Winter Trips With Kids (from the Triad)
❄️ Winter break is coming! It may not be the same as the beach days of summer, but it’s still a great time to hit pause on busy schedules and squeeze in a little adventure. The NC Triad makes an ideal home base for winter getaways—with plenty of cozy, kid-friendly destinations just a short drive away. So if you’re dreaming up some winter trips with kids from the Triad, bundle up—we’ve got your ultimate guide to nearby winter fun!
Mountain Destinations
The North Carolina mountains transform into a wonderland of fun and relaxation in the winter. From skiing, snow tubing, and sledding to scenic hikes and charming small towns decked out for the holidays, there’s something for everyone. Fewer crowds mean more room to explore, and the new excitement of a new mountainous setting makes sipping hot cocoa fireside an even more enjoyable activity.
We have a few specific places in the mountains to recommend, but if you need more ideas, then see our complete guide to Asheville and Western North Carolina here.
Hendersonville, NC
Located approximately three hours west of the Triad and just south of Asheville, the town of Hendersonville has one of the most welcoming Main Streets in North Carolina, and in late November and December, it’s all decked out in lights. Downtown is a destination for carriage rides, holiday shopping, family-friendly dining, and the Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt. Read the full review of Hendersonville during the holidays.
• Hands On! Children’s Museum
• The Book & Bee English Cafe and Tea Room
• Black Bear Snow Tubing
Check out another great post for a full 3-day itinerary of things to do in Hendersonville.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Nestled in the heart of Ghent, West Virginia, Winterplace Ski Resort is the perfect destination for a family-friendly winter getaway. Known for its picturesque slopes, variety of snow activities, and cozy accommodations, Winterplace offers something for everyone—from beginners learning to ski to seasoned snow enthusiasts. Pay attention to the resort! A place like The Resort at Glade Springs offers way more than skiing:
• Escape Room
• Bowling Alley
• Laser Tag
• An indoor pool and spa
• A cinema
We have a full post about a weekend at Winterplace.
Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock, NC, is the quintessential mountain town for a family-friendly winter getaway. Known for its charming downtown, scenic beauty, and cozy accommodations, this High Country gem offers activities for every age and interest.
• Visit the Blowing Rock (short walk)
• Mystery Hill
• The Children’s Playhouse
• Tweetsie Railroad
• Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Here is a full post about enjoying a winter weekend in Blowing Rock with kids.
Banner Elk, NC
Looking for a charming mountain town that’s just a few hours from the Triad? Banner Elk is the perfect spot for a cozy and activity-packed winter getaway with kids. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers everything from scenic views and snowy fun to unique kid-friendly attractions like gem mining, an alpine coaster, and an alpaca farm.
👉 Don’t miss our full guide for everything you need to plan your trip:
The Complete Family Travel Guide to Banner Elk, North Carolina
Whether you want to enjoy local restaurants, hit the slopes, or just relax by the fire, Banner Elk is a magical destination for winter break or holiday adventures.
The Coast is Still An option in the Winter
The NC and SC coasts are still great destinations for families in the winter because the weather is milder, beaches are less crowded, and kids can enjoy outdoor activities without the summer heat. Families can explore tide pools, go for nature walks, visit lighthouses, or hunt for seashells along the shore. Winter also brings opportunities for cozy coastal stays, local seafood, and off-season events, making it a relaxing and memorable getaway for all ages.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC, is a four-hour drive from the Triad and experiences mild winters. The coldest months are January and February, so a winter break trip can still surprise and delight with days in the 60s and 70s. Here are a few things that make a winter trip to Myrtle worth exploring.
• Discounted attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, Popstroke, and the SkyWheel
• Beachfront dining without the wait!
• Night of 1000 Candles at Brookgreen Gardens – a spectacular, award-winning Christmas light display
• Indoor play places like STAR Academy
Here is a post that details how you can make the most of a winter trip to Myrtle Beach.
North Carolina Beach Towns
By now you probably already have a favorite NC beach town (and if you don’t, then read this), but winter can be a good time to explore a new one! Since it’ll be too cold to enjoy the beach itself, the area’s other amenities matter more. Here are some beach town options that have plenty to offer during the winter.
• Wilmington | This area is a flurry of activity around Christmas with tree lightings, Enchanted Airlie, Flotilla parades and more. Use this as a guide to Wilmington during the holidays.
• The Outer Banks | The OBX is a very expensive place during the summer but winter makes it more doable and still offers lots to do — The Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Roanoke Island Festival Park, and more!
Cities that are great for a winter trip
Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg is just four hours from the Triad and offers history, entertainment, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Read this blog post for tips and advice for a fun winter trip to Williamsburg.
• Busch Gardens
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Williamsburg Taverns
• Shopping
• Guided Tours
• Downtown Williamsburg
• The nearby towns of Jamestown and Yorktown
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is a great city to visit during the winter — museums galore! It also has great options like food halls that give you plenty of shopping and dining options under one roof. Here are some of our favorite places to explore in Charlotte during the winter:
• Optimist Hall
• Sullenberger Aviation Museum
• Explore Uptown Charlotte With Kids
• Children’s Theater of Charlotte – always has great shows!
✨ BONUS: If you’re looking for other museums, then here is our list of NC’s top children’s museums.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is another nearby city that offers a lot to do indoors – and many of them are free! Here are a few of our favorite things to do in the Triangle during the winter:
• Museum of Natural Sciences
• NC Museum of History (currently closed for a makeover)
• Carolina Basketball Museum
• NC Chinese Lantern Festival
We have a post with more info and tips for a trip to Raleigh.
A few more winter Activities to consider
Knock a few items off your Holiday Bucket List. There are plenty of ideas on this list that don’t require you to even leave the house!
If you want to travel even farther then here is a list of some of PTI’s nonstop flights. Note that airlines will make flight changes based on seasonal demand, so double-check these routes are still available.
A family weekend getaway to Greenville, SC is appealing during the winter. It’s only a three-hour drive and has a festive holiday display downtown.
Check out our day trip guide, too
If you are opting for a winter day trip instead, then we have a lot of ideas for that too! Here are some of our favorites and an even longer list.
OUTDOORS
• NC Zoo
• US Whitewater Center
• Zootastic Park
• Old Salem at Christmas
FAQ: Winter Travel with Kids from the Piedmont Triad, NC
1. What are the best winter travel destinations within a few hours of the Piedmont Triad for families?
Great family-friendly picks include Hendersonville, Blowing Rock, Winterplace Ski Resort, Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Williamsburg, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
2. Is it worth visiting the North Carolina mountains with kids in the winter?
Yes—mountain towns offer skiing, tubing, holiday events, cozy lodging, and fewer crowds, making them perfect for families.
3. Can families still enjoy the beach in winter?
Absolutely—the coast offers mild weather, quiet beaches, indoor attractions, seafood dining, and unique winter events.
4. What indoor activities are available for kids during winter trips?
Museums, children’s play spaces, aquariums, escape rooms, bowling, theaters, and indoor pools provide great cold-weather options.
5. What should families pack for winter getaways in the mountains?
Pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, gloves, hats, and extra socks to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.
6. Are winter travel attractions typically crowded?
No—most mountain, coastal, and city destinations are less crowded in winter, making it easier for families to explore.
7. What are easy last-minute winter day trips from the Triad with kids?
Nearby cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro offer museums, festivals, parks, and indoor play options perfect for spontaneous winter adventures.
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