The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers a cozy winter getaway with both adventurous and relaxing activities, especially as the temperatures get chilly in Chicago.
Escape to this picturesque resort with beautiful grounds, plentiful dining and fun family activities in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, only a 90-minute drive from Chicago.ย
Ski, snowboard, sled and ice skate
The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa features 21 downhill runs, a six-acre terrain park and is my son’s favorite close-to-home ski destination. Slated to open December 14, 2024, The Mountain Top is family-friendly with โlearn to skiโ days, private and group lessons and rentals.ย
Families can also sled, ice skate, or simply watch the action on the ski hill from the ski chalet. Listen to live music and order hot cocoa and warm chili next to a crackling fire.ย
Swim the day away and play indoors
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has an indoor pool and hot tub, which is great to spend a winter day in. To amp up the fun, purchase half-day passes and take the trolley to neighboring Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. Two heated waterslides, three whirlpools, activity pools and a lazy river make for a tropical escape in the middle of winter. After you dry off, you can continue the fun at the arcade, mini bowling alley and restaurants.ย
There are excellent family activities offered at the fitness center. My kids battled their way up the indoor rock climbing wall, which is much better than battling each other. My son, who is a rock climbing enthusiast, said the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has the best rock climbing heโs ever experienced at a resort. There are 12 different routes with beginner to advanced features and challenges tough enough to keep them going back for more. Parents, thereโs also an incredible spa, find out why.ย
Pickleball is so dang fun. You can rent a court by the half-hour and borrow paddles and pickleballs. My family was running around flinging the ball at each other, hooting and hollering and having a great time. Talk about a relatively safe way to snag some winter endorphins together.ย
Read more about holiday activities in Lake Geneva.
Family-friendly eats
The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers numerous restaurants on-site so you donโt have to bundle up to fill your bellies. You can find Friday Night Fish Fry, Prime Rib & Seafood buffets and even Young Adult Menus. Cozy up under blankets and roast sโmores in a private igloo dining experience.
Learn more about kid-friendly dining in Lake Geneva.
Accommodations to keep families comfy
Stay in a renovated room or suite at the resort and be able to walk to most amenities. Rent a villa for more room to spread out as a family. The two-story villa we stayed in had separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pullout couch, a kitchen and laundry room, like a lovely home away from home. There was a crackling fireplace to warm up around and many of the other villa guests brought their dogs along.ย
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