By Nancy Schretter, Editor

Ahhh ... family vacations on the water. For many families, travel to a beautiful lake is the ultimate family getaway. Waterskis and tow lines, the roar of a powerboat or Jet Ski, fishing poles, boat docks, the sound of children's laughter ... all of those images conjure up a vision of a great lake family vacation. Travel plans can include renting multiple vacation homes for a family reunion, camping, houseboat rentals, or finding the perfect family friendly resort for your vacation.

If you're looking for the right place for your family to relax during the long, hot summer months or to watch the leaves change during the fall, the Family Travel Network has just the destination for you. This year's selection of lake vacation destinations includes family favorites from across the country. Here, you'll find places to go fishing, swimming, golfing, canoeing, horseback riding, or even rent a houseboat. Many of these destinations also feature resorts offering special family rates and packages.

You may want to consider combining a lake or river vacation with a trip to other historic venues. For example, The Tides Inn is a wonderful family friendly resort located in Virginia's Northern Neck area, just several hours away from both Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg, Virginia. Situated on a quiet cove on Carters Creek, The Tides has everything you would want in a family resort. The newly renovated rooms are spacious and comfortable and provide beautiful water views. Guests can take advantage of the excellent spa services, a myriad of dining options, and the complimentary yacht cruises that the resort offers several days a week. Golfers will be happy with the championship Golden Eagle course, and the Executive Nine at The Tides has always been a favorite pastime for young and old members of our family. For boating enthusiasts, The Tides provides a variety of small watercraft, and The Premier Sailing School offers sailing lessons at The Tides for all ages and experience levels. Crab Net Kids, an innovative program for children 4-12, will be enjoyed by younger guests. Led by a former educator, the Crab Net Kids' schedule of themed activities is designed to intrigue, teach, and entertain. This is a great place for families to relax and unwind after a hectic visit to the city, or simply as a great getaway on its own. To find out more about The Tides Inn, call 800-843-3746 or visit their website: The Tides Inn. Another great family friendly bay resort near Washington, D.C. is the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, with its Camp Hyatt program, spa, golf course, and indoor and outdoor pools.

While summers and water are synonymous, lake vacations can also be fantastic escapes during the fall months. The leaves are changing, the waters are peaceful and calm, and lives are often a bit less rushed. Although Maine's popular Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake often sells out far in advance for vacations in July and August, there are usually vacancies in September and October. This is a great time to enjoy the superb food, accommodations, activities and surroundings that Migis offers. Kids will love the playground at Migis Lodge, complete with totem poles, grass-covered roofs for a grazing goat, secret passageways and more -- all constructed from and incorporating boulders and trees found nearby. For more information on this lakeside spot, call 207-655-4524 or visit their website: Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake, Maine.

If you're thinking about getting away to a lake, or even just dreaming about it -- read on. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your family here.

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