Museums at the Wolfsburg Castle in Germany (I)

The Wolfsburg Castle, with its ornamental gables and the onion tower which dates back in the 16^th century, is one of the most magnificent architectural marvels of the Northern Germany. Inside the castle you will find: the City Gallery, the City Museum, the Kunstverein Wolfsburg, the Heidersberger Institude, as well as the Teaching Workshop (regional teacher training). Keep reading to discover the museums at the Wolfsburg Castle in Germany. All of them are worth a visit and this is your chance to find out more about their amazing history.

1. Museums at the Wolfsburg Castle in Germany: City Gallery

The City Gallery of Wolfsburg is an institution for contemporary art located in the opulent Renaissance structure of Castle Wolfsburg. Historical architecture and contemporary art create an exciting dialogue in the exhibit rooms. Since the art offers specific insights, alludes to alternatives and helps to understand the problems of our reality, which are becoming more and more complex, the City Gallery of Wolfsburg constitutes a forum from which impulses for the future emanate. A richly varied palette of events is available for all ages. Special focuses can be found in institution’s exhibitions under the motto “Young Art in an Ancient Castle”; the Art Prize of the City of Wolfsburg “A Young City viewing Young Art”; printer’s workshop; cooperative projects with local artists; a collection with paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs and videos.

2. Museums at the Wolfsburg Castle in Germany: City Museum

“Living history” is the motto of the City Museum in the Castle of Wolfsburg. In the historical ambience of the coach houses, between the defensive walls and the Fachwerk, this museum presents the history of the castle, the region and the city, in hundreds of original exhibits, from the foundation pile of the Castel Wolfsburg to a complete hair salon from the 1950s. Listening stations provide music and testimonies from contemporary witnesses, while interactive media and films facilitate a very personal encounter with this special city. The City Museum is more than a historical museum; it uses imagination and entertainment to present a comprehensive portrait of the very special city of Wolfsburg. At the same time its exhibitions and castle tours provide information about the history of the Castle Wolfsburg, an architectural monument to the North German Renaissance.

– See more at: http://www.cheaptravelhunter.com/museums-at-the-wolfsburg-castle-in-germany-i/#sthash.xysj5M7j.dpuf

Best Museums in San Diego, California (I)

Best Museums to Visit in San Diego, California: Air & Space Museum

Aviation buffs will find everything from human-propelled planes salvaged from the dawn of aviation to the command module from the Apollo 9 Space flight in this cavernous museum. Among aircraft displayed are a Trimotor 5-AT produced by the Ford Motor Company in the 1920s and a number of meticulously restored military aircraft, including the folding-wing Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat from World War II.

The museum commemorates the men and women who forged aviation history, including Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. (The bright red Lockheed Vega 5-B used in the 2009 movie “Amelia” is now part of the museum’s collection.)

There’s a 3D / 4D theater that features action-themed films and a kids-only “Aviation Hangar” with interactive activities for preschoolers and older kids who might get a charge out of testing their skills at a flight simulator.

Best Museums to Visit in San Diego, California: Children’s Museum

The New Children’s Museum, which opened in Spring 2008, is a 50,000-square-foot three-level contemporary showpiece designed by San Diego architect Rob Quigley — the third incarnation of a museum that started in La Jolla in 1983.

There’s really something for kids of all ages here — from a padded romper room for crawlers to messy hands-on art-making projects for older kids. There’s stuff to ride, climb, run around and splash in. Kids have fun building, painting, sculpting, experimenting, and playing while they learn. You’ll hear no complaints from parents, sitting and chatting, grabbing a bite at the museum cafe — or joining a family dance jam.

Visit on the second Sunday of each month and admission is free for all, thanks to Target, with extended hours from 10 AM until 4 PM.

Best Museums to Visit in San Diego, California: Hall of Champions

The San Diego Hall of Champions is the nation’s largest multi-sport museum. It spans nearly 70,000 square feet on three levels of the Federal Building constructed for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park.

