Falconry: The Greenbrier
Families interact with trained hawks and falcons to learn the practice and lore of a tradition that centuries ago helped people locate and capture their next meal. White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.; greenbrier.com.
Amusement Park: Hersheypark
Rides, roller coasters, and a water park make Hershey a family favorite. New this year: Skyrush, its tallest, longest, and fastest coaster, which travels at 75 miles an hour. Hershey, Pa.; hersheypark.com.
Fly-Fishing: The Homestead
Against a backdrop of waterfalls, guests learn fly-fishing in a private trout stream. Instructors explain knots, currents, how to catch and release–plus the science of insects. Hot Springs, Va.; thehomestead.com.
Kayaking: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
With guests in tandem kayaks, guides point out working watermen, marine landscaping, and “the land of Dr. Seuss,” as guides call the property’s great-blue-heron rookery. Cambridge, Md.; chesapeakebay.hyatt.com.
Junior Golf: Lansdowne Resort
Greg Norman’s nine-hole Sharkbite Course is for junior golfers and families. With its Potomac River-side layout, it’s a challenging but reasonable 870 yards from the junior tees. Leesburg; lansdowneresort.com.
Treetop Adventure: Nemacolin Woodlands
Zipliners reach speeds of 50 miles an hour, and a canopy tour features swinging tires and log crossings. Instructors monitor children on a separate Little Tykes Ropes Course. Farmington, Pa.; nemacolin.com.
Sailing: The Tides Inn
A sailing school offers a range of instruction for families with children as young as six. The Tides’ harbor is ideal for small boats; larger craft sail on the nearby Rappahannock River. Irvington, Va.; tidesinn.com.
Summer Tubing: Wintergreen Resort
Snow is irrelevant at the Plunge tubing park. Starting from what feels like the top of a ten-story building, tubers slide along on Neveplast, an artificial ski-slope material. Wintergreen, Va.; wintergreenresort.com.
