More New England Getaways:
VT: The Wildflower Inn
Winter family fun at this outdoorsy inn includes Winter Carnival with broom hockey, tug of war, evening bonfires, full-moon treks on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and maple sugaring weekends.
The Inn is open year-round, and the emphasis is on families having fun together, rather than extensive kids' programs (-- though in summer, Monday through Saturday, kids four and up can participate in a two-hour children's program after breakfast.)
Summer activities include batting cages, petting barn, hiking, tennis, swimming in the heated pool, soccer, basketball, mountain biking, golf nearby.
Pricing is calculated as a certain rate for the room or suite, plus modest amounts extra for kids. (check site for latest rates.)
VT: Basin Harbor Club
700 acres On Lake Champlain; Basin Harbor has families returning for the fifth generation. The idea is: "kids of all ages enjoy fun and wholesome activities, while parents have the freedom to enjoy their own interests." Kids programs for four age groups (including 13 to 15-year-olds) have three "blocks": morning, afternoon, and evening with dinner, throughout the summer and on fall weekends.
Lodgings include the Lodge "historic Homestead", or 77 cottages throughout the grounds, some with fireplaces or screened porches. Activities include boating, golf, tennis.
VT: Trapp Family Lodge
If the name "Trapp Family" doesn't ring a bell, you haven't watched the Sound Of Music often enough. This four-season 2700-acre resort, near Stowe VT, is run by the same Trapp family that was the real-life basis for this famous film. Activities at the Lodge include: "cross-country skiing and hiking on over 100km of trails, mountain biking, tennis, croquet, snowshoeing, sleighrides, children's programs, maple sugaring, Fitness Center, music lessons, guided nature walks, swimming, An Afternoon with the Pastry Chef, family sing-alongs" and more. Mountain Kids Club operates winter and summer. Family packages available.
--Always check resort sites for updates, and check recent visitors' comments at sites such as TripAdvisor.com.
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