Presidents Day 2013: Family-Friendly Vacation Ideas For School Breaks (PHOTOS) | HuffPost Life

Family-Friendly Presidents Day Trips

No, we haven't yet celebrated Christmas, but it's that time of year again: The season when holidays tend to creep up on us and leave families frantically piecing together vacations over school breaks. Believe it or not, Presidents Day is only about two months away.

While ski trips are a perennial favorite, there are plenty of other destinations calling out for a visit this winter. And whether its a hotel chain with particularly enticing discounts, a destination that's of-the-moment or a cozy resort in the Midwest you'd never even considered, these trip picks are particularly suited to February school breaks.

Get a jump on planning now -- if you can squeeze your wanderlust in between all those holiday parties.

Presidents Day Travel Ideas

Missouri(01 of07)

This cozy retreat in southern Missouri may not be top of mind when considering winter trips, but it should be. Owned by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, Big Cedar Lodge has an appropriately full slate of wintertime activities -- sledding, wagon tours around the property's private nature reserve, short-but-sweet hikes -- as well as a killer spa for parents, kid-friendly activities for little ones and in-cabin fireplaces.Big Cedar Lodge

Virginia(02 of07)

Who says you have to go west to ski? If you're just starting out, the more forgiving slopes of Virginia might just be the ticket -- particularly when resorts like The Homestead are inviting first-timers to try skiing with package savings. In cooperation with Virginia Tourism, this Hot Springs, Va. resort a few hours west of Richmond and D.C. is offering a room, lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons from just $305 a night per room. While the deal is blacked out over Christmas, you should be able to snag the special price in February.Virginia Tourism: Learn to Ski Package

Ireland(03 of07)

Think Europe's too expensive? Think again, says Travelzoo’s Senior Editor Gabe Saglie: "From a value standpoint, Ireland in February can be a great family getaway, especially from the East Coast. Flights into either of the three major airports -- Dublin, Shannon and Belfast -- rival most any other European landing point in cost." Ireland has plenty to offer once you're there, too. "Accommodation options range from the luxurious," Saglie says, "to the affordable. Many of the best air-and-hotel packages include a rental car and are often specifically marketed for travel by a group of four. That's to say nothing of the fact February prices in Ireland will be among the lowest all year."No wonder Travelzoo named Ireland one of just five must-visit destinations for 2013. (credit:Shutterstock)

Hawaii(04 of07)

Hawaii is on the minds of many travelers this winter, thanks to cut-throat airfare competition that has prices lower than they've been in years, in many cases less than $500 round trip from both East and West coasts. Once you're there, check out the just-renovated kids club at the Grand Wailea resort, which counts among its diversions this insane water ride known as The Fishpipe that the resort says delivers the same rush as a mile-long water slide.Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (credit:Photo: Michael Gilbert)

New Orleans(05 of07)

Mardi Gras comes early this year -- it's on Feb. 12 -- but after the craziness clears out, it's prime time to bring kids to the Crescent City. The outstanding National World War II Museum will unveil its newest expansion in January, and the food and culture of the city remain as family-friendly as ever -- as long as you steer clear of Bourbon Street. (credit:Shutterstock)

Utah(06 of07)

Have a family member that absolutely has to ski? Head for Utah -- already a convenient destination with so many resorts within an hour's drive of Salt Lake City International -- and The Homestead Resort in Midway. It's probably the only destination in the world where you can comfortably ski in the morning and comfortably scuba dive in the afternoon, thanks to a private, geothermal spring that's toasty year-round. The resort has built docks around the pool and also provides scuba and snorkeling gear as well as oh-so-trendy stand-up paddleboards.The Homestead Resort

Worldwide(07 of07)

High-end hotel group Peninsula is offering a special "winter moments" deal through March, with a guaranteed room upgrade and up to a $150 credit per stay at their hotels around the world. While the extra space could be great for families, we're thinking this one is more the sort of February break for parents who can set off on their own once the kids are back in school... (credit:Peninsula)

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