by Fran Falkin

We are delighted that so many parents of newborns, and even many who are expecting, are anxious to know where to go, how to get there and what to bring along. Our parent company, www.FamilyTravelForum.com honored these resorts in 1999, and all are worth considering for your first (or first with a baby) family vacation.  Here's a look at the resort today.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge, High Sierra Family Vacation Camp
63410 General's Hwy
Kings Canyon Nat'l Park, CA 93633
650/967-9502, 800/227-9900

Located in the magnificent redwoods between the Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park, this mountain getaway provides all the ingredients for a peaceful yet active vacation. The entire family will have opportunities to share experiences as well as "do their own thing." Open year round, facilities include a private lake for boating, waterskiing and fishing, tennis courts, horse stable, hiking and biking trails, rockclimbing, rifelry, crafts shop, heated swimming pool and hot tub, cross-country skiing and ice skating.

The accommodations provide a great opportunity for a real camp-style experience. Thirteen one-room, windowed cabins contain a king or queen-sized bed and two to three sets of bunk beds. Although cabins do not have running water or plumbing, there is electricity, and some cabins are equipped with wood-burning stoves.  Ceiling fans help to blow the cool mountain air around and electric blankets keep you toasty when necessary. Nearby bathhouses provide toilets and shower facilities. Additionally, four lodge buildings contain 36 rooms with private baths where two to eight people are accommodated in a combination of beds and bunks.  Limited maid service is available. 

Supervised activities for children are divided into seven age groups ranging from 2-18 years. Activities for the youngest children include dock walks, creative play, pony rides, swimming, story and nap time, and nature hikes. Although there is no organized program for children 6-23 months, there is a special Infant Play Yard full of toys and infant paraphernalia where parents and teenage babysitters can bring babies to play and make friends.  They are also free to join in activities with the youngest group if accompanied by a caregiver.  Qualified babysitters (off-duty counselors and CITs) are readily available.