Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Henderson, Nev.

Have the bright lights and a retreat too when you stay at this sunny resort, just a free shuttle ride away from the glitzy Las Vegas Strip.

Are you ready to hunt and gather?

Discover “find dining” during a woodland shopping spree as your family learns the meaning of going “out to eat.” Under the tutelage of an expert guide, your crew will gather wild mushrooms, plants and other delectables and then enjoy a wild food “pick-nic.”

Later, as part of the experience, take the remainder of your “catch of the day” to a local restaurant where the chef will prepare your family’s forage-to-table feast at no charge.

Sounds like fun to me!

Contact: www.notastelikehome.org

 

Ranch life continues once the snow flies!

Located approximately 130 miles west of Denver, Colorado, Latigo Ranch is situated in one of the most beautiful places on earth and offers a panoramic view of the Continental Divide.

Guests can drink in the views, inhale the crisp mountain air, and gaze in awe at some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery from the front porch of the ranch’s historic log lodge. Guests will experience warm hospitality and winter activities, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing that keep Latigo Ranch guests coming back year after year.

The outdoor activities are as invigorating as the inside comforts are cozy. Winter rates and packages start just before Christmas and run through late March.

Caneel Bay, St Johns Virgin Islands

Once a favored getaway for Laurance Rockefeller and family, this 170-acre island paradise is tucked within the Virgin Islands National Park, a protection made possible by Rockefellar’s land donation to the government in 1956.

With the magnificent McDowell Mountains as a backdrop, families relish this oasis in the desert.

By day, keep cool within the 6000 square foot Sonoran Splash complex, featuring a zero deck area for the youngest set. Kids wade right into the water, just like at the beach.

Hit the slopes in Beavercreek where every generation of your family will have a grand time.

Kids reign supreme in this Rocky Mountain resort where plenty of ski-in, ski-out lodging simplifies the ground game. 

Consider the Osprey where the closest chair is a mere 26 paces from the door. The popular ski-school offers programs for kids of all ages.  A magic carpet and junior-sized gondola make it easy for newbies to practice their skills on the slopes. New this year is Ski Girls Rock, inspired by Olympian Lindsey Vonn and designed to instill confidence in girls seven to 16 through sports. 

Apres-ski, access family-friendly music, complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies and the chance to take a few spins around the Village ice skating rink. Don't miss the Buckaroo Bonanza Bunch, a children’s theater story time at The Ranch. This complimentary, fun, and Wild West-themed theater group puts on a quick-paced show ideal for ages 3-6.

Contact: www.Beavercreek.com. 

Ready to relax? Maybe unplug?

Visit this laid back, but luxurious, family-owned resort in Antigua for an all-inclusive experience that includes extensive water sports including water skiing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, paddle-boating, tennis, yoga,  and sailing.

As the kids burn off energy after another delicious meal, relax in a hammock you’ll find tucked within the palm trees. Spend an afternoon at the spa where open air massages provide a perfect end to a sports-filled day.