Kids love the pool at Belizean Shores — Photo courtesy of Belizean Shores Resort
Ambergris Caye in Belize
Kids love the fact that a vacation at Belizean Shores in tropical Ambergris Cay includes a water taxi ride from the San Pedro docks. (And this might follow a scenic small plane ride, depending upon your airport of arrival to Belize). Families can rent golf carts for the week at Belizean Shores, which everyone loves. Because the accommodations include kitchens, families can spend their "restaurant money" on attractions and activities instead, like diving at Blue Hole, or visiting the baboon sanctuary. Kids love the resort's large pool, and you'll also have access to another killer pool at sister property Coco Beach. Overall, a great choice that's very popular with families.
Gateways to Belize are Houston, New Orleans, Miami and Charlotte.
Las Vegas
When one thinks of taking kids to Las Vegas, Nevada on a family vacation, it seems as if the hotel fun offered would be limited to indoors or pool only. But just 10 miles from the Strip, the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa offers a whole lot more. Eoy and First at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada — Photo courtesy of clayirving
If parents might want to take in casino fun or dinner and a concert poolside, there is the incredible 2-story supervised one of a kind kid playland, KidsQuest to help out. Offering things like climbing mazes, multi-screen movie theatres, Barbie Land and even a basketball gymnasium, loving caretakers will make you feel comfortable leaving your 6 weeks to 12 year olds and they even stay open til 1 a.m. But better yet, the whole family can take in the Adventure Spa, enjoying everything from guided kayak trips or hikes past Indian rock art, river rafting or horseback riding, culminating in a cowboy dinner in the great outdoors.
Ruidoso
The Mescalero Indians have aptly named the special Inn of the Mountain Gods, a resort residing on their reservation land, and a spiritual place of utter tranquility. Tucked away from the city of Ruidoso, NM with its pine tree lined lake and Sierra Blanca peak in the distance, the views are spectacular. With its indoor pool, arcade, horseback riding, fishing and paddle boats, kids will not find this premier resort boring. A Summer program is also offered on Saturdays for 5-12 year olds. The Inn of the Mountain Gods — Photo courtesy of MarieEly
Dads will love the Inn's challenging 18-hole championship golf course. Moms will have fun with all the affordable shopping in Ruidoso. World-class horse racing is only a short drive away in season. And in winter, great skiing and even sleigh and carriage rides will delight all in this rustic mountain town. Ruidoso is a preferred mountain getaway for families in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Boston
Boston Common Playground — Photo courtesy of Ron Cogswell
Leave it to Boston’s Ritz Carlton to pamper even the youngest of guests. Kids are treated like royalty, starting at check in, when they receive a special welcome gift. If that’s not enough to make your little ones feel like a million bucks, the Ritz offers a scavenger hunt throughout the hotel. Top it off with complimentary infant toiletries, and a Boston Common location where kids can run about, and you’ll be just as happy as they are.