The museum honors athletes from or made famous in San Diego; more than 40 sports are represented. See exhibits depicting local sports heroes including baseball great Ted Williams, America’s Cup sailor Dennis Conner, golfer Billy Casper, swimmer Florence Chadwick, skateboarder Tony Hawk, boxer Ken Norton and basketball’s Bill Walton.

There’s a state-of-the-art theater, where visitors can relive great moments in sports history. An interactive media center allows visitors to become play-by-play sports commentators. Grab a deli sandwich or salad at the museum’s Home Plate Bar & Grill.

The Perfect Family Island Getaways (II)

4. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Hatteras Island, North Carolina — The gorgeous beaches and wild dunes are what attracts most visitors to Hatteras Island, a border island that is part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There is a wide range of lodging available from luxury oceanfront rentals, cottages and hotels. In addition to being a Mecca for surfers, it is known as the “Blue Marlin Capital of the World” and sport fishing is a popular activity. Many people don’t realize that the first English settlers in North America originally settled on Hatteras prior to moving to nearby Roanoke Island — a visit to The Lost Colony” is a fun family activity while staying on Hatteras. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the tallest traditional lighthouse in the United States and was famously moved inland a few years ago. It has now re-opened to the publicand should not be missed when visiting Hatteras.

5. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Kiawah, South Carolina — Renowned for its challenging golf courses, Kiawah Island is also a popular destination for families. With a wide range of accommodations on the island, there is something for everyone on Kiawah. The hard packed sand of the beaches make it one of the few places where you can ride a bike on the beach, something that kids of all ages will enjoy. Look for wildlife in the marshes including egrets, herons and cranes — you may even spot an alligator sunning itself along the bike path. Kiawah also offers a world-class tennis program for all ages. Historic Charleston, with all that it has to offer, is just a short drive away. When driving to Kiawah, do not miss a well hidden but important attraction — on John’s Island, turn off to see the Angel Oak, the oldest tree in the United States. This gorgeous tree is well worth the short detour.

6. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Gasparilla Island, Florida— In the Gulf of Mexico, Gasparilla Island and its small village of Boca Grande is a vacation destination that is idyllic for families. The pure white sand beaches and the crystal clear, .Im water of the gulf are perfect for younger children who will enjoy searching for abundant sea shells, particularly sand dollars. Gasparilla is also a known for its tarpon fishing — there are numerous fishing charters available at the marina, many of which allow even quite young children their first fishing experience. The streets of Boca Grande are lined with gorgeous Banyan trees and the village is home to wonderful restaurants and charming boutiques. Children will love going to the Loose Caboose, an old train depot turned ice cream shop. The historic Gasparilla Inn and vacation rentals provide lodging on the island.

The Perfect Family Island Getaways (I)

1. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Mount Desert Island, Maine — The main attraction on Mount Desert Island is Acadia National Park, with spectacular landscape of rocky cliffs falling down into the ocean below. The 27-mile driving loop provides photo-ops at every turn, suit might be wise to park the car and take one of free Island Explorer buses that run through the park. Don’t miss the vista from atop Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole. Everyone in the family will enjoy exploring the shoreline and surrounding islands by taking a boat tour where you can see local wildlife such as port seals, puffins and dolphins, and many picturesque lighthouses that dot the harbors. Bar Harbor is the social, cultural and artistic center of Mount Desert Island and where you will be most likely find inns, B&B’s, restaurants and shops. Don’t miss eating lobster fresh off the boat at one of the local lobster pounds.

2. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Nantucket, Massachusetts — Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, known as “The Far Away Island,” Nantucket is the quintessential destination for a family summer vacation. Beachgoers will love the numerous beaches ranging from the wide sandy beach and calm, lapping waves at Jetty’s Beach to the punishing surf at Cisco or Madaket. Stroll along the historic cobblestone streets and wharves in town and stop into one of the old fashioned pharmacies for lunch at the counter. There are numerous bike trails all over the island making it a great way to get around. It is worth the dive out to Siasconset (otherwise known as S’conset) to see the rose covered cottages and the imposing lighthouse. When the fog rolls in, be sure to visit the impressive Whaling Museum. There are numerous lodging options available ranging from pricey vacation home rentals to charming small B&B’s.

