The launch of Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort got us thinking about some resorts where you and your grandchildren can actually swing a golf club or a tennis racket, or sail. Here are our top picks for perfect getaways if you love:
GOLF
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston, S.C.
 Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston, S.C. |
On holidays and in the summer, Kiawah Island offers a Family Tee program for grandparents and grandchildren to play together on four of the luxe resort's five championship golf courses. Or take two days for the (Grand)Parent-(Grand)Child School that provides instruction, including video analysis, for adults and kids as young as 5. Tennis courts, fishing charters, and bike rentals round out the recreational offerings. For younger kids, there are eco-crafts and family games at Night Heron Park. Evening events for teens range from Gamers' Network (Wii, Rock Band and
American Idol competitions) to 3-on-3 basketball tourneys.
Doubles from $195 a night
TENNIS
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Fla.
 The Breakers, Palm Beach, Fla. |
At this legendary south Florida property, guests can arrange their own tennis games on any of 17 Har-Tru courts, or can take part in daily clinics. In summer, there's a junior-tennis academy with lessons from USPTA-certified pros for ages 3 and older. Ken Thompson, director of tennis, says, "I am now giving tennis instruction to the grandchildren of families who have visited the hotel over two decades." The staff is happy to arrange customized lessons, clinics, and tournaments for families who wish to extend their tennis-playing legacy to the next generation. Guests can spend time off the courts
golfing, swimming, snorkeling, or whacking balls through a wicket in croquet. The kid-centric clincher: a 6,000-plus square-foot Family Entertainment Center.
Doubles from $225 a night
SKIING
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colo.
 Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colo. |
A ski concierge ensures that guests' gear is ready to go when they are at this Rocky Mountains ski resort set amid 1,800 pristine acres on Beaver Creek Mountain. The ski school runs group classes for all levels and ages; families can sign up for private lessons with experienced instructors specifically trained to teach adults and kids together. For cross-country skiiers, the Nordic Center offers almost 20 miles of groomed and rustic trails. Grandchildren can sample Munchies and a Movie every afternoon; try a fully-clothed massage treatment at the Fitness Studio, or borrow Bachelor, the resort's resident Labrador Retriever, for a doggy fix.
Doubles from $399 a night
HORSEBACK RIDING
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai, Calif.
 Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Ojai, Calif. |
Dude ranches are great for honing your horseback riding skills, but if you prefer five-star accommodations, locally-sourced gourmet cuisine,and an occasional massage treatment, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is a fine option. Adults and children can take lessons at nearby Rancho Grande, or take scenic trail rides in Los Padres National Forest and bring a box lunch that the Inn's chef packed. The ultra-active can continue their day with swimming, tennis, or golf; mellower guests may enjoy morning meditation sessions; the whole family can collaborate on custom art projects at the Artist's Cottage and Apothecary.
Doubles from $400 a night
SAILING
Hawks Cay Island Resort, Duck Key, Fla.
 Hawks Cay Island Resort, Duck Key, Fla. |
The renowned Offshore Sailing School offers instruction that is a highlight of this 60-acre, water-sports-focused property featuring a full-service marina, five swimming pools, and a saltwater lagoon. Instructors can tailor two-hour lessons to any skill level, or opt for the multi-day Learn to Sail program. Families with children, ages 7 to 17, save money by taking a whole boat for a private family-course. When they're not on the water, Camp Hawk will keep grandchildren, ages 5 through 12, busy with activities. Kids Night Out includes movies and arts and crafts on weekends. Teens get their own lounge for playing Xbox and singing karaoke.
Doubles from $149 a night
Editor's note: Rates may change so be sure to check ahead.
Related Information
What's your favorite sport to share with your grandchildren?
Tell us at the Travel With Grandchildren Group
When researching resorts, look for spots that offer grandparent-friendly features like automatic childproofing of guest rooms and evening activities for older children.
Call ahead to find out what kind of gear you'll really need to bring for your grandchildren, what the resort supplies, and what you can get away with leaving at home.
If the entire family is going on a trip, bring at least one set of walkie-talkies to stay in touch if you split up, so spotty cell phone service won't be an issue.
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