Have you had visions of curling up next to a fireplace and bundling your kids to play in the snow? Or maybe, like some of our editors, you live in a warmer area, and your kids have been wishing they could experience a snow day? Well then, it may be time to book a cozy winter cabin getaway. Research even shows that time spent together surrounded by nature can contribute to family cohesion—what better way to do that than a winter cabin rental retreat?
But with so many cozy cabin destinations to choose from, where should you stay? We did the hard work for you—rounding up 11 of the most sought-after U.S. destinations and little-known hidden gems for winter travel, complete with family-friendly cabin rentals.
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Stowe, Vermont
With a year-round population of just 5000, Stowe, Vermont, should be just another sleepy little town, but its New England charm and rugged outdoor beauty make it irresistible to travelers of all ages.
Travel Tip: Ride-hailing services are limited, so renting a car, using a local service like Neil’s Wheels, or booking a private tour with 4 Points Vermont is recommended.
What to do:
Learn how maple syrup is made at Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, shop Stowe’s charming Main Street, or visit the history-rich Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. For outdoor fun, ski at Stowe Mountain Resort (all levels welcome), snowshoe in the fairytale Wiessner Woods, explore the backcountry with Snowmobile Vermont, or take the Gondola Skyride for panoramic views.
Where to eat:
Doc Ponds, The Bench, Alpine Hall, and Backyard are popular kid-friendly restaurants. Don’t miss cider donuts at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill or a tour of the original Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury.
Where to stay:
The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers the only ski-in/ski-out lodging at Stowe Mountain Resort. With warm woods, alpine touches, and crackling fireplaces, it’s the perfect setting for a cozy cabin getaway. Accommodations include the lodge, as well as more spacious penthouses, townhouses, and stand-alone cabins. Guests can enjoy a heated pool, an ice-skating rink, and a private spa. As a Destination by Hyatt property, it can also be booked using World of Hyatt points.
For a more rustic stay, check out Stowe Cabin in the Woods, or Outbound Stowe for a modern, non-slope-side option.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Famous for waterfalls, caves, and hemlock-shaded gorges, Hocking Hills transforms into a winter wonderland as the waterfalls freeze into stunning ice formations.
Travel Tip: Check which trails are open and dress for the weather.
What to do:
Hike the Hocking Hills State Park, catch $4 movies at the Fun Barn, visit the Hocking Hills escape room, or throw axes at Bury the Axe (for ages 16+). The Hocking Hills Children’s Museum is fun for ages six months to 10 years.
Where to eat:
Restaurant Salaam offers eclectic but kid-friendly fare. Kindred Spirits is casual fine dining, while the more casual Pink Cricket serves homemade pizza.
Where to stay:
Marriott Convoy has small but stylish postcard cabins–offering another great way to use your credit card points, while the endearing and rustic Inn at Cedar Falls cabins accommodate four to six people. Or, for a truly unique experience, stay in the Weltner School House, an 1800’s converted schoolhouse situated on a 107-acre family farm. This two-bedroom cabin sleeps up to six guests and offers access to 75 acres of walking trails, a pond, a swing, and a hammock.
Telluride, Colorado
This San Juan Mountain town’s relaxed vibe is ideal for families looking to unwind.
Travel Tip: Mountain Village is connected to Telluride via the gondola, car, or hiking trails.
What to do:
Ski or snowboard at The Telluride Ski Resort, or try sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, ice skating, and even dog sledding with Idarado Sled Dog Adventures. Warm up in the nearby Ouray hot springs, shop downtown via the free Galloping Goose bus system, or enjoy the gondola to Mountain Village.
Where to eat:
No trip to Telluride is complete without a stop at Brown Dog Pizza. The Butcher and the Baker is great for a hearty breakfast or lunch, and the Floradora Saloon is a historic saloon worth visiting.
Where to stay:
Wild Oak and AvantStay offer a variety of properties, including this modern downtown chalet and larger properties like a ranch-style cabin with snow-capped views. In Mountain Village, you’ll find the Mountain Lodge’s luxury log cabins accommodate up to 16 guests.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, glows with millions of twinkling lights through mid-February during their Winter Magic Celebration.
Travel Tip: Pigeon Forge, another town popular for family cabin getaways and home to Dollywood Parks and Resorts, is about a 15-minute drive.
What to do:
Visit the Smokies, but be aware that some secondary roads may be closed.
Spend a day at the theme park Anakeesta, ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, or the Ober Mountain Ski Area and Amusement Park. Head indoors to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or stroll through The Village or the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community for local goods.