3. Perfect Family Island Getaways: Chincoteague, Virginia — Eternalized by Marguerite Henry’s iconic children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, Chincoteague Island is off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. While the wild ponies actually live on nearby Assateague Island, the annual pony swim across the small channel separating the two isles is only one of the many reasons why tourists gather in this area. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of shores, banks, swamps and forests, much appreciated by beachgoers, kayakers and birdwatchers. A variety of accommodations are available ranging from hotels, inns and campsites. Maddox Avenue makes up the center of town, where boutiques, antique stores and restaurants are plentiful.

Family Trip Plans in San Diego, California

Are you ready for sunshine, beaches and perhaps a trip to SeaWorld? Plan a trip to San Diego and you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable family vacation! Which kid-friendly attractions do you want to visit? Here’s a few that other vacationing families recommend.

Book a hotel near to the famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park to jump start your vacation. The zoo is on of the most famous attractions in San Diego, and is often featured in the San Diego trip packages. Here’s a tip: hit the zoo early in the morning to spot as many animals as possible. The zoo’s bus tour gives your kids a great view of the park, and allows you to hop off anytime you like during the forty-five minute loop. Check out the Children’s Zoo, a miniature zoo within the zoo, that lets your kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite animals! The zoo is surrounded by eateries with child-friendly, delicious food items, giving you plenty of options when you decide what to eat in San Diego.

Visit the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, which has a vintage Border train that you can board for an exciting railway adventure! Take your kids on a classic ride from Campo to Tecate with over 70 miles of idyllic scenery. You might even want to hop off and hole up at the Campo Diner for a mid-trip snack.

Among the best places to go in San Diego with your family is the Midway Museum. Your children will be awestruck exploring real naval aircraft carriers from the second World War Take a glorious snapshot in a plane’s cockpit for a treasured family photo. The kids will be thrilled to listen to stories from people who actually served on board the gigantic USS Midway!

Coronado Island adds a nice flavor to the mix with its sparkling waters and golden sands. Spend an evening by the beach watching the magnificent sunset while your kids pose for the perfect photograph. Treat the kids to one night at the famous Hotel del Coronado, the finest resort establishment on this side of town. For fun places to go in San Diego with the kids, take them to San Diego Sand Castles, a beachside attraction offering kids exciting courses in building majestic Sand Castles!

You can’t plan a trip to San Diego without hitting Sea World,a world-famous attraction for children and adults alike. A unique journey into the marine world, your kids will be captivated by the strange colors and shapes of sea creatures. If Sea World is your first stop, Unlimited Cruise and Travel gives you excellent suggestions about where to stay in San Diego. The Paradise Point hotel and Bahia establishment work well as your kid-friendly hotels in San Diego with excellent amenities.

Whale watching is a family favorite, and is a high priority in San Diego trip packages. Your kids can spot Pacific Grey Whales especially if you are holidaying in December or January. La Jolla Cove, Boomers, Knott’s Soak City, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Mormon Batallion Site, Balboa Park and Pecto Park are also great San Diego vacation ideas for families.

This is just the beginning of what San Diego, California family vacations can offer. Plan a trip to San Diego with your kids, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

9 Superlative Thanksgiving Getaways Because if you’re gonna skip dinner at Nana’s, you’d better have a good reason.

Looking for a break from tradition—or just the in-laws—this Thanksgiving? While plenty of families turn the long Thanksgiving weekend into a genuine vacation, not all can say they took part in the biggest, most fabulous, or most unconventional Thanksgiving in the land. From historic reenactments to epic turkey trots, here are some can’t-miss ways to spend your Turkey Day away from home:

