Nature calls parents, kids to run away from home

Don't tell me your child has no interests. After this past winter, she has a Ph.D. in Wii and her brother is up to level 60 on World of Warcraft.

And you? You might have been glued to "Dancing With the Stars," but your keister had a partner of its own -- the sofa.

If ever there was a summer the family needed a vacation out in nature to balance hearts, minds and heinies, this is it.

The Yellowstone Association Institute is a leader in the development of nature programs for families, and this season is no exception. The Yellowstone for Families lodging and learning package, for example, was named Best Summer Family Camp in America by "Good Morning America." Designed for families with kids ages 8 to 12, the program includes field activities, such as animal tracking, wildlife watching, painting and hiking.

You enjoy four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Grant Village, breakfast and box lunches each day, in-park transportation, instruction and optional evening programs. It's offered Monday to Friday and Friday to Tuesday from June 13 to Aug. 18 with rates of $615 per adult for double occupancy and $379 per child (at Mammoth) and $655 per adult for double occupancy and $379 per child (at Grant Village).

If you have only a day at the park, consider a Yellowstone Ed-Venture -- an eight-hour private tour focusing on the diverse and abundant wildlife of Yellowstone's Northern Range, natural history and geology in the Canyon and Lake Yellowstone areas or the thermal features in the Old Faithful area. It beats nosing around the park yourselves. An institute naturalist guide reveals where, when and how to look for animals using high-powered scopes and binoculars on backcountry trails. Tours are offered every day of the year by expert local guides and the rate varies depending upon the size of your family. For details on Institute programs, go to www.yellowstoneassociation.org.

How about an action-packed Family Adventure package in Keystone, Colo., that features horseback riding, river rafting, fly fishing, spa discounts and good value? Thought that might get you off the futon.

Available now through Aug. 31, the Family Adventure package is based on a family of four and includes: four nights' accommodations in a two-bedroom Forest condominium; a ¾-day river-rafting trip (suitable for all ages and experience levels); fly-fishing lesson (guide and equipment provided); a one-hour horseback ride excursion; and a 10 percent discount off a massage treatment at the newly renovated RockResorts Spa at Keystone Lodge & Spa.

Rates vary depending on dates booked (such as $396 per night until June 19), but all represent a savings of 15 percent. A four-night minimum stay is required and the rate is based on four people (two adults and two children age 15 years and younger). In addition, you'll snag a complimentary Adventure Passport for every member of the family that allows you to enjoy loads of free activities, including guided hikes, paddle-boat rentals, basic horsemanship clinic and more.

There's Keystone Science School Nature Discovery Days, a day camp for the 8-to-11-year-old set, and Kid's Discovery Days take place each Tuesday during summer months with entertainment, crafts and a free pizza lunch. Wednesdays in July are Family Fun Nights with carnival games and dance performances.

There's more, but read all about it at www.keystoneresort.com or book the Family Adventure package by calling (877) 753-9786.

Combine the wonder of wildlife with the seashore when you visit Virginia's Eastern shore. Home to more than a few immaculate beaches and exciting wildlife preserves, the Eastern Shore includes Kiptopeke State Park with four miles of hiking trails, half a mile of beachfront on the Chesapeake Bay and a yurt with a spectacular view of the bay. The park also offers a number of six-bedroom lodges, with gas fireplaces, for larger families.

If there are little ones in tow, visit Cape Charles Beach for its shallow water and absence of waves. There are bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and shops in the small town of Cape Charles, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from the 1,200-acre Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, one of Virginia's premier birding and wildlife sites.

Pay a visit to the Shore's sister islands of Chincoteague and Assateague: The National Wildlife Refuge in Chincoteague boasts more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, birds and wildlife and Assateague has an extensive pristine beach, two visitor centers and miles of hiking trails.

After a vacation of camping, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking, the kids will be talking about "we" instead of "Wii."

Visit www.Virginia.org or call (800) 932-5827.