One of the best things about living in Southern California is the endless supply of year-round adventures that are just a short drive from home. While summer is the perfect time for a day trip to one of our favorite beach towns and  fall offers the chance for a road trip to see foliage, winter day trips from Los Angeles offer up some unique opportunities. It's actually the best time to explore the area— coastal locales are sleepier in the cooler months, desert towns are more bearable when it’s not in the triple digits, and there are even snowy winter wonderlands. Southern California has it all, and here we’ve collected the 20 best winter day trips from Los Angeles.

Check out other favorite day trips from LA, local weekend getaways, and the best family travel spots in the country (and beyond) in our Family Travel Guide.

Although we may miss having snow at Christmas in Houston, one of the benefits is that the weather is great for a winter day trip to outdoor and indoor attractions. You shouldn’t have to worry whether the roads will be clear of snow or need to pack thermal sweaters! We’ve drawn up a list of family-fun-filled winter day trips that can help you get out of the house and make festive memories. Plus, these destinations are all less than two hours from Houston by car, so you shouldn’t have too many cries of “are we there yet?” Read on for details of trips North, South, East, and West of Houston. Whichever direction you want to head in, we have a fun destination!

Check out our car games to have fun even while you drive. For ideas closer to home, don’t forget our Winter Activities Guide.

All timings are approximate and by car from the center of Houston.

Real-life toy soldiers who salute you when you enter, shelves overflowing the larger-than-life stuffed friends, toys classic and contemporary, and dozens of charismatic salespeople waiting to blow your mind with magic tricks, monster makers, and more—walking into the iconic FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center is an all-senses immersion into childhood wonder—and we haven't even mentioned the dance-on piano!

With lines stretching down the block, the well-known toy store has reinvented itself and re-established its spot as a must-visit destination for tourists, but it's also one of our favorite indoor places to play on bad weather days. Read on for nine reasons we love FAO Schwarz, the iconic, long-running toy retailer.

We’ve been that parent–the one frantically searching the mall for last-minute Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve–and it’s not an experience we wish on anyone. The most wonderful time of the year can sneak up on the best of us, and with 2021’s supply chain meltdown, a lingering pandemic, and the general responsibilities of parenting and adulting, no one could blame you for missing a few wishes on your kids’ lists.

From memberships to classes and lessons to bucket-list family vacations, we’re here with inspiration to help your family embrace minimalism, reduce screen time, and avoid the clutter of endless wrapping paper and forgettable toys. These last-minute gift ideas and experience gifts can be bought in a jiffy, but make memories that last the whole year through. So let go of the holiday hustle and give yourself the gift of less stress with presents they’ll actually appreciate.

DC is sparkling in 2021 with more Christmas lights displays and immersive holiday experiences than ever before! My family loves to visit at least one holiday lights display each year—it’s a highlight of the season for my kids. This year, we were thrilled to visit two fantastic holiday events near DC—Holiday Road, a newcomer to the area located in Leesburg, Virginia, and Enchant Christmas, which returned to Nationals Park for the third year after being closed in 2020 due to Covid. Both events were really fun and quite different from each other, so you can pick the experience that’s right for your family. At either one, you're sure to find plenty to love.

If you're looking for a cool new outing, bundle up and head over to the Brooklyn Children Museum's new rooftop ArtRink, which transforms the space into an art-filled winter wonderland. The 3,200-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink is the main attraction on the museum's newly bedecked rooftop, which also features interactive art installations and plenty of places to cozy up—all under the sparkling lights of a giant rooftop canopy.

Tickets, please! It’s time for a Christmas train ride to the North Pole on The Polar Express, departing from Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Enjoy a magical journey based on the beloved holiday story, featuring familiar characters, including the conductor, pastry chefs serving hot chocolate, elves, a singing hobo, and the big man himself—Santa Claus!

If you’re looking for a Christmas train experience, this 1 hour, 45-minute tour along the Delaware River overflows with holiday spirit, and it's worthy of becoming an annual family tradition. Read on for our full review, and find more seasonal outings in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey.

Christmas games are a great way to encourage a little fun and family teamwork (or friendly competition) at holiday gatherings. We’ve rounded up some free Christmas games you can make yourself, as well as some fun Christmas games you can buy. These games are great for Christmas at home—or any kid-friendly holiday event. Most of the games on this list are easy for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, and when you find one your whole family adores, playing it can become a new family annual tradition. Read on below for our favorite Christmas games – family edition. Let the giggles and holiday fun begin!

Don't miss our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids for more holiday-themed family fun from the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family to Christmas Cookies To Bake With Kids and more.