Winter or summer, certain resorts in New England go all out to welcome families and offer extensive kids programs and special activities. For example, Smuggler's Notch (photo, right) is known for its kids' ski programs, and has plenty going on in summer too, with a water park, and outdoor fun from ziplines to disc golf to kayaking.

Have a look at:

• Ten New England Family Resorts

See also: Great New England Weekend Getaways for families.

Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Orlando may share certain attractions such as Star Tours or Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but they're very different destinations. After the success of Disneyland in the 1950's, Walt Disney knew he wanted a vast area for his "Florida project", and Mickey's kingdom there has 43 square miles, compared to 300 acres in Anaheim California. Built (so far) are four giant theme parks, two water parks, 23 themed resorts, and five golf courses. The Animal Kingdom theme park alone has 500 acres.

So does that mean that Disney World fans shouldn't visit Disneyland? Not at all, and here are some reasons:

• Certain attractions and zones are unique to Disneyland
• Disneyland is a manageable size and the theme parks and resorts are all within walking distance
• Visitors can have time to explore more in Anaheim
• Disneyland is the original and has the only theme park in which Walt Disney actually walked

It's also fun to compare the Disneyland Park with the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, which was modeled on the California original.

• Read more about Disneyland and Disney World - How Do They Compare?

Easter 2012 falls on Sunday April 8th, and most school kids have at least a four-day weekend break, which makes a good opportunity for a getaway. Families are likely to find Easter Egg Hunts wherever they go.

Read about Easter Egg Hunts, Easter parades, Easter in Eastern Europe, and more Easter 2012 celebrations.

You may also be interested in Five Easter Weekend Packages at Family Resorts.

Photo courtesy of Green Mountain Railroad.

The Quebec Carnival is in full swing, with two weekends to go...

Every year in late January and early February, Quebec City hosts a million visitors and it's all about family fun, with parades, an ice palace, snow-rafting, snow sculptures, kids' games, a maple sugar shack... Presiding over all is Bonhomme, the ambassador of the Carnival, shown above.

Visitors can also explore historic Quebec City, which is like a mini-visit to Europe. (Quebec City is French-speaking but all those in the tourist trade speak "anglais".) And don't miss a tour of the Ice Hotel, a short drive away.

2012 dates are January 27th to February 12th: if you missed it, plan for next year and combine your trip with a ski day at nearby Mont-Sainte-Anne.

See more:

• Introduction to the Quebec Carnival
• Fun Things to do at the Quebec City Winter Carnival
• Quebec City for Family Trips
• Quebec City Plus Skiing at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Photo courtesy of Quebec Carnival.