Approximate drive time from Arlington: 2 hours, 15 minutes (145 miles)

It’s always 84 degrees inside the water park at Great Wolf Lodge, regardless of the temperature outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the white stuff during your visit. In mid-November, the resort launched Snowland, a seasonal celebration with lights, trees, snowflakes and themed activities, from songs to crafts. Visits to the resort include unlimited time in the water park, which features a large wave pool and fast slides for older kids, and a cub pool for swimmers who are just starting out.  Youngsters can also enjoy free activities such as daily kids’ yoga, shows and art projects, and a nightly story time and dance party to get the last few wiggles out—plus on-site bowling, an arcade and other family fun for additional fees. Soon, the DMV will soon have yet another Great Wolf option; a new lodge is set to open in Perryville, Maryland, in August 2023. Insider tip: Cyber Monday often offers deep discounts on rooms. // 549 E. Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia

ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor (Courtesy photo)

Approximate drive time from Arlington: 25 minutes (15 miles)

Perched along the banks of the Potomac at National Harbor, The Gaylord is one of the region’s largest hotels, with more than 2,000 rooms. The resort caters to families with a junior Olympic-size pool and arcade; an interactive sports bar with duckpin bowling, bocce and other group games; and an 80s-themed pop-up experience called Replay Rooftop, featuring retro arcade games, and plenty of neon backdrops for family photo opps. Each night, the hotel hosts a fountain-and-light show in its soaring 19-story atrium. The Gaylord is known for its ever-changing roster of interactive installations, including the annual holiday-themed ICE! exhibit—a chilly, immersive winter wonderland that includes a slide carved entirely from ice, and this year highlights scenes from A Christmas Story. Families will also find an outdoor skating rink and bumper cars, live entertainment and holiday-focused classes as part of the Gaylord’s Christmas Village and Winter Square events through the end of 2022. National Harbor is home to dozens of restaurants, shopping and entertainment, including the 180-foot-tall Capital Wheel, which is open year-round. Insider tip: Resort guests can pay to access the ICE! attraction daily…