The Best Resorts for Young Kids

Scottsdale, Arizona
800-223-1818;
480-585-4848;
www.fairmont.com

Little ones love the mazelike gardens, children's menu, and pool; hire a sitter and enjoy tennis, golf, or the spa. The kids' program, with everything from computers to movies, is for children ages 5 and up. But the hotel offers an extensive baby-amenity package when you request a crib, including toys, diapers, and more. Also available free: strollers, high chairs, bottle warmers, and night-lights.

All rooms have a patio, a terrace, or a balcony; for safety's sake, request a ground-floor room. Bear in mind that from June through September, the heat confines outdoor activities to early morning and evening.

On warm nights, watch flicks while floating on an inner tube in the South Pool.

Skytop, Pennsylvania
800-617-2389;
www.skytop.com

This grand 1920s manor has mountain views and old-fashioned charm. (Men are asked to wear jackets to dinner.) But Skytop is also a family resort, with 30 miles of hiking trails; child-friendly facilities (a kiddie pool, video games, Ping-Pong, and minigolf); and activities from a summertime kids' program to winter downhill and cross-country skiing. Staff baby-sitters are available.

Units have an English-country look and feature a queen or king bed and a pullout sofa. Rates include all meals, most sports, and entertainment.

Nosh on fresh cookies with your kids at the resort's afternoon tea.

Osage Beach, Missouri
800-826-8272;
www.tar-tar-a.com

This mammoth resort (with more than 900 rooms) is smack-dab on Lake of the Ozarks. Camp Tan-Tar-A offers programs for 5- to 10-year-olds, such as bowling, swimming, and minigolf. Kids 4 and up can enjoy a playhouse equipped with toys, computers, and Nintendo. Baby-sitters are available.

Many rooms and suites feature a balcony or a patio, a fireplace, or a barbecue grill; for safety, you may want a room located on the ground floor or away from the lake.

Kids under 8 eat free at the Black Bear Lodge during special hours.

Port St. Lucie, Florida
800-CLUB-MED;
www.clubmed.com

As you relax, your baby can enjoy a lunch prepared by a baby-food specialist, then watch a puppet show. Club Med's infant and toddler program, for little ones from 4 months to 23 months, frees you to play golf and tennis or water-ski. Petit Club Med (for kids 2 to 3), Mini Club Med (kids 4 to 10) and Junior Club Med (11 to 13) offer activities like painting and water sports.

Rooms have minifridges. Room rates include sports, instruction, meals, and some drinks.

The 24-hour baby-convenience room is stocked with bottle warmers, juices, and milk.

Chatham, Massachusetts
800-225-7125;
www.wequassett.com

This charming seaside resort is located on the elbow of Cape Code. With its lovely backdrop, top-notch cuisine, attentive staff and wide range of activities, there's ample opportunity to relax and enjoy. The Children's Fun Club runs during July and August for kids 4 through 12.

Rooms and deluxe cottages have a quaint, child-friendly decor, some with waterfront views. Suites and cottages are also available for larger groups.

Guests are able to play golf at the neighboring, championship-quality Cape Cod National Golf Club. Plus the resort's central location makes quick trips to the National Seashore and other Cape Cod towns a breeze.