camileaos

We are a family of four ( 2 little girls, the oldest is 4 and the youngest is 2) and we live in Baton Rouge, LA. We would like to get out of Louisiana on a road trip between Christmas and New Year's. We thought of Austin or Arkansas, ar first, because we can easily drive ther, but are now contemplating the smokey mountains. I know the smokeys are out of the way, so we would likely fly into Charlotte and rent a car, if we decide on going that way. What do y'all suggest? Where is best to bring kiddos during this time of the year? We would like to have a relaxed time, so hanging out at a cabin sounds good for part of the day, but also would like to have an activity to do or something to see each day. I wonder if it's too cold for the smokeys or Arkansas? Is this actually an okay time to go to either of these places? What about Austin? It's an option for us, but I'm not sure what there is to see or do with little ones in winter time... Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

bettyk

Don't know about Austin, but San Antonio is nice at Christmas. The Riverwalk is decorated with lights and is quite festive.

http://visitsanantonio.com/holiday

There is plenty to keep your kids occupied as well:

http://visitsanantonio.com/english/E...ion-en-familia

camileaos

Thank you, bettyk! I've always wanted to visit San Antonio and thought this would be a great opportunity, but my husband, for some reason, does not want to go there this time. He's been there for a conference and was ready to do something different. But I'll definitely look into these options and hopefully can sway him into changing him into going, unless Arkansas becomes the big contender here. thanks!

emmabail123

I would love to celebrate this Christmas in texaz.It my favorite place to visit specially in winters.

Gretchen

I would look at places to entertain your little ones, if you really want to do this at Christmas. But I would really ask a very quiet "why". Will your kids want to leave all their toys they have just gotten? I guess it is you and your husband who have the vacation time then.
I'm sure Austin would have some nice museums, etc.

longhorn55

A couple of places to visit in Austin with the little ones would be Thinkery: The New Austin Childrens Museum and the Texas Memorial Museum. If the weather is nice, which is entirely possible, you can go to Zilker Park and feed the ducks during the day (and visit the nice playground) and in the evening go see the huge Christmas tree. For a day trip, head to the LBJ Ranch and/or Fredericksburg. Return to Austin after dark so you can stop in Johnson City for the spectacular light show there.

tomfuller

Go to Memphis. See Graceland for Christmas. http://www.graceland.com/events/christmas.aspx
Rent a car in Memphis and go east to great Smokey if the weather is good, otherwise head west into Arkansas.
You could ride the Amtrak "City of New Orleans" from New Orleans or another Louisiana station.

camileaos

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I should've made clear that between Christmas and New Year's means that we shall leave Baton Rouge on the 27th and return on the 2nd, with a day or two to give in either end of the trip. It'll depend on what we can do, accommodations we are able to find, etc.
I was almost sure we would do Arkansas, but after reading these few suggestions, I'll reconsider Austin and the Smokies. Thanks again!