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Top 10 Classic American Family Resorts

Planning a vacation with relatives, or even just your immediate family, can be a one-way ticket to a headache. Instead of taking requests, let any of the following Top 10 American Family Resorts arrange the vacation activities. All you have to do is sit back and watch the fun unfold – and, of course, get in on the fun too! Whether you are taking an old-fashioned American road trip or flying into the classic luxury resort you’ve been saving up for, everyone will be delighted with the destination. With play options for both kids and adults, the whole family will want you to plan next year’s trip – and you’ll know just the right resort to call!
1

Woodloch Resort

Hawley, Pennsylvania

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+1 (570) 685 - 8000
The kids are at the ages when they no longer agree on anything, from what to have for lunch to which backyard game to play. If that's the case, don't fret-the multi-generational entertainment and warm hospitality... read more

The kids are at the ages when they no longer agree on anything, from what to have for lunch to which backyard game to play. If that's the case, don't fret-the multi-generational entertainment and warm hospitality has Woodloch deemed “One of America’s Best Family Resorts,” and it's our # 1 Classic American Family Resort.

Compete in the Family Olympics and Guitar Hero contests, or make an impact on the kids in bumper boats! Woodloch has their very own Social Staff to ensure your family is entertained. Like a “cruise on land,” Woodloch has provided comfortable and stylish accommodations, three meals a day and something for every age, from a toddler room to Broadway shows. With all of this and more set in lush mountain scenery, we couldn’t ask for a better fit for family fun in the Poconos! And sharing with a sibling has never been so easy: enjoy amenities at the Lodge at Woodloch, Woodloch Pines’ sister property. Visit the 18-hole golf course or 27-room spa while the kids are with Boomer Bear’s Cub Club on a scavenger hunt or singing in Karaoke Idol!

Highlights

Woodloch Pines is ideal for family reunions with physical, intellectual and wacky games and contests, group photos and private boat rides or hay rides.

Getting there

From Philadelphia and southern points: Take the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike to Lehigh Valley Exit 56. Take Rt. 22E to Rt. 33N toward Stroudsburg to Rt. 80E. Then take Exit 309 Marshalls Creek. Follow Rt. 209 to Rt. 402N. Take Rt. 402N to Rt. 6W to Rt. 590E through Hawley. Turn right at the Settler's Inn and Bingham Park and continue on Rt. 590E. Woodloch Springs is approximately five miles off Rt. 590E on your right. To go to Woodloch Pines Resort, continue to stop sign, turn left, and continue 1.4 miles to the main entrance.

Fun facts

Lake Teedyuskung, which Woodloch Pines is located on, is named after an early 18th-century Susquehanna Delaware Indian chief.

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2

Madden's Resort on Gull Lake

Brainerd, Minnesota

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+1 (866) 788 - 2154
No overcrowded beaches, but plenty of sand. No towering saltwater waves, but peaceful laps from the lake. Are you daydreaming? No, you’re at Madden’s on Gull Lake! Surrounded by peaceful Minnesota lake scenery,... read more

No overcrowded beaches, but plenty of sand. No towering saltwater waves, but peaceful laps from the lake. Are you daydreaming? No, you’re at Madden’s on Gull Lake! Surrounded by peaceful Minnesota lake scenery, your family will find comfort and relaxation in the Northwoods.

Nowhere else in the Midwest will you find a resort with more recreational amenities than Madden’s. We suggest Madden’s very own Gull Lake waterpark, complete with water trampolines and water toys! The kids will beg to be at Adventure Cove, a camp that keeps them happily entertained while you are free to indulge in Panache Spa treatments overlooking beautiful Wilson Bay. Fill your days at The Classic, Madden’s championship golf course, or take it easy on the Social Nine. Madden’s has been the leader in Minnesota golf resorts since 1926 and it shows with the exceptional number of 63 holes offered on four different golf courses – all ready for your tee off. The list of fun Madden’s has for you doesn’t stop there! Did we mention that they also have a full-service marina with kayaks, canoes and sailboats? Tennis, croquet, trapshooting, indoor pools – the list goes on and on! Madden’s is your family’s next lakeside vacation!

Related activities

Fish for a day with “Walleye Dan,” a local that learned about the great outdoors from his dad. Dan’s favorite lake is Gull Lake because of the big walleye that are found there every year.

