As a kid, checking into a resort for spring break made me absolutely giddy.

There was something about those perfect white sheets and no pressure to make my bed....

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And no matter what time we would check in — even if it was past bedtime — I would beg, beg, beg my mom and dad to let me go swimming:

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I thought it was amazing when resorts had special activities for me and my little brother. I said yes to anything artsy:

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Now that I'm a parent, it's my turn to make these moments happen.

French Lick in southern Indiana is just the kind of spring break destination I would have loved as a kid.

And for parents, too, it's the perfect one-tank getaway: it's close, it's affordable, and it's a guaranteed good time for families year-round.

 

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The town's twin resorts — French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel — are historic properties with gorgeous architecture and grounds, and grand porches lined with rocking chairs.

March 11-April 11 sounds especially fun at French Lick. During these weeks, the resorts offer loads of all-ages activities Wednesdays through Sundays that are either free or super affordable.

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The full schedule is below, but picture everything from dodgeball and bowling to karaoke and nightly movies.

My inner 6-year-old is out-of-her-mind excited to put on a fancy dress for Mommy & Me tea time in the gorgeous atrium of West Baden Springs Hotel. And how's this for a family-friendly nightcap: Evening s'mores at the outdoor pool.

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There are plenty of ways for grown-ups to unwind, too, with top-notch spa treatments, golf at the Pete Dye course and even a casino.

I love the idea of family trips that become annual traditions, and it's easy to see a jaunt to French Lick becoming a regular thing each spring.  

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Photos courtesy of French Lick Resort

French Lick's spring break activities schedule for March 11-April 11:

WEDNESDAYS:

Mommy & Me Tea: 2-4pm in the atrium of the West Baden Springs Hotel. $21 for adults, $12 for ages 5-12.

Renegade Bowling: 4-5pm at French Lick Springs Hotel in Pluto’s Alley

Game Night for All: 7-8pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. Trivia, Name that Song, Video Charades.

S’mores: 8-9pm at the outdoor pool at French Lick Springs Hotel. First s’more is free. $2 for each additional s’more.

Movie Night: 9pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. "Brave."

THURSDAYS:

Karaoke: 2-3pm in the Event Center in the Habig Room

Tricky Golf: 3-4pm at the Valley Links Outdoor Practice Green. Take a swing through the tricky golf putting course.Dodgeball for All: 4-5pm at the Valley Links & Golf Learning Center. A friendly, fast paced game and a great workout.

Hayride & S’mores: 7-8:30pm, starting at the Event Center. $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Ride to The Stables and enjoy s’mores by the campfire.

Movie Night: 9pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. "Wreck-It Ralph."

FRIDAYS:

Guided Hike: 10-11am starting at KidsFest Lodge. A family-friendly hike on the resort’s trail system.

Pick Up Basketball: Noon-1pm on the indoor basketball court at the Valley Links & Golf Learning Center.

Duathlon: 2-3pm starting at the KidsFest Lodge. $5 per person; $15 for a family of four or more. A combination of biking and running between the resort’s two historic hotels. T-shirts will be provided for participants. Adult bicycles or family surrey carts will be available.

Piano Entertainment: 5-8pm in the lobby of the French Lick Springs Hotel80’s Dance Party: 7:30-8:30pm at the Event Center in the Taggart Room. $2 per person. Enjoy the best of the 80s and participate in dance contests, limbo and more for prizes.

S’mores: 8-9pm at the outdoor pool at French Lick Springs Hotel. First s’more is free. $2 for each additional s’more.

Movie Night: 9pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. "Million Dollar Arm"

SATURDAYS:

DJ: Noon-8pm at the outdoor pool at French Lick Springs Hotel

Obstacle Course: 2-3pm at the Valley Links & Golf Learning Center. Sack races, inflatable obstacles, giant mazes and more. Unavailable March 21.

Piano Entertainment: 3-6pm in the lobby of French Lick Springs Hotel

Capture the Flag for All: 4-5pm at the Valley Links & Golf Learning Center.

Acrylic Painting Class: 7-8:30pm at the Event Center in the Hickman Room. $5 per person. Create your own design or learn how to create great landscape images.

S’mores: 8-9pm at the outdoor pool at French Lick Springs Hotel. First s’more is free. $2 for each additional s’more

Movie Night: 9pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. "Maleficent"

SUNDAYS:

Movie Night: 9pm at the Event Center in the Habig Room. "The Lego Movie"