4 Places for Family Fun in the Sun this Holiday Season

By mariasmith76 HERWriter Blogger

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4 fun in the sun places for the holidays with the family

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Though winter does not officially arrive until December 21, cold weather, wind, and even snow are already hammering many parts of the United States. The scarves, gloves and fleece-lined coats are all useful for keeping families warm, but a day in the actual sun would be so much better. And there are places where short sleeves are still in vogue!

Check out the packages these warm-weather resorts are offering families this holiday season:

1. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Phoenix, Arizona

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is the 563 all-suite resort located at the base of the North Mountain Preserves in Phoenix, and is home to the popular four-acre River Ranch water park.

River Ranch is heated and open year-round, and features a twisting lazy river, water slide, sport pool, 18-holes of mini golf and more. Plus, the resort will be decked out in holiday decor so that families can truly get into the holiday spirit.

The New Year's Eve package is available for $199 per room and includes spacious suite accommodations, indulgent dinner buffet for a family of four (two adults and two children ages10 and under) and all party activities (kids activities, dance party, crafts, and even a 10 p.m. balloon drop!).

2. Kimpton's Hotel La Jolla, La Jolla, California (near San Diego)

When traveling with family, the Nice package compliments holiday escapes with a gingerbread kit (U-Make), hot chocolate with cookies, an in-room movie, $25 gift card to help with the holiday shopping, and complimentary valet parking.

Upon arrival, little ones are presented with a welcome gift from the hotel's treasure chest and a "Wild Child" animal print robe to use during their stay. Kids can also enjoy the hotel's complimentary fire-side s'mores, poolside movies and family game nights.

The hotel's complimentary shuttle service, beach cruisers and scooters offer families a way to ride in style down to the village to check out the children's pool (sea lions!) or pick up a sweet treat.

Rates for the Nice holiday package start around $240/night. Going kidless? Check out their Naughty package.

3. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas

The JW Marriott San Antonio offers 36 holes of PGA TOUR golf and one of the states's top spas. Beginning November 23rd and continuing through December 31, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights will be choreographed to joyful holiday sounds in their winter wonderland.

They will also feature holiday crafts and activities for the kids, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday story times and joyful sounds and decorations will fill the Texas air.

Holiday rates start at $189/night.

4. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

The magic of the Christmas season comes to Gaylord Palms Resort from November 23, 2013 – January 5, 2014. This magic is accompanied by more than 2 million twinkling lights, an amazing 54-foot tall Christmas tree, heartwarming visits with Santa, captivating musical events.

With ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman, two million pounds of hand carved ice, and exclusive holiday events and attractions, Gaylord Palms is like no other holiday destination. Kids can also meet Shrek and the whole DreamWorks Animation gang during holiday meet and greets, character breakfasts, and family-friendly activities!

Rates start at $189/night.

Sources:

1. Squawpeakhilton.com. Web. 20 November 2013. "New Year's Eve package."
http://www.squawpeakhilton.com/phoenix-resort-deals#Back-Up+Plan+or+Anytime+Plan+Package

2. Hotellajolla.com. Web. 20 November 2013. "Holiday packages".
http://www.hotellajolla.com/hotel-specials/promotions/holiday-package.html

3. JWHillCountryHolidays.com. Web. 20 November 2013. "JW Hill Country Holidays".
http://www.jwhillcountryholidays.com/explore-holiday-magic

4. Marriott.com. Web. 20 November 2013. "Christmas at Gaylord Palms".
http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center/christmas-at-gaylord-palms/csyr9pd/home-page.mi

Reviewed November 21, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.