Traveling with kids can be tricky - they have different vacation needs and wants than adults. When looking for the best place to take your family for Spring Break, it's a good idea to find a hotel that offers a variety of activities. "Parents are realizing that they just don't want their kids to be inside coloring for four hours when there's so much around them to discover," Denise Naguib of Ritz-Carlton hotels told "Travel + Leisure" Magazine. The best spring break hotels for kids offer programs and events the kids---and their parents---can enjoy.
Hawaii's Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui has several kids and family programs to keep everyone busy. The Ambassadors of the Environment program was created by Jean-Michel Coustau and features an environmental and cultural education center. Trained naturalists led groups on treks through the Hawaiian rain forest, snorkeling adventures and even underwater photography excursions. Other programs designed specifically for kids between the ages of 5 and 18 include "I'm a Marine Biologist," "Life at the Edge of the Sea," "Turtle Tracks" and "Twilight Coastal Adventure."
The Ritz-Carlton also has adult and family programs like "Romance on the Reef" and "Maunalei Magic."
According to the hotel's website, it has more than 460 guest rooms featuring amenities such as flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and welcoming lanais. The hotel is home to a 17,500 square foot spa, a fitness center, yoga studio, two restaurants and a lounge. There's direct beach access, a tri-level swimming pool and two golf courses. The hotel also has tennis courts, basketball courts and staff on hand to arrange outings such as sailing, surfing and whale watching.
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Kapalua, Maui
Hawaii 96761
808-669-6200
ritzcarlton.com
Duck Key, Florida is home to Hawks Cay Resort. The property has many attractions for children of all ages. Camp Hawk is designed for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. It offers full and half-day sessions where kids can learn to snorkel, feed the fish, take nature hikes or participate in other activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts or sporting events.
Kids aged 9 to 12 may enjoy tie-dying t-shirts, sailing on tiki boats, sporting competitions and meeting new friends at "Kids Night" events. Teenagers may want a bit more excitement, which is why Hawks Cay offers Aqua Jam for those between the ages of 12 and 17. It's a three-day adventure camp that includes kite boarding, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking.
Kids of all ages will enjoy The Cove, the hotel's arcade stocked with the latest video games. Families can also make a splash at the Pirate Ship swimming pool.
Hawks Cay Resort offers guests the choice of a luxury villa, resort room or suite. The resort has three restaurants, two cafes, a grill and in-room dining. Other amenities include a spa, saltwater lagoon and tennis courts.
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
305-743-7000
hawkscay.com
Located in Whistler, British Columbia, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers activities for kids year-round. During the spring and summer, kids between the ages of 10 and 18 can enjoy free golf. There's also free fitness classes, free tennis, the use of BMX bikes for checking out the mountain bike trails, wildlife hiking and of course a grand outdoor pool. The hotel also provides board games and has kid-friendly dining options.
During ski season, kids can enjoy week long camps on the slopes, and families can take part in dog sledding excursions. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has 550 guest rooms equipped with cable TV, video game systems (for a charge), WI-FI (charges may apply) and more. (
4599 Chateau Boulevard
Whistler, British Columbia
Canada
V0N1B4
800-606-8244
fairmont.com
