When your family needs a breath of fresh air, check out the following great vacation ideas.

ZION PONDEROSA RANCH RESORT

WHERE IT IS: Outside Mount Carmel, Utah, on the east rim of Zion National Park
THE HOOK: Tawny bluffs and sculpted canyons surround this all-inclusive resort, which offers outdoorsy pursuits for every season. In February, sample snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In March, get a jump on spring with wagon rides, tennis, swimming, and hiking. Year-round activities include horse and pony rides, hiking, a climbing and rappelling wall, archery, and fishing. Good thing there's a hot tub to soak those weary (grown-up) bones in at the end of the day!
BONUS POINTS: Spring is off-peak season, so you'll save money while you play.
THE TAB: Rates for cowboy cabins (and some are very rustic) include all meals and activities and range from $85 to $106 nightly per adult and $75 for kids 3-11 (based on four guests per cabin). Call (800) 293-5444 or visit Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.

YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

WHERE IT IS: One location near Arapahoe National Forest (Snow Mountain Ranch) and another near Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park), both near Denver
THE HOOK: Casual, affordable digs, breathtaking scenery, no crowds--and enough activities to keep your most energetic kid happy. Everything you've ever done at a Y (and more) can be done here, including skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice-skating, crafts, and movies. When the weather warms, add basketball, golf, tennis, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and hiking to the mix.
BONUS POINTS: You can bring the whole darn play group. Inexpensive options include lodge rooms and cabins (there's even a seven-bedroom one at Snow Mountain that fits 25).
THE TAB: Lodge rooms for a family of four cost from $64 to $84 per night. Call Snow Mountain Ranch at (970) 887-2152 or Estes Park at (970) 586-3341, or visit YMCA of the Rockies.

LE CHÂTEAU MONTEBELLO

WHERE IT IS: Montebello, Quebec, Canada
THE HOOK: Get a taste of Canadian culture (and exchange rates) at this giant luxury log cabin in the Quebec wilderness. Built from 10,000 cedar logs, this resort is an outpost for family fun. Monte, the toothy beaver mascot, will see to it that your kids have a swell time, and how could they not? Activities include ice fishing, dogsledding, ice-skating, tobogganing, a drive-through wildlife park, and Canadian favorites like curling and broom ball. The Indoor Sports Centre offers a pool, tennis, sauna, and more.
BONUS POINTS: Sample sweet maple treats during sugaring season in March and April.
THE TAB: A two-night Family Fun Package (not affiliated with FAMILYFUN magazine), available from January to March, includes breakfast and dinner plus activities for two adults and two kids under age 12. The cost $299 per adult plus $96 per child per night. U.S. Rates do change frequently so make sure to call (800) 866-5577 or visit Fairmont's Le Chateau Montebello for further information.

TRAVELER'S TIP

Spring means slim crowds and lodging deals at many national parks. Visit National Park Service or call the park directly. Good picks: Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2002, updated February 2005.