These guys are pros! The Heavenly ski instructors do an awesome job of making sure all the kids have a good time, and our four year old has a great start to learning to ski. They take care of everything- from getting the kids geared up properly (helments, boots, skis) to food and fun. The Boulder Lodge on the Nevada side has really easy parking, and the ski school is close to the parking lot (important when you're carying all your gear and trying to get a little guy to ski school on time). Kids need to be four years old to ski and five years old to snowboard.

Great little downtown area, but don't forget to pay for parking! I was so busy scoping out shops as I cruised the main street, I did not see the parking signs. I parked and headed toward a cute little clothing boutique. When I got out, I had a bright orange ticket on my windshield. No meters, you have to pay for parking at little kiosks.

A ++ for the whole experience! This gorgeous plantation is also the site of the Lu'au Kalamaku, offering something for everyone in the family. Here's how the perfect evening went: Check in at 5 PM. Lei greeting and photo op with the Lu'au performers. Visit the open bar for mai tai's (or juice) then stroll around the gardens. 5:30 pm train ride around the plantation with a stop to feed the pigs (random, but so much fun!). Squeeze in a rum tasting in the tasting room and gallery. (kids are not allowed in the tasting room) 6:30 dinner buffet. 7:00 Lu'au- which was so exciting my 3 year old stayed awake for the whole thing! The fire dancers helped hold his attention. Some tips: They have round tables of 12 for the buffet and show, and they seat families with kids together. Our table had a great view of the stage, but on the nights the cruise ships are in town, it can be packed and they have additional long tables a little further away from the performance.

Ate here twice on a recent trip... once upstairs in the formal dining with my hubby and once downstairs in the informal bar area with the kids. The upstairs was nice without being stuffy and had friendly service staff. Great choice for a date, with great fish selection and salad bar. Downstairs was perfect with kids. Noisy without being too loud. They have a kids menu and even brought the kids food out first without me having to ask. And the drink menu... yummy mixed drinks!

The Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club is a great place to stay with kids. Here's what made it perfect: you don't ever have to leave the resort- and your kids won't want to! They have beautiful gardens with lots of paths to explore. My kids loved feeding the koi fish in the pond every morning at 9 am. Great beach with a break offshore for surfing (and board rentals right on the beach). Lots of sand for kids to play in. The pools are unbelievable- you have to see the photos! And, delicious restaraunts like Duke's adjacent to the property. All together made for a great place to spend a week in paradise!