Contributor By NYLady, eHow Contributing Writer

I want to do this! Kennebunkport has been attracting vacationers for years. The town of Kennebunkport, on the southern coast of Maine, might be best known as the summer home of George and Barbara Bush. But this is also a vacation spot that has been attracting summer visitors for many years. The Maine beaches, and activities such as fishing, biking, whale-watching, boating and shopping all combine to make Kennebunkport a draw for family vacations.

1. The Colony Hotel

The Colony Hotel is on 11 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and is kid-friendly. A heated outdoor saltwater swimming pool is on the property, as is access to a swimming beach and an organic garden. The Colony, which is within walking distance of the Dock Square shopping district, also features a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and classic Maine lobsters. There's plenty for the kids to do here, including half- and full-day bike rentals, a family scavenger hunt, badminton and shuffleboard courts, croquet and a putting green.

The Colony Hotel 140 Ocean Ave. PO 511 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 800-552-2363 thecolonyhotel.com

2. Nonantum Lodge Resort

Just a short walk from downtown Kennebunkport, the Nonantum features an outdoor heated pool on the Kennebunkport River, a lounge, gift shop, a dining room called 95 Ocean, and many activities for families. You can rent river kayaks at the resort, book excursions on a lobster or fishing boat from the resort's own marina, or take a stroll along the scenic Parson's Way Coastal Walk. Lodging at the Nonantum consists of 111 guest rooms in two buildings--the Carriage House Inn or the more modern Portside Lodge. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi access, and many have balconies or patios.

Nonantum Inn and Resort P.O. Box 2626 95 Ocean Ave. Kennebunkport, ME 04046 800-552-5651 or 207-967-4050 nonantumresort.com

3. Ocean Winds Resort The tidal pools at Goose Rocks Beach will draw the kids. The 10-acre Ocean Woods Resort is surrounded by birch woods and is a half-mile from Goose Rocks Beach. This is a country resort, with 32 guest rooms and several two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments for visitors who want to rent by the week. Ocean Woods features an outdoor pool and hot tub, a casual restaurant, PJ's, and basketball and shuffleboard courts. Nearby Goose Rocks Beach is perfect for kids because the surf is low and shallow tidal pools are common. The accommodation also includes continental breakfast.

Ocean Woods Resort 71 Dyke Road Kennebunkport, Maine 04046 866-967-1928 oceanwoodsresort.com

4. Rhumb Line Resort Guests love the resort's Downeast Feast. This resort bills itself as an "affordable family resort hotel," and is on 4 acres of wooded land 1 mile from the Bush home at Walker Point. The resort is within walking distance of a pebble beach, and a short drive from sandy beaches such as Goose Rocks. This is a AAA Three-Diamond resort, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, a sauna and a fitness center. Its air-conditioned guest rooms include the usual amenities, including cable TV, Wi-Fi access, and private decks or porches. The Admiral's Table, a poolside restaurant, serves a popular "Downeast Feast," which includes lobsters, steamers, chowder and corn on the cob. The Rhumb Line Resort is on the Intown Trolley line, which makes hourly stops at the resort.

Rhumb Line Resort Ocean Avenue P.O. Box 3067 Kennebunkport, Maine 04046 1-800-337-4862 rhumblineresort.com

Read more: Family Vacations in Kennebunkport, Maine | eHow.com

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CANADA

USA
NORTHEAST

Canada and USA Family Vacations
Jus4fun is an unparalleled directory of Canada and USA fishing and family vacations with adventure. These family vacation spots feature retreats in tranquil wilderness, superb sanctuaries, B& B, four season resorts, ski lodges, cottage resorts, cozy cabin rentals and lodges, camping, fishing lodges, guest ranches, summer camps, Waterfront retreats, mountain cabins, wilderness lodges, houseboat rentals, yacht charters, overnight cruises, hostels, pet friendly resorts, hotels and motels, and… View family and romantic places to go, stay, or play. First class accommodations offer serenity, fun, adventure, and recreation with outstanding opportunities for family fishing, boating, camping, summer camps, beaches, mountain-biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and …

Jus4fun is adding art camps, dance camps, day camps, drama camps, adventure camps, horseback riding camp, improv camp, science camp, and sports camp. It has a special page on getaways such as: Country Inn/Spas, Girl’s Getaways, Gourmet Getaways, Mid-Week Getaways, Romantic Getaways, Shopping Getaways, Workshops and Retreats, and Winter Getaways.

