it.

Events and tasks

First Event The day after your first interaction with Kanae, meet her at the Levee. Affection: 20 Mood: 50 Once the above conditions are met, engage in a conversation with Kanae. New Area: Kanae's Home (Condo at Main Road)

Second Event Affection: 40 On the following day, approach and talk to Kanae.

Third Event Affection: 60 The next day, meet Kanae at the Levee. At midnight, head to the Love Hotel. Capture a memorable photo. The next morning, ring Kanae's doorbell at the Condo Entrance.

Fourth Event Affection: 80 During the evening, have a conversation with Kanae. The next morning, engage in another conversation with her. The following morning, check Dwitter without anyone's presence. Take care of your needs discreetly. Speak to Kanae.

Fifth Event Affection: 100 The day after reaching 100 Affection, check Dwitter. At midnight, ring Kanae's doorbell at the Condo Entrance.

Hikari's (CV: Akiyama Haruru 秋山はるる)

Unlockable Requirement: To unlock Hikari's events, complete Akari's Filler Event B first.

Events and Tasks:

First Event: Location: Akari & Hikari's Home (Condo at Main Road) Instructions: Enter Hikari's home by going through the Condo. Engage in a conversation with Hikari and discuss Hobbies three times. The following morning, talk to Hikari again.

Second Event: Affection Level: 40 Instructions: In the Afternoon, have a conversation with Hikari. The next day, ring Akari's doorbell at the Condo Entrance.

Third Event: Affection Level: 60 Instructions: In the Afternoon, talk to Hikari.

Fourth Event: Affection Level: 80 Instructions: In the Afternoon, engage in a conversation with Hikari.

Fifth Event: Affection Level: 100 Instructions: In the Afternoon, have a sexual encounter with Hikari. This will automatically trigger the next Morning.

New Character: A new character named Kanae will appear in front of the Condo. To unlock Kanae you must also complete Shizuku's events.

New Year Scenes and Extra Stories In the morning of 01/01 you have the opportunity to witness four different scenes. Each scene has its own prerequisites that need to be met.

There is Yui's scene. To view it you must have completed the Third Event.

Next is Rio's scene which requires you to have the skill "Footjob."

Miyuki's scene can be accessed if she discovers that you leaked your trousers. To trigger this you must have overfilled your Lust, experienced a scene for it and then talk to Miyuki after she discovers your sin. It is important to note that you must have splooged your pantaloons no later than 12/30 as you will talk to Miyuki the following day.

There is an option to view Masakazu's scene who is technically an uncle but still counts as a choice.

Apart from the New Year scenes, there are also extra stories that become available after completing all the routes. To call upon certain pairings you will need the 4P Skill which you gain after completing all the routes.

The events for the extra stories are as follows:

1. Yui X Mizuki: The morning after having a 3P with them, talk to Yui. Then, talk to Yui again to go to Mizuki's home.

2. Rio X Shizuku: The afternoon after having a 3P with them, go to the EMPTY Living Room to pick up the phone. Kick Uncle out by having a Mood of 100 which will result in an absent father the next day. The morning/afternoon after, talk to Rio to call Shizuku over.

3. Miyuki X Kanae: The morning after having a 3P with them, go to the Levee. Pray to find Miyuki in the Living Room and using the phone. Achieving Miyuki X Kanae is quite challenging so if you manage to unlock their story, consider yourself very lucky.

4. Akari X Hikari: The morning after having a 3P with them, talk to Akari. Then, in the morning/afternoon, ensure that Hikari's Lewdness is at 100 and have sex with her.

5. Kagami X Suzuka: The morning after having a 3P with them, go to the Apartments and check the Bulletin Board. The next day, talk to Suzuka. In the evening, talk to Suzuka again to go ghost-hunting.

When you have a 4P with Yui, Rio and Miyuki, there is some extra dialogue, although it is not a complete story.

Apart from the scenes and extra stories, there are also some secrets to discover. One of them is the Shrine Offering Box, where you can make donations and receive different effects:

• Every ￥1,000 donation provides a hint for one of the 11 achievements.
• A ￥5,000 donation grants you the skill "Lady Luck's Favor, which gives you the Blessed Boy Buff from the Omikuji every day. You still need to unlock it in the Diary.
• A ￥10,000 donation gives you the Time Travel Skill which allows you to warp to World 01-01. This skill can be unlocked at the end of 01/10, but you can only obtain it once per run.
• A ￥20,000 donation places a Big Red Button in the Living Room, but it only appears in Recollection Mode.
• By opening up fridges your the family fridge and the fridges of other heroines you can obtain various items.
• The Wild Greens Man, also known as Menko Man from Summer Memories, lives in Apartment 202 and sells items to you at Dusk.
• The Secret Shop is located in Apartment 102 and is only open during Late Night. This shop offers all the prizes that you may have missed out on in the Shrine Stalls after they have disappeared.
• To access the Candy Store Gacha you must collect all the heroines' panties and defeat Uncle and Mentai-kun. Once you have done so, go to the Candy Store and use the Gacha Machines. Be prepared to spend ￥20,000.

