Family-friendly fall vacations
By Jan Ross
Blue Harbor Resort (Courtesy Blue Harbor Resort)
Staying at a resort in the North this fall is the perfect family vacation destination choice, especially for families who are looking to get entertained without ever leaving the property. Even when the weather gets a little chilly, there are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports available to warm you up, in addition to indoor pools and water parks. When you are planning your next kid-friendly vacation in the fall, check out these great resorts in the northern United States.
(MORE: Late Summer and Fall Cruise Deals for Families)
Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
The astonishingly beautiful Blue Harbor Resort, reminiscent of a lovely New England resort, is located right on the shores of gorgeous Lake Michigan and super kid-friendly. Kids will be entertained from morning to night with an indoor waterpark, an indoor miniature golf course (that glows in the dark!), evening bonfires with s’mores, sailing lessons (sailing on the lake is free for those over 16 who know how to sail and have a waterpark wrist band), kayaking, canoeing, yoga (for 14 and up), and many other fun activities. With a full-service spa and several amazing dining options, parents will be happy here as well. Suites complete with fabulous views, fireplaces, and lofts, along with two to four bedroom villas, mean this resort has accommodations which are perfect for families of any size.
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa (Courtesy Grand Geneva)
A complete Adventure Center which offers mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, volleyball and archery make the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa located in beautiful Lake Geneva a great family vacation place. But add in the 50,000-square-foot Moose Mountain Falls Water Park and your kids will never want to leave. The fitness center offers other great amenities for kids like cycling, yoga, an indoor climbing wall and a basketball court, and horseback riding is also available on the property. A complete, luxurious spa and several very nice dining options are also nice amenities, and the rooms and suites are comfortable with great views of the property.
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, Michigan
Crystal Mountain (Courtesy Crystal Mountain)
Hidden away just outside a small town in Michigan in the mountains, this expansive resort is truly beautiful and offers accommodations ranging from luxury hotel rooms to huge rental homes with ski-in options for the winter. In the fall, try the rope challenge/zip line course over the outdoor pool, the Alpine slide sledding on curved tracks down the mountain, the rock climbing wall, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, paintball, golf and disc golf, hiking and tennis. A lovely and complete spa along with several restaurants will add to your experience as well.
Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Maryland
Turf Valley Resort (Courtesy Turf Valley Resort)
The beautiful and historic Turf Valley Resort located in charming Ellicott City has plenty to offer your family with golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, indoor and outdoor pools, and a hiking nature trail. The rooms and suites are lovely but the two and three bedroom villas are fantastic for families. The spa offers several treatment options and the on-site restaurant, Alexandra’s, offers delicious American fusion options along with scenic outdoor dining overlooking beautiful views of the resort.
(MORE: Fall in the Finger Lakes is Gorge-ous)
Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown, New York
Otesaga Resort Hotel (Courtesy Otesaga Resort Hotel)
Nestled in a gorgeous location, the kid-friendly Otesaga Resort Hotel overlooking beautiful Otesaga Lake is a great family vacation destination complete with an outdoor pool, canoeing, boat rentals, paddle boarding, biking, fishing and golfing. There are plenty of accommodation choices, but arrange a stay in one of the lake suites for the best view. With the complete spa and several dining options, everyone in the family will enjoy their stay here.
Whichever resort you choose for your next family getaway, you will have a great time and every person in your family will be happy and entertained!
Jan Ross contributed this to MiniTime. She writes for a variety of venues, both print and online, and often travels with her photographer husband.
