August 2010 Strategy File Bye-bye, Summer Bid farewell with a last-minute Labor Day deal Courtesy, Callaway Gardens Want to squeeze out every last drop of summer? There’s still time for one last hurrah. Kid-friendly resorts around the country are rolling out the red carpet with last-minute Labor Day weekend specials aimed at families. Here’s a sampling of places where summer’s going out with a bang: Gaylord Texan Where: Grapevine, TX Why: Because this lakefront Texas resort is transformed during the summer months into Alice’s “Wonderland,” complete with a strolling cast of characters from the storybook. Kids will love getting lost in the 3-D, black-light maze, finding clues left behind by the Cheshire Cat on a resort-wide scavenger hunt, or joining the Mad Hatter in celebrating his “unbirthday” at a very unique tea party. Each morning the resort serves up a nonsensical breakfast buffet (think Humpty Dumpty’s omelet station), and for afternoon family fun, guests can join in the pool party with a live DJ, hula hoop and limbo challenges, and outdoor games, followed by a fireworks display on Friday and Saturday. Rates start at $189 a night and include breakfast for four and some activities. Pheasant Run Resort Where: St. Charles, IL Why: Because this family-friendly golf resort and spa near Chicago has a roster full of outdoor activities that include live music, pool games, and a barbecue lunch. In the evenings, families can watch movies under the stars or roast s’mores over a bonfire. The Kid’s Klub will be open all weekend for arts and crafts, and grown-ups can check out the comedy club or a live production of a 1950s murder mystery in the Mainstage Theater. The Holiday Weekend Summer Splash Celebration package starts at $139 a night and includes a barbecue for four, free bingo and crafts, a $25 breakfast credit, and holiday activities. Oglebay Resort Where: Wheeling, WV Why: Because this picturesque golf resort and spa is a mini-city in itself, with a planetarium, glass museum, and even a 30-acre zoo. Families can rent paddle boats or go fishing on Schenk Lake, take in a few rounds of mini golf, or go horseback riding. The festivities during Labor Day weekend will include fireworks, a live orchestra performance, water fountain displays, a woodcarving show, and a battle re-enactment. The three-night Labor Day package starts at $419 for two adults and includes a welcome reception, daily breakfast, zoo and museum admission, and many activities. There is an additional charge of $15 to $20 a night for each child, depending on age. Callaway Gardens Where: Pine Mountain, GA Why: Because this year marks the 12th anniversary of the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens. The weekend kicks off on a high note with a beautiful balloon glow on Robin Lake Beach, when rows of tethered balloons will be illuminated. Balloon launches will take place on Saturday and Sunday, along with many kid-friendly activities such as face painting, tethered balloon rides, inflatable water slides, mini golf, sand castle-building, arts and crafts, and live music. The Sky High Hot Air Balloon package starts at $159 a night and includes breakfast for two adults ($8 extra per child ages 6-12), four tie-dye t-shirt tickets, and admission to the balloon festival and other attractions, including the butterfly center and Callaway’s famous gardens. Cliffs Resort Where: Pismo Beach, CA Why: Because this kid-friendly cliff side resort offers luxurious accommodations and beachfront access, plus a Labor Day package that wrings out three more fun-packed days of summer. Nearby sights worth seeing include Hearst Castle, plus a local children’s museum and zoo. Labor Day weekend will feature continuous live music and nightly wine-tastings for adults, while the kids enjoy fresh baked cookies. Families can go biking, kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding, and the complimentary kids’ club offers outdoor games and themed arts and crafts. The three-night “Labor Day Summer Finale” package starts at $689 and includes accommodations with a free room upgrade, daily breakfast for four, and BBQ lunches. Add Monday night for an additional $99. Woodloch Resort Where: Hawley, PA Why: Because this Poconos favorite (see our review) really delivers that home-away-from-home feeling. No matter the weather, Woodloch keeps you busy indoors and out with bumper cars, go-carts, an indoor splash pool, golf, family Olympics, and boating and kayaking on Lake Teedyuskung. During the holiday weekend, expect carnival games, “Family feud,” a cookout, scavenger hunts, and a Broadway-style show. The two-night all-inclusive Labor Day weekend package starts at $550 per adult and covers meals and nearly all activities. Children’s rates vary based on age. Hilton Arizona El Conquistador Where: Tucson, AZ Why: Because this family-friendly golf and tennis resort is rolling out a slew of fun activities for the Labor Day weekend. There will be pizza making and cookie decorating, outdoor movies, live music and karaoke, a giant water-balloon fight, and splashing in the fish-shaped kid’s pool at the Desert Springs Oasis. The kicker: At nightfall, the resort’s giant, 143-foot waterslide becomes transformed into a “cosmic slide” with a little help from dry ice, special lighting, and glowstick-carrying kids. (Can anyone say “supercool photo opp?”) The Labor Day Getaway package starts at $99 a night and includes most activities. Wild Eagle Lodge Where: Eagle River, WI Why: Because, if your family loves the outdoors, this quiet lakeside retreat is a perfect place to say good-bye to summer. Think sandcastles on the private beach, boating, fishing, campfires, and sports galore. On Sunday, the Kid’s Fishing Jamboree ends with prizes and ribbons for little anglers who reel in a big one. There’s also tennis, kayaking, volleyball, swimming, and a playground. The two-night “Labor Day Family Getaway” starts at $500 for a family of four, and includes motor boat rentals for the entire stay, $10 worth of resort bucks per person, one game of bowling per person, and Sunday brunch. Point Sebago Resort Where: South Casco, ME Why: Because this laid-back family camp-style resort (see our review), located on one of Maine’s most pristine lakes, delivers a whirlwind of activities, ranging from flag football and kayaking to social games (cue “family double dare”) and hayrides. Kids get time with their peers at Chippy’s Playhouse, while teens get their own hangout with video and table games. The all-inclusive three-night Labor Day weekend package starts at $310 per adult. You’ll pay an additional $40 to $90 per child, depending on age. The package includes accommodations; eight buffet meals, including one lobster dinner; mini golf; myriad free entertainment and activities; discounted golf greens fees; plus a one-hour lake cruise. What’s your family’s favorite Labor Day destination? Please tell us.