From kid-friendly sandy beaches in Florida, the East Coast and California to great adventure lodges in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado and the Southwest, families get to choose from many wonderful weekend destinations in the United States.
Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains
Skytop Lodge is set on 5,500 acres in the Pocono Mountains, offering families an active weekend escape from New York, Philadelphia or Washington D.C. Play golf on the Pocono Mountains Golf Course, get massages at the spa and head to the Adventure Center for a choice of activities, including a rock climbing wall, paintball course and a zipline challenge course. The resort has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a lake with a sandy shore, perfect for swimming and water sports from May through September. If you are planning a winter trip with kids, you will be able to go ice skating, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing.
One Skytop, Skytop, Pennsylvania 18357, Phone: 855-345-7759
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Margaritaville Beach House Key West has all the essential ingredients for a fun family getaway. Located directly across the street from Smathers Beach and just moments away from all the attractions of Key West, this resort is a winning choice. Families can stay in one of the resort’s very comfortable 2-bedroom suites which boast spacious accommodation and a separate sitting area – some include a kitchen which is great if you have picky eaters in the family. On-site amenities include a large outdoor pool, scheduled activities for all ages. and easy access to the beach.
Margaritaville Beach House, 2001 S. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, 305 292 9800
The Crawford Hotel in Denver, Colorado
Train travel is fun for kids - it gives them the freedom to stretch their legs and enjoy the changing view through the windows. Take a train trip to Denver, Colorado and check into the Crawford Hotel located in a Beaux Arts building at Denver's Union Station. Kids can stay in one of the Pullman Guest Rooms which were designed to feel like a train sleeping car, complete with rich mahogany, neutral tones and art deco touches. The hotel has agreements with some of the best restaurants in Denver which provide a take-out style room service delivered in eco-friendly containers. You will be able to view unique Western art on display at the Crawford and at Union Station, including vintage family pictures, travel postcards and 1940s celebrity trading cards.
1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, Phone: 720-460-3700
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Memorable family moments begin at the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite where the whole family and enjoy a wide range of fun activities. The resort offers a variety of comfortable cabins as well as spacious camping tents set among the trees for families who would like to get a little closer to nature. Exciting family activities include daily scheduled games and activities, several guided hiking excursions, (ranging from moderate to strenuous), Yosemite Flight Tours, Craft workshops and much more. There is a large outdoor swimming pool with hot tub, a kid’s zip line, forest disc golf and so much more to enjoy. Onsite dining is available at the main lodge, The Tavern and the Pool Bar.
Evergreen Lodge, 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, CA 95321, 209-379-2606
Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri
Snuggled deep in the magnificent Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge is a secluded haven of beauty and tranquility that echoes a time gone by. Surrounded by an area steeped in history, this rustic resort epitomizes the American wilderness and offers guests a little slice of outback heaven. Big Cedar offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy knotty pine cottages and log cabins in the woods to grand hillside cottages with spectacular views of the glassy Table Rock Lake below. Beautifully appointed for absolute privacy, guest accommodations are luxuriously furnished and boast private balconies, cozy fireplaces and modern amenities. Enjoy a variety of delicious fare at no less than four restaurants. Savor home-style fare in a historical setting at The Devil’s Pool Restaurant. For fine dining and breathtaking views, head to Top of the Rock, or try Buzzard’s Bar for light meals and drinks accompanied by cowboy singing. Guests have access to the full-service marina and an array of activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, golf, hiking and biking trails.
612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale, Missouri 65739, Phone: 800-225-6343
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village offers vacationers a choice of 263 guest rooms and suites and is one of the best vacations for kids in Florida. The lagoon-style outdoor pool is sure to be a favorite with kids, along with the marina where families have access to an array of watersports. The resort has a fitness studio with cardio and strength training equipment. The Esterra Spa & Salon adjacent to the resort offers seven treatment rooms and a diverse menu of services.
Guest rooms are furnished with Westin Heavenly Beds, plush robes and White Tea Aloe bath amenities. Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro serves American cuisine in a resort casual setting. The hotel is 18 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport between Tampa and Naples. Nearby you will find Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, the Ding Darling Nature Preserve and many golf courses.
5951 Silver King Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida 33914, Phone: 239-541-5000
Hotel Zephyr, San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf, a short walk from Pier 41, other prime tourist destinations, and ferries to Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Sausalito, Hotel Zephyr is one of San Francisco’s very few waterfront hotels. Modern and sleek, the hotel is decorated with colorful and cool nautical details and offers 361 spacious, sophisticated rooms and suites with all modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, minifridges, HD TVs, and coffeemakers. Some rooms enjoy views of the city and the bay, and larger suites have sitting rooms and large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city’s skyline. The hotel has a gym, a cozy lounge, and a game room with a popular pool table and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits.
