Cake Wars in Oregon
Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge is offering a series of family events and indoor and outdoor activities for Spring Break designed to suit all age groups.The lodge has set up its own Cake Wars, inspired by the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” with contestants competing for the best-designed cakes. Cake War competitions will be held on Saturday, March 24, and Saturday, March 31. The cost is $10 per cake. In addition, guided hikes by U.S. Forest Service staff are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For children, storytelling is offered on Friday and Saturday nights from March 24 through April 7. The lodge’s game room will be up and running daily from March 23 to April 8, offering such games as foosball, air hockey, Wii, table tennis and more. Surrounded by the waterfalls, peaks, forests and canyons of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season mountain resort located 50 minutes east of Portland, Ore., in Stevenson, WA. The property also features golf, spa, gym, indoor pool, tennis, bike rentals and several dining options. The gorgeous Columbia River Gorge region offers an array of outdoor adventures year round.
Disney Goes Hollywood
Adventures by Disney unveiled a new Southern California group excursion called Lights…Camera…Magic! which can be added to your Disneyland vacation (including room only reservations). 
Immerse your family in the magic of Disney and the history of Hollywood. You will live the Disney legacy beginning with a special tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. The story of The Walt Disney Company comes to life as you tour the historic Studio Lot, explore the Disney Archives, shop at the Studio Store and enjoy lunch at the Studio Commissary. Then go behind the scenes for a private visit to the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theater or the Kodak Theater, home to the Academy Awards, and explore Hollywood Boulevard. Later, the tour takes a drive down the legendary Sunset Strip to Beverly Hills, where you can stroll along Rodeo Drive. Then, it’s off to famed Malibu for a reception at Gladstone’s beachfront restaurant, a celebrity favorite. As with all Adventures By Disney excursions, the tour will be guided by two Disney-trained adventure guides who treat guests to VIP attention and “magical moments,” including fun Junior Adventurer activities designed especially for younger children. The rate is $199/adult and $189/child (age 4-9) which includes coach bus transportation, lunch, appetizers and drinks. The tour is available through March 2.
Twilight Tour
Twilight fans will appreciate Clipper Vacations’ Olympic Loop “Twilight” Tour featuring sightseeing in Forks and La Push, Washington. This 3-day/2-night, self-guided tour has your family exploring many areas mentioned in the series all around Port Angeles, Forks and La Push. You can visit the various shops and areas within Port Angeles where Bella and Edward walked; or visit Forks to see the police station and Forks Community Hospital, where Bella’s father and Dr. Cullen work, respectively. You can also visit the beach where Bella learns the truth about Edward, and the surrounding forests where Jake often patrolled for stray vampires. Accommodations are included at either the Kalaloch Lodge in Forks or Lake Quinault Lodge in nearby Quinault. Standard rates start at $166/person double per night. Rental cars, ferry packages (including from Vancouver), and extensions with additional accommodations are also available.
Luxury Montana Ranch
Looking for an upscale ranch experience? Check out The Resort at Paw’s Up which offers a variety of 3-, 4- and 5-night family packages. 
All of the packages (Familymoon, Family Values, Family Glamping and Spring Break) include your lodging, all meals and airport transfers. Added benefits vary by package and may include daily activities, a Chuckwagon dinner, cattle drive, kids camp and more. This 37,000 acre working cattle ranch is 45 minutes east of Missoula with upscale accommodations in both homes and tents. The homes feature full kitchens, loft game room, three spacious master suites and private deck. The one and two bedroom tents (for glamping=glamorous camping) have king size beds, fine linens, wall art, electricity, bathroom, fireplace, daily housekeeping and your own personal luxury camping butler! Horseback riding, wagon rides, guided hikes, pony rides, river rafting, mountain biking, archery, ATV tours, sporting clays, hot air balloon rides and more will keep your family active. The kids camp for ages 5-12 runs for full or half days and a Junior Wrangler program has full-day programs at the Saddle Club for age 8-14.
Parenting from the Heart
Canyon Ranch Lenox is bringing back Parenting from the Heart, an enrichment series complimentary to all guests, from January 14-16, 2012. 
