Destinations the whole family will love!

Dancing With Trees

WWW.DANCINGWITHTREES.COM

EVER FEEL LIKE YOUR KID IS CLOSER TO A PRIMATE THAN A HOMO SAPIEN? HERE’S A VACATION THEY’LL SPEND SWINGING FROM THE TREES. 

In Northeast Georgia, at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains you can scamper through the treetops and best of all, sleep up there, on a vacation that no one in the family is going to soon forget. The overnight camp goes from 2pm until 11am the next day and features and introductory to climbing in the afternoon, a dinner, overnight camp and breakfast in the trees and then an early morning climb before heading back down to terra firma. Kids 10 and older can spend the night, kids 4 and older can do other day programs (the little chimps just can’t sleep up there). And there’s no maximum age, so feel free to bring grandpaw! It may sound more dangerous than exhilarating, but Dancing With Trees founder Genevieve Summers claims that there have been no known fatalities or major injuries from recreational tree climbing. 

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Non-toxic, on-the-go art kits that will, with any luck, keep them entertained for minutes. Well, hopefully hours, but let’s be realistic, we are talking about kids here.

organic playdough set $38 

www.clementineart.com

two happy campers

Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, Utah

WWW.BESTFRIENDS.ORG/THESANCTUARY/ANGELCANYON/VISITORFAQ.CFM

VACATION WITH FURRY FRIENDS AT AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY THAT’S FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. 

Looking to meet some new friends on your family vacation? How about 1,500 of them? That’s roughly the number of dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, parrots, horses, pigs and other wild-ish animals (sugar gliders, ferrets and the occasional cornsnake or peacock) that you’ll meet on any given day at Best Friends Animal Society. The largest animal sanctuary in the US, Best Friends is located in Southern Utah. It’s not only a spectacular setting itself, but its also right in the heart of Utah’s Golden Circle of national parks. Most zoos or shelters have age limits but at Best Friends they take all ages, provided they’re accompanied by an adult. 

Best Friends takes cast off animals from shelters and individuals across the country, healing and rehabilitating them for adoption. Some end up making Best Friends a permanent home. And set in 33,000 acres of beautiful land in Utah’s Angel Valley, who could blame them for not ever wanting to leave? 

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Crow’s Nest Resort, North Turo, Massachusetts

WWW.CAPERESORT.COM

ESCAPE TO THIS LAID-BACK BEACHFRONT RESORT ON THE CAPE.

Every room faces the beach at this quiet, quaint Cape Cod resort. Thanks to a recent update, all the rooms feature well-equipped kitchens, washer/dryers, AC and gas fireplaces. And they all have amazing views onto the calm beachfront that runs just outside your door. Even the studios come with all the amenities. There are three larger cottages for rent as well, but they have a longer hike to the water. 

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Lion Square Lodge, Vail, Colorado

WWW.LIONSQUARE.COM

RUB SKI POLES WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS IN THIS CONVENIENT, KID-FRIENDLY AND REFRESHINGLY UNPRETENTIOUS VALI SKI SPOT. 

Vail may be known as one of the playgrounds of the celebs, but it’s also a great place for those of us that don’t have to worry about the paparazzi. Plus, it’s got a gorgeous hotel, Lion Square Lodge, right near the slopes that’s totally set up  for families, but not at the expense of style. 

Visitors of Lions Square rave about the friendly staff, the 24-hour front desk person, and the family-friendly condos all with fully-set up kitchens and comfy sleeping. All at the foot of the slopes. There’s a daily shuttle to the local grocery store, ski clubs for kids and a babysitting center for the little ones who are too young or just not interested in the snow. Or, hey, maybe they want a break from the slopes and just wanna to hang out and drink some cocoa around the fireplace. I can certainly relate. Make mine a Mexican Coffee. 

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