20 Best Family Weekend Getaways    

[Starwood Hotels & Resorts]

   

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Southern Florida offers vacationers a choice of 263 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Nightly rates start at $349 (239-541-5000, website).

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[Cape Codder Resort]

   

Kids will love the 8,200-square-foot indoor wave pool at Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Cape Cod where they can splash around in two-foot waves and zoom down the water slides. The heated outdoor pool has a unique LED-powered night-time light show. Grown ups can relax in the oversized whirlpool, detox in the saunas and head to Beach Plum Spa for some five star pampering and rejuvenation. The spa offers a diverse menu of services for men, women and children, featuring natural and organic products. The popular Parent & Child Massage packages start at $190 for 60 minutes and let you get a massage in the same room as your child. Kids can try the Chocolate Ice Cream Manicure or the Strawberry Ice Cream Pedicure which consist of exfoliation, lotion and nail polish.

Other family-friendly activities at Cape Codder Resort include volleyball, roasting marshmallows by the bonfire and evening movies. The complimentary Kid's Activity Program consists of workshops, crafts, face painting, Ping Pong and Magnetic Darts. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Grill serves regional cuisine in a casual setting, Hyannis Hearth 'n Kettle Restaurant offers delicious sandwiches, salads and soups. Accommodation options include rooms, suites and residences. The suites have fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Two- and three-bedroom residences offer spacious layouts, beautiful mural paintings, whirlpool tubs, steam showers, 50-inch TVs, kitchens and washer/dryer. Rooms start at $159 per night, two-bedroom residences from $700. Admission to the wave pool is complimentary to overnight resort guests (855-861-4370, website).

[The Crawford Hotel]

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 new Crawford Hotel located in an 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. Parents should book the stunning one-bedroom Crawford Suite with decor inspired by the Victorian era. The suite has soaring ceilings, a freestanding footed bath tub, a spacious master bedroom with a sitting area, powder room, Butler's pantry and separate dining and living rooms.

Guests receive free WiFi, a 46-inch TV, an in-room iPad, 24-hour Fitness Center, complimentary access to the Oxford Club, Spa & Salon, and complimentary Tesla car service within 2 miles of the hotel. 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. Room rates start at $228 per night (website, 844-432-9374).

[Skytop Lodge]

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. During the fall season, visitors are treated to a stunning display of colors in the Poconos. Guests are accommodated at the Inn, Lodge and Cottages. Private porches, refrigerators and a shared washer/dryer facility make the Cottages a great choice for families. The resort offers elegant and casual dining options serving a variety of flavors. Rooms start at $219 per night (855-345-7759, website).

 

Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont is one of the best family ski destinations on the East Coast and a great place to visit in the summer with kids. Stowe Mountain Lodge is a luxury getaway with 312 guest accommodations and cabin rentals. Each guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic mountain views so that when you get back from the slopes you can relax and look out to Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Ask for a room with a relaxation tub in the marble bathroom (some rooms only have a stand-up shower). Amenities include environmentally friendly bath products, eco-friendly microfiber bed linens and paintings from Vermont Fine Art Gallery.

Most guestrooms have a stone-framed fireplace, private balcony and a kitchenette with stovetop, microwave and dishwasher so that you can prepare some of your own meals if you so choose. The 21,000 square-foot spa at the lodge has a full-service fitness center, outdoor swimming pool with indoor access, water therapy, a relaxation lounge and 18 private treatment rooms. Kids over 6 years of can choose from treatments from the Kid Spa Menu and enjoy a customized spa session that allows them to relax. There is excellent skiing in the winter, as well as cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice fishing. Room rates start at $179 per night (888-478-6938, website).

 

Located on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee, Gaylord Opryland Hotel 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. Gaylord Opryland has teamed up with DreamWorks to bring Puss in Boots, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Alex the Lion to life within its compound. The property offers an array of events throughout the year, such as the "Puss in Boots & Friends 'Purrrrrrfect Pajama Party" and the "Fun Night with Shrek & Friends." Check the calendar before you book your trip to see what events are coming up.

The lobby has been completely redesigned and now features a plush VIP check-in area. 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. Rates start at $239 per night.

 

At Portofino Bay Hotel 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. From romantic dining at the upscale Delfino Riviera to the family-friendly Trattoria del Porto and Mama Della's Ristorante, the hotel offers its guests a choice of restaurants. Delfino Riviera serves Ligurian cuisine on Versace plates and features strolling musicians (407-503-1000, website). Click here for more Florida weekend escapes.

 

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. When deciding which room to book, consider your family's needs. 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. Whether you are planning a weekend vacation to Florida or a longer getaway, these suites give you plenty of flexibility.

Spend a few hours relaxing and getting pampered at Mandara Spa, play golf and go shopping. Since kids seem to be hungry all the time, the hotel offers the SPG Kids Pass, an all-inclusive dining program for kids. For $25 per day, kids ages 12 or younger receive all-inclusive access to a variety of dining options, including children's menus, buffets (where available) and beverages at Cabana Bar & Beach Club, Todd English's bluezoo, The Fountain, Picabu buffet, and Fresh Mediterranean Market. You have to be a Starwood Preferred Guest member to receive this offer, so be sure to join (membership is free). Room rates at the hotel start at $160 per night.

 

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. Visit the WaterColor Inn spa, play golf, relax on the beach and sample gourmet cuisine at the inn's restaurants. The inn was voted "Best Hotel in Florida" by the readers of Travel + Leisure. 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. Room rates start at $275 per night. If you have the flexibility to travel midweek, the hotel is offering a packages that includes three nights including breakfast, lunch and beach chairs starting from only $885. Guests receive daily beach chair and umbrella set-up, lunch for two , nightly turndown service and a beach amenity.

[Grand Hotel Mackinac Island]

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. Rates start at $221 USD, including breakfast. The property is open open from the last week of April through October (906-847-3331, website).

 

Spa goers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will appreciate the beautiful setting of the Red Mountain Spa 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 (435-673-4905, website). Find more great weekend ideas in the Southwest.

 

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. Rooms at the hotel start at $265 per night.

 

Le Meridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hotel offers 360 guest rooms and suites many with scenic city views. Ask for a room on the top floors of the hotel for best views on your weekend trip. The hotel has a stylish restaurant featuring elegant decor and scenic views. The restaurant serves market fresh cuisine accompanied by fine wines from local Californian vineyards. To help you plan your family visit, the hotel offers Les Clefs d'Or Concierges who have access to top dining and entertainment venues in the city. VacationIdea.com Tip: If you want to take your family to a special show on your weekend trip, get in touch with the concierge before you get there to make sure that you get the tickets you want. Room rates at the hotel start at $299 per night.