Most Authentic Reenactment: Plymouth, Massachusetts
Dining with the pilgrims at Plimoth PlantationDining with the pilgrims at Plimoth Plantation (Plimoth Plantation)
Many folks say that the Smithsonian-affiliated Plimoth Plantation, an hour from Boston, is roughly the site of the original feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag natives—and it’s also home to a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower. To dine like those original Thanksgiving guests, you can choose from three options at the plantation: a greatest-hits-style Thanksgiving Buffet; the Eat Like a Pilgrim buffet (with sides like Cucumber Sallet and “Indian pudding,” the New World answer to Hasty Pudding); and the history-buffed Harvest Dinner with the Pilgrims, which features costumed period characters and a menu that includes such delicacies as “Mussels Seeth’d with Parsley and Beer,” and the pumpkin-based “Stewed Pompion.” (Bonus: the Harvest Dinner is available on other select days, too, now through November 30.) Cost: The Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet costs $24 per person; Eat Like a Pilgrim costs $18 per person; Harvest Dinner costs $35 per person.

Biggest Parade: New York City
Now in its 87th year, the mega Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is reportedly attended by 3.5 million New Yorkers each year, and seen by 50 million more on TV. If you want to secure a comfy spot for watching the bands and balloons, New York’s City’s tourist board lists seven hotels along the parade route that offer excellent perches (including the Residence Inn Times Square). Another good way to soak up the energy is to watch Kermit & Co. get inflated: the day before Thanksgiving, hang out near the Museum of Natural History, which acts as the balloon-launching pad.

Trendiest Pumpkin Pies: Chicago
Pumpkin PiePumpkin Pie (Flickr: browniesfordinner)
Amid the plethora of cupcake bakeries, one artisanal pie shops that repeatedly makes “best of” lists is Chicago’s Hoosier Mama, which offers Friday-night “flights” comprising three small slices, with a choice of five or six rotating flavors. This Thanksgiving season, the pie selection includes a real-cream-infused pumpkin, as well as a cranberry chess pie and a maple pecan. Whole pies start at $20.

Loveliest Place to Embrace Gratitude: Dallas
Mention Dallas and Thanksgiving in the same sentence, and most people assume you’re talking Cowboy football. But Thanks-Giving Square—a chapel, museum and park in downtown Dallas—has been promoting the universal idea of gratitude year-round since it was built in 1964, and, no wonder, it stays open during the Thanksgiving holiday. The museum features the first Thanksgiving proclamation, penned in 1777 by Samuel Adams, and the chapel features the “Glory Window,” one of the biggest stained glass works in the world. Cost: Free admission.

Most Brag-Worthy Turkey Trot: Las Vegas
Starting about 18 miles from the Strip, the Las Vegas Turkey Trot runs along Lake Mead and offers some spectacular scenery (plus nicely even terrain) and passes through a whopping six tunnels on the way to the epic Hoover Dam, and then back again. For shorter sprints, there is a 5K fun run and a one-mile “stroll.” Cost: Entry fees cost $55 per person for the 12K, $35 per person for the 5K, and $23 per person for the one-miler.

Most Non-Traditional: Perris, CA
If you love traditions, but max out fast on turkey and football, here’s a thrilling alternative. On every Thanksgiving evening since 1934, the L.A. area has hosted the Turkey Night Grand Prix, a high-energy race of midget cars, typically with 300-400 horsepower. This year’s race will take place on the clay oval at Perris Auto Speedway, in Riverside County. The races can also offer an all-star cast from the racing world: winners over the years have included A.J. Foyt and Tony Stewart, and last year’s winner was NASCAR’s Kyle Larson. Cost: The entry fee is $50 per person.

