fun "getaway" resorts?

[kristilew]

I'm looking into various trips for our family for next year. Obviously, we'll want to go the Mouse, but additionally we're hoping to spend some time at a resort type place that has fun activities. On adults-only trips, we've enjoyed the Greenbriar, but think DD12 would be a little bored there. Something along those lines, but more family friendly, is our goal.

Has anyone done a getaway with their family like this? We'd love somewhere that has or can arrange things like horseback riding, atv rides, fishing, shooting, hiking. Also, we're looking to go in the spring, so wouldn't want anyplace too far north, as it would probably still be ski weather in March/early April.

When I google resorts or family getaways, what keeps coming up is, you guessed it, Disney World! Any suggestions from personal experience?

 

[turning40withMickey]

We like to do a weekend at an indoor waterpark resort as a getaway. They are a lot of fun! WE are near Erie (well, 90 minutes away) and there is an indoor waterpark and a family fun center nearby, you can do lazer tag, mini golf, ride go karts, and of course the indoor waterpark fun.

Maybe you could google indoor waterparks for some near you.

We also like to do amusement parks, Cedar Point has amazing coasters, and Hersheypark is fun and has the chocolate aspect.

I have looked at "dude ranches" as getaway trips, you ride horses, and do all sorts of farm activities.

Good luck!

 

[cntrygal]

Rocking Horse Ranch, in NY great place have been there twice.

 

[kristilew]

OMG, cntrygal - my parents took me to Rocking Horse Ranch when I was 12! I can't believe it's still around! (12 was a looong time ago) You just brought back so many fun memories.

turning40withMickey - thanks for that idea. Turns out there is a new Great Wolf Lodge in NC, so maybe we could look into that. (btw - I turned 40 with Mickey, it was awesome!)

 

[JessicaR]

Woodloch Pines is one of our family favorites.
http://www.woodloch.com/home/

 

[minniebeth]

Has anyone done a getaway with their family like this? We'd love somewhere that has or can arrange things like horseback riding, atv rides, fishing, shooting, hiking. Also, we're looking to go in the spring, so wouldn't want anyplace too far north, as it would probably still be ski weather in March/early April.

Greenbriar has all this! Plus the spa is amazing! My kids LOVED Greenbriar and we found it very kid friendly (dining was upscale, but my DDs enjoyed it!) We would go back in a heartbeat if we could justify the cost for our family of 5.
One day...

If you are looking for a Greenbriar type experience with resort and activities, I would suggest Nemacolin in Pennsylvania.
Other suggestions: The Homestead in VA, what about Asheville NC, Pigeon Forge, Williamsburg or Myrtle Beach, SC?

 

[aristocatz]

Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT is my favorite getaway for any time of year!

http://www.trappfamily.com/

 

[lsyorke]

Rocking Horse Ranch, in NY great place have been there twice.

OMG....the vacation from hell! Electric goes out in the room, so they send someone to check it out....he tells us there's nothing he can do. It appears the the problem was two room next to each other can't blow dry their hair at the same time....WTH? Can you say fire hazard!
Then the beds...DS is 6 feet tall and his feet hung over the bottom of the bed by a foot.
Then the nightime "lobby" with strangers sitting around in PJ's playing games..so NOT my kind of place LOL!
We were booked for a long 3 day weekend, checked out after one day.