Grandkid-fun spots, from Oahu to Maine
USA Today
Looking for a place to have fun with the grandkids on O'ahu? Try the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, say grandparents.com, a new online community launching this month to help grandparents connect with their grandchildren.
Susan Avery, senior editor of grandparents.com, especially liked the variety of wildlife from the waddling penguins to the beautiful flamingos that roam the property. As well as ocean action, Hilton's Rainbow Express program offers daily family activities. And for teens, check the Mandara Spa's daily makeup and hair demonstrations.
In honor of Grandparents Day this month — traditionally the first Sunday after Labor Day — Avery shares these picks for creating memories across the generations:
O'ahu
"There's a Super Pool landscaped with lava rock waterfalls. On the grounds near the lobby, the kids can see more than 30 species of wildlife, including super-popular penguins, ibises, flamingos and a variety of birds and fish," Avery says. Pack your grass skirt and take the children to the Aloha Friday King's Jubilee, a hula show followed by fireworks over Waikiki. 800-445-8667; www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com.
Lake Tahoe, Calif.
"This is old Lake Tahoe. The rustic lodgings, without telephones or TVs, are reminiscent of a simpler, quiet life," Avery says. Sheltered by pines on the southwestern shore of the lake, the resort offers a choice of tent campsites, cabins, RV sites or a historic hotel. Rent boats at the marina, ride bikes together on miles of paved paths or sit on the deck at the resort's Beacon Bar & Grill and admire the changing colors. 800-544-1801; www.camprichardson.com.
Brownfield, Maine
"The calmness of the Saco River makes it an easy paddle for all different ages," Avery says. It's one of the most popular recreational rivers in the state, and the sandy bottom of the Saco is inviting for a swim. Go ashore to picnic or camp on a sandbar along the way. Bring your own equipment or have this outfitter gear you up and provide shuttle service to a starting point. 207-452-2500; www.riverruncanoe.com.
Hot Springs, Ark.
"Go fishing," Avery says. "The size of a catch doesn't matter to children; what matters is bonding with their grandparents. It's about spending a few stress-free hours together in the great outdoors, side by side." Bass and crappie abound in the clean water at Lake Ouachita State Park, only half an hour from this historic downtown hotel. Tour a bathhouse, buy art or relax on a bench and people-watch. 800-643-1502; www.arlingtonhotel.com.
Washington, D.C.
"This classy, family-friendly hotel is a short walk to the National Mall and the Metro (subway)," Avery says. Washington, D.C., "is a great destination, but you have to know your child and make sure he or she has the right temperament, at the right age, to visit. Every bit of the trip is an educational one." Avery's must-sees: the International Spy Museum and the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing to discover how money is made — literally. 800-635-5065; www.lenfantplazahotel.com.
Paradise Valley, Ariz.
"New generations continue to inherit the family tradition of vacationing together at this popular 125-acre hotel," Avery says. The wide-open Southwest terrain provides plenty of opportunities for bike riding or strolling the desert landscape known for its stunning light. The big complex of pools has something for everybody, and there's a golf course surrounded by desert wildlife and plants. Hopalong College, the program for children ages 6-12, has exploratory outdoor activities and cooking classes. 800-242-2635; www.camelbackinn.com.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
"Explore nearby Epcot from this lovely hotel," Avery says. "Epcot has all the excitement of a world's fair. It's like taking a trip around the world and sampling the fine food along the way. Guests walk or take boats crisscrossing Seven Seas Lagoon. Chefs come from around the world to make authentic dishes from their country. The result is absolutely top-notch." 407-824-4321; www.disneyworld.com.