Getting there

From Minneapolis/St. Paul: Follow I-94 West to Clearwater. Take the Highway 24 exit and follow to Highway 10. Turn left and follow Highway 10 West to Little Falls. Follow Highway 371 to the Brainerd Pass and then to Baxter to the intersection of Highways 371 and 210. Continue straight on Highway 371 for 4 miles to County Road 77. Turn left and drive 7.5 miles to Madden's.

Fun facts

A 1964 fire destroyed the golf club house but the owner, Jim Madden, redesigned and rebuilt the Golf Club which now has two restaurants, two lounges, and a golf pro shop.

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3

Tanque Verde Ranch

Tucson, Arizona

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+1 (800) 234 - 3833
Discover an authentic Old West experience for all ages at Tanque Verde Ranch! Nearly endless acres of breathtaking Arizona desert await for exploration. Guide any of the Ranch's more than 100 horses across this... read more

Discover an authentic Old West experience for all ages at Tanque Verde Ranch! Nearly endless acres of breathtaking Arizona desert await for exploration. Guide any of the Ranch's more than 100 horses across this ruggedly beautiful terrain and then return to the property for some much-need family relaxation!

Saddle up and let out your inner cowboy or cowgirl with a plethora of riding options. Explore 60,000 acres of cacti-cradled desert landscape on any of the Ranch's 180 horses.Experienced wranglers and guides are available to give their expert instruction and lead you on a scenic journey through Arizona's dusty mountain trails. When you're not on horseback, try mountain biking, ATVing, and hiking. Onsite, the little buckaroos with enjoy a wealth of activities like tennis, crafts, swimming, and nature programs. The Ranch's devoted and knowledgeable team will teach kids the importance of working together. After a day in the saddle, adults can unwind at La Sonora Spa, which offers rejuvenation after a day in the hot desert. The entire family will love the delicious Southwestern cuisine prepared by the master chef and a talented team of cooks. Ride into family fun at Tanque Verde Ranch!

Address

14301 East Speedway, Tucson, Arizona 85748

Highlights

Enter a world of relaxation at La Sonora Spa, which showcases Eminence products and a wide selection of massages, facials, and treatments.

Related Onsite Offerings

Everyone will enjoy sampling delicious dishes at events like the Old Homestead Breakfast Ride, Mexican Fiesta Night, and the Cottonwood Grove Ranch Barbeque with live entertainment.

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4

Pitlik's Sand Beach Resort

Eagle River, Wisconsin

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+1 (866) 233 - 1992
Four seasons of family fun await at Pitlik's Sand Beach Resort! Whether you want to enjoy lake activities on the Sugar Camp Chain of Lakes, explore the vast Wisconsin wilderness, or indulge in the onsite amenities,... read more

Four seasons of family fun await at Pitlik's Sand Beach Resort! Whether you want to enjoy lake activities on the Sugar Camp Chain of Lakes, explore the vast Wisconsin wilderness, or indulge in the onsite amenities, your family is sure to find adventures for all ages!

Set on the shimmering shores of Sand Lake, you'll find a wealth of watery fun just outside your door. Cast off on a fishing expedition and catch trophy muskie, walleye, bass, and panfish. Explore the shores on a boat, dive in for a refreshing swim, or just catch a tan on the sandy beach shores. Stay dry and hike through the tree-lined trails, bike the paved trails, or go horseback riding through the lush landscape. Swing away on the many nearby golf courses or put the pedal to the metal with thrilling go-kart rides. When the winter wonderland arrives, explore the powdery paths cross country skiing or snowmobiling. After a fun-filled day, return to the resort for some relaxation. The onsite restaurant and taproom feature something to please every palate while a wide variety of lodging options can accommodate families of all sizes. One- to three-bedroom cabins can sleep up to eight guests and feature fireplaces, knotty pine walls, and stunning lake views.Come to Pitlik's and find entertainment for everyone!

Address

4833 Sand Beach Drive, Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521

Highlights

Throw a lure in any of the five bodies of water in the Sugar Camp Chain of Lakes. Sand, Dam, Stone, Echo, and Chain Lake all feature fantastic fishing!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Lodge overlooks 1,500 feet of scenic Sand Lake shoreline and showcases a recreation room with a pool table and other games, as well as delicious food and drink at Rena’s Place restaurant and Joe’s Taproom.

