Easter weekend getaways

By Amber Nolan

updated 10:54 a.m. ET March 25, 2009

The economy may be lackluster, but travel deals sure are hopping this spring. And with Easter just around the corner, kid-friendly resorts are rolling back prices, offering a shower of spring savings along with bunny-themed events for the holiday weekend. Here are seven resorts planning special fun-filled egg-stravaganzas this Easter:

Wild Dunes Resort
Where: Charleston, S.C.

Why: Because this beach resort is offering sand, sun and nature at drastically reduced rates. Located a stone’s throw away from the historic city of Charleston, this beachfront resort is tossing some Easter events into the mix along with its roster of daily activities. Expect Easter basket deliveries, breakfast with the bunny and a full schedule of games, face painting, egg decorating and more. In addition, there will be tie-dying, black-light dodgeball, kite-making workshops, create-your-own eco-tours, sunset cruises and plenty of golf. With the “Stay More, Save More” package, room rates start at just $125 a night, which is 20 percent below normal. Book for at least four nights and you’ll also get a $100 dining credit. If you opt for seven nights, you can save up to 40 percent off normal rates.

The Homestead
Where: Hot Springs, Va.

Why: Because this resort makes for a great family getaway, thanks to its award-winning kids club, elegant atmosphere and scenic mountain setting. Expect a festival-like atmosphere throughout the Easter weekend, with many complimentary events, including a magic show, marshmallow roasts, Easter bingo, wooden egg decorating, balloon art and sittings with a caricature artist. There’s also golf, bowling, family hayrides and a luxurious spa. The kids’ club has lined up scientific outings, games, stories, and a kids-only night out. The “Easter Family Fun” package starts at $225 a night, and include breakfast, a welcome gift, and 20 percent off outdoor activities.

Kalahari Resort
Where: Sandusky, Ohio

Why: Because this massive safari-themed indoor waterpark resort is a huge hit with kids and grown-ups alike. During the Easter weekend, there will be family egg-dying, crafts, plus a scavenger hunt, coloring contest and more. If the kids need a break from the water-coasters, slides and pools, they can stop by the Candy Hut for some sweet treats, climb on the Tree Top Play Area, or head to the arcade or mini-golf course. The “Easter Sunday Brunch Special” starts at $290 a night and includes an overnight stay, Easter activities, four park admission tickets and Sunday brunch.

Westgate River Ranch
Where: Lake Wales, Fla.

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Why: Because this rustic dude ranch brings the Old West to the Sunshine State. Every Saturday evening, the resort shakes things up with a real-life rodeo complete with bull riding, barrel racing and a calf scramble for the kids. Afterward, there is a children’s street party with music and dance, followed by a gathering around the campfire. The ranch also offers swamp buggy and airboat rides, full-service marina, video arcade, horseback riding, golf and mini golf, arts and crafts at the Kids’ Corral and a petting farm. The two-night “Easter at the Ranch” package starts at $265 for two adults and one child (add $20 for each additional child) and includes breakfast with the Easter bunny, ice-cream sundae hayrides, an egg hunt and more.

Barton Creek Resort
Where: Austin, Texas

Why: Because this luxurious golf resort has a stellar lineup of Easter weekend activities both indoors and out. Outside, families can play jumbo chess, mini golf, and pool games and explore the resort’s nature trails. Indoors, there’s a games room with Nintendo Wii, Ping-Pong and classic board games. On Saturday the resort’s chef will display his ice sculpture exhibition, and Easter hoppenings include an egg hunt, carnival and a chance to hang out with the Easter Bunny himself. With the Spring Break promotion, rates start at $199 a night.

Arrowwood Resort
Where: Alexandria, Minn.

Why: Because this northern indoor waterpark resort is just the place to shake off the last of winter’s chill. It’s always a balmy 82 degrees in the waterpark, which features four-story slides, lazy river, whirlpool spa, lily pad water-walk, basketball shoot-out, children's play fort with water-blasters and a 500-gallon splash bucket. The Easter line-up includes jelly bean-guessing contests, egg hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, tennis, basketball, Nintendo Wii bowling tournament and movie nights. The “Easter Weekend Special” starts at $99 a night from Sunday to Thursday, or $129 on Friday and Saturday, and includes accommodations, four waterpark passes and Easter festivities.

Pinehurst Resort
Where: Pinehurst, N.C.

Why: Because this historic and kid-friendly golf resort always pulls out the stops for families on Easter weekend. This year’s bundle of fun includes a family scavenger hunt, old-fashioned tug-of-war, “Cottontail Croquet,” relay races and more. Kids can test their taste buds by identifying the right flavor of jelly beans, press their luck in an egg-tossing competition or have fun with games and crafts in the kids’ club. The “Easter at Pinehurst” package starts at $185 per adult, and includes a commemorative family portrait, Easter dinner, breakfast buffet, and variety of scheduled events. Plus, kids 12 and under stay, eat and golf for free at Pinehurst.

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