Best Places to Visit in December in USA with Kids
Last updated January 16, 2025
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Finding the right place to visit in December in the USA with kids can be challenging.
I've conducted thorough research to discover the best places to visit in December in USA with kids.
Read on to find out!
Oceanside
Location: California
Oceanside isn't the typical glossy Southern California beach resort town.
In contrast, it possesses a unique atmosphere, and its affordable lodging options create a relaxed spot perfect for families.
You and your kids can partake in fishing on the lengthiest wooden pier along the western coast, embark on whale-watching sails, or go kayaking.
You can also bike, take surf lessons, experience helicopter tours, and visit attractions.
Considering the affordable family-friendly craft breweries and dining options, there might be extra funds available for a trip to the nearby Legoland.
While there, you and your family can lodge at SpringHill Suites which provides suite-style accommodations, and ocean vistas, and is a short walk to the city center and pier.
With average temperatures in the 60s throughout the year, Oceanside makes for an excellent warm-weather December escape.
Clarksville
Location: Tennessee
This is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA. From Nashville, it is under an hour and also budget-friendly.
Even though you can explore Nashville to experience their Opryland Hotel, Clarksville excels at entertaining families.
The typical price of a room there is around $150 per night, plus there are many affordable and locally-owned eateries in the downtown area.
Also, Clarksville includes various indoor recreational facilities, such as The City Forum, recognized as one of the biggest indoor entertainment centers in the nation.
It even has two escape room locations, one trampoline park, blacklight golf, climbing, and additional activities.
During the December period, the downtown area and RiverWalk change into a dazzling, enchanting spot adorned with one million lights spread over a half RiverWalk mile and then into the downtown Public Square.
Special presentations during Christmas include Charlotte's Web and various Christmas displays.
Santa Maria Valley
Location: California
Some people see this as the best place to visit in December in the US.
Situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this place serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the Central Coast of California.
Families who appreciate nature will enjoy discovering the outdoors at the 24 hiking trails and 13 beaches located within a few minute's drive.
You and your kids can enjoy riding dune buggies and going biking before enjoying local wine inside a nearby tasting room.
Additionally, from October to February, Manu Monarch butterflies gather in the eucalyptus groves.
During the slower cold season, you and your kids can secure rooms for slightly over $100 nightly, making this place an excellent budget-friendly spot.
Ellijay
Location: Georgia
Ellijay in Georgia sits roughly a little mile off Atlanta North, making it ideal for those seeking a cool mountain getaway that is not excessively cold.
It is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Here, numerous budget-friendly rental cabins come with comfortable fireplaces.
Also, families can cozy up in the area's delightful locally-owned stores and restaurants such as In the Woods. Here, pottery lessons are available.
Gilmer County
Location: Georgia
This place and its nearby areas feature 11 hiking paths, 59 biking trails, and numerous stunning waterfalls.
Their most stunning views occur in December when the trees are bare, allowing you to ascend the trail to the Amicalola Falls or enjoy the landscape.
South Padre Island
Location: Texas
With over 300 sunny days annually, this top Texas beach located at the southern end of Texas, stands as a perfect December getaway for families.
It's only some hours from Austin and Houston in San Antonio.
Also, Texans can reach the island with ease, while guests wishing to fly can arrive through either the McAllen Airport or Brownsville International Airport.
The island has a variety of accommodations ranging from beachfront hotels to vibrant home rentals, beginning at under $100 for a night.
It is also well-known for camping and RVing activities.
Navigating this island is easy as well, thanks to complimentary transport provided by their Metro.
The island even offers a variety of activities for your entire family, including sailing, windsurfing, fishing, watching dolphins, horseback riding, golfing, shopping, and building sandcastles.
While there, you will get numerous chances to interact closely with wildlife at their Alligator Sanctuary.
When you plan accordingly, you might also catch a rocket launch of SpaceX.
ACE Adventure Resort
Location: West Virginia
This is one of the best places to visit in December USA with kids.
So, if your family enjoys being active but seeks a December option besides skiing, consider this beautiful resort.
Just an hour away from Charleston in WV, and a short drive from key cities like Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, ACE is conveniently reachable by car and situated in America’s latest National Park, New River Gorge.
In the winter season, they provide various activities suitable for everyone, such as ATV rides on snow, winter ziplining, and winter paintball.
You and your kids can also try a 3-house journey called “Brave the Bridge”.
Additionally, there are free resort facilities and activities such as mountain biking or winter hiking along the numerous trails that offer vistas of the famous Thurmond town and possibly a waterfall.
ACE serves as a birdwatcher’s haven and no fishing permit is required to access the private ponds of the resort.