Oldest Parade: Philadelphia
Disney Float during the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day ParadeDisney Float during the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia (ABC Local)
Macy’s may get all the publicity, but the Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade down the road in Philadelphia—which was launched in 1920 by Macy’s rival Gimbel’s—is the oldest. Now under the sponsorship of Dunkin’ Donuts, this year’s parade will have a Disney Magic Kingdom float, plenty of big balloons (such as the Lorax, Scooby Doo and Cookie Monster) and an appearance by a certain bearded man in a red suit. A prime spot to watch the 1.4-mile parade is at its finish— near the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Most Elaborate Theme Park Celebration: Universal Studios Orlando
This year, the Florida theme park wins the prize for walking the line between Plymouth Rock and log rides. The resort’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will serve up an outdoor, harborside feast called Gather Together, featuring a reenactment with costumed Pilgrims and Native Americans, as well as crafts, traditional drumming, face painting, and storytelling.Cost: The feast costs $70 per adult, and $26.50 per kid ages 12 and under.

Largest Gathering of Turkeys: Zion National Park
Thanksgiving Buffet at the Zion National Park
Thanksgiving Buffet at the Zion National Park (Zion Lodge)
Now that the national parks are open again, there may be no better place to soak up our nation’s purple-mountain-majesty splendor—and see wild turkeys exercising their own freedom—than at Utah’s Zion National Park. Zion Lodge, which is known for live turkeys wandering its grounds, does an all-day Thanksgiving Buffet and offers plenty of easy access to fabulous ways to walk off the pie and rolls, such as the easy Pa’rus Trail, the popular Emerald Pools hike and the more challenging Angels Landing. Cost: The buffet costs $26.95 per adult, and $13.50 per kid ages 3-12.

6 Dreamy Christmas Getaways with Kids – Have yourself a merry little Christmas getaway

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at top family resorts around the country, some of which are already busy breaking out the tinsel for the busy holiday season. With children around the country enjoying as much as two weeks of school holidays, many families will turn Christmastime into an opportunity for a vacation.

Here are six luxurious resorts pouring on the Christmas cheer for families with festivities ranging from cookie decorating and elf tuck-ins to visits with Santa.

Resort at Paws Up

Where: Greenough, MT Why: Because this luxurious Montana resort is offering an all-inclusive holiday escape that gives your family its own decorated Christmas tree and even—gasp!—your very own Santa. The five-nightChristmas Package starts at $557 a night for a family of four and includes accommodations and all meals, including dinner on Christmas Day, as well as horse-drawn sleigh rides, a gingerbread house-building contest, cookie decorating, and a selection of holiday DVDs to watch.

Omni Amelia Island Plantation

Where: Amelia Island, FL Why: Because this upscale northeast Florida beach resort is looking swell after an $85-million renovation and tempts with multiple swimming pools and a kid-centric splash park. The Elves & Eggnog Package delivers a 20-percent discount on a two-night stay, daily breakfast in bed, specialty egg nog cocktails, late check-out, and an in-room showing of the movie “Elf.” Available through Dec. 30.

Hotel Del Coronado

Sparkling Christmas at Hotel Del Coronado (Hotel Del Coronado)

Where: Coronado, CA Why: Because the iconic grand beach resort near San Diego goes all out for the holidays, with an outdoor ice skating rink under the palms, Victorian-style Christmas village, popular holiday show, Santa gondolier rides, elf tuck-ins, Victorian teas, and sumptuous decorations that include over 100,000 tiny white lights. The 125 Years of Holiday Magic Package starts at $374 a night and includes a family ice-skating lesson, collector’s Christmas ornament, $125 resort credit, and parking discount.

The Broadmoor

Where: Colorado Springs, CO Why: Because this luxurious and sprawling mountain resort is outdoing itself this holiday season with a spectacular decorations, sumptuous holiday buffets, a life-size gingerbread house, live Christmas show, daily holiday culinary demonstrations, and cupcake and gingerbread decorating. The Classic Broadmoor Christmas package starts at $170 per person and includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the Christmas show, and a 40-percent discount on suites.

Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation at Christmas (The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation)

Where: Greensboro, GA Why: Because this plush lakeside resort near Atlanta is making the season bright with an array of nostalgic traditional activities, including s’more-roasting, ice skating, gingerbread house-decorating and, for the kids, elf tuck-ins, breakfast with Santa, and “St. Nick’s Flicks” movie nights. The Breakfast with Santa package is available weekends through Dec. 20, starting at $339 a night for a two-night stay, and includes accommodations and breakfast with the big guy himself.

