Kid-friendly cities across the US to enjoy with your family this Christmas

Stef Zisovska

Christmas is the biggest celebration during the winter season, wouldn’t it be great to get away for a family trip to one of these festive destinations.

Skaneateles, New York

A Dickens Christmas Festival is not to be missed in NY, not unlike the one in the UK – Author: Chris Whippet – CC BY-SA 2.0
A Dickens Christmas Festival is not to be missed in NY, not unlike the one in the UK – Author: Chris Whippet – CC BY-SA 2.0

The Dickens’ Christmas festival is huge, and it takes over the town every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Costumed actors parade in the streets, portraying the characters from Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol and is a common sight at this time. You can also visit the parade by taking horse and wagon rides. Mother Goose will be there telling stories, and there will be appearances by Father Christmas himself. If you travel with kids, make a list of events that you want to visit and make a schedule that will allow you see as much as possible.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest from November 24, 2017, to March 4, 2018, will attract a lot of families to come and enjoy the numerous free activities in the heated lodge along with food and family games. Also, one of the main attractions here is the ice-skating rink where you and your kids can have a great time. The Comcast Holiday Spectacular is another attraction that you should visit.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indy Photo Coach – Indianapolis monument circle – Author: Serge Melki – CC BY 2.0
Indy Photo Coach – Indianapolis monument circle – Author: Serge Melki – CC BY 2.0

The Children’s Museum in Indianapolis is an amazing place around Christmas. Jolly Days at the museum runs from November 24, 2017, to January 7, 2018, so if you want to visit Indianapolis, plan your stay between these dates. From November 17 to December 30, you can give your family a car ride around a 1.7 mile long track with 400 light displays at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Lights at the Brickyard event. Don’t miss the performance of The Night before Christmas at the Children’s Museum. You can be sure your kids will love it! Enjoy!

Branson, Missouri

Branson toy museum is home to more than 1 million dolls, trains, and teddy bears and this reason alone should be enough to get you organizing a winter trip to Missouri. Silver Dollar City, the theme park, transforms itself into a 6-million light wonderland where you and your kids can find plenty of interesting activities to do and share precious moments together. Hot cocoa around a bonfire, ice skating, scavenger hunts, Santa-hat decorating, and storytime with Mrs. Claus are some of the fun things to do in the area.

Orlando, Florida

Disneyland christmas 2012 – Author: davebloggs007 – CC BY 2.0
Disneyland christmas 2012 – Author: davebloggs007 – CC BY 2.0

Orlando was the most visited city during Christmas in 2016, so the expectations for this year are even bigger. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have made an effort to extend their programs and offer more fun and new activities this season. Disney added Sunset Seasons Greetings in Hollywood Studios which include Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and other character projections. As for Universal Studios, they will host Christmas in the magical world of Harry Potter, with 2017 being the first year of the event. If any of these sound attractive to you, start planning your trip to Orlando and ask your kids what would they want to see?

Christmas time should be a happy family time, and there is no reason not to enjoy it. Depending on how many members your family has, the prices will vary. Always make sure to book accommodation with parking, and find cheap deals for the festival activities by booking in advance. Never wait until the last moment, but organize the whole trip including a budget plan, so when the time comes you can relax and go with the flow.

Christmas is near, and you know it. You can either tell your kids where are you taking them or surprise them. The second option would probably be funnier and they will enjoy it more. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival