Purity Spring – An All-Season Family Resort

One of the biggest challenges for parents is finding that delicate balance of keeping the kids happy and entertained while not completely exhausting the bank account. The annual family vacation can be the toughest to manage, especially because resorts and theme parks now seem to charge extra for almost everything the kids actually want to do.

Purity Spring Resort, in Madison, N.H., is one of the few places that still offer truly all-inclusive packages; they clearly know the value of a stress-free vacation. For starters, each day begins with a hearty breakfast, included in the room rate. After that, family members can take part in any of Purity Spring’s many sports and activities, and the resort provides the equipment for nearly everything.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all resort, so you have your choice of room options. There are lakeside and hillside cottages and condos for families who need space and want the convenience of a kitchen. Or you can choose a spacious suite in one of several properties including the cozy inn. Skiers may prefer the slope-side rooms and suites, where the kids (or parents) won’t have to lug their equipment to the lodge.

Summer activities include classics like shuffleboard, croquet, badminton, Frisbee and horseshoes, and the more adventurous can try their hand at archery. There are five tennis courts (one is even lit for nighttime play), as well as basketball and volleyball courts, and all supplies including balls and rackets are available to borrow. Nature lovers can explore the Audubon Hoyt Wildlife Sanctuary, taking a relaxing stroll to listen to the loons or challenging themselves to a hike on one of the six trails. There is also a network of mountain biking trails that covers 1,000 acres. If you didn’t bring your own wheels, rentals are available for reasonable rates.

© Stillman Rogers

In addition to a huge indoor pool, water-bugs can play in the resort’s own 75-acre Purity Lake. Guests are welcome to choose from the fleet of rowboats, canoes and kayaks to explore the lake, and there are even two sailfish sailboats and a 12-foot catamaran they can use — complimentary, of course. Of the four beaches to choose from in the summer, our kids’ favorite is the Purity Iceberg — a 25-foot-tall climbing wall that becomes a waterslide. There are several playgrounds and endless spots to have a picnic.

In the winter, all lodgings come with lift tickets to the King Pine ski area just next door. This is one of our top picks for skiing with the kids because we don’t have to worry about losing track of them in massive crowds. Lift lines are almost non-existent, and the snowmaking here is top-notch which means good skiing when the weather hasn’t cooperated. Ski passes also include the use of snowshoe trails, ice skating and tubing. The fitness center is open to guests year-round.

The only activities that will cost extra are some coin-op video games in The Cellar Door game room (although ping pong and pool are free), and you will need a N.H. Fishing License if you want to try your hand at catching your own dinner (equipment is available to borrow). Spa treatments like massage therapy also cost extra; you may need a massage after a few days keeping up with the kids in all those activities!