Mohonk Mountain House

Where: New Paltz, NY Why: Because this all-inclusive family-friendly retreat in the Hudson Valley is less than two hours from New York City, making it a perfect midweek escape during the holiday season. On display are spectacular handmade swags, elaborate gingerbread creations, and decorated Christmas trees, while holiday activities include a family Yule log hunt, holiday craft-making, and caroling. The December Delight package starts at $186.90 per person—a wink to the historic landmark hotel’s founding in 1869—and includes accommodations, two meals per day plus afternoon tea and cookies, and most resort activities.

Family-Friendly Ski Vacations – Kids rule the mountain at these super slopes

A ski vacation can be a fun getaway for families with kids of all ages. Parents and kids can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings and exciting winter sports that abound in accommodating mountain towns. With so many ski destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the perfect slopes. To help you choose, here are three kid-friendly ski destinations often found at the top of the list.

Snowmass Village – Colorado
Colorado is known for being home to world class and Snowmass Village is no exception. Skiing in Colorado provides an incredible experience for professionals and amateurs alike. With an expansive beginner’s area, families can relax and hone their sporting skills in an accommodating environment. Many of the lodging options and eateries in town cater to folks with kids in tow.

Lake Tahoe – California
Family Ski VacationsFlickr: Reno Tahoe
Lake Tahoe resorts in California have added many family-friendly attractions in recent years, making it a popular place for visitors with children of all ages. Kids will love the designated adventure zones created especially for them, while more experienced adult skiers will enjoy cross country skiing and tackling the bigger slopes. With affordable rates and high quality accommodations, it truly is an ideal destination for families seeking wintertime fun.

Bretton Woods – New Hampshire
Bretton Woods is situated at the top of the Appalachian Mountain range. From Franconia Notch State Park to the stunning White Mountains, there is a seemingly endless amount of natural wonder for visitors to take in. Bring the kids on an enchanting sleigh ride through the snow or hit up the bunny slopes for hours of action packed fun.

Adventurous families can make the most of their winter vacation on the slopes. With so many activities and attractions, the hardest part may be fitting it all in. Kids and adults alike are sure to love making memories in the mountains.

Thanksgiving Getaways – A Weekend Stuffed with Holiday Fun

Thinking of ditching the big turkey dinner with the in-laws and running away on vacation? You won’t be alone. Every Thanksgiving, families flock to kid-friendly resorts nationwide, leaving the cooking and cleaning to someone else. After all, with the kids out of school, it can be a wonderful opportunity for a long, unstressed weekend getaway an affordable rate. Here are just a few of the many resorts offering fun, activity-filled schedules over the long holiday weekend.

Pinehurst Resort

Where: Pinehurst, NC Why: Because this hallowed golf resort is surprisingly kid-friendly, and Thanksgiving weekend offers myriad opportunities for families to have fun together. The weekend roster includes family movie nights, wagon rides, ornament-making, gingerbread-house-decorating and “Family Fairways” golf clinics. (And to please the gents, plenty of football showing in the lounge.) For extra admission, you can see local productions of The Nutcracker and the Carolina Philharmonic’s Peter and the Wolf. The Thanksgiving package starts at $160 per person and includes overnight accommodations, a traditional Thanksgiving meal, breakfast, and most activities. Kids 12 and under eat, stay, and golf for free with an adult.

Otesaga Resort

Where: Cooperstown, NY Why: Because this historic hotel is offering a huge roster of activities for the whole family from November 23 to November 27. There will be clown performances, nightly kids’ movies, ghost stories, cookie decorating, and other age-appropriate festivities. There will also be family hayrides through Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Santa is scheduled to make a special appearance at breakfast on Saturday morning. The two-night Thanksgiving Family Weekend package starts at $595 per couple (add $130 per child 5-12 and $160 per teen) and includes lodging, activities, two dinners, and two breakfasts for each guest.

