The Spread:
Smugglers' Notch consistently ranks among the top family ski resorts in North America, offering snow-sport programs for ages three to 17. Junior knuckle draggers (aka, snowboarders) begin as young as four. But the resort, 30 miles from Burlington's airport, also takes great advantage of its Green Mountain location in summer. From the beginning of June through the Labor Day weekend, families and kids go hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, and lots more. The all-condominium lodging—studio to five-bedroom units with kitchen facilities—gives families extra space and convenience. And Smugglers' is so sure of its programs that if you don't like one of them, you get your money back for that portion of your stay.

Why Families Love It:
Most of the Summer Fun University adventures at Smugglers' come free with FamilyFest lodging packages. The Adventure Day Camp separates kids into groups based on their age. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., younger children craft puppets, go on nature treasure hunts, and get wet with water play. Teens hike, play Frisbee golf, and bond over mountain boarding or digglering (zipping down the slopes on a scooter). Kids seven and older who prefer songs to sweat can sign up for Sound & Stage, a five-day workshop pairing adult performers with musically inclined kids to work on singing, songwriting, instrumentation, and hip-hop dancing.

Along with zooming down water slides and splashing in the pools, families get together for nature hikes, puppet making, and soap box derbies. Evenings include glow-in-the-dark volleyball, bingo, and bonfire sing-alongs. Those too "cool" for this may head to Teen Alley, the lounge for 13- to 15-year-olds, or Outer Limits, where the 16 and older crowd meets.

For a fee ($66 daily or $15 per hour), tots six weeks to three years old receive care from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Treasures childcare center.

Special Activities & Events:
Don't miss the Thursday night Vermont Country Fair with local crafters, barbecue, games for kids, and llamas to pet.