In an attempt to draw more family travelers, many hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada now offer activities for every member of the family: while the kids are playing, Dad can golf while Mom enjoys a facial. Later, parents can enjoy a relaxing, romantic dinner without interruption. Don't worry, your kids will be so busy listening to stories, playing parachute games and meeting new friends, they'll hardly miss you.
For a family resort stay with vintage appeal, Mission Point, on Mackinac Island offers a variety of leisure activities for you and a well planned children's program too.
MISSION POINT
MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGANYour kids probably won't believe there are places that exist without cars, but that's just one of the attractions at this sprawling resort on the Straits of Mackinac, a car-free island in northern Michigan.
What's there for you: Swimming, tennis, bicycle rentals, health club and turn-of-the-century ambience.
What's there for kids: The newly expanded Discovery Club has a Parent and Toddler Room for easing separation anxieties, a Kreative Korner Room devoted to craft projects and a Gross Motor Skills Room filled with gym equipment. There are also lakeside fun and games, Indian powwows and field trips to a 150-year-old British fort and the island's Butterfly House. The Discovery Club costs $8 for a half-day and $14 for a full day.
Seasonality: Open from May through October.
Ratio of caregivers to children: One-to-five
Worth special mention: Pagers are available for parents. Kids eat free at the resort.
Cost: About $200 per night for a family of four. Children ages 12 and under stay and eat for free.
For more information: Visit Mission Point's Web site or call 800-833-7711.
For more information on resorts in general, click on the following links: questions to ask before booking and tips on child safety.
Jeanne Muchnick lives in Larchmont, New York, with her two daughters.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
