Dive in: Shoot down the Leap of Faith slide through the acrylic tunnel of the shark-filled lagoon at the Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Summer vacation is right around the corner, and if the thought of cramming the kids into the car for a cross-country excursion à la Chevy Chase and his quest for Walley World doesn’t quite excite you, well, you’re in luck. There are plenty of high-end resorts that now cater to the kids, while also appeasing more adult palates. Many luxury hotel chains such as the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts provide complimentary kids’ programs that are both fun and educational, allowing a much-needed break for the ‘rents to escape to the golf course or spa. It’s a win-win for everyone. Here are some of our favorites:

Water Wonderland
The Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas keeps expanding each year, morphing into the largest open-air marine habitat on the planet. It’s an ocean fantasy world for kids and adults alike. Where else can you find sun, white-sand beaches, 50,000 marine animals, an underwater walk through a shark tank, scuba and snorkeling, fourteen pools and lagoons, A-list celebrities, gambling, a pampering spa, gourmet dining, and 20 million gallons of water? There’s no shortage of things to do, from the brand-new 63-acre Aquaventure, with its one-mile river system and thrilling water slides, to Dolphin Cay, a learning and interactive center that’s home to displaced Katrina dolphins. Stay at the brand-new Reef Atlantis, with family-friendly suites, or the upscale Cove Atlantis, the year-old luxury resort with step-down living areas, private adult-only and family pools, lavish cabanas, and ocean views. Your not-so-shabby choices for dinner include meals by such world-renowned chefs as Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Bobby Flay, in addition to the nineteen other restaurants. Bring multiple cell phones to keep tabs on everyone—the resort is so large you might never cross paths. Rates start at $340 per night. 800-ATLANTIS; atlantis.com.

The Wild West
Round up the cowboys and head west to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona. Here you can relax at this AAA Five-Diamond resort located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Pamper yourself at the award-winning Willow Stream Spa or golf like the pros on Troon North while the little ones swim, fish, do crafts, and scavenger hunt at the complimentary Kids Club. There’s even a trendy Teen Hangout complete with Xboxes and a cyber café to e-mail or chat with friends back home—no homesick teens with ’tudes here. For adventure, choose from a wild west Jeep tour of the desert, horseback riding, mountain biking, or hot-air ballooning. Tour Red Rock country in Sedona or take a side trip to the Grand Canyon—a four-hour’s drive away. Visit the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Science Center, or Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal residence and architectural school. Or sit back with a cocktail and bask in the desert sun as the kids while away the day at the Sonoran Splash, the resort’s 6,000-square-foot water recreation area with a four-story tower to access the 200-foot double water slides. Ask for the summer Dive-In Days package, which includes a deluxe room and $100 food credit per day, starting at $249 per night. 800-344-4758; fairmont.com/scottsdale.

House of Mouse
Any kid-friendly list has to include Disney World in Orlando, and the best place to stay is the Grand Floridian. After a hectic day of cavorting with throngs of tourists at the parks, you’re just a monorail’s ride to calm and civility at the Grand Floridian. You don’t even need to leave the resort’s grounds to have fun: Let your little Cinderellas take part in the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, join Alice at the Wonderland Tea Party, or send your Jack Sparrows in search of treasure at the Pirate Adventure. There are two pools, a water slide you can’t get the kids off of, a spa and health club, the kids’ Mouseketeer Club, an arcade room, seven restaurants, tennis courts, a concierge level, and just enough of a Disney atmosphere to make you feel like you’re in Mickey territory without “It’s a Small World” echoing through your head all night. If you can bear the heat, go in August—you’ll avoid the crowds. And to avoid all lines, splurge for a private park guide (407-560-4033), who will bypass the crowds and secure your family a spot on any of your favorite rides, shows, or parades—at a cost of $125 to $150 per hour, with a six-hour minimum. Room rates start at $385 per night. 407-939-7675; disney.com.


Aloha
If the kids are old enough to brave the eleven-hour flight through five time zones, head straight to paradise on the Big Island of Hawaii and swim with the dolphins at Hilton Waikoloa Village. This 62-acre resort is a destination unto itself, with three freshwater pools, two water slides, dolphin encounters, two championship golf courses, a seaside putting range, a swimming and snorkeling lagoon, nine restaurants, the Kohala Sports Club and Spa, and Camp Menehune. Travel throughout the property on Swiss trams or mahogany canal boats—just like Disney’s monorails and Jungle Cruise boats, but that’s where the Disney comparison ends. There’s no Mickey here, just luaus, pig roasts, and Hawaiian dinner shows. Learn how to hula, snorkel in an ocean-fed lagoon alongside rare sea turtles, or perfect your golf with some of the best views of the Pacific. Take a day trip to Kiluaea, the world’s most active volcano, where you may be lucky enough to see steam and lava flowing into the ocean. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along the way, pull over to enjoy the countless waterfalls and black-, white-, and green-sand beaches that exemplify the beauty of Hawaii. Just be sure to book Continental’s new daily nonstop flight from Newark to Honolulu to save yourself a lot of headaches, especially with the kids in tow. Rates start at $199 per night. 800-445-8667; hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.

Ahoy Mates



Swim with dolphins and explore the Hilton Waikoloa Village via rope bridge (top and bottom), or search for hidden treasure at the Grand Floridian’s Pirate Adventure (middle)

Tips for a stress-free trip:

Arguments, tears, meltdowns, and incessant pleas of “Are we there yet?” may all be inevitable on any trip with the kids, but here are some ways to minimize the problems:

Before you leave, log onto the resort’s website so the kids know where they’re going and what to expect.

Have each child pack and carry their own small backpack full of kid necessities, such as a cell phone, iPod, Game Boy, books, paper, pens, Sudoku, deck of cards, small snacks, a much-loved stuffed animal, etc.

A must-have for any long trip is a DVD player—and headphones!

For small ones on the plane, have lollipops on hand for takeoff and landing.

Remember the three-ounce liquid rule in airports. Stock up on water bottles after you’ve made it through security.

If you’re debating, definitely bring the umbrella stroller—you’ll be happy to have it.

Pack a disposable camera for each child to take their own pictures.

Have each child keep a journal of daily activities. Add pictures to it later, resulting in a fun memory book of their trip by—and something to share with friends on the first day of school.


Hot Trips,
Low Rates:

Fun and educational: Take advantage of the complimentary kids’ club and four-story Sonoran Splash (top) at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Or mix education with fun on a kayak tour, just one of more than twenty eco-adventures at Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (bottom)

Traveling in the summer, when hotels offer their lowest rates, will
actually wind up saving you money. Many resorts even offer complimentary kids’ clubs or food
credits for the little ones.