Resorts With A Twist

Extended Family Vacation

Have a family reunion coming up? Take everyone to the Caribbean to the luxurious Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. The beachside hotel offers excellent family packages, including the use of four- to seven-room waterfront villas. There’s no shortage of amenities—kids and their parents and relatives can enjoy the many swimming pools, day and night tennis courts, 18-hole putting course, dolphin lagoon and a children’s center with swings, sandboxes, and more. (halfmoonroyalvillas.com)

Ski-In, Ski-Out Experience

Colorado has always been a hotspot for skiing vacations, and now families have an even bigger incentive to head there for the winter. Snowmass Mountain, just 10 miles away from Aspen, boasts a newly developed family-friendly base village featuring condos, restaurants, shops, and more. The mountain itself offers a diverse array of terrain, making it ideal for skiers of all skill levels and ages, and when the kids get enough of the snow, they can head to the Treehouse, a 25,000-square-foot children’s center with nature-themed rooms, a daycare and fun activities. (aspensnowmass.com)

Local (And Luxurious) Winter Retreat

Less than two hours from New York City, Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania is a family-friendly oasis set on 5,500 acres of pristine land in the Pocono Mountains. In the winter, it encompasses a private ski mountain for downhill and cross-country skiing, an outdoor skating rink, snowshoeing, sledding and a toboggan run. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and indoor mini-golf course to keep kids entertained. In the evenings, choose from a variety of dining rooms and enjoy a relaxed family dinner. (skytop.com)

Vacation With An Eco-Edge

The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida offers not only the luxurious amenities associated with the resort’s name, but eco-friendly programs designed especially for kids. The Nature’s Wonders kids’ program makes the lavish hotel feel like a top-notch children’s museum with its many interactive programs featuring aquariums, animal petting tanks and exhibits on local animal life and ecosystems. Parents can unwind with a golf game or at the spa when they’re not exploring the natural world with their kids! (ritzcarlton.com)

Safari Adventure

Prowl amongst the exotic animals of Africa without leaving the States. Safari West, a resort located on a wildlife reserve 75 miles north of San Francisco, offers a truly unique opportunity for families to mingle with over 400 different exotic animals that call the California wine country home. Families can take an exciting three-hour safari drive in an authentic safari vehicle, spend one-on-one time with a giraffe, or act as keeper of the day and take care of the animals. The camping scene doesn’t detract from the luxury either: imagine getting a Swedish massage while watching giraffes graze in the pasture. (safariwest.com) 

Keeping It Local

You don’t have to be whisked away on a plane to have a family adventure. Instead, head to Philadelphia, where kids can learn about the country’s roots by touring a host of historic sites. Make sure to visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and The Betsy Ross House, home to the famous flag maker. With its curious crack and famous inscription, the Liberty Bell is a must-see. Plus, for some modern-day fun, head to the Franklin Institute, the famous science museum home to a giant walk-through heart that teaches kids about the wonders of the human body. For more information on planning a trip to Philadelphia—including kid-friendly itineraries and hotels—visit gophila.com.