If chilly weather and snow aren’t your favorites, you can still enjoy a winter getaway without zipping off to a tropical paradise. There are numerous family-friendly resorts throughout the U.S. that offer plenty of indoor entertainment, ensuring fun times without the need for winter apparel.

With features like indoor water parks, impressive arcades, entertainment areas, and bowling alleys, the amenities at these resorts will keep everyone in the family engaged for hours without braving the cold. Below are my recommendations for the top family resorts that provide ample indoor excitement during winter vacations.

1. The Greenbrier

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

This historic luxury resort located in the Allegheny Mountains is an ideal spot for families looking to escape the cold. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities available, but it’s equally accommodating for those averse to chilly conditions. You can participate in a 90-minute guided tour of the decommissioned bunker constructed in the 1950s, designed to shelter Congress in the event of an attack on Washington, D.C., or explore the resort’s intriguing history and its distinctive Dorothy Draper decor on a guided walking tour.

Kids aged three to ten can have fun at the Adventure Zone with supervised activities while parents indulge in a treatment at the resort’s expansive 40,000-square-foot mineral spa. An on-site arcade, escape rooms, and a bowling center provide more opportunities for friendly competitions, and the entire family can enjoy nightly movie showings at The Greenbrier Theatre. For added enjoyment, consider signing up for an art class, or tennis or pickleball lessons at the indoor courts.

2. Woodloch Pines Resort

Hawley, Pennsylvania

Woodloch Pines Resort is one of the premier all-inclusive family resorts in the U.S., promising activities for every member of the family regardless of the season. In winter, there are numerous thrilling indoor and outdoor options. If you want to stay cozy indoors, this resort in the Pocono Mountains features an arts and crafts studio and a kids’ club for younger visitors, plus a three-tier indoor playground complete with slides, a treehouse, and a dedicated toddler area.

The children will love the indoor pool and splash area, while the entire family can engage in various scheduled indoor activities throughout the day, like games and enjoyable evening entertainment. Meanwhile, adults can sneak in some relaxation at the spa or fitness center amidst all the bustling fun.

3. Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Located just ninety minutes from Chicago and under an hour from Milwaukee, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is a fantastic Midwestern family vacation destination all year long. The Moose Mountain Falls indoor water park is a major attraction, maintaining a comfortable 86-degree temperature, ideal for enjoying water slides and the lazy river.

After splashing around, head over to the arcade for a mix of classic and new games, or try out mini-bowling at Bruce’s Bowl-A-Rama. Kids can unleash their creativity in Chelsea’s Activity Zone, and the resort mascots, like Bruce the Moose, may even drop by for some fun photo opportunities. There are dining options available on-site, with one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with kitchens, whirlpool baths, and cozy fireplaces in the living rooms.

4. Showboat Resort Atlantic City

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Your family is sure to enjoy a winter break at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City. The Lucky Snake arcade, the largest on the East Coast, offers endless fun with classic arcade games and pinball machines, as well as roller skating, bowling, mini-golf, and go-kart racing.

Looking for even more excitement? Visit the resort’s Island Waterpark, the biggest indoor beachfront water park in the world, featuring 11 thrilling waterslides and an indoor boardwalk offering a variety of popular New Jersey foods. The resort also boasts five restaurants, a spa, a 24-hour gym, and regularly scheduled events for both families and adults. There are spacious family rooms and suites available, many of which provide stunning ocean views.

5. Camelback Resort

Tannersville, Pennsylvania

While it’s chilly outside, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark at Camelback Resort guarantees warmth and fun. This family-friendly destination in the Pocono Mountains is recognized as one of the best resorts featuring indoor water parks in the United States. You can enjoy excitement on the park’s 13 waterslides.

A fantastic indoor play area includes bumper cars, laser tag, rock climbing, an escape room, and a ropes course, alongside classic arcade games. Your kids might not want to leave! If you prefer fitness, there’s a gym for indoor workouts instead of ski slopes. The resort offers various suite options, from one to four bedrooms, some complete with cozy fireplaces, making it the perfect place to unwind after an active day.

6. The Sagamore Resort

Lake George, New York

Located on a private 70-acre island in Lake George, this historical resort boasts many wintertime activities. For those who love the snow, there’s plenty to enjoy outside. However, if you prefer indoor fun, The Rec Center is the place for your family. It features a generous 10,000-square-foot entertainment area with ping pong, mini-golf, table games, an indoor basketball court, and even a movie theater.

A large indoor pool with a 33,000-gallon capacity overlooks the beautiful lake, and The Sagamore Spa provides various facial and body treatments, including a new Salt & Sound Lounge for halotherapy. To ensure a truly comfortable stay, you can book a family room featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a living room with a cozy fireplace.

7. Blue Harbor Resort

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Blue Harbor Resort is designed for memorable family vacations. For a unique experience, book the Aquarium Suite featuring a sea-themed mural over the bunk bed space or the Boathouse Suite, where a cottage-inspired alcove includes a bunk bed and a single bed styled as a boat. Both suites provide access to Breaker Bay, the resort’s indoor water park, which includes waterslides, a lazy river, and the only double surf simulator available in eastern Wisconsin.

For an extra touch of fun, there are two glow-in-the-dark indoor mini-golf courses, along with an arcade where kids (and kids at heart) can play games to win prizes. The resort offers various dining options, including a snack bar within the water park, and adults can enjoy some relaxation time at the spa and fitness center.

8. Nemacolin

Farmington, Pennsylvania

This luxurious four-season resort spans over 2,200 acres in southwestern Pennsylvania, offering a variety of indoor activities to enjoy. Channel your inner ninja warrior at the Fun Zone located in Hardy Girls’ Gym, or try your hand at indoor axe throwing if you are 12 years or older.

Families can have a fantastic time at the Cosmic Bowling Alley and the arcade, while organized art classes and workshops encourage creative activities for everyone. The resort features an indoor pool and a kids’ club for the little ones, along with a spa and casino for adult guests. This is merely a glimpse of the many winter activities available at the resort. You can choose from five hotels, including The Grand Lodge with its comfortable suites.

9. Crystal Springs Resort

Sussex County, New York

Located about an hour from New York City in the Kittatinny Mountains of northern New Jersey, Crystal Springs Resort is a four-season getaway consisting of two hotels. During winter visits, families can stay cozy in the indoor pools, including the exceptional Tropical Biosphere Pool Complex. With ten dining options on-site, you can savor meals without leaving the resort, and two full-service spas allow adults some leisure time.

Kids will enjoy the indoor rock-climbing wall (for ages six and up), the resort-wide photo scavenger hunt, and the library of board games available for borrowing. Be sure to check the activity schedule for workshops such as hot cocoa bomb making and unique experiences like indoor goat yoga. This last activity welcomes participants aged eight and over, providing an opportunity to interact with the animals afterward.

If winter weather keeps you indoors, visit these delightful family resorts that offer exciting indoor activities as seen on FamilyVacationist.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are properties of Vacationist Media LLC. Through the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we explore and recommend family vacation options, family holiday destinations, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic vacations for all ages. TourScoop highlights guided tours, tour operators, reviews of tour operators, itinerary assessments, and advice on travel gear.