Perfect for tourists, ACE provides various private cabins and an RV area, along with options for campsites all of which have permits to the complete resort amenities.
Orlando
Location: Florida
If your kids have the opportunity to finish school a week prior to Christmas, it is a perfect opportunity to travel to Orlando.
Here, The Hilton Orlando provides affordable room rates for that week.
Also, you won't have to spend on theme parks when you have the Hilton Orlando's 892-foot lazy river, the zero-entry pool, and the twisting water slide.
Even a spray ground, splash pad, and a larger pool deck have also been added.
You will get an excellent chance to explore all that Orlando holds besides their theme parks, even the complimentary activities available in Orlando.
Massanutten Resort
Location: Virginia
This is a year-round destination located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, merely 45 minutes away from Charlottesville Airport and a short drive when coming from Washington DC.
Offering a range of budget-friendly activities and lodging, Massanutten is a perfect December getaway option for families.
Families can take advantage of the complimentary hiking on the western slope of Massanutten, featuring trails of over thirty miles suitable for various hikers of every skill level.
You and your kids can also discover the Shenandoah Valley via geocaching or relish a casual stroll at the Rockingham Springs Arboretum.
Additionally, their Family Adventure Park remains perfect for those seeking excitement, featuring a Mega Zip, a Canopy Tour, Snow Tubing, and an Adventure Course for Kids.
Then, the resort options for lodging comprise Woodstone Meadows.
The upscale condos can comfortably accommodate four guests with a sleep sofa combined with a bed.
Also, the condos at Eagle Trace are ideally situated close to the Ski Area and Family Adventure Park.
A one-room condominium can accommodate four people with two queen sleeper sofas and a queen-sized bed.
Then, their Massanutten Resort Hotel offers another budget-friendly alternative with accommodations for four guests, featuring either double queen beds or a king-sized bed with one sleeper sofa.
St. Petersburg
Location: Florida
St. Petersburg Beach along Florida's Gulf Coast serves as an excellent starting point for numerous local attractions, including the remarkable culinary scene in Tampa and Busch Gardens.
Being on this beach provides convenient access to lots of water activities like paddleboarding and jet skiing.
Also, Sirata Beach offers excellent family-oriented facilities along with affordable seasonal deals.
Visitors can take advantage of three swimming pools, a Kids' Splash Area, a garden with hanging chairs, and a seaside retreat.
Canaan Valley
Location: West Virginia
Canaan Valley, just under 3 hours from Pittsburgh in PA and Washington DC, is an economical December spot for families.
It has received multiple awards including high rankings in both best-value and family-friendly categories.
Besides skiing, this place features a tubing park of 1200 feet and an ice skating rink with a cover.
Your children can stay at no cost in any of the lodge suites and rooms, and this resort additionally provides 23 cottages and cabins.
Some stay packages feature double days of lessons, skiing, tubing, ice skating, lodging, meals, and entry to the swimming pool and fitness center.
A family can spend less to stay here, allowing for extra funds for hot chocolate.
Panama City Beach
Location: Florida
The Gulf Coast of Florida provides plenty for families seeking an affordable December retreat.
Whether or not it's suitable for swimming, this beach boasts 26 miles of shoreline featuring sugary white sandy beaches to relish.
Then, besides the beaches, hiking paths, double state parks, fishing docks, and family-friendly attractions.
There's also a lot to explore beyond this beach in Panama City which is very nearby, including a Mardi Gras that is great for families.
Budget-conscious families can discover reasonably priced beach rentals, offering units with 1-4 bedrooms.
Also, visitors can take advantage of complimentary benefits such as savings on local attractions and gift cards for RockIt Lanes.
Finger Lakes
Location: New York
This spot in New York might be best recognized for its lakes and wineries, but it also serves as an excellent spot for families seeking adventures in December.
The Greek Peak Resort features over 20 ski trails with the adventure center that includes ziplining, mountain coaster, snow tubing, and a ropes course.
In contrast to New York's bigger ski resorts, this resort is budget-friendly for households, with rooms beginning at affordable rates per night.
Created for families, some of their hotels offer suite-style condominiums that come with fully equipped kitchens and can accommodate up to ten guests.
Gulf Shores
Location: Alabama
This particular place in Alabama features some of the most preferred beaches in the USA.
You can partake in dolphin cruises, biking, and kayaking, plus ziplining and trips to the Historic Fort Morgan.
You can also dine at the incredible restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
The two coastal towns provide numerous budget-friendly and family-oriented vacation rentals, ranging from the lazy river at the Caribe and outdoor/indoor pools to the more straightforward Crystal Tower.
