February's a fine month for family travel with kids not tied to a school schedule: rates are lower between the Holiday Season and Spring Break. Families with schoolkids in the US do have a long weekend in February, for "Presidents Day"; some schools extend to an entire week. Choices are many, for February vacations: head to the snow, or do a beach escape; try an Arizona dude ranch (which won't be open in summer-time); see more, below.
1. Valentines' Day Getaways - for Families
Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Amelia Island.
Yes, it is possible -- at least theoretically-- to combine romance and a family trip, thanks to the magic of the kids clubs offered at nearly all resorts. Check out the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton brands; Hershey PA; all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper in Florida (with great kids programs, and Baby Club Med); Disney World luxury resorts; and more.
2. President's Week
Expedition Everest - photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Presidents Day is a national holiday in the US, observed on the third Monday in February; many schools extend the long weekend into a "Presidents Week" break. Popular destinations can be crowded, so book early. If your fave place is booked, consider London, England, at bargain rates.
3. Quebec City Carnival
Photo courtesy of Carnaval de Québec.
This family-friendly two-week bash gets a million visitors a year. Fun includes night parades, Ice Palace, outdoor skating, huge fairgrounds with ice slide, snow sculptures, many fun activities, and a modest admission cost. The Quebec Carnival is a true "Carnival" like Mardi Gras, a celebration held just before Lent begins in the Catholic calendar.
4. Winter Festival Time
WinterCity Festival, Toronto Canada; photo courtesy of Toronto Tourism.
In cold climates, the winter months need celebrations! Fun at Winter Carnivals includes ice palaces, snow sculptures, snow slides, dog-sledding, Polar Golf, torchlight parades... Many places have Winter Festivals.
5. Family-Friendly Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras photo by Kate Elkins; www.NewOrleansOnline.com.
"Mardi Gras" has become synonymous with "crazy parades and partying" especially in cities such as New Orleans, but there are many places -- including a Universal Orlando theme park, on multiple weekends-- where families can happily enjoy festivities. Mardi Gras is a centuries-old annual celebration, held just before the somber time of Lent in the Catholic religious year.
6. Chinese New Year
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Chinese New Year -- also known as the "Spring Festival"-- falls on a different date each year, from late January to mid-February, and many cities celebrate with parades and festivals. Festivities sometimes take place a week or more before or after the key date.
7. 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 stage special events and exhibits; click for some great places to visit that honor African-American history. Music can make a good focus for families: to the left is Beale Street in Memphis, birthplace of the blues.
8. Snow Sculptures at Breckenridge Colorado
Photo courtesy of the Breckenridge Resort Chamber.
9. More February Family Vacation Ideas
Photo courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority.
