Tyler Place has a breathtaking location on gorgeous (and enormous) Lake Champlain, which means water activities abound at the resort. You'll find canoeing, kayaking, Hobie Cats, lake trampolines, rowboats and paddleboats, all available at no extra charge. Water-skiing, bumper-tubing and banana-boating are also available for an additional fee.
A large part of the Tyler Place experience is biking. Virtually everyone either borrows or brings a bicycle, and you'll see kids of all ages riding solo or tandem with mom and dad. The bikes are not just for fun; they're a necessary means of transportation, considering how spread out the resort's grounds are. Families ride their bikes to meals, to the pool, to activities -- pretty much everywhere. There is a sport shed near the main inn that loans out bikes and sports equipment free of charge. You'll be given a basic cruising bike for each member of your family; if you want a mountain bike with gears for longer rides off the property, you'll pay a fee. Bikes aren't required of course, but they are the preferred means of transport.
Families will love the large pool area, which has indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools and a wading pool. The outdoor pool has two hot tubs and a cool splash pad with sprayers, lounge chairs, water toys, a ring toss, kick boards and inner tubes. You'll also find towels, bathrooms, changing rooms and showers.
There are five playgrounds scattered across the property, offering sandboxes, tunnels, swings and slides. We had one directly across from our cottage, which was wonderful. We let the kids romp and play in the sand while we lounged leisurely in our Aidorondack chairs on our front lawn.
For rainy days, the lounge off the main lobby holds a cabinet full of games and has a large screened porch with wicker furniture. The Inn's downstairs has pool tables, Ping-Pong tables, foosball, and air hockey. The field house, an adorable little building hidden in the rear of the property, has an indoor gym, fitness center and an arts-and-crafts and woodworking studio.
Other activities you'll find at Tyler Place include a miniature golf course, a climbing wall, two land trampolines, multiple tennis courts, softball and soccer fields and archery -- a big hit with my 7-year-old.
"Group"
The children's program is referred to as "group" and is one of the most well-orchestrated, fun, innovative programs I have experienced at any resort. The program runs for most of the day, so plan on being away from your kids from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 p.m. until about 8:30 p.m. Kids are divided into several age groups: 2.5- and 3-year-olds, 4- and 5-year-olds, 6- and 7-year-olds, 8- and 9-year-olds, pre-teens 10 to 12 and teens 13 to 15. Children 16 and older have no organized group. Childcare is available for infants and toddlers for a fee.
My 2.5-year-old, who is somewhat apprehensive about leaving mom, was literally swept from my hands the first evening into a bright and welcoming room with soft red couches, crafts, books and games. Bubbles filled the air, and smiling counselors who clearly love what they do tended to eager children. My 7-year-old son fared equally well and was greeted with high-fives and secret handshakes by the knowing staff. My daughter was sung to on wagon rides around the property, had swim time and went on nature walks, while my son played numerous sports, did a really cool pirate scavenger hunt and took a boat ride across the lake.
For children who do well away from mom and dad and for parents who appreciate lots of kid-free time on vacation, this is ideal. However, for parents who want to spend a majority of time with their children on a vacation, I'll be frank: This is not the resort for you. Kids eat all meals in group and are not permitted in the dining room, with the exception of breakfast, when they can eat in a separate room off the main dining room with mom and dad.
While kids are in the morning sessions of their programs, adults can choose from a variety of classes and tours, including yoga and guided canoe and kayak trips. Baby-sitting is available for a fee after the evening group session ends for parents wishing to have an evening out. There are also live music, bonfires and other late-night activities.
What's Nearby
There is more than enough to do on the property to keep families entertained; but, if you're looking to venture out, I highly recommend a bike ride across the border to Canada. We were invited on a 10-mile trip by some fellow guests, and it was a highlight of our visit. It was a serene and not-too-strenuous ride and such fun crossing through customs on two wheels with our passports in our back pockets. (Yes, if you plan on crossing the border, you WILL need your passport.) We glided into the nearest town, quaint little Philipsburg, where we lounged at a lakefront bistro and partook in a little wine and cheese before pedaling back to the resort.
The area is home to the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream headquarters, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center, all of which are within 90 minutes of the Tyler Place grounds.
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