Resort at Squaw Creek

Where: Olympic Valley, CA Why: Because during the long weekend, this Lake Tahoe resort will roll out its annual Magical Memories program with a tree-lighting ceremony and the unveiling of its gingerbread village. After enjoying a classic Thanksgiving buffet, families can take part in winter-themed activities such as sleigh rides, ice skating, caroling, ice-carving demonstrations, Menorah lighting, and even bedtime tuck-ins from elves. The supervised Mountain Buddies kids’ club offers arcade games, arts and crafts, outdoor fun in the snow, and more. The Magical Memories Bed and Breakfast package starts at $189 a night and includes breakfast for four.

Sun Valley

Where: Sun Valley, ID Why: Because Thanksgiving marks the official kick-off to Sun Valley’s 76th winter season and a celebration that has become a tradition among many skiing families. This year, the resort has six new adventure trails geared toward kids, a new halfpipe, and two dozen new features in the terrain park. You can also work up your appetite by ice skating, hiking, and snowshoeing—or stay warm inside with bowling, virtual golf, and movie showings in the resort’s theater. Special weekend rates start at $297 per person and include four nights of lodging at the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn, a three-day lift ticket per person, and a Thanksgiving buffet. Plus, kids stay and ski for free.

Sawmill Creek Resort

Where: Sandusky, OH Why: Because Thanksgiving weekend is the kick-off for the Festival of Lights at this Lake Erie resort. Families can take a hayride through the holiday lights display as they listen to Christmas classics, or they can drop in on Mrs. Claus for hot chocolate, cider, and donuts. Kids can go swimming in the indoor pool, walk the trails of the nature preserve, or head to the video game room. There will also be a corn-hole toss contest with wine and juice pops as prizes, a caricature artist, and Santa will be on hand passing out candy canes. The two-night Thanksgiving package for a family of four starts at $324 and includes Thanksgiving buffet, a Festival of Lights hay ride, and breakfast on Friday. Additional nights can be added for just $79.

Camp Russel at Oglebay Park in West Virginia (Flickr: irisphotos)

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Where: San Antonio, TX Why: Because this luxury resort and spa is stuffed with family fun for the holiday, including a craft show, a parade with guest-fashioned wagon floats, performances by a local marching band and a high-school show choir, as well as meet-and-greets with Santa and some real live reindeer. There’s also a four-acre waterpark with a lazy river and cascading falls. On November 24, the resort serves up an impressive Thanksgiving spread. Book the “Fall Promotion” and receive a third night free. Holiday weekend rates start at $199 a night.

Alta Crystal Resort

Where: Greenwater, WA Why: Because this family-friendly wilderness retreat is located near Mount Rainier National Park, just below Crystal Mountain, one of the state’s premier ski destinations. The holiday weekend starts off with Thanksgiving crafts, followed by some morning hiking or snowshoeing before the evening feast, followed by s’mores around a bonfire. There’s also karaoke on Friday night, another bonfire on Saturday, then football-watching on Sunday. Book the four-night “Thanksgiving Eat and Stay Special” from $249 a night and receive Wednesday night for free, plus a traditional holiday buffet. Two- and three-night packages are also available.

KeyLime Cove Resort & Waterpark

Where: Gurnee, IL Why: Because Santa will be hanging out during Thanksgiving weekend at this Florida Keys-themed indoor waterpark, complete with slides, wave pool, and lazy river. On dry land, grown ups can relax in the Paradise Mist Spa while the younger crowd can win prizes in the 8,000 square-foot arcade, do crafts in the Leapin’ Lizards kids club or even get their nails done at the kids spa. The weekend starts off with a Sunset Parade, and a tree-lighting ceremony to celebrate Santa’s arrival. Families that stay through Sunday can also join Santa in a special breakfast buffet. The two-night “Thanksgiving at the Cove” special starts at $400 and includes accommodations, four waterpark passes, and Thanksgiving buffet.

