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.
At the Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New York, your family can participate in a variety of fun, family-oriented activities and children five and under can get involved in great programs offering everything from pony rides to finger painting.
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
NEW PALTZ, NEW YORKYou'll feel like you're staying at an English lord's manor home at this sprawling, secluded Victorian inn. Nestled deep within New York's Shawangunk Mountains, this inn has been classified a National Historic Landmark. Many of the rooms have working fireplaces and some have balconies which give views of the lake and the 2,200-acre parkland that surrounds it.
What's there for you: Hiking, jogging, swimming, boating, golf, tennis, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, old-fashioned charm and family-oriented activities such as cookouts, softball games and outdoor movies.
What's there for kids: Little Tykes caters to children ages two to three while the Children's Program is geared for those ages four and older. There are morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Mohonk Tykes meets in a playroom equipped with a wide selection of toys and art materials. Outside, there's supervised boating, pony rides, nature walks, fossil hunts weather permitting.
Sample activities for the four- and five-year-olds include peanut hunts, croquet, swimming, ice cream making, finger painting, dramatic plays, storytelling, nature walks and frog hunts. There are also special themed days such as the Mad Hatter Tea Party, Western Roundup and Earth l0l. All programs are free of charge.
Seasonality: The children's programs are available daily during the summer (mid-June through Labor Day) and on most weekends and holidays the rest of the year.
Ration of caregivers to children: One-to-four for Little Tykes and one-to-six for the Children's Program.
Worth special mention: A house doctor is available daily from June through August and on most weekends.
Cost: Rooms start at around $358 per night (includes all meals and most activities). Children under four stay free, but additional charges apply for kids four and over.
For more information: Visit Mohonk's Web site or call 800-772-6646, or 845-255-1000.
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.
