ArcaMax

We had a mini family reunion at Beaver Run Resort recently where we could hike and bike right from the resort and come back to the hot tub and pools -- all starting as low as $120 a night. At the luxe Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado, you can spread out in a two-bedroom unit at the price of a one-bedroom, starting at $259 a night. (Enjoy the spa!)

Come by Labor Day weekend and you can still enjoy the Epic Discovery activities at the top of Breckenridge's Peak 8 -- everything from "gold" panning to an alpine coaster and slide, mini zip line, maze for the kids and an extensive zip line and adventure course and climbing wall at the top of the mountain where there's also plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. (You'll find Epic Discovery activities at Vail Resort and top-of-the mountain fun and games at other snow resorts as well.

Another plus: No one needs to be in lockstep when there are so many things to do. Three of us went hiking one day with the dog while three others went mountain biking. Some of us napped while the others hit the hot tub. Some of us opted for the top-of-the-mountain coaster and slide while the others went for another mountain bike ride. We laughed and cooked together and had Scrabble marathons at night, looking out at the amazingly still snow-covered peaks. (On one hike at Hoosier Pass, we even crossed a snow field!)

We celebrated a birthday at the Breckenridge Distillery with cocktails, dinner and their famous "Drunken Donuts," with house-made dipping sauces (think raspberry with Breckenridge Pear Vodka and chocolate with Breckenridge Bourbon).

No one was bored and no one complained. It must have been all that fresh mountain air.

Thanks, Breckenridge!

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

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