Terranea Resort

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Why: Because this splurge-worthy beachside resort outside Los Angeles offers both family-friendly feasting and fun ways to burn it off—and you’re even a fairly short drive from Disneyland. The resort does its own Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a Turkey Shoot-Out team scramble on the golf course on Saturday. The resort is offering a variety of dinners, from a grand buffet in the ballroom to care packages to take back to your room. With the Extended Holiday Package, you can shave at least 30% off stays of three nights or more in a two-, three- or four-bedroom casita or villa equipped with kitchens and fireplaces. The package brings the starting rate to about $425 a night.

Oglebay Resort

Where: Wheeling, WV Why: Because this picturesque golf resort and spa is a mini-city in itself, with a planetarium, glass museum, and even a 30-acre zoo. Every November, the resort unveils its famous Festival of Lights, where 70 holiday-themed LED light displays can be viewed. The three-night Thanksgiving package starts at $469 and includes a welcome reception, daily breakfast, a vehicle pass to the festival of lights, and many activities.

Cliffs Resort

Where: Pismo Beach, CA Why: Because this hotel perched high on the beach bluffs offers a compelling mix of mild temperatures, good rates and easy access to sights such as wine country, Hearst Castle, plus a local children’s museum and zoo. Daily festivities at the resort begin on Tuesday with s’mores around the firepit, followed by nightly movies, the Thursday feast and a local wine tasting on Friday. Three-night packages start at $569, and include a locally baked apple pie, for your own stash of leftovers. You can add daily breakfast for two for $15, and fourth night for just $99.

5 Winter Wonderland Getaways with Kids

Are you longing for a place where sleigh bells ring and snow glistens? Nothing puts the ho-ho-ho in the holiday season faster than a family getaway with a winter wonderland vibe, and you don’t necessarily have to head up north to find it. These five getaways are guaranteed to supercharge your season with everything we love about this time of year:

Gaylord Hotels

Where: Orlando, FL; National Harbor, MD; Nashville, TN; Grapevine, TX Why: Because the four Marriott-owned Gaylord Resorts have once again spectacularly transformed themselves into magical holiday wonderlands with millions of twinkling lights, nightly indoor snowfalls, dancing fountains, and ICE!, a wildly popular annual exhibit showcasing life-size hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story-tall ice slides. Other wintry options include hot cocoa, gingerbread decorating, and even snow tubing. Hotel packages and ticket prices vary by destination.

Congress Hall

Cape Resorts

Where: Cape May, NJ Why: Because winter is a magical time of year in the Victorian seaside town of Cape May, as America’s oldest seaside resort transforms into a winter wonderland for the season with 12-foot toy soldiers in the lobby, breakfast with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, gingerbread house-building, holiday caroling, a holiday train, and much more. Congress Hall and two of its sister properties, the Sandpiper Beach Club and Star Inn, are each offering a Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland package that includes accommodations, a daily $20 breakfast voucher (plus, kids eat free), a ride on the holiday train, hot cocoa, and more.

Keystone Resort

Keystone Resort

Where: Keystone, CO Why: Because if your idea of paradise is a family-friendly ski mecca with plenty of wintry fun for the whole family, then Keystone is just the ticket. Throughout the holiday season, families can enjoy parades, fireworks, mountaintop tubing, the enormous Kidtopia snow fort, two ice-skating rinks, snowshoeing, and much more. Kids always ski free at Keystone.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Where: Scottsdale, AZ Why:  This upscale Scottsdale resort hosts its annual “Christmas at the Princess” festival, creating a desert winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink, four-story musical tree, holiday train, carolers, visits from Santa, and more. The Christmas at the Princess Family Package includes accommodations, a second room at half price, skating, s’mores, and more.

Omni Homestead Resort

Omni Homestead Resort

Where: Hot Springs, VA Why: Because this historic luxury resort in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains is an alluring winter playground with a variety of family-friendly activities that include skiing and snow mobiling, as well as side-by-side ice skating and outdoor swimming in the adjacent spring-fed heated pool.