Margaritaville Comes to Hollywood
Attention Parrotheads! Next summer Margaritaville Beach Resort will open in Hollywood Beach, Florida with tropically influenced rooms that overlook either the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. The large pool area will offer watersports and activities including dueling FlowRiders—a simulated surfing experience, cabanas and poolside food trucks (love that!). And for parents looking for a relaxing escape, the 11th floor will offer License to Chill—an adults-only area—plus additional sneak-away spots where one can swing in a hammock. There will also be a kids’ club, family program, spa, gym and several live entertainment venues. For dining and drinking there will be seven bars and restaurants including an all-new Margaritaville-inspired fine dining venue. Other dining venues include LandShark Bar & Grill, License to Chill Rooftop Bar, Changes in Attitude Lone Palm Bar, 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar, and JWB Prime Steak & Seafood. Room rates will range from $198 to $350 depending on the room type.
Dora In Orlando
Dora the Explorer fans will love the Dora and Diego Adventure package at Nickelodeon Suites Resorts in Orlando. 
With a minimum two-night stay, your family will receive a treasure trove of Dora-themed gear including backpacks, a Diego Frisbee and Dora and Boots plush toys and more. Explorers age 5 and under also eat free at Nicktoons Cafe and The Buffet and receive complimentary tickets to Dora and Diego’s 4-D Adventure film. Two adults get free passes as well. Also the hotel’s $30 per night resort fee grants families entrance to live shows and a great water park plus transportation to nearby theme parks and parking. The package is available through December 20.
Learn to Ski at The Homestead
Looking for a family resort getaway that also includes skiing? The Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA is offering a Family Learn to Ski package from January 2-March 29. It includes lift tickets and skis each day and group lessons for ages 6 and up at the Sepp Kober Ski School. The resort showcases 45 acres of wide, well-maintained ski trails and their slopes are perfect for beginners and not-so-beginners. Snow tubing, ice skating or a guided snowmobile tour round out the winter activities. And at the end of the day, enjoy fireside s’mores at the firepit on the Casino Lawn. The resort also showcases a hot springs pool for year-round use, indoor pool, plenty of dining options, kids club, spa and several different accommodation options. This historic resort has welcomed guests, including 22 US Presidents, since the early 18th century!
Attention Aunts and Uncles
Are you a PANK or PUNK? Short form for “Professional Aunt (Uncle), No Kids,” the term applies to a wide audience across the board. Aunts, uncles, cousins, or moms’ best friend. Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, SC is offering a special package for you. Their three-night PANKS/PUNKS Beach Vacation Package for one adult and two children starts at $309 per night through December 31 and includes a two bedroom resort condo, two hour guided kayaking excursion through Morgan Creek to a small hammock island with a scenic swimming hole and a one hour narrated Historic Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour. Wild Dunes offers a large variety of amenities and recreation for all ages including great golf, tennis, beach, watersports, pools, children’s programs, spa, gym, bike rentals and more. The package rate is inclusive of taxes and fees and blackout dates may apply.
Holidays in Oregon
Santa Fe Treasure Hunt
Embark on an Indiana Jones style adventure with the Inn and Spa at Loretto’s Treasure Hunting Family Package. 
You’ll begin your journey at the historic inn, a property riddled with mystery and ancient folklore. Upon arrival you’ll receive a copy of the book The Thrill of the Chase by noted author and archeologist Forrest Fenn. The clues contained inside this legendary book lead to an actual treasure hidden within the Rocky Mountains. Spend the day following Forrest’s clues to see if you can unlock the secret location of this highly sought after treasure, valued at more than two million dollars. After your day of thrilling adventure, return to find a sweet reward waiting in your room. Your package includes accommodations for two nights, $50 per day food & beverage credit, book and Luminaria Restaurant’s signature chocolate treasure dessert at turndown. The package requires a two night stay and is available through December 31. It must be booked three days in advance of arrival and doesn’t include the hotel service fee.
California Dreamin’
The Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, CA is a fun and upscale year-round resort for families. Save up to $350 with their Splash and Stay 
package which includes a choice of accommodation options (rooms, suites and villas), breakfast for two at Bistro 65, dinner for two at Bistro or Diversions (upgrade to the BlueFire for additional $60), Kidtopia Kids Club including lunch or dinner for 3 hours (for up to 2 children), s’mores experience, splash landing pool kids welcome bags, self-parking, high speed internet, Athletic Club access, in-room coffee and daily newspaper upon request and the resort service charge. This legendary resort offers golf, tennis, spa, pools with waterslides, kids club, variety of family activities, gym with fitness classes (including a kids fitness boot camp), a new sport court, wellness lectures, falconry and more.
Cooking in NYC
Families who love cooking together will appreciate the Kids in the Kitchen package at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York. 
The property, which is home to chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, has partnered with Williams-Sonoma to offer a hands-on cooking experience that families can enjoy in their own suite. Your package includes overnight accommodations in an executive one-bedroom suite, bakeware including embroidered Trump aprons for a parent and child, a Trump-branded spatula, cookie cutters, and oven mitt, plus a Williams-Sonoma Kids Cookbook. To create the tasty cookies, parents and their tiny chefs use their suite’s European-style kitchen, which is stocked with Sub-Zero appliances, Williams-Sonoma sugar cookie mix, and all essential ingredients. The 700-sq.-ft. suites also feature a king-sized bed, 55-inch flat-screen HDTV with a Blu-ray player, marble bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Packages start at $945 per night (and the hotel will make a $10 donation on the family’s behalf to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital).
A Celebration of Harry Potter
Potterheads get ready for the 2nd annual A Celebration of Harry Potter from January 30-February 1 at Universal Orlando Resort! 
This 3-day getaway includes an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure as well as the new Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. Packages start at only $185 per person per night with a 3-night accommodation at one of Universal’s partner hotels, 3-day park-to-park tickets; exclusive Q&A session with film talent; access to the evening event serving light desserts and Butterbeer; a themed welcome amenity and a complimentary commemorative merchandise item; special guest access to A Celebration of Harry Potter Expo; reserved seating or viewing area for Celebration events; early park admission; breakfast at the Three Broomsticks; and free scheduled transportation from the hotel to Universal Orlando Resort. The upgraded $285 per person On-Site Deluxe Hotel Celebration Vacation package includes all of the above, plus Universal Express Unlimited ride access and onsite hotel accommodations.
Little Apples in the Big Apple
Looking for a luxury family getaway to New York? The Four Seasons Hotel New York is showcasing a Little Apples in the Big Apple package that includes two $50 gift cards to use at your choice of The LEGO Store, Dylan’s Candy Bar, FAO Schwarz or the Apple Store; $300 food and beverage credit, an Apple amenity and a room upgrade if available. This package requires a two-night minimum stay. This family friendly hotel which was designed by I.M. Pei is located in Midtown East near Park Avenue and just a few blocks from Central Park. It offers a spa, gym and top dining options.