See other Provinces and States for more of family vacations.
Lakelands Region Fishing Lodges and Family Resorts, Ontario, Canada
Canada’s fishing lodges, family vacations, resorts, fly-in fishing, and adventure vacations… Family resorts, full service lodges, and vacation cottages, offer a great selection of fun options. Luxury resorts and full service lodges offer outstanding service, great facilities, guided fishing, and fine dining, which make your visit to Canada’s provinces an adventure to remember.

A fishing trip to Canada can make a child’s and adult’s dreams come true.

USA

CALIFORNIA

California Vacation for Kids ׀ California Family Vacation
It is not difficult to come up with family vacations or weekend getaway ideas in California. What’s difficult is packing all the great travel opportunities into a youth’s busy schedule. Letting children see and explore new attractions in nature, outdoor recreation, and scenery is one of the greatest gifts you can give a kid.

California kids vacations offer an endless amount of family attractions, parks, beaches, and nature events. They are exciting, unpredictable, and beautiful to feel, watch, and enjoy. Some of the more popular ideas are California theme parks such as Disneyland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Six Flags, Knotts Berry Farm, and San Diego Wild Animal Park.

COLORADO
Colorado Group and Family Reunion Vacation
Check out Family Vacations and Retreats weddings, meetings, and conferences, Groups and Reunions in the Colorado Vacation Directory. Click on Groups and Reunions and Family Friendly and buttons. They can help family reunion, wedding, retreat and conference planners find places to stay and fun vacation things to do throughout the state of Colorado.

Romantics,dog lovers, and horse lovers can add to their vacation ideas and enjoyment by clicking on Romance Packages or Dogs OK or Guest Horses.

FLORIDA
Sanibel Island Family Beach Vacation, South Florida
Family vacations at Cas Ybel Resort in Sanibel, FL include Kid’s Club, Tennis Camps, Beach and bike rentals, and so much more. Casa Ybel Resort in Sanibel Florida has received several awards such as:

• One of North America’s Top 20 Family Resorts from Travel + Leisure Family Winter 2002
• Top 500 Places To Stay In The World by Travel + Leisure 2006

South Florida Vacations for Parents and Kids, Beach packages & FL Beachfront Hotels – South S…
Discover exclusive Southwest Florida family vacations where activities are designed specifically for both parents and children to participate.

Allow the natural beauty of the resort’s unspoiled landscape to inspire much-needed family time, while participating in outdoor recreation that invigorates the soul and enlivens the spirit. Family Activities, arranged by professional staff, lay the foundation for enduring memories.

Delight in the authentic island experience and make your Florida family beach vacation unforgettable. A sample of the innovative programs designed for families, include:

• Captiva Kids Club, for ages 4 to 12
• Captiva Teen Club, for ages 12 and above

Engage in a true island experience – tranquil, private, and deeply reflective. As an unspoiled refuge at the edge of the Gulf Coast of Florida, South Seas Island Resort welcomes you to experience the genuine freedom and luxury to set your own pace in the midst of timeless natural splendor.

Florida FunShine – Florida Vacation Guide with ideas for trip planning in kids vacations
View by region Florida family vacations, activities, accommodations, & dining with opportunities for beaches, fishing, camping or RV, hiking, bicycling, birding and wildlife viewing, art museums and galleries, and more.

GEORGIA

Affordable Family Vacation for Georgia’s 9 Travel Regions
The state of Georgia,USA is popular for affordable family vacations with its 9 travel regions that offer leisure and fun for everyone. This free online guide describes major attractions, monthly events, and festivals for family getaways in each region. Family outdoor recreation includes beaches, scenic driving tours, bike trails, nature trails, free inside activities, horseback trails, lakes, waterfalls, fishing lakes, wildlife areas, Audbon Societies, mountains, planetariums, gardens, historical sites, civil war sites, state parks, national parks, libraries, and WRD ranges. It even features Farmers Markets in Georgia. For those who like motorized adventure there is detailed information in National Forests in Georgia on trails for:

• OHV – Overland Vehicles such as motorbikes, mini bikes, dirt bikes, and motor-cross bikes,
• ATV’s – All Terrain Vehicles such as three wheelers, four wheelers, dune buggies, and snow mobiles.

See beaches and island vacation rentals for family vacations on Georgia's coast and islands. Selections include Jekyll Island, ST. Simon's Island, Tybee Island, Savannah, Blackshear, and Satilla River.

