IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Easter getaways with the gang

Easter vacation comes early this year, offering the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter blahs and put some spring in your step. Since many schools combine spring break with Easter vacation, resorts are coming up with early spring packages that feature “egg-citing” activities for the kids.
/ Source: Wejustgotback.com

Easter vacation comes early this year, offering the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter blahs and put some spring in your step. Since many schools combine spring break with Easter vacation, resorts are coming up with early spring packages that feature “egg-citing” activities for the kids. These six resorts are thinking outside the basket with creative Easter events for the entire family.

Where: Pinehurst, N.C. Why: Because this award-winning, kid-friendly golf resort (see ) offers a truly terrific line-up of family-friendly Easter activities. Jumpstart the weekend with a “Family Fun Run” on Friday, then check out the scavenger hunt, “Cottontail Croquet,” relay races, hayrides, all-family putting contest, face painting, and a good, old-fashioned tug-of-war. Sunday highlights include a traditional egg hunt on the great lawn and Pinehurst’s famously copious Easter buffet. Overnight rates start at $179 per person. Kids 17 and under stay, eat and golf free.

Where: Sedona, Ariz. Why: Because the “Spring Break Gold Rush” delivers the best of the West. The weekend round-up includes a treasure hunt, rock climbing, and nature walk. On Sunday, you can look forward to an Easter-egg hunt, magic show, visits from the Easter bunny, and performances by Native American dancers. Need a little grown-up relaxation time? Head to the resort’s Mii Amo spa, which was voted the “world’s best destination spa” by the readers of Travel + Leisure. Nightly rates, including some activities, brunch, taxes and resort fees, start at $577 per room.

Where: Sandusky, OhioWhy: Because, following a recent expansion, this safari-themed lodge is now America’s largest indoor waterpark resort. The kids will have a blast Easter Sunday with bunny-themed events like the “Bunny Hop Sack Race,” bean bag tosses, pin-the-tail-on-the-bunny, and jelly bean bingo. The Easter “Dine and Stay Special” starts at $349 a night for a family of four, including unlimited admission to the park and Sunday brunch.

Where: White Sulphur Springs, W.V. Why: Because this historic landmark resort offers a weekend full of luxury at its mineral spa, and a basketful of Easter hoppenings the kids will love. Highlights include the “Easter Fun Fest” and “Hippity-Hop Dinner and Dance Party,” which feature two buffets, a jelly bean guessing contest, and caricature and balloon artists. Kids can look forward to movie nights, magic and puppet shows, dance lessons, and a live performance in the resort’s children’s theater. Nightly rates during the Easter weekend start at $424 per room.

Where: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.Why: Located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, the Sawgrass Marriott offers a perfect warm-weather retreat for the entire family. The jam-packed Easter weekend schedule includes many free activities, including a family egg toss, bunny hop sack race, Easter Bunny tuck-ins, ice cream social, poolside bingo, cookie decorating, dive-in movie, and much more. Check out the “Escape Family Time package” for $199 a night, which includes accommodation plus free meals for kids under 12.

Where: Hawley, Pa. Why: Because this Poconos favorite (see ) really delivers that home-away-from-home feeling. No matter the weather, Woodloch keeps you busy indoors and out with bumper cars, go-carts, golf, family Olympics, and a three-story indoor gymboree. If it’s blustery outside, snow tubing and ice skating may also be available. During Easter weekend, expect a petting zoo, candy hunt, children’s party, and Sunday dinner. A two-night, three-day stay including meals and entertainment starts at $400 per person. Children’s rates are discounted.
WeJustGotBack.com is an authoritative online guide to family trip-planning. The site features reviews of kid-friendly hotels and resorts, expert planning advice, readers' travel tips, destination insider guides, vacation deals, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about resort specials and exclusive, money-saving offers.