We know that raising children presents endless joys, challenges and mysteries. Learn how you can nurture your children at every age with the expertise of Michael Thompson, Ph.D., co-author of the New York Times best-seller, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Lives of Boys. Michael is a world-renowned psychologist and engaging speaker who provides insight on how to help children grow in healthy, positive ways. Whatever your relationship to a child, you’ll discover ways to enhance that relationship and add greater meaning. You may also learn how the parenting style you experienced as a child influences you today. A variety of discounted spa packages are available for this exciting week-end including special rates for mothers and daughters, groups, new guests as well as returning guests.
Texas Holiday
The Texas Hill Country makes a great holiday getaway with a variety of family-friendly resorts and two great cities to explore (San Antonio and Austin) and day time temperatures averaging in the mid 60′s. Nearby SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texasare also both open with plenty of holiday themed fun. 
Enjoy a stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country with their Family Time package through December 31. The package includes unlimited golf for one at the TPC San Antonio, a $100 credit for a luxurious spa treatment at Lantana Spa, a $50 dining credit to be used in one of their 7 restaurants and a $50 credit for the Range Riders Kids Club for ages 4-12. The resort’s Christmas holiday celebrations include breakfast and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, photos with live Reindeer, an Elf Tuck-In, hay rides, Polar Plunge River Experience and more.
Kids Night on Broadway
From February 5-9, 2012, children ages 6-18 can attend a Broadway show in New York City for free with a full price adult ticket. Local restaurants are also “getting into the act” by offering free entrees for children dining with an adult. Participating shows for Kids Night on Broadway include Spider Man-Turn off the Dark, Godspell, Sister Act, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Wicked and more. You are also invited to attend a pre-theater party to kick off the event at Madame Tussauds on February 7 where your children can meet cast members from Broadway shows, participate in fun activities and explore the famous attraction. Nick Jonas is the national ambassador for Kids’ Night on Broadway 2012 and will soon appear in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying beginning January 24.
Hawk’s Cay Adventures
Hawk’s Cay has recently added a variety of adventure sports to its plethora of recreation options. You can now experience Jet Pack flying (ages 14 and up), kite boarding, stand-up paddleboards and Segway tours (ages 12 and up) at this family-friendly Florida Keys resort. 
Your family will also enjoy 5 pools, private saltwater lagoon where you can interact with dolphins, full-service marina, dive shop, fishing, kayaking, jetskis, parasailing, offshore sailing school, kids/tween/teen clubs, daily activities, Cliff Drysdale tennis program (with four new hardcourts and four new har-tru courts), gym and spa. The resort has 177 guestrooms (renovated spring 2008) and 225 two- and three- bedroom villas. Book early for your winter escape and receive your 5th night free! Just stay between January 2-February 12 or April 15-June 30, 2012.
Club Med Relaxation
Club Med announced an exclusive partnership with L’Occitane to create the first L’Occitane-branded spa in North America at Club Med Sandpiper in Florida. The spa will open in December 2011 and will mark the completion of a major $28 million renovation project for the resort. The 5,000-square-foot spa will feature seven indoor treatment rooms including one designed for couples massages, a manicure and pedicure area, Zen lounge and a L’Occitane boutique featuring more than 80 products. The whole spa experience and interior decor was specifically designed for Club Med Sandpiper Bay to embody the genuine diversity of Florida, the Sunshine State, and the Treasure Coast’s protected ecosystem. The spa will also feature teen and junior treatments for younger guests ages 8 to 17. In addition to expert treatments, the spa will offer a new yoga program with a range of classes. With a focus on well being, the resort has added academies in tennis, golf and fitness directed by premier coaches in the industry.
Mother/Daughter Cowgirl Bootcamp
A Mother-Daughter Cowgirl Bootcamp available from Alisal Guest Ranch from March 29-April 1, 2012 is a great spring break opportunity to strengthen bonds and build fond memories that will last a lifetime. 
After a bit of friendly instruction from the Alisal’s women wranglers, experienced and novice riders alike will hit the trails daily on the 10,500 acre cattle ranch. Included is an invigorating breakfast ride to the Old Adobe and learning the fundamentals of barrel racing and roping at the Alisal’s authentic western rodeo arena. The package includes studio accommodations; cowgirl western amenity basket upon arrival; receptions each evening; breakfast, lunch and dinner, including wine with dinner; gourmet picnic lunch; hat shaping and archery lesson at Alisal lake; line dancing instruction; daily horseback rides, roping, and barrel racing lessons and a mini cattle round-up for $2,395 based on double occupancy. Alisal is located in Solvang, CA less than an hour from Santa Barbara.