TENNESSEE

Family Vacation in Great Smokey Mountains │Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is a part of the Great Smokey Mountains that provides family vacations that are loved by millions because there are so many things to do together. There are activities and attractions for visitors of all ages that can entertain you for days. You will find an endless number of family pleasing attractions, rides, amusements, Dollywood Theme Park, craft demonstrations, dinner and music shows, museums, gift shops, and outlet shopping. Many of the attractions are accessible by Trolleys.

Other popular attractions are theaters which offer family entertainment good for all ages, such as: comedy shows, magic shows, and live music such as Gospel, country, bluegrass, and rock. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction is very popular.

There are also the outside activities of the Great Smokey Mountain Park such as hiking, wildlife-viewing, and camping. The fall foliage attracts a lot of visitors.

For family dinning there are dozens and dozens of restaurants of every kind: from mom and pop to national chains from ethnic to Southern, from 50 kinds of pancakes to 50 kinds of fudge or ice cream. The Old Mill and Apple Barn are popular restaurants.

Pigeon Forge is always adding something new. The newest attractions include Wonderworks and Zorb. That may be why many families like to revisit.

HAWAII

Kauai, Hawaii Family Vacation Resort Rentals – Princeville Resort
Kauai, Hawaii family vacations resort rentals - Princeville,Hawaii consist of luxury homes, condo complexes, and Princeville Resort with views of the Pacific Ocean, Hanalei Bay, or Hideaways Beach. Enjoy an ideal setting for exciting activities or simple relaxation.

This family vacation resort is located on the lush North Shore of Kauai which is considered one of the most beautiful tropical resort destinations in the world. The Princeville Resort has received several awards such as:

• 2002 & 2003 Conde Nast
• Traveler’s Gold List
• Top Ten U.S. Golf Resorts
• Travel & Leisure Reader Survey
• Golf Digest #1 course in Hawaii

Princeville Resort is a great choice for large families who would like privacy during their stay in Kauai, Hawaii.

MICHIGAN

Eastern Michigan Family Vacation Rentals

Smiles and laughter often are part of family vacations in Caseyville, Michigan. guests of Caseyville vacation rentals can go boating, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and golfing in this lovely area in Eastern Michigan. A family vacation rental spot on Lake Huron makes the perfect home away from home. Eastern Michigan family vacations are available as vacation cottages, houses, cabins located at beach or rural for luxury or budget types.

Choose from locations in Michigan such as Caseyville, Lexington, Gladwin, Port Austin, Port Sanilac, and Harbor Beach.

NEW ENGLAND

New England Family Vacation Getaway -NEIRA
Perfect New England family vacations consist of wintry days on the slopes or sunny beaches on the Cape,through the New England Inns & Resorts Association. They are there to help you plan a memorable trip. Their wide range of properties – from romantic B&B’s to magnificent luxury hotels – lets you choose the best way to relax. Plan a tranquil escape to a quiet country inn for a little R&R, or visit their larger resorts – where golf, shopping, and limitless leisure pursuits rule the day. Discover NEIRA and find the best New England family vacation resort for you.

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
Top Caribbean Family Beach Vacations and Ideas
Discover top Caribbean family beach vacations and family vacation ideas from a Caribbean travel business couple with forty years experience. Take advantage of a couple who have traveled extensively to many Caribbean family resort vacations, secluded Caribbean all inclusive resorts, Caribbean Kid Camps in beach resorts, and romantic secluded getaways. Some Caribbean resorts have areas just for teens where they can meet new friends and hear good music. Some Caribbean resorts offer children and pre-teens activities with beach ball, water sports, beach soccer, snorkeling, and other attractions to keep them busy all day.

Caribbean Kids Camps are available in many of the beach resorts and offer toddler and kid pools and beach play under the supervision of counselors. Magic, face painting and games are also featured. Discover Caribbean family vacations in exceptional and unusual places. Make the preparation as fun as possible. Kids and teenagers alike need “their” things to be happy. Some of the many Caribbean Islands which offer this tyoe of family vacations are: Jamica, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, and Cancun Resorts. With this plan of action you can assure yourself of fun and satisfaction during your Caribbean family vacation.

ASIA

JAPAN

japan-guide,com forum – Vacations for Parents And Children in Japan
Japan is a great destination for family vacations. Japan offers inspiring, cultural, nature, historical sites of interest and activities for the whole family. Japan is slightly smaller than California and consists of four main islands surrounded by more than 4,000 islands.

