With the summer sunshine and warm weather a distant memory for many, now could be the perfect time to start thinking about planning a winter escape with your loved ones.

If you’re looking for a last-minute winter family holiday, there are plenty of fantastic destinations to choose from. Whether you’re searching for a snowy adventure or a sun-drenched getaway, you’ll find a wealth of options to choose from the whole family will love.

Tenerife Las Teresitas beach with scenic San Andres village
Las Teresitas beach and San Andres village in Tenerife is a popular winter sun break

Soak up the sun in the Canary Islands

Winter Temperature Range: 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F)

If you’re looking for winter sun, the Canary Islands are a great option. These Spanish islands offer a warm climate, beautiful beaches and a variety of activities for the whole family.

Some of the most popular Canary Islands for families include:

  • Gran Canaria: A diverse island with stunning beaches and mountain ranges to explore.
  • Tenerife: The largest of the Canary Islands, with a wide range of attractions for all ages.
  • Lanzarote: A volcanic island with a unique landscape and warm climate.

If you’re looking for last minute holidays this winter, the Canary Islands are a great choice. There are plenty of affordable deals to be found, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

Travel Costs

Budget-friendly family trips can start at around £400-600 per person depending on travel dates and packages.

Family-friendly attractions

Gran Canaria

  • Palmitos Park: A zoo and botanical garden, great for families with young children. You can see dolphins, exotic birds, and reptiles.
  • Aqualand Maspalomas: A large water park with slides and pools suitable for all ages.

Tenerife

  • Loro Parque: One of the world’s top zoos, featuring exotic animals, orca shows, and an aquarium.
  • Siam Park: A massive water park with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool—perfect for kids and adults alike.

Lanzarote

  • Timanfaya National Park: A volcanic landscape where families can take guided tours and enjoy geothermal demonstrations.
  • Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park: A theme park combining a zoo, water attractions, and shows like sea lion performances.
Kitzbuhel apline town in austria
Kitzbühel in the Austrian alps

Austria’s snowy ski resorts

Winter Temperature Range: -2°C to 6°C (28°F to 43°F)

Austria is a quintessential winter wonderland, with its picturesque villages, towering snowy mountains and world-class ski resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone in Austria.

Some of the most popular destinations for skiing holidays in Austria include Kitzbühel, a charming town with a lively atmosphere and challenging ski slopes, and Innsbruck, a historic city with easy access to several ski areas.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as a family in Austria during the winter, such as ice skating, sledging and snowshoeing.

Travel Costs

Ski packages in Austria can vary but expect costs to start around £1,000 per person for ski passes, accommodations, and equipment hire.

Family-friendly attractions

Kitzbühel

  • Hahnenkamm Ski Area: Family-friendly slopes and ski schools make this a great place for kids and beginners.
  • Alpenhaus on Kitzbüheler Horn: Offers non-skiing activities like tobogganing, hiking, and scenic cable car rides.

Innsbruck

  • Alpenzoo Innsbruck: The highest zoo in Europe, featuring alpine wildlife such as wolves, bears, and eagles.
  • Innsbruck Christmas Markets: Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere with stalls, lights, and live performances during the winter months.
winter sunrise at Buttermere in the English Lake District
Buttermere in the English Lake District can look stunning in winter

Explore the great outdoors in the Lake District

Winter Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

The Lake District is a beautiful region that is perfect for a winter family holiday. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, such as hiking and cycling, and you can also spend your days exploring many of the charming villages in the area.

You’ll also find a wealth of options for accommodation in the Lake District to suit every taste, from log cabins and glamping pods to traditional lakeside hotels.

Travel Costs

A more affordable option for UK families, with lodging starting at £70 per night in cosy cabins or guesthouses.

Family-friendly attractions

Brockhole on Windermere: An activity centre offering boat trips, adventure playgrounds, and treetop treks—ideal for children of all ages.

The World of Beatrix Potter: A museum dedicated to the beloved children’s author, with interactive exhibits featuring characters like Peter Rabbit.

Lake Windermere: Families can enjoy a boat cruise on England’s largest lake, offering scenic views and the chance to spot local wildlife.

Go Ape Grizedale: An outdoor adventure centre with treetop ropes courses, zip lines, and forest trails.

Dubai jumeirah beach with marina skyscrapers in UAE
Jumeirah beach with marina skyscrapers in Dubai

A luxury escape to Dubai

Winter Temperature Range: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)

Dubai is a luxurious city in the UAE that is perfect for a lavish winter family holiday.

There are plenty of things to see and do, including visiting the Burj Khalifa, exploring the Dubai Mall and going on a desert safari. Dubai is also a great place to enjoy some sunshine in the winter months, as the weather is generally pleasant. However, it is important to note that booking a holiday to Dubai can be on the expensive side, so it may not be the right choice if you are working with a budget.

Travel Costs

Known for luxury, Dubai trips can be on the pricier side with packages averaging around £1,500 per person for a family holiday.

Family-friendly attractions

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Located in the Dubai Mall, this massive aquarium features sharks, rays, and other marine life. There’s also a glass-bottom boat ride for a unique experience.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: The world’s largest indoor theme park, with zones dedicated to Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur adventures.

Ski Dubai: An indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates, offering skiing, snowboarding, and even the chance to meet penguins.

Dubai Parks and Resorts: Includes several theme parks like LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and Bollywood Parks—ideal for family entertainment with attractions for all ages.

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Holly MacDonald
Holly studied Digital Journalism at University of Strathclyde. A single mum, her young son Thomas battles for adulation with her love of wine and chocolate, and the very occasional guilt-driven Gym appearance. Other than writing, Holly has a love for making jewellery, thanks to her beloved grandmother.