250 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA, Phone: 415-617-6565
WaterColor Inn in Florida
WaterColor Inn is a family getaway in Northwest Florida, offering activities for families and couples. The resort is located the Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is a great place to visit with kids, home to some of the best family beach vacations on the East Cost. Visit the WaterColor Inn spa, play golf, relax on the beach and sample gourmet cuisine at the inn's restaurants. It's popular with families who want to spend a long weekend enjoying the beach and the sun.
The resort's flagship restaurant, Fish Out of Water, serves fresh seafood paired with delicious wines. Watch the water and the sand dunes while enjoying your breakfast, lunch and dinner.
34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459, Phone: 888-991-8878
Grand Hotel Mackinac Island
If you are looking for weekend getaways with kids in the Midwest, Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, located in the center of the Great Lakes waterway, is an all-inclusive summer vacation destination, open from May through October. No cars are allowed on the island and there is plenty to do, from swimming in the pool to golf, walking and biking in the beautiful Mackinac Island State Park. Originally built in 1887, the property has 390 individually decorated guest rooms. Some of the rooms and suites are named after famous people. Six suites were designed in consultation with former first ladies. The Jacqueline Kennedy suite, for example, has gold-painted walls and features the gold presidential eagle.
Swim in the Esther Williams pool, detox in the sauna and have snacks by the pool. Activities the whole family can enjoy include tennis, horseback riding, carriage tours and children's programs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Across the street lies the scenic Jewel golf course. The course is comprised of the Grand nine and the Woods nine, set in the interior of the island. The Grand nine was built in 1901 and redesigned in 1987. The Woods nine was added in 1994, designed by Jerry Matthews.
The island is accessible only by boat or plane. Ferries depart from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Assistance is provided for transferring luggage on and off the ferry. The Mackinac Island Airport has a 3,500-foot runway that accommodates private and charter aircraft. For more information about flying here, contact the concierge. Once you arrive, you can get around on foot, by bike or a horse-drawn carriage. This is a popular summer getaway from Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit. The property is usually open open from the last week of April through October.
286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island 49757, Phone: 800-334-7263
Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee
You will be the most popular parents on the block when you book a family getaway at the Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park in Gurnee, near Chicago. The whole family can enjoy hours of fun in the massive indoor water park which offers rides, slides and splashes for all ages. Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of suites which can sleep up to 6 guests. To really delight the younger members of the family you can book a themed suite – the log cabin junior suite has three single beds in a log-cabin sleeping area. The park has several dining and snacking options to suite all tastes. Play and Stay deals are available most of the year.
Great Wolf Lodge, 1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, 844-482-9653
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Colorado is a luxury ski getaway offering access to Vail Mountain and a luxury spa. The hotel has 62 guest rooms and suites with alpine furnishings and a fireplace. If you and your kids need more space, take a look at the Private Residences. If you want to be right on the mountain, stay at The Game Creek Chalet which is located at 10,500 feet. In addition to spectacular skiing, other winter activities include snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, ski and snowboard schools for children, race clinics, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating and more. If you are looking for family getaways in Colorado, The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a great place to visit.
675 Lionshead Place, Vail, Colorado 81657, Phone: 970-429-5045
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando in Florida you can get a taste of the Italian Riviera and enjoy fun rides at Universal Studios. The design for the resort was inspired by an Italian fishing village, complete with cobblestone streets, restaurants and sun-washed stucco facades. Relax by the pool, get an outdoor massage in a private cabana and dine at some of Orlando's best Italian restaurants. In addition to visiting Universal Theme Parks, kids can have fun sliding down the hotel's water slide. The hotel offers 750 guest rooms with Italian furnishings and opulent bathrooms. Bay View Rooms offer scenic views of old-world fishing boats and the harbor.
For families, Kids Suites feature a separate room for the kids with two child sized beds, a small table and chair set, separate closet, television, VCR and play area. The hotel offers its guests a choice of restaurants.
5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819, Phone: 407-503-1000
Gaylord Opryland
Located on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee, Gaylord Opryland is a unique weekend getaway offering fun for kids, spa and fitness, and a choice of restaurants. Children will enjoy boat rides on the indoor river aboard a Delta flatboat, 9 acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and other attractions. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can have plenty of fun indoors at this unique hotel. The 20,000 square foot spa and fitness center has 12 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools. You can go shopping at the resort shops which sell an array of items. The resort has 2,881 guest rooms and suites.