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5

The Broadmoor Resort

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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+1 (866) 837 - 9520
The Gateway to the Rockies and to your luxury family vacation. Wait - luxury and family in the same sentence? Is that even possible? At The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs it is! Come and discover how family... read more

The Gateway to the Rockies and to your luxury family vacation. Wait - luxury and family in the same sentence? Is that even possible? At The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs it is! Come and discover how family fun and luxurious comfort combine on your next mountain vacation.

Settling for nothing but the best is a long-running tradition for Broadmoor. Rooted in the area’s history of gold-mining, Broadmoor delivers the finest luxury setting coupled with abundant entertainment. The Children’s Concierge suggests a trip to the highest altitude zoo in the U.S., the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or to the top of the 14,000-ft. summit of Pikes Peak via the Cog Railway. Or, just let the kids jump feet first into the 11,000-sq.-ft. outdoor infinity pool and Slide Mountain. Broadmoor’s list of suggestions doesn’t stop there – see a movie at the Little Theater, catch stunning views of the property from paddle boats, take family tennis lessons and more! Rooms and cottages are decorated with European-style elegance, from the bed sheets to the light fixtures. Enjoy views from some rooms of Cheyenne Mountain and Cheyenne Lake. Broadmoor wants the whole family to join the fun – that means pets, too!

Highlights

The Broadmoor is the longest running consecutive winner of the AAA Five-Diamond and Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star awards.

Fun facts

Nearby Pikes Peak is where Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write “America the Beautiful.”

Related Onsite Offerings

Enjoy a wine therapy sugar body scrub at the Spa at Broadmoor.

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6

Villa Roma Resort

Callicoon, New York

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+1 (800) 533 - 6767
Though you won’t see basilica domes onsite at Villa Roma Resort, you will see magnificent style in the brightly adorned sitting areas, ornate chandeliers and a glorious fountain surrounded by sculpted statues to... read more

Though you won’t see basilica domes onsite at Villa Roma Resort, you will see magnificent style in the brightly adorned sitting areas, ornate chandeliers and a glorious fountain surrounded by sculpted statues to greet you and your family!

With a diverse list of age-appropriate activities, your kids will be enraptured. There are color wars and Wii tournaments for the type A in the bunch and an opportunity to produce their own show or tie-dye t-shirts for your right-brained tikes. If for some crazy reason your kids don’t want to partake in bumper boats, nature trails or the rock climbing wall, you can take them to two onsite playgrounds, shuffleboard courts or the arcade game room. You arrange your own program of fun by taking a cooking or line dancing class, cross-country ski, visit the spa and so much more! This classy, newly-renovated Catskills hotel designed itself around the individual and collective needs of your family! After spending the afternoon splashing around in the zero-entry play pool with water spouts and dumping buckets, kids can grab an ice cream from Villa Roma’s ice cream parlor and Mom and Dad can cool off with a cocktail on the veranda.

Highlights

The entertainment doesn’t stop at night. In fact, the fun is just starting at Marty’s Lounge, The Mezzanine Piano Bar and Club Forum – all onsite at Villa Roma!

Fun facts

Villa Roma spent $27 million on renovation to serve great family vacations like yours!

Related Onsite Offerings

Fans of shopping won’t have to go far – Villa Roma has four shops and boutiques for your perusing.

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7

Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale, Missouri

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+1 (800) 225 - 6343
What could be more classic than a wet hot American summer filled with fun?Nothing, at least when it comes to Big Cedar Lodge's perspective! This remote haven of natural beauty and contemporary luxury is flanked by... read more

What could be more classic than a wet hot American summer filled with fun?

Nothing, at least when it comes to Big Cedar Lodge's perspective! This remote haven of natural beauty and contemporary luxury is flanked by the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri, offering plenty in the way of natural adventure and tranquility. Inside the property, you'll enjoy a full service marina, horseback riding, world class fishing, golf, and trails suited for walking, biking, and hiking, to name a few! Of course you accommodations are spectacular, and your family will be loathe to part with them once your stay is over!

Address

190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Extra Stops

The resort is located 1.7 miles from Big Cedar Hollow and 9 miles from the Branson Creek Golf Club.

