Presidents Day is a holiday in the US, observed on the third Monday in February; many schools extend the long weekend into a "Presidents Week" break. (The date actually commemorates Washington's Birthday, but the holiday took on a broader purpose over time - read more.)
1. All Inclusives Resorts
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Parents love the convenience of one known-in-advance price at all inclusive resorts. Kids can sample activities (or not), help themselves to drinks when they please, have fun at the kids clubs. Most families head to all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, but there are some choices within the US as well...
2. All Inclusive Resorts in the US
Photo courtesy of Club Med Sandpiper Bay.
Check out Club Med Sandpiper Bay, in Florida, a Caribbean-style all inclusive with excellent kids programs and even Baby Club Med; Tyler Place Vermont, with 165 acres and myriad activities, Rocking Horse Ranch in New York State, and more.
3. Walt Disney World
Expedition Everest - photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World is the uber-destination for families, with its four theme parks, two water parks, 22 themed resorts, and more... And President's Week is one of the most popular times to visit Disney World
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4. Snow Vacations
Photo © Teresa Plowright
Snow holidays mean not just skis and poles and snowboarding, but also snow-shoeing, and other fun in the snow. In fact, there's an activity for everyone during a ski trip to the mountains these days (if you count sleigh-rides, tubing, and spas.) Click for suggestions about where to go, tips for families, Kids Ski Free, and more.
5. February - Black History Month
Beale Street Historic District. Photo courtesy of Official Memphis site.
Black History Month is celebrated in the US and Canada in February, and many places that are great to visit with kids year-round stage special events and exhibits. Families might focus on music history (visiting, for example, the birthplace of the blues), or visit museums and other destinations that celebrate civil rights history.
6. Family-Friendly Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras photo by Kate Elkins; www.NewOrleansOnline.com.
Depending on how the dates line up, Mardi Gras parades may actually be rolling during President's Week. But even if not, families can find fun at Universal Orlando, which has Mardi Gras Weekends for eight weeks from February to April.
7. Dude Ranches in Arizona
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Horse-riding, the Great Outdoors, home-cooked meals, cookout under the stars; and maybe a massage and spa treatment... Dude Ranches these days range from rustic working ranches to resort-style luxuries, and many have kids' programs. February is a good month to go; dude ranches close during Arizona's hot summer months.
8. London, England - Bargain!
View of approach to Tower of London. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Here's a a tip from VacationKids.com's Sally Black: if you can't get a booking for a beach getaway for "President's Week", what about a trip to London, with low air prices? London has great sightseeing, all museums are free, and there are dozens of other "Free Things to Do" as well.
9. New York City
Take a harbor tour on The Beast - Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Like London, New York City is another great option if you're willing to say "who cares about the weather, we're going anyway." New York City has so much for families to visit and do: click above to see Top Things To Do With Teens, Great Toy Stores in NYC, and more.
10. Washington DC
National Museum of Natural History, photo courtesy of the Smithsonian.
About.com's Guide for Washington DC says that Presidents Day weekend is a great time to visit, with special events that include a George Washington Birthday Parade. Washington DC is a great place to visit with kids, with iconic sightseeing and many free things to do including visiting the multiple free and family-friendly Smithsonian Museums. (Read more about Family Travel in Washington DC.)
11. Quebec Ice Hotel
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
This beautiful ice hotel, just a short drive from Quebec City, gets recreated each year and is fun to tour: kids can try the ice slide and get a hot chocolate in the ice bar. Guests can also stay overnight (and the room rate includes a guestroom at a nearby regular hotel.) Quebec City is a super place to visit, and can be combined with a skiing day-trip at Mont-Ste._Anne, just a half-hour drive away.
