Whether you opt for sun, snow or sand, a family getaway is always a popular family plan. Here are five places to consider.
Families will enjoy the relaxing aquatic options for visitors to this Mexican resort. Several pools, including a lazy river, wave pools and the Aqua Park, which has an awe-inspiring Pyramid water slide, will keep the young and young at heart smiling. Families can also easily get to Vidanta World through the Sky Dream Parks Gondola. The gondola is among the world's first at a beach resort, provides a breathtaking aerial perspective of Vallarta and the bay as it transports guests between five stations A mini train ride across the property is also a family favorite. The upscale Grand Mayan offers guests spacious accommodations with beachfront or mountain views as well as a spa and fitness facility.
For more: www.redweek.com
If a trip to a tropical island isn’t part of the plan, surprise the kids with a Great Wolf Lodge adventure. Choose from more than 20 locations ( with more on the way). Sleep in rooms themed for kids and prepare to splash in 84-degree water. You can also tap into complimentary events and activities, all under one roof. The fun includes (depending on the location) ropes courses, family-style bowling with pint-sized bowling balls, and the Northern Lights Arcade with more than 100 interactive video and redemption games. Kids can also team up with Oliver the Raccoon at Oliver's Mining Co. to explore a mysterious mine shaft and discover hidden gemstones. After learning about how a mine works, kids head to the sluice to uncover hidden gems in the pay dirt. Young explorers can take home their treasures in a keepsake collection bag, complete with a gemstone identification card, personalized labels and a special mining hat.
For more: www.greatwolf.com
Who knew that the state of New York had more than 50 ski resorts welcoming winter guests? Expect traditional experiences as well as night skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, ski schools and an array of appealing ski deals. Some of the less-explored ski areas in Upstate New York’s Adirondack region include Oak Mountain, operating since 1948, with varied terrain, 22 trails, a quad chairlift, two t-bars, 22 park features, four lanes of snow tubing and miles of snowshoe trails. Titus Mountain is a family-friendly ski gem located a short drive from Plattsburgh, Lake Placid, Watertown and Northern Vermont, with terrain for all levels. McCauley Mountain, a charming resort near the Adirondack wilderness, offers big mountain attitude with long cruisers, steep bumps and glades, and double-black diamond challengers. One ski area in the region offers free skiing, a rare treat for any snow sport lover. Newcomb Ski Slope is an ultra-local and community-owned ski hill. For the last 50 years, the town of Newcomb has owned and operated this two-run ski slope, where generations of residents have learned to ski. The hill also boasts a trail through the adjacent woods along its 200 vertical feet. Ask about the SKI NY Passport Program where kids ski free.
For more: www.iskiny.com/ski-new-york/mountains
Head to sun-drenched Southern Arizona for a multi-faceted family adventure. In Tubac, established in 1752 as a Spanish Presidio, declare the historic and family-friendly Tubac Golf Resort & Spa your basecamp and let the exploration begin. Don’t forget your binoculars because the area is considered one of the best spots for birding in the country. When not checking off hummingbird and elegant trogon sightings on your list, enjoy a round of golf, a stroll through the local art community or time at the spa. Hike from the resort, situated on the 500-acre Otero Ranch in the Santa Cruz River Valley and appreciate views of the Tumacacori and Santa Rita peaks in the distance. Explore nearby Patagonia, which sits along a prime avian migratory path and is part of the Sky Islands — multiple mountain ranges that rise from 6,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet high and support five diverse habitats.
For more: www.tubacgolfresort.com; www.visitarizona.com
Surrounded by water, this Northwest Florida beach destination is compelling for its sunny clime and wide variety of aqua adventures and emerald green waters. Be on the lookout for dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life while relaxing on the signature sugar white sand. Take a surfing lesson, experience sailing. Learn to kayak and paddleboard. The whole crew can take lessons in sand sculpting or opt for a dolphin excursion to get up close to the amazing creatures. You’ll also have the option to venture to the grass flats where families can swim, snorkel and play off a trimaran. You can try “Gulf to table” dining and even have the option to cook your own catch. Known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin also has a rich historical heritage. Capt. Leonard Destin moved to the region from New London, Connecticut, around 1845, pioneering the fishing industry, which continues to be an important part of the community today.
For more: www.destinfwb.com
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2025-02-03T10:06:54Z