These are all the scenes, extra stories and secrets that you can explore during the New Year period.

For Winter Memories we have:

• No Codes, Submit One!
• No Passwords, Submit One!
• No Unlockables, Submit One!
• Total 4 Hints or Secrets
• No Glitches, Submit One!
• No Easter Eggs, Submit One!

Please Submit a Problem for any incomplete, non-working or fake code listed above. If you know other secrets, hints, glitches or level guides, then please Submit your Stuff and share your insights with other players.

Stuck in this game? Ask a question below and let other gamers answer your question or view answers to previously asked questions. If you think you are an expert then please try to help others with their questions.

Winter Memories - Official Trailer

• Added on: Dec 30, 2023

Winter Memories - Gameplay Video

Moscow in Winter: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

WITGOAWAY / Getty Images

Travelers who enjoy bundling up for a snowy climate will appreciate all that Moscow has to offer, come winter. This ornamental Russian city shows its vibrant cultural heritage when temperatures plummet and the snow starts falling on Red Square. Unlike other cities, whose residents scurry away to hibernate in December, the people of Moscow embrace their sub-zero climate in style. They don their furs and ushanka hats (traditional hats with earflaps) to peruse Christmas markets, dine out at restaurants, and attend the opera.

In winter, Moscow's scenery looks awe-inspiring under a dusting of snow. There's something undeniably charming about seeing historic sites like the colorful, tented rooftops of Saint Basil's Cathedral capped with a layer of icy frost. The food here is warm and comforting, and the cultural winter events are not to be missed. Plus, it's cheaper to visit Moscow during the winter and it's far less crowded with tourists.

Moscow is not where you go to get a suntan over the holidays. In fact, the Moscow winter is enough to chill any hearty tourist to the bone—but that's all part of the fun. The average high for December, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 27 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 2.7 degrees Celsius); for January, it's 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 5 degrees Celsius); and for February, it's 26 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3.3 degrees Celsius). Take these average temperatures with a grain of salt, however, as it certainly isn't abnormal for the air to dip into the teens.

The Moscow cold is often accompanied by generous amounts of ice and snow deposited by frequent winter storms. The city goes unfazed by these storms—cars still drive around and people in boots trod through the snowpack. You'll see thick icicles growing on roof overhangs, so be sure not to linger underneath them while you're out touring the area's magnificent cathedrals.

Lastly, don't be surprised if your flights in or out get canceled or delayed. This can be one of the drawbacks to traveling in the winter, in general.

What to Pack

Stuffing your suitcase with bulky (and heavy) winter clothing can be frustrating and expensive, which tends to deter Moscow winter travel altogether. A trip to the city between early December and late February requires enough accessories to cover the extremities: wooly hats, cold-weather socks, knit scarves, and a good pair of gloves. Also pack a coat that falls below the hips, weatherproof boots, and ski pants, if you have them. Remember, fashion is second only to avoiding hypothermia in this polar city.

The Moscow winter calendar is brimming with cultural events for travelers to attend each winter. Many events take place during the Christmas holiday; then, the city caps off the winter with a farewell festival, come February.

• The annual Russian Winter Festival , which spans an entire month starting mid-December, takes place in several locations throughout the city. Head to Izmailovo Park or Revolution Square to see everything from over-the-top ice sculptures to traditional dance performances. Watch the professional ice skaters and visit food trucks that serve traditional fare.
• Moscow's New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the city's biggest events of the year. Tens of thousands of people spend it in Kremlin—Moscow's central complex—watching the Kremlin tower strike midnight, while fireworks crack in the background. Others attend the Christmas tree light show at Red Square.
• Christmas in Russia falls on January 7, and the week between New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day is a time for Russians to relax. Families focus on spending time together at home, preparing traditional foods like ukha (fish soup) and sauerkraut. Tourists can use this uncrowded time wisely by seeking out the city's culinary gems. Make sure to check the hours of operations on restaurants, shops, and other businesses before visiting them during this week. While much of the city's businesses might be closed, you might get special treatment at the places that stay open.
• Maslenitsa , Russia’s farewell-to-winter festival, occurs in late February or early March. This pagan celebration is marked by games, contests, and cultural traditions. It’s held in the Red Square area every year and draws crowds of Muscovites and visitors alike.

Winter Travel Tips

• In order to obtain a Russian travel visa, you'll need to be invited by a relative or friend who is a citizen or a hosting tour company.
• Traveling to Moscow in the winter helps you avoid the summer crowds; however, flight delays due to weather are common. Plan an extra day on either end of your trip in case you get held up.
• If you plan to visit a Russian banya, a Slavic steam bathhouse, take note that most people bathe in the buff. However, most bathhouses are separated by sex.
• Plan alternating indoor and outdoor activities so that you don't get too cold. A visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts provides a nice respite from the frigid temperatures.

January in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

February in Krakow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

February in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

February in Prague: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Winter in Niagara Falls: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

February in New York City: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Weather in Iceland: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

January in Montreal: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

December in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

January in New York City: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

March in Moscow: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

December in Rome

Moscow in September: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

February in the United States: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Moscow's Russian Winter Festival

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.