2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214, Phone: 615-889-1000
Walt Disney World Swan
At Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Florida, families can choose from an array of activities, accommodations and family-friendly dining options. There are five heated pools, whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls. The Kiddie pool provides hours of fun to younger guests. There are also two sand volleyball courts, a beachside playground, spraying seal fountain, a giant checkers game and more. If you have kids, having a bedroom with a door and a separate living room can be a big perk for parents. The resort offers 169 suites with different layouts. Executive Suites, Grand Suites, Hospitality Suites and the Governor's Suite all offer separate living areas.
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830, Phone: 407-934-4000
Red Mountain Resort
Spa goers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will appreciate the beautiful setting of Red Mountain Resort near St. George, Utah. Surrounded by mountains and canyons, this spa resort can be a starting point for exploring the nearby Zion National Park, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon with kids. Outdoor adventure activities in the area include hiking, jogging, climbing, biking and swimming.
The hotel has an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool. Once you are done exploring the natural surroundings, lounge by the pool and visit the spa. Try one of the Sagestone Spa signature treatments, enjoy a relaxing massage, or get a facial on your spa vacation. The resort offers health education, weight loss and detoxification programs. The resort has just recently renovated its 82 guest rooms in contemporary style. Families can book one of the 12 luxury Villa suites which offer the most space. The hotel offers healthy dining options and cooking demonstrations.
1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, Ivins, Utah 84738, Phone: 877-246-4453
Havana Cabana at Key West
The Cuban-styled Havana Cabana at Key West should be your choice for your next family getaway. Bright colors, Flamenco music and vintage cars bring the essence of Cuba to Key West and set the scene for a memorable vacation. The resort boasts the largest pool in Key West and a selection of spacious and comfortable rooms ideal for families. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, microwave and upscale bath amenities. You can feast on traditional Cuban cuisine from the Floradita Food Truck, enjoy drinks by the pool or take a Chevy Tour of Key West.
Havana Cabana, 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, 866-849-3753
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon, Springdale
Located on the doorstep of the Zion National Park, the Best Western Plus Zion Canyon, Springdale is a great family getaway destination. The hotels location is hard to beat and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service (March to October) into the National Park and around the town. Families can choose from guestrooms with 2 king or 2 queen beds, all of which offer little luxuries like mini-fridge, microwave and free Wi-Fi. There are also a few larger rooms which can accommodate 6 family members. Everyone gets to enjoy a complimentary full breakfast and onsite amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub and a 24-hour Fitness room.
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn and Suites, 668 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, 435 429 7650
Cherry Tree Inn and Suites, Traverse City
The Cherry Tree Inn and Suites in Traverse City is an attractive and family-friendly beachfront resort offering excellent family amenities. The comfortable guestrooms all have kitchenettes and some feature 2-person spa tubs and private balconies. On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor spas and a heated outdoor swimming pool with great views over Grand Traverse Bay. Children can enjoy a long stretch of private beach where you can rent water sport equipment and loungers. The beach is also the ideal spot to watch the sunset around the fire-pit. Guests can all enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and there are several near-by restaurants where you can dine.
Cherry Tree Inn and Suites, 2345 N. US-21, Traverse City, MI 49686, 800-439-3093
Comfort Inn and Suites, North Conway
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, the Comfort Inn and Suites in North Conway is a great choice for a family getaway. The inn offers comfortable accommodation for families in a selection of suites with either King or Queen Beds and a sofa bed, to sleep up to 6 family members. The Wi-Fi is complimentary and you also have a mini-fridge and microwave in your suite. On-site amenities include a fitness center and an indoor heated pool. Children will love the Pirates Cove 36-hole mini-golf course, which is open from May to October. The whole family can enjoy activities like hiking, cog-rail train rides and scenic drives. In winter you can enjoy skiing, tubing and snow shoeing.
Comfort Inn and Suites, 2001 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860, 603-356-8811
Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Grand Strand at Surfside Beach, the Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach promises hours of family fun in the sun. As an incentive to bring the whole family, this Holiday Inn offers free accommodation and dining for all children sharing a guestroom with their parents. The hotel is located directly on the beach – no roads to cross – which means that adults can relax on the beach without worrying about children crossing the road. Other on-site amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center and the colorful Saltaire Coastal Kitchen and Bar which overlooks the ocean.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront, 1601 N. Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575, 843-238-5601
