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Taking a vacation with the kids (8,6 & 1) to play in the snow next Jan.
-family friendly places. Thinking children's museums. Seeing that we're from FL we'll likely skip any theme parks.
-historical or cultural significance/ event to see -something to complement thier social studies or history books.
-nature - which national parks are good to visit in the winter? preferably with active wildlife? The Everglades are great in the winter - but no snow!
-is taking an 18 month old on a hike in winter crazy? or (more importantly) dangerous or just a little extra effort (layers of clothes)? Our winters bottom out in the upper 30's. So we really don't have a concept of cold I guess.
We;re thinking Denver or Washington DC... maybe Boston or Seattle? What do you all think?
Winter weather in D.C. is very unpredictable. In some Januaries, you get a blizzard. In others, you get hardly any snow at all. If snow is what you're looking for, then you'll be taking a big chance.
However, if you head out to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, then you are more likely to see snow and also wildlife. The higher elevations there are around 4,000 feet+. I've done it once and want to warn you, it can get very cold with hazardous road conditions in the winter there.
Of course, when it comes to museums, historical and cultural attractions, D.C. is one of the best American cities for those things.
Last edited by BigCityDreamer; 09-07-2011 at 10:06 PM..
BigCityDreamer is right, you can't count on having snow in DC on any given weekend in January. DC averages 14 inches of snow per year. That snow may come an inch at a time throughout the winter, it may come from just one storm and then no snow for the rest of winter. There could be 30 inches of snow one year and only 6 inches the next. The average high temperature in January is 43 degrees. That's well above freezing, so you could just have lots of rain.
So if snow is a requirement for your vacation, I would (A) not make travel plans far in advance, and quickly pull the trigger if a blizzard appears in the forecast, or (B) go to someplace that gets more snow, such as the higher elevations in the West or northern New England.
In denver, its not uncommon to have alot of sun. Some winters have alot of snow. Others barley have any (like this past winter). The weather in denver is actually very..complicated and complex. There is no way of telling of its going to snow alot or alittle at this point. However, if your planning to go to the mountains...you are just asking for snow...it even snows in the mountains in the middle of july! Try planning a trip there maybe?
Can't speak on dc, but they simply must have better museums. Havent been there before though.
In denver, its not uncommon to have alot of sun. Some winters have alot of snow. Others barley have any (like this past winter). The weather in denver is actually very..complicated and complex. There is no way of telling of its going to snow alot or alittle at this point. However, if your planning to go to the mountains...you are just asking for snow...it even snows in the mountains in the middle of july! Try planning a trip there maybe?
Can't speak on dc, but they simply must have better museums. Havent been there before though.
Uh, neither Denver or DC are guaranteed to have snow in winter. You're just as likely to see snow in North Georgia ... which is also a whole lot closer!
Thanks. I would love to have the museums to ourselves! I should clarify that if we didn't come across snow in the city we visit the plan is to drive a few hours (maybe 4 hrs) to get to it.
Our schedules are flexible enough that we could do the 'pull the trigger' when you see the snow coming plan. I just wouldn't want to get into a spot where we have to choose between paying 3x as much or postponing for year.
I didn't realize that Denver wasn't a sure bet for snow. hmmm...
You might be more likely to see snow in DC than Denver, but you can easily get to snow in Denver. Just drive into the high country. There many not be snow within hours of DC.
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