The four major islands are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, & Kyushu. Japan’s landscape features scenic coastlines and islands, mountains (which are often volcanic) and highlands, and twisted valleys that inspire with the mysterious world of nature. One example is Yakushima, a mysterious island with 6 mountain peaks over 1,800 m called “The Alps on the Ocean.” Its influence on climate is very complex, and its temperature and seasonal change are the largest on earth. Visit ‘Yakushima lighthouse’ where a beautiful sandy beach is known to have star shaped sand.

Yakushima Island is one of many World Heritage Sites in Japan. Some of the other World Heritage Sites are:

• Shiretoko
• Shirakami-sanchi Mountain Range
• The Shrines and Temples of Nikko
• The three unique Sacred Sites of Nara, Wakayama, and Mie prefectures and their Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
• The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara Buddhist

Enjoy an unforgettable family vacation in Japan. The number of vacation options, and the friendly environment, make Japan an inspiring choice for family holidays.

MALAYSIA

Family Resorts and Theme Parks in Malaysia
Malaysia offers family vacations of excitement, adventure, and fantasy for those who are traveling with their families and young children. Malaysia has a range of theme parks which generally combine a mixture of water activities, adventure, futuristic experiences, games and rides, while resorts are just the place for relaxation and sightseeing. A few suggestions are:

• Colomar Tropicale A French –themed resort located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, approximately 40 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway.

• Genting Theme Park A highland resort about 51 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Carved out of the Ulu Kali mountain range at 2000 meters above sea level the hill resort soon acquired the tag ‘City of Entertainment’ because of the range of entertainment activities. Cool mountain air further added to its lure as a place to get away from it all and be transported into a world of excitement.
• A ‘Famosa Water World This is the southern region’s playground for water lovers. Designed for family vacations, it offers water-based attractions with safe bathing and water activities for children. It has novelty rides of high speed slides, body slides, and jet skis which enable older children to enjoy action-packed thrills on water.

  For younger children there is the ‘Arabian Village’, a brightly-coloured playground structure inspired by Moorsih architecture. This offers unlimited fun for younger children as they climb the steps, go through tunnels or slide downwater tubes and slides.

  For adults and children there is The Lazy River 504 m long and 3-9m wide is the longest and widest theme park river in the country and here families enjoy a leisure ride aboard a family raft. For wave lovers there is the Wave Pool where swelling waves are simulated artificially and recreate the seaside atmosphere.

• Bukit Merah Laketown Laketown is at the Bukit Merah Interchange along the North-South Highway. All that you need for a refreshing stay can be found at the resort - the Bukit Merah Laketown Inn, Bukit Merah Laketown Marinas Village, and the Bukit Merah Laketown Waterpark. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and natural lake, the resort makes a suitable getaway for the entire family.

• Wet World Located in Shah Alam, Wet World was established as a neighborhood waterpark. It is targeted for families who just want to have a splashing good time without the stunts. There is however recreational rides like the Monsoon Buster – the world’s longest uphill wetcoaster that rises and dips for 222meters.

In addition to the plenitude of beaches along the peninsula and the coast of Eastern Malaysia, the country also possesses over a hundred tropical islands. Many of these are so beautiful as to have entered into legend centuries ago, like the islands of Langkawi, remain desert islands, marked, or Pulau Tioman. Others beautiful islands are known only by the imprint of the South China Sea on their sands.

THAILAND

Vacationing as a solo female or with children in Thailand.
Thai family vacations are great. Thailand features several nice family beaches and resorts in Central Thailand such as:

• Cha Am – A quiet beach resort with wonderful seafood and a unique Thai flavor.
• Hua Hin – A small town resort ideal for family vacations offering homestay accommodations, snorkeling, beaches, & nature parks. It is a favored retreat by Royalty.
• Koh Chang – Thailand’s second biggest island after Phuket features beach escape, beautiful waterfalls, unspoiled natural surroundings, and rich marine resources.
• Pattaya – Thailand’s favorite beach resort with a unique night scene.

  Thai’s love children. Children’s supplies and necessities are available throughout the kingdom. Infant’s pay 10% of adult fare on major transportation. Children under 12 are charged half the adult rate and are expected to pay the same as adult rates when they reach that 12th birthday. There is no discount for children when traveling on the train system.

