If February doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think about family vacation ideas, you might want to think again. With airfares, hotel prices, car rental rates, vacation rental prices, and crowds all smaller at some of the best family vacation spots in the U.S. and around the world, February is a great time to consider a getaway with the kids.
The Best Places to Visit in February
From sandy beaches to snowy peaks, the best places to visit in February offer any kind of winter vacation (or early spring break) you could ask for.
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1. Anaheim, California
Home to the original Disney theme park and perpetually sunny weather, Anaheim is always a good bet for California family vacations. But February is a particularly good time to go with kids because the city and its area theme parks generally see fewer visitors (except for Presidents’ Day weekend), which in turn leads to cheap Disneyland hotel deals and shorter lines at your favorite parks.
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If Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are the main stops on your February vacation, plan to visit the parks Monday through Thursday to ensure even smaller crowds. With average high temperatures about 67 degrees Fahrenheit in February, it can get a bit chilly in the morning and evenings, so make sure your Disney packing list includes some warm layers just in case. Other February vacation ideas in the area include LEGOLAND California and Knott’s Berry Farm.
Where to Stay in Anaheim in February
Stay only minutes from Disneyland Park, Disney California Park Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District at the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance. Guest rooms come with bunk beds and can accommodate a family of six, there’s an on-site water park, and you can even catch the Disney fireworks from select rooms.
2. San Antonio, Texas
February is a great time to avoid large crowds and save money on hotel prices in San Antonio, too. Visiting in February, you’ll also find average highs of 68 degrees here, making it a warm winter escape for families coming from colder climes.
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Families of all stripes will love the 35-acre San Antonio Zoo and its more than 3,500 animals, while the interactive San Antonio Aquarium boasts reptiles, birds, and mammals in addition to its marine life. Other February vacation ideas here include a multitude of theme parks, like LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio, SeaWorld San Antonio, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Kids can also dive into history at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or enjoy a relaxing stroll, boat ride, or meal along the scenic San Antonio River Walk.
Where to Stay in San Antonio in February
Nestled right on the San Antonio Riverwalk and within five minutes of The Alamo, the Canopy by Hilton San Antonio River Walk is an ideal spot to stay and experience the city. The hotel features an open-air restaurant that serves South Texas cuisine with views of the river.
Families also love La Cantera Resort and Spa, located next to the Six Flags. Lauded as one of the best family resorts in Texas, La Cantera is situated on 550 acres of rolling hillside, where on select days there are naturalist-led hikes through the surrounding trails.
3. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Craving a tropical vacation? February is a prime time to take advantage of sun-soaked sands Turks and Caicos. With more than 40 islands in its archipelago and home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this tropical dream is just the thing for any family getaway—and it’s one of best places to visit in February because you won’t be sharing the islands with a ton of other tourists, either.
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One of the top spots to take kids is Grace Bay Beach. Located in the northeast part of Providenciales, it’s a popular spot that offers 12 miles of shimmering white sand with a variety of water sport options, including surfing, paddle boarding, and parasailing.
The February vacation fun doesn’t stop there, either, as the Turks and Caicos offer a plenty of other exciting things to do for families, like horseback riding with Provo Ponies, wading in the two-foot waters of Taylor Bay Beach, snorkeling at Bight Reef, and much more.
Where to Stay in the Turks and Caicos in February
Situated overlooking the water on Grace Bay Beach, Beaches Turks and Caicos provides a true all-inclusive getaway for parents and kids alike. The resort has a huge water park that makes a perfect gathering spot for families, and the Princess Alexandra National Park coastal protected area is just a short walk up the beach. (Read our full Beaches Turks and Caicos review.)
4. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
If you have your February vacation sights set on a winter wonderland complete with skiing, dogsledding, ice fishing, Northern Lights, and snow-covered scenes—all with a little bit of French flair—then Montreal is one of the best places to visit in February for you.
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The shortest month of the year is a special time to visit the city because that’s when its annual festival, Montréal en Lumière, takes place. You’ll be wowed by the sheer variety of free entertainment, as well as the cuisine, arts, theater, and music all on display. The month’s cooler temperatures (average high of 30 degrees) may deter some, but that just means fewer crowds and better prices on hotels for families who are willing to pack a few extra layers.
There’s plenty to keep a family occupied within the city any time of year, including eating poutine (fries covered in gravy and cheese curds), seeing great works of art at Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, and shopping in the Underground City. But the surrounding area is where to go in February for pure winter fun. Around Montreal, you can spend a day dogsledding before returning to the city for a traditional Quebecois feast in the famous Parisian-style Old Montreal historic district.
Where to Stay in Montreal in February
The five-star Ritz-Carlton Montreal provides modern luxury in a historic setting. The hotel is located in downtown Montreal, making it easy to get around the city, and the on-site spa features maple-sugar treatments for parents who deserve something sweet. The indoor rooftop pool is sure to make a splash with the entire family.
5. London, England, United Kingdom
If you don’t mind a bit of chilly (and possibly damp) weather, a trip to London is among the very best February vacations you can take with the kids. Put on an extra layer and take advantage of lower lodging costs, cheaper airfare prices, and smaller crowds at some of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe.
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Fewer visitors in February makes it so much easier to take a tour of the Tower of London, take a ride on the London Eye, shop at Covent Garden, or get tickets to a show in the West End Theater District. Parents of older kids, take note: The West End is an especially great choice for vacations with teens.
With average temperatures hovering around 47 degrees, you will want to pack warmer clothes on February vacations in London. Thankfully, it’s easy to get around the city via the London Underground metro system and iconic black taxi cabs, so no need to spend too long outside if the weather isn’t the best.
Where to Stay in London in February
Close to Somerset House and The National Gallery, and less than a five-minute walk from both Covent Garden and Charing Cross underground stations, The Resident Covent Garden‘s prime location makes it an ideal place to stay to see the sights of London. Each room features an in-room mini kitchen to handle small snacks and microwavable meals.
