They say in the business world that the most important thing is “Location, Location, Location!” Indeed, the same thing is true when planning a family reunion. Some families just go to a local park in the city of the person doing the planning and tell everyone to be there. But, if you really want to make this the best family reunion ever, one that will be memorable, and talked about for decades to come – may we be so humble as to suggest choosing a Resort Destination Family Reunion Location?

Let me explain. You see, there are resorts which have large family vacation rentals, and you can book several of them and invite the entire extended family for the reunion of a lifetime, one they will never forget. Perhaps, you might like the California Coast, Washington DC, or Orlando Florida?

A family reunion in Washington DC means your family can spend time going to the Smithsonian, or check out the Washington Monument, or drive by the White House. In fact Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor is an excellent location, and close to everything. You can have a wonderful family reunion, and stay right on the Potomac River, rich in history with presidential suite accommodations. Now that’s a family reunion rental you can brag about.

Maybe you like Florida and want to see the Kennedy Space Center Museum and stay in a Disney World Vacation Rental. Your family can enjoy Disney World, a world renowned global tourist destination, and enjoy a meetup like you’ve never known. If so, the Sheraton Vistana Village is the right choice, a high-class place, with more than fair pricing. No sense settling for Mickey Mouse accommodations when you can have the best!

If Florida is too far away or you’d like a change of pace, why not head out to California? How about Carlsbad California, oh yes – now we are talking. Ever been to the Grand Pacific Palisades? Take the kids to LegoLand it’s right around the corner, and for adults, you will love it too. Go check out LegoLand online and see what it’s all about, then book your family reunion rental in Carlsbad CA!

For you Midwesterners who have big families or for large families like mine which are spread out throughout the nation why not we all meet in the center in Branson MO! That’s right the Branson Resort is a cut above with its beautiful golf course and proximity to nightlife and entertainment. The city of Branson is known for its large functions and events and the local economy caters to tourists and fun seekers.

So, how about choosing one of these fine locations for that memorable family reunion and book a few large family vacation rentals so you can relax and enjoy and reunite with your extended family. That’s what’s important in life – family. Make your reunion count this year – the family reunion of a life time at a world class resort.

1. Skiing / Snowboarding – Try and get in at least one trip up the mountain this year to keep your legs fresh. A little extreme sports will make you feel young again (maybe skip the dangerous back flips and half pipes).
   

   What to do in Winter - Skiing

2. Ice Skating – In places like Southern California, we have to find an indoor ice-skating rink. But for you who live in the cold, ice skating on a lake could be a lot of fun. I hear in eastern Russia you can ice skate on the ocean for several miles out to sea!
3. Snowman – Challenge your friends to a snowman building competition and win the contest by painting your Frosty with water that is colored with food coloring. Be careful trying to make your snowman too big, I couldn’t lift his middle section last time so I had to make a laying down snowman.
4. Roast Marshmallows – Classic but just as fun as ever. Throw your winter coat on and start a fire with some friends then roast some marshmallows, add chocolate and graham crackers, and enjoy! Don’t be that guy that flings around a flaming mellow.
5. Sledding (Tobogganing) – Take a day trip up the mountain with the kids and some sleds, find a patch of snow on a hill, and you have your own amusement park with a free entrance.
   

   What to do in Winter - Sledding

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kptyson/
6. Snowmobiling – You might not be James Bond, but snowmobiling can be a lot of fun in the mountains. There are numerous tours you can join so you don’t get lost in the woods.
7. Dog Sled Rides – Although I haven’t personally done this yet, it is now on my bucket list. Almost every ski mountain has someone giving dog sled rides, jump on board and pretend you are in the movie “Iron Will“
8. Hot Springs – Are you sick of all the cold stuff to do? Well find yourself a hot springs that is bubbling and relax as if it were a warm summer night. Just watch out, it will be colder when you get out.
9. Learn to Knit – Knitting is a great past-time but that is not why you should do it this winter. You should learn to knit your own beanie to keep those ears warm in the snow and cold nights. It is so easy a caveman can do it (sorry for the Geico joke).
10. Snowball Fight - I saved the best for last. Either surprise an unsuspecting friend or gather your neighborhood around for a giant snowball fight. Either way, this is a great way to pass the time this winter. Please, do not through frozen snowballs… that is called ice and will hurt someone.
    

    What to do in Winter - Snowball Fight

http://www.flickr.com/photos/odalaigh/

So what are you waiting for? Now you know what to do this winter and since it hasn’t officially started, you have plenty of time to do all 10. Have fun, be safe and be sure to let me know if you are organizing any Guinness book of world record snow ball fights, I’m in.

PS. Oh and if you don’t live in the cold, ResorTime.com can help you plan your winter vacation so you can experience what the fuss is all about.

A good family resort will have plenty of kids club activities to keep the little ones busy having the time of their life. Usually there is a daily schedule and the kids can pick out which events they want to go to. Here are my 10 favorite kids club activities at a resort.

1. Kids Water Park for resort guests only
   

   Grand Pacific Palisades Water Park

2. Arts and Crafts – Jigsaw Puzzle Painting, Ceramic Painting, Jewelry Beading, Pottery Painting, Tye Dye T-shirts, San Dollar Painting
3. Ice Cream Sundae Social
4. Surfing on the Green – Surfing lessons for beginners on the lawn
5. Bingo Pizza Party
6. Root Beer Floats
   

   Kids Club Activities - Root Beer Float

7. Family Movie Night
8. Scavenger Hunt
9. Cannon Ball Contest
10. Sand Castle Building
    

    Sand Castle Building

Which one is your favorite? If you know of more really fun kids activities let me know and I will add them.