Highlights

Amenities include a full-service spa, a fitness center with personal trainer, and pony and carriage rides, plus indoor/outdoor pools, a lazy river and loaner kayaks/canoes.

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8

Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

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+1 (800) 314 - 1752
At first, all you see is stately red rooftops on an elegant white building. But when you arrive, receive top-notch presidential family treatment without the hassle of politics at Mount Washington Resort!Your family... read more

At first, all you see is stately red rooftops on an elegant white building. But when you arrive, receive top-notch presidential family treatment without the hassle of politics at Mount Washington Resort!

Your family can set their own pace exploring the surrounding Bretton Woods. Blaze new trails and discover the forest for yourself, or take a guided canopy tour. Hear White Mountain lore, go whizzing above the tree tops on a zip lines ending with the Williwaw Racing Zip which gives a stunning 20-minute ride for the best views! If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds, join your kids for dinner and hear all about how they learned to ski at Hobbit Ski and Snowboarding School, made pinecone bird feeders and played themed games at Kid’s Club. Don’t let the snow stop you from having a blast on your New Hampshire family vacation! Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest skiing area with 434 acres. That exhilarating canopy tour also runs in the winter, so there’s no excuse not to buckle up and enjoy the ride at Mount Washington Resort!

Highlights

After breathing in all that fresh, clean mountain air, head over to the spa for an Adventurer’s Massage.

Fun facts

You can call Mount Washington “home” by buying a condo, town home, single-family residence, or land to custom-build your own house today.

Related Onsite Offerings

As a guest at Mount Washington Resort, you have access to Rosebrook Recreation Center, which has a steam room, Jacuzzi, indoor pool, racquetball courts, exercise rooms and more!

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9

High Hampton Inn

Cashiers, North Carolina

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+1 (800) 334 - 2551
There's just no place like High Hampton Inn! It's hospitality, accommodations, and charm are simply unforgettable.Nestled deep in the heart of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, High... read more

There's just no place like High Hampton Inn! It's hospitality, accommodations, and charm are simply unforgettable.

Nestled deep in the heart of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, High Hampton's natural beauty is matched by its inner charm. Scattered throughout its 1400 acre's are cottages, each blended into the quaint landscape and flanked by shimmering streams and towering hemlock trees. The inn is adjacent to the High Hampton's bevy of attractions, including a golf course, tennis courts, lake, children's play area, and the outset of dozens of pristine walking trails!

Address

1525 NC-107, Cashiers, NC 28717

Getting there

The Inn is two miles from US-64 and the village of Cashiers.

Related Onsite Offerings

Afternoon tea is offered, and there's a tavern with nightly entertainment.

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10

Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz, New York

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+1 (800) 772 - 6646
Mohonk means “lake in the sky,” but there is a whole lot more than lake and sky to enjoy at Mohonk Mountain House! You won’t want to leave your “Cloud 9” after staying at this Victorian castle set atop... read more

Mohonk means “lake in the sky,” but there is a whole lot more than lake and sky to enjoy at Mohonk Mountain House! You won’t want to leave your “Cloud 9” after staying at this Victorian castle set atop Shawangunk Ridge in New York.

As one of America’s oldest family-owned resorts, Mohonk has had a lot of practice creating a vacation spot that makes everyone happy. That’s why Mohonk made our No. 2 spot - along with the fact that your rate includes bountiful breakfast and lunch buffets, four-course served dinners, Afternoon Tea and Cookies and most resort activities daily. The idyllic backdrop of a castle on ragged grey cliffs surrounded by blue sparkling water accompanies you and the family on your Hudson Valley adventures. Try a hand – and another hand, and both your feet – at rock climbing. Take a few swings on the 110-year-old Scottish golf course while the kids are horseback riding through extensive trails. Or, tour the gardens alone or with another family member for quality bonding time. Don’t worry about making the right turn in the Victorian Maze; each directional decision renders 19th-century fashioned landscaping beauty. The only complaint you’ll hear on this trip is when you have to leave.

Mountain range

Mohonk Mountains

Related activities

Head to one of many themed activities, including a campfire with s’mores, nature shows and workshops on topics like mystery to ballroom dancing!

Related Onsite Offerings

The Spa has a heated indoor and outdoor pool, a solarium, 16 treatment rooms and Pilates, aerobic and water classes.

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