Family-friendly lodges provide an activity-rich haven for the adventuresome clan.
Here are five places you’ll want to visit time and again:
The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Near San Ignacio, Belize
Tucked within a 365-acre private rainforest paradise in the picturesque foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek provides the ideal home base for your family’s exploration of the Cayo District, a region where cave tubing, archeological sites, horseback riding and zip lining will lure you from the comfort of your palm-thatched cottage or tree-top suite. While at the lodge, don’t miss early-morning bird-watching tours, the hill-top spa, the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the medicine trail, where you’ll learn about the native plants that provide globally significant remedies.
For more: www.ChaaCreek.com.
Skytop Lodge. Skytop, Pennsylvania
A top spot for family reunions and adventuresome getaways, this Poconos Mountain resort has been welcoming guests to its 5,500-acre playground since the 1920s. In addition to golf, canoeing, kayaking, biking, naturalist-led hikes, rafting, paintball and lawn bowling, families can explore the popular Tree Top Adventure course. Expect high-energy fun that includes 17 different zip lines, suspended bridges, nets, swings and an aerial surf board. Ask about the floating water park.
For more: www.Skytop.com.
The Lodge at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, Colorado
No need to leave Fido behind when you travel to this Rocky Mountain getaway 75 miles from Denver. Here, the lodge folks encourage kids to use their “outside voices” because that’s where they will want to spend their time. Whether the junior set is exploring on foot, horseback, wagon or mountain bike, there is plenty of country to cover on this 5,000-acre ranch where rustic charm meets luxurious comfort. Grownups may opt for spa or fly rod time while kids get to know other youngsters in the Cowpoke Camp. The junior set will be engaged with active games, mountaineering and orienteering as well as learning about Native American culture.
For more: www.devilsthumbranch.com.
The Whiteface Lodge. Lake Placid, New York
Relax in luxury amid the Adirondack wilderness. Check in and allow the lodge concierge to help you and your clan mix hiking, fly fishing, canoeing and rock climbing into your family holiday. Splash in the pools, bowl, play platform tennis or enjoy the spa. During the summer months, kids ages 3 to 14 can tap into a full range of activities provided by the complimentary KAMP KANU. After sunset, a fine dining experience awaits the parents while the youth crew enjoys a pizza dinner as well as themed activities that range from Pirates at Play to Space Night. End the evening roasting marshmallows with your family around the campfire.
For more: www.thewhitefacelodge.com.
Rapids Lodge and Restaurant, Grand Lake, Colorado
Located on the banks of the scenic Tonahutu River, this charming lodge has been offering Rocky Mountain hospitality since 1915. More than a century ago, the doors opened offering running water and electricity generated by a nearby water wheel. Today, guests enjoy the outdoor wonderland that is Rocky Mountain National Park and then return to cozy lodge or cabin rooms and a scenic dining experience overlooking the river.
For more: www.rapidslodge.com.