Where to eat:
Bite into Pancake Pantry’s bear-shaped pancakes. For lunch or dinner, indulge in All-American eats at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen, head to Gatlinburg Brewing Company for a local brew, or head to The Park Grill for National Park history.
Where to stay:
Built into a mountainside, the Birch Lodge is a three-story, floor-to-ceiling windowed cabin sleeping up to 11, while at the Challet Village Resort, guests have access to three clubhouses with tennis courts, swimming pools, and play areas. Nearby, Pigeon Forge’s luxury cabin Skyline Sanctuary features an arcade, indoor pool, hot tub, and skyline views.
Lake Tahoe, California
During the winter, Tahoe transforms into a snowglobe with its ski resorts decked in twinkling lights and towering pine forests.
Travel Tip: The North offers quieter, nature-focused vibes, while the South has more dining, shopping, and lodging options.
What to do:
Ice skate or take the gondola at the Heavenly Ski Resort. Snowmobile in the backcountry with Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours or Coldstream Adventures Tours, or strap on snowshoes for trails like Chickadee Ridge and Tahoe Meadow. Play at Adventure Mountain Tahoe on over 40 acres of groomed snow play runs, or book a 55-minute sleigh ride with Borges Sleigh Rides.
Where to eat:
Heidi’s Pancake House is a breakfast staple; Base Camp Pizza Co. is family-friendly with live music, and Riva Grill on the Lake boasts stunning views.
Where to stay:
Summit Haven is a perfect A-frame home base tucked into the Dollar Point pines. Zephyr Cove Resort has lakefront view cabins, and Edgewood Tahoe Resort provides private villas with up to five bedrooms and modern architectural touches.
Idaho City, Idaho
A hidden gem, just 45 minutes from Boise, Idaho City sits next to the Boise National Forest.
Travel Tip: Stop by the Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Shop in the town center for sledding tickets ($35 per car) and directions to the Steamboat Gulch.
What to do:
Locals love the dedicated sledding hill, Steamboat Gulch, where sled rentals are provided or you can bring your own. There are hot drinks and food served directly to the hill during select hours.
Soak in The Springs, a nearby hot springs retreat. In town, stop by Chicory and Sage for handmade gifts and a wine bar for parents.
Where to eat:
For a slice of divine huckleberry cheesecake, visit Trudy’s Kitchen, and don’t forget ice cream classics at the Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor and Gifts. Hang out at Gold Mine Bar and Saloon for a throwback Western vibe and live music on the weekends.
Where to stay:
The Smoke Jumper is a tiny home resort with functional small cabins just off the highway. Guests here receive free admission to the sledding hill. For larger groups, this 1930’s-era log cabin on a creek in the Boise National Forest is a comfortable, secluded stay.
The Southern Adirondacks, New York
This forest retreat is often blanketed in a thick layer of snow, ideal for a cozy cabin retreat.
Travel Tip: Check for winter festivals and ice fishing derbies.
What to do:
Go ice skating at the Schroon Lake ice rink, try ice fishing, rent snowmobiles, ski at Gore Mountain, or snowshoe through Scaroon Manor, Stone Bridge and Caves. Consider hiring a guide for a private experience.
Where to eat:
On Main Street, enjoy cookies and scones at Pinecone Mercantile and homemade pie at Pitkin’s.
Where to Stay:
The Lodge at Schroon Lake boasts 36 lakefront acres with two-bedroom chalets. The Lodge has a classic feel of a “summer-camp” escape with the amenities of a full-service resort, appealing to parents and kids alike. On property, play games inside “The Bevy,” swim in the indoor heated pool, or snuggle up for movie nights.
For a budget stay, consider the Rowe Cabins on Schroon Lake—the Black Bear Dens cabins can sleep up to eight guests.
Camden, Maine
Winter in Camden means toboggan races, pie-baking contests, and holiday parades.
Travel Tip: The annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships are in February—a one-of-a-kind experience drawing up to 425 teams.
What to do:
Ski and snowboard with ocean views at Camden Snow Bowl. Snowshoe in Camden Hills State Park, rent skates at the Mid Coast Rec Center, or head indoors for the Farnsworth Museum of Art, boasting one of the best art collections in America. If you’re there in January, Camden Winterfest is a fun local tradition.
Take a trip to nearby Belfast for additional shopping and sightseeing.
Where to eat:
Camden Deli has been selling quality homemade food since 1985. Gather around the fireplace at the Waterfront for local seafood and other fare. Meander over to the French and Brawn Market for a 150-year old grocery experience.
