I was just so impressed with the children's programs at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa ( 210/647-1234) near SeaWorld on the outskirts of San Antonio. 

We took Karen (18), Lauren (14) and our in-laws there over Thanksgiving and what a big family crowd! Over the holidays, special events such as a hayride around the grounds and a campfire to roast marshmallows were organized for all ages. 

The resort is typical of the Texas Hill Country, on a 200-acre ranch filled with live oaks that formerly belonged to the Rogers-Wiseman family. It was comfortable, relaxed and friendly inside, with overstuffed furniture and several big fireplaces. Even though there are 500 rooms, it doesn't feel overwhelming as it all is surrounded by the great outdoors. 

The Thanksgiving supper itself was wonderful. Delicious gourmet food was arranged in an enormous buffet in one elegant room for adults, and the Hyatt set up an adjoining room, monitored by their staff, for the kids. We ate in style and could visit with our relatives, and the kids had a ball. The Hyatt Hotels always do such a good job with families. 

If we stayed longer we would have tried the huge water playground that includes an adult pool and whirlpool, separated by a cascading waterfall from the busy family pool. They also had a huge "lazy river" filled with happy children on inner tubes that wound through the property to a manmade beach. It was a little cold for us to swim but many families enjoyed it. Now, there is a new Windflower Country Spa for moms and dads, plus a kids-only spa and health club, SPAhhhT (pronounced spot).  My girls knew right away that SPAhhhT is open only to kids 17 and younger and offers facials, manicures and temporary tattoos.