Family travel can be as harrowing as it is exhilarating. Traveling together allows you to share adventures only found when you leave the safety of home base. While being out of your comfort zone can pose challenges, there are kid-friendly resorts all around the country specializing in family vacations. The Midwest and Texas resorts featured here receive Family Energy kudos for providing comfortable accommodations, endless activities for kids and amenities for every member of the family (not to mention wet and wild fun!).
The Great Wolf Lodge, Four Midwest Locations
One of the greatest things to happen to families in the Midwest may be the Great Wolf Lodge. This “family of water park resorts” is fast becoming a trusted brand name among parents looking for an exciting getaway close to home. And with four Great Wolfs in the Midwest (there are seven altogether), chances are good there’s one within easy driving distance. The Midwest locations include: Kansas City, Kan., Sandusky, Ohio, Traverse City, Mich., and Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
At the Dells location, the 209-room Great Wolf boasts a 40,000-square-feet indoor water park. Its signature attraction is the four-story tree house offering more than 60 sprays and geysers that pour and squirt water from 12 levels. At the ringing of a bell, a huge bucket at the top of a 40-feet-tall tower dumps 700 gallons of water on everyone who rushes to gather at the bottom. Fast-action waterslides and water jets combine with more relaxing water fun such as whirlpools and lazy tubing along the winding river.
Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago, Ill.
Chicago is a wonderful city for families. From Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum to the amazing lakefront and the Museum of Science and Industry (not to forget the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute, Millennium Park, Adler Planetarium and Magnificent Mile, among many other attractions), Chicago has it all when it comes to culture, diversity and family entertainment.
And when you’re visiting this special city, the place to stay is Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Upon arrival at Four Seasons, you’ll think you’ve entered a regal palace, and since you will be treated as visiting royalty, you most likely have. And this is a castle in which kids are king!
Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, Four Seasons knows how to treat children. A welcome toy awaits kids in the room, along with child-size bathrobes, baby and children’s toiletries and even complimentary milk and cookies at bedtime.
There are children’s and infants’ pools, and the concierge is always on hand to make reservations for a kid-friendly dinner, offer suggestions for family adventures or to help arrange a babysitter (so you can indulge in the decadent spa or take part in afternoon tea!). Also complimentary are childproofing gear, cribs and rollaway beds, coloring books, crayons, balloons, use of videos, board games, toys, PlayStation units and games, diapers and use of baby equipment, and guidebooks to sporting events, museums and activities. There’s even a doctor on call – just in case!
Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Austin, Texas
Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Austin is an eclectic and vibrant city set amidst a backdrop of lush and rolling greenery. And at the top of one of the most gorgeous vistas you’ve ever seen, sitting on 4,000 secluded acres, is the Barton Creek Resort and Spa.
The key to Barton Creek is casual luxury, and you’ll find a friendly face at every turn ready to meet your every need with a smile. The 300 Texas-sized rooms are spacious and elegant with whimsical touches like cow-patterned chairs. The views are so awe-inspiring that you won’t want to close your drapes – ever.
Barton Creek is famous for its 72 holes of championship golf and its luxurious spa, which offers a unique array of Texas-themed services and products. While you’re soaking that in, kids ages 6 months to 8 years can enjoy the Barton Creek Kids’ Club, a friendly and safe environment where children can learn through play. Activities include arts and crafts, building blocks, a play kitchen, multi-sports court activities, board games and an outside playground. The Kids’ Club philosophy is to help nurture children's growth and development in a fun and educational environment. But if all else fails, they also have kids’ movies!
See which other resorts made the cut by reading the rest of this article in the current issue of Family Energy!
