Photo courtesy YMCA of the Rockies
By Maryann Hammers
What makes for a great family getaway? Activities for all, a family-friendly vibe, casual restaurants, and rates that won’t break the budget?
Get all that — and military discounts, too — at these standout destinations.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains
YMCA of the Rockies has two locations in Colorado — in Estes Park Center, adjacent to Rocky Mountains National Park, and Snow Mountain Ranch, near Winter Park. Both offer a two-night Military Getaway Package for active duty servicemembers and reservists for an incredibly affordable $164 — and that price includes accommodations for both nights, four people per room, and meals. You and your family can hike, bike ride (check out the fat-bike rentals), swim, play lawn games, go zip lining, and much more. At Snow Mountain Ranch, there’s also a Summer Tubing Hill. Are there more than four people in your group? Additional people cost $60 (or $40 for children ages 6 to 12). The offer is valid through May 31, 2017. Call (818) 613-9622 to reserve.
Families seeking mountaintop summer adventures will find them at Keystone Resort, which offer activities from guided hikes to horseback riding and biking. Sitting at 9,280-feet above elevation and just a short drive from Denver, Keystone caters to kids with family programs ranging from wagon rides to kite-building workshops and family dodgeball. Active duty and retired military members receive a 15-percent discount on the best available rate through the “Rocky Mountain Blue” partnership with the Air Force. Most activity and dining options also honor a military discount. Call (866) 768-2583 for rates and reservations.
Northern California wilderness
Step back in time to the Old West at Coffee Creek Dude Ranch in the Trinity Alps wilderness, surrounded by National Forest. Horseback riding on hundreds of miles of trails is the main event here, with daily breakfast and wilderness rides through picture-postcard scenery. If riding isn’t your thing, there’s lots to do for the whole family, including badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, hiking trips, mountain biking, bingo — even gold planning and age-appropriate youth programs. Active-duty military members and their immediate family get half off the regular rates, which start at $275/day ($1,375/week), including cabin accommodations, all meals, horseback riding, and other activities. Veterans got half off on Memorial Day weekend/week (May 27-June 3) and Veteran’s Week (November 6-12). See all rates and specials here (just remember, if you’re active military, you get half off those prices.) You’ll also find half-off deals for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and special Grandparents rates on September 9-11. Call (530) 266-3343.
Turks and Caicos
Craving the Caribbean? Ocean Club Resorts offers active duty and retired military members a 30-percent discount when you stay five nights. (Regular rates are here.) Located on famously beautiful Grace Bay Beach, the resorts offer condo-style suites with plenty of space and up to three bedrooms, kitchens, private balconies or patios, and most with washers/dryers. Activities include complimentary bikes, tennis, and sailing. The military offer is valid now through Aug. 31, 2016, for travel May through Dec. 18, 2016. Call (800) 457-8787, ext. 1, and mention the word “military.”
Chesapeake Bay
The Tides Inn in Irvington, Va., is in a pastoral setting along Carter’s Creek — just a tank of gas from Washington, D.C. With golf, a spa, and a marina, plus activities like tennis, sailing, croquet, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboards, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Servicemembers are offered a discount ranging from 10 to 30 percent. Make reservations online on the military page or by calling (855) 421-0412.
More Family Fun
For more family-friendly ideas, check out some of our previous articles, such as this one or this one with a Texas focus.