Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Boston, MA

If you're a true New Englander, then chances are you learned to ski at a tender young age.  Personally, I threw on my first pair of skis at 3 years old (crazy!) and I'm sure it won't be long before we send our toddler down the bunny hill.  But half the fun of skiing is après-ski, and the surrounding activities.  New England is full of great ski resorts, and here is what is reputed to be our most family-friendly spots.

Sunday River in Newry, Maine is about 3 hours from Boston.  It is filled with families since it features some great ski-in/ski-out resorts which feature great family-friendly amenities.  There are three main hotels so you're sure to find what you need within your budget.  My favorite feature was the heated outdoor pool and hot tub (open to kids and adults alike).  Daycare is available for kids from 6 months and a game-room will occupy older kids.  On-site restaurants make dining a cinch or get a room with a kitchenette.  Best part is, ski-school starts at just 3-years-old!  Next week is Children's Festival Week at Sunday River which includes six days of fun for the family.

Also among my faves is Stowe, Vt.  There are so many great places to stay but if you're going full-throttle, book at the Topnotch.  They have standard rooms as well as awesome resort homes where your family will be very comfy (I stayed in one last summer - AWESOME).   The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and hot tub with waterfalls, dog-sledding, sleigh-rides and ice skating all nearby.  Stowe is full of family-friendly dining and Mt. Mansfield offers world-class skiing.  You can take advantage of the daycare (13 months +) or the ski-school, or give them their first lesson (3+). 

Bretton Woods is New Hampshire's largest ski resort.  Best of all, the majestic Mount Washington Resort now offers winter stays and has been re-modeled to accommodate every desire.  Just 2.5 hours from Boston, your family will have tons to choose from.  Either put your kids in ski-school (3+ for skiing, 6+ for boarding) or bring them to the nursery while you ski.  After a day of skiing, kids 4+ are invited to an après-ski party while little ones can be left asleep in the care of a babysitter referred by the hotel.  Either way, your family will have a blast.

Next up: Local ski spots that are within an hour of Boston.