Yes, I know many of you when when looking for winter family vacation ideas are thinking sun and surf, but this post is about actually enjoying that white stuff and spending time with your children enjoying healthy outdoor nature activities.

Winter Carnivals abound at this time of year and offer some great family travel destination packages.  Here is a list of some of the more popular winter carnivals.  Perhaps you can find one of two in your area:

Quebec City Winter Carnival

Quebec City has a major Winter Carnival, and it’s a true “Carnival”.  Here’s a great winter getaway: combine a family ski trip with a visit to 400-year-old Quebec City. It’s like a mini-trip to Europe, plus a snow vacation. Fall under the spell of the Quebecers’ warm welcome and come have fun with Bonhomme Carnaval in one of the safest cities in the world!  The timing of this festival varies as it is held just before Lent.  Search the Internet for current information if you are interested in learning more about this Carnival.

Steamboat Family Snow Festival

Steamboat Colorado is a top ski resorts for families, and the Steamboat Family Snow Festival during the month of January adds even more family entertainment. Fun includes: Western BBQ at the top of the Gondola; musical performers,  international stations in Gondola Square (visit and fill your Steamboat passport.). Steamboat is located 157 miles northwest of Denver, and visitors like that Steamboat has less crowds and hype than some other Colorado ski resorts. You’ll find this to be a great family ski resort destination

Snowfest at Cooperstown, NY

Mid-February’s the time for this festive weekend in Cooperstown in upstate NY. A highlight a 72-hour marathon Snow Sculpting Championship; vote for the “People’s Choice Award.” Other activities around town include sledding, ice-skating, x-country skiing.

Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival at Alberta, Canada

Professional carvers compete in this event at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.  Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park.  Three  family-friendly ski resorts are located in the area so there are plenty of accommodations to choose from.  Enjoy the International Ice Sculpture Competition and be amazed as blocks of ice are transformed into seven-foot tall, world-class ice, see children try their hand at ice carving at the Little Chippers Station in Lake Louise Village, visit the ice playground, and don’t miss out on wine-tastings, appetizer samplings, and the One Hour, One Carver, One Block event.  This festival is held at the end of January.

Lake Tahoe Snowfest in California

Ten days of fun at the beginning of March, with opening night fireworks, Snow Fest Queen, Big Air contest, pancake breakfast, parades, polar bear swim, giant tricycle race, just to name a few of the many activities the family can all enjoy.

This is just a sampling of the many wonderful Winter Carnivals available throughout the country.  You can find more by searching the “Net.  You can also search for information on these carnivals listed above for current information.  Hopefully you will find one that fits your schedule, pocketbook and the interests of your family.