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Spring Break Fun for Families
By Elisa Ast All
For many parents, it doesn't seem too long ago that Spring Break meant wild parties, tropical destinations or simply sleeping late every day. It was all about having fun and escaping the pressures of everyday life. Wasn't that nice? Sigh.
Now that we're parents, of course, things have changed. Spring Break is tailored to our children's schedules, and their needs and abilities often dictate what we do during this cherished week.
But that doesn't mean Spring Break can't be fun! Tropical destinations are still possible, and now, more than ever, resorts are catering to families. Whether you go to an all-inclusive destination or one that offers kid-friendly activities, you're bound to find places in your budget where you can relax while your kids have fun. Here are a few of our favorites:
Club Med Sandpiper in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Starting at age 4 months, kids can attend Club Med children's clubs based on their age. While your kids are having fun, you can play tennis, golf, bike, skate, swim and even fly through the air on a circus trapeze.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge in Orlando, Fla. Despite the fact that this luxuriously rustic resort sits on the Walt Disney World property, it is a destination in itself. You could spend days enjoying the pools, playground, beach, bikes and boats, and that's exactly what most families do in between visits to Disney theme parks.
Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas At the center is a 4-acre water playground, which includes an adult pool and whirlpool separated by a cascading waterfall from the activity pool, plus a 950-foot Ramblin' River with its own gentle current and man-made beach.
Hyatt Regency in Maui, Hawaii Sitting on the ocean, the resort's Camp Hyatt is a daily, supervised activity program for children ages 5 to 12. There's also a 3,000-sqare-foot Keiki Lagoon (children's pool) with a 25-foot slide, dancing waterfall and sandy beach area; two freeform pools divided by waterfalls; and a lava tube slide and rope bridge.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, Mich. This great year-round resort has a 2,000-square-foot children's center that provides a safe and fun environment for kids up to age 8 to play games and participate in arts and crafts and story time. Older kids enjoy Camp Traverse, a day-camp experience for kids 6 to 12.
Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Its indoor water park's signature attraction is the four-story treehouse offering more than 60 sprays and geysers that pour and squirt water from 12 levels. A huge bucket at the top of a 40-foot-tall tower dumps 700 gallons of water every few minutes.
Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wis. This comfortably elegant resort has a family focus. Its Timber Ridge water park is big enough for all-day fun but small enough so parents can keep an eye on little ones.
If you're staying home for Spring Break, there's plenty to do to make each day an adventure. Try one of these spring-themed activities with your child:
Plant a garden outdoors Spring planting season is here, so get out your shovels and seeds. Let kids have their own planting space where they can grow what they want and take ownership of their garden.
Plant a garden indoors If the weather isn't cooperating, give kids an empty ice cube tray and let them fill each cube two-thirds full with potting soil. Put a couple of seeds into each cube and cover with more soil. Add a small amount of water and place the tray in the sun. Quick-growing plants include sunflowers and peas.
Go sight-seeing Be tourists in your home town. Visit museums, parks, restaurants and other local attractions. It may be better than going on vacation because you can sleep in your own bed and there's no luggage required!
Do something good for others Gather gently used toys and stuffed animals and take them to local relief agencies or women's shelters. They can provide comfort to families in need.
Get creative in the kitchen Now is a perfect time to cook or bake with your kids. Here are a couple of our favorite kid-friendly dishes:
Springtime Deviled Eggs
Cut the eggs in half and put yolks in a large bowl. Mash yolks with a fork. To the yolks add the mayonnaise, onion, mustard, pickle relish, salt and pepper. Mix well. Stuff the filling inside the egg white. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired, before serving.
Garden Fruit Pizza
Spread the cookie dough out onto a pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees F about 10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven and let cool about 20 minutes. While the dough is cooking, combine the marshmallow cr笥 and softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Top with the fruit.
For more family travel ideas, visit www.TravelingToday.com.