Where to stay:
A New England cottage replaces the traditional log cabin at The Lodge at Camden Hills. The cottages feature decks facing the bay, Cathedral ceilings, indoor or outdoor jacuzzis, king-size beds, and fireplaces. You can book directly through the property or their Airbnb listings. While here, visit the sauna in the woods and hike the Sagamore Trail.
Flagstaff, Arizona
A snowy retreat in the Coconino Forest, this lively university town blends outdoor fun with a vibrant downtown.
Travel Tip: Flagstaff is only a 1.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim (open year-round), just be sure to check road conditions.
What to do:
Ski and snowboard at Arizona Snow Bowl. Go snowtubing and sledding at Flagstaff Snow Park, snowshoeing at Buffalo Park, or hiking the Lava Flow Trail. Poke around the charming downtown for shops, coffee, and treats. After it gets dark, head to Lowell Observatory for a memorable stargazing experience. And if visiting for New Year’s, you can attend the annual Great Pinecone Drop (which includes a Happy Noon Year drop for littles to enjoy!)
Where to eat:
Toasted Owl Café is a local favorite for breakfast. Pizzicletta makes oven-brick pizza in a front kitchen—fun for kids to watch. Diablo Burger is known for tasty hamburgers. Timberline Ice Cream serves homemade ice cream the kids will love.
Where to stay:
Village Camp Flagstaff is an outdoor resort offering the feel of a boutique stay with the freedom of a mountain basecamp. Families can take advantage of the clubhouse, bistro, year-round hot tub, and playground. Other amenities include an outdoor amphitheater for gatherings and live music, and pickleball and basketball courts.
Or, the Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins offers 17 cabins—from small a-frames to large family spaces—tucked in a secluded area one mile from town. If a historic hotel is more your idea of a cozy family getaway, the high-end boutique Bespoke Inn boasts fully renovated suites and rooms, many with fireplaces.
Traverse City, Michigan
Snuggly weather means plenty of outdoor adventures and cozy coffee shop visits in Traverse City, Michigan.
Travel Tip: Winter is off-peak season here, offering better pricing and fewer crowds.
What to do:
Sled at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park’s Dune Climb or snowshoe the Empire Bluff Trail, ski or snowboard at Crystal Mountain with over 100 certified instructors, or cycle around the Timber Ridge Resort’s Vasa Pathway. With kids, check out the Great Wolf Lodge for mini golfing and bowling, the Music House Museum, or the Cognition Science and Discovery Center. Stop by a lighthouse for a picturesque setting, including the Mission Point Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, or the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Where to eat:
The Flying Noodle for Rigatoni Alfredo, award-winning pizza at That’sa Pizza, or cheese pie from Pangea’s. Moomers is ice cream made on a dairy farm!
Where to stay:
Crystal Mountain is a family resort designed as a walkable village with dining, shopping, and activities, including horse-drawn surrey rides, crafts, bonfires with s’mores, and indoor golf. You can stay at the cottages or bungalows for a “home-away-from-home” feel with fireplaces, kitchens, and space to sleep up to 10 people.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
The gateway to Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow is home to pine forest trails, bald eagles, and black bears.
Travel Tip: Winter temperatures are generally mild (30–50°F).
What to do:
Visitors can hike trails in Beavers Bend State Park, including the famous David Boren Hiking Trail, or drive along the Talimena National Scenic Byway–a 54-mile route along one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies.
Horseback ride with Riverman Trail Rides, visit the Beavers Bend Depot, or try ziplining with Rugaru Adventures. Visit a family-friendly magic show at Hester’s Theater of Magic or pet the animals at the Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo.
Where to eat:
Donut Crossing is known for its delectable pastries. Grateful Head Pizza & Tap Room makes mouthwatering BBQ, and The Blue Rooster serves a family favorite—fried chicken.
Where to stay:
Broken Bow’s luxury cabin getaways come with everything from arcades to pools and playsets. Modern yet cozy, these cabins make a great retreat for families, from the three-king suites of the Freedom and Whiskey cabin with three king suites to the Stone Creek Lodge’s cornhole and large playset. For a budget stay, check out the offerings at Sweetwater Cabins–still cozy and beautiful, but with smaller options.
Kris Ann Valdez, Contributing Writer
Kris Ann Valdez is a mom and freelance journalist who covers parenting, lifestyle, and science-based topics. Beyond The Everymom, Kris Ann contributes to national outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Parents, and Scary Mommy. She’s also the creator of “The Guide Girl,” a Substack dedicated to inspiring writers to pursue publication.
