When planning a vacation with young children, parents typically put the needs of the kids first. But it doesn't have to be that way.
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 outdoor adventure with modern conveniences, the Tyler Place resort in Vermont offers petting zoos, arts and crafts, hayrides and many other enjoyable, fun-filled activities catering to children of all ages.
THE TYLER PLACE
HIGHGATE SPRINGS, VERMONTThis family-operated resort features comfortable cottages with a camp-style atmosphere. Located on Lake Champlain just a few miles from the Canadian border, the camp is known for its down-home friendliness.
What's there for you: Sailing, boating, waterskiing, fishing, biking, hiking, tennis and family-oriented fun such as visits to a local farm, ice cream socials, square dances and game nights.
What's there for kids: Daily activities are broken down into eight age groups, beginning at 18 months. There's also an infant playroom as well as various infant play groups offered throughout the season, with more hours and activities available during the early and late seasons (May, June and September). This group also has access to the heated indoor and outdoor wading pools, the playground and the petting zoo. The infant playroom is open from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and again from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., though times can vary in the peak season. The charge for the playroom is $35 per day.
For toddlers (18 months to 2 1/2 years), there are an array of activities including story time, picnics, circle games and arts and crafts, as well as options for hiring parent's helpers (generally from $3 to $5 an hour) who'll escort your children to the various sessions. Parent's helpers are available for any age group, but the resort offers price breaks if you bring your own baby-sitter.
Junior Midgets caters to two- to three-year-olds while Senior Midgets caters to the four- and five-year-olds. Each group has its own recreation center and participates in sports, lake activities, talent shows, hayrides and other activities. Your children will most likely spend their days at the petting zoo, on a rowboat, at an indoor pool party, learning how to cook or participating in a scavenger hunt. All groups are supervised by enthusiastic and creative college students with training in CPR and first aid.
Seasonality: Open from May to September. The resort suggests that parents with young children come in May, June or September when activities and hours are more flexible.
Cost: Rooms start at $67 per adult per room based on double occupancy. Kids cost from $36 per night, adjusted by age and season. These rates include all meals and activities.
For more information: Visit Tyler Place's http://www.tylerplace.com/, or call 802-868-4000.
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 June 2005.
