We stayed in Expedition Lodge, part of Keystone's River Run Village condominiums, in February. Our two-bedroom unit wasn't huge by any means, but it more than fit the bill for our 3-night stay. I *loved* that it was within walking distance of the gondola, ski school and all of the River Run shops and restaurants. Definitely no need for a car. We were quite comfy in our condominium (with 3 TVs, fireplace, small living room and balcony overlooking the mountain & outdoor pool). The only thing I think it was lacking was a washer/dryer. That would have been nice (though I am guessing some of the other Keystone-managed have them). Expedition Lodge does have a coin-operated laundry room.

If you're vacationing at Keystone in the winter, *do not miss* the tubing hill on Dercum Mountain. It's hilarious. Multiple tubing lanes have half "walls" (almost) to keep you on track -- there's no free for all here. It's all very controlled and organized (and safe), when staff hurl you in your innertube down the steep hill.

For our first run, my son and I each sat in our own tube, but I grabbed onto his handles so we flew down together. He didn't love it; that was his only run and he was happy to warm up inside the yurt with a buddy.

However, my 9-year-old daughter couldn't get enough; she asked to be spun fast down the hill. My husband, too, loved the speed. I thought it was hysterical, but after five runs in the snow and cold, it was plenty for me. The runs I did take, while holding onto my husband's or daughter's tube, were *such* fun. (They went down at least 7 times in about 50 minutes.)

No need to schlep your tube up the hill; a covered magic carpet whisks you up. Disco music and a disco ball add to the festive atmosphere.

For adventurous kids, the experience is well worth the $29/hour fee. In 2009, there was enough snow that the tubing hill was open for part of the summer. Fun stuff!

Oh, how my kids love the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. We all went through the fascinating cave tour when the park first opened years ago, but now all the kids want to do when we visit is play laser tag, "mine" for crystals, jump on the bungee trampoline and race through the cool human maze. The Alpine Coaster is great for an adrenaline rush; my adventurous daughter has gone on the crazy Swing Shot that flings you out hundreds of feet above Glenwood Canyon -- I have yet to attempt that one!

You can purchase tickets to each of these activities individually, but your best savings come if you buy a day pass for unlimited fun. Just be sure to check the age and height restrictions on some of the rides to make sure your young children (say 6 and younger) can enjoy them.

And no matter when you visit, be sure to lube on the sunscreen -- a must for any outdoor activities in the Colorado mountains.

We live not far from the Glenwood Hot Springs, with its hot-springs pools that stretch over two city blocks long. The huge main "cool" pool has diving boards and lap lanes and plenty of room for kids to frolic; the "hot" pool is super toasty, and great for soothing sore muscles after a day of hiking or skiing in the Colorado mountains (yes, the outdoor pools are open all year long).

Two water slides (cost extra) and a kiddie pool are open seasonally. If you can manage some "mom only" time away from the kids, book a massage appointment at the on-site Spa of the Rockies, a brand-new, top-notch facility.

Admission to the pools isn't cheap, so plan to spend the entire day here. Arrive early in the day in the summertime (especially on weekends) to snag lounge chairs in a prime location.

My kids aren't unduly fascinated with marine creatures like some kids are. Still they were entertained by the exhibits here, which have sea life and other creatures arranged by habitat: at the beach, coral lagoon, rainforest. (In addition to fish, you'll find tigers here.) The restaurant is overpriced, but you can't beat the location, siting around a 150,000-gallon aquarium. Again, my kids made it through the exhibits quickly -- but if your child loves sea creatures you can eek out a bit more time here. Special programs -- like "Marine Biologist for the Day" and "Behind the Scenes Tours" -- cost extra, but sound cool. These fee-based extras might make a neat birthday gift.