AUSTRALIA

Vacations with Kids Specialists in Australia Travel: Top 10 Resorts
Each year Holiday With Kids request readers to nominate the best resort for family vacations that they had stayed at in Australia or the South Pacific. Holiday with Kids is the leading Australian family travel magazine with three million visitors a month to its website. From the reader survey they publish each year the Top Ten Family Holiday Resorts recommended by its readers. See what the Top 10 family resorts were for 2006.

Here you can find family attractions, family travel reviews, family vacation experiences, and family travel tips. View family friendly travel options such as all of Australia, including Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and NSW; plus family adventure vacations in the Northern Territory, and educational trips to Canberra. See also reviews on the South Pacific's Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu, Bali, And Cook Islands.

For overseas travel click on Destinations to see availability of family accommodations and Kid’s Clubs in such locations as Bali/Indonesia, Brunei/Daruselam, New Caldonia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritus, New Zealand, Samoa, Vietnam, and more.

Readers may also wish to click on Single Parent Travel, Teen Files, Family Holiday Specials.

EUROPE

CZECH REPUBLIC

Winter family resorts – Czech republic
Family vacations with skiing in the mountains of the Czech Republic.

Almost untouched wilderness, small ski areas, easy and moderate runs make the mountains of Šumava, Orlicky Hory and Beskydy in the Czech Republican ideal winter destination for family vacations. Zadov, Špičák and Kramolín make up the ski areas of Šumava. The best possibility for skiing on the Czech side of Šumava would be the Špičák ski area. A three-day pass here costs CZK 1130 (39 euros), while a children’s pass is CZK 720 (25 euros). A Šumava superskipas to all resorts in the area can be purchased for two to seven days and may be advantageous for longer stays in the region. Snowboarders have their own area within the confines of Zadov, while cross-country enthusiasts have more than 150 kilometers of trails to choose from. After skiing, tired skiers can look for relaxation in the aqua world water park or try some of the local delicacies.

The Orlicky mountains invite skiers to the resorts of Deštna a Říčky. Some 80 kilometers of cross-country trails run through the Orlicky mountains. One of the more unusual events held here is the Šediváčkův long dog-sled race, will be take place on January 23 to 27, 2007.

Cross-country skiers travel to Beskydy to take advantage of more than 100 kilometers of trails. The Lysohorská trail, the Těšínských Beskyd and the Pusteven trail are just a few of the famous routes in the area. Downhill skiers can find what they are looking for at Pusteven and the Bílá ski resort. Every year, spectators of all ages come to Pusteven for the areas sněhovánky. Be sure to visit the Valašsky museum on February 2009 to experience Shrove Tuesday while taking in the results of the competition for the best valašsky sausage.

NORWAY

Family friendly Norway – Official Travel Guide Norway – visitnorway.com
For Norwegians, family vacations with skiing is a way of life and children start skiing from the age of three. So, it comes as no surprise that in Norwegian ski resorts, children’s facilities are as important as facilities for adults.

For those who want a break from skiing, there are an abundance of other activities to indulge in including dog sledding, snow shoeing, and more. For summer activities, there is biking, fishing, hiking, farm holiday activities, sightseeing, etc. One of the most beautiful sites to see is Fjord Norway. It emerged as the winner in a survey of the most popular of the World Heritage sites. To those who know, the fjord is the soul of Norway – certainly its most significant attraction.

Another attractive location is Sorlandet in the southern region of Norway. It is ideal for family holidays, with idyllic coastal towns.

SPAIN

Family Beach Vacations Spain ׀ Family Resorts Ibiza, Balearics, Spain
The island of Ibiza, Balearics, Spain is ideal destination for family vacations and features beaches, natural beauty, and countryside. Areas and towns are designated for family type holidays and areas are set up to suit clubbers and the younger guests to the island. There are many small beaches and coves where delightful restaurants and cafes can be found. The Spanish love kids, so they are always ready to welcome children into restaurants and cafes.

In Ibiza, Balearics, Spain, there are many delightful beaches and resorts with turquoise, crystal clear waters which make them favorites and ideal for families such as: Cala Bassa, Cala Carbo, Cala Conta, Cala d’ Hort, Cala Gracio, Cala Jondal (home of the Jockey Club), Cala Lienya ( a relaxing atmosphere in a quieter resort) Cala Longa, Cala Moli( a hideaway, secluded beach) … and many others. Click on “Areas” to view to see the highlights of each and which are best for children.

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