Taking the Kids: The future of kids' clubs

Mufraggi added, "The reality is that families want adult time to reconnect with their spouse on vacation and they want time to spend with kids as a family. At Club Med, we provide the flexibility of doing what they want, when they want." Most recently, he said, adult-only areas have been added "available for parents when their kids are at our mini Club Med. We know when they aren't with their own kids, they'd rather spend time together instead of being around other families."

Carnival Cruise Linecarries more children than any in the industry -- more than 750,000 a year. Aboard its newest, biggest ship Vista, which I sailed this summer, kids' programs remain popular, but there are also more family activities than ever -- the "Seuss at Sea" program offers a cozy library to share a story and there are dance parties, family comedy shows and the chance to compete on the SkyCourse, a suspended ropes course, which is a part of an expanded outdoor activity park. (Here's what I wrote about the experiences.)

At Sandals' Beaches family resorts, families pay a premium for kids' clubs, as they do at other all-inclusive resorts. And while they remain very popular, Beaches Resorts spokesperson Debbie White said, "More and more, we are seeing a trend of families 'getting away to get together' and have programming in place for them to do just that." Toward that goal, the resort now offers everything from Together Nest(R)Suites, with wide spaces for families to enjoy time together, "Dads and Dude" and "Moms and Daughters" spa packages and the chance to get SCUBA certifications together.

Parents say they specifically resent kids' programs that require a significant upcharge and require a half-day commitment and prefer those like on cruise ships or at the Four Seasons where the kids can drop in based on the activity. "We find that due to the flexibility of our program, many will send their kids at some point, even if it's just for the one hour it rains, or while they pack," said Dana Berry, a spokesman for the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World. Since the resort opened, nearly 7,000 kids have come through Kids for All Seasons, she said. (Here's what families told me about their stay.)

The key to kids' clubs is for parents -- and grandparents -- to be able to leave the kids guilt-free, knowing they are doing something new that they couldn't do at home while adults go to the fitness center, the spa or just relax for an hour or two, perhaps over dinner. But certainly no longer than that.

"We don't enjoy getting rid of the kids," said Atul Gupta from Virginia, the father of two girls (ages 6 and 8).

Brian Driscoll was sitting at the bar with his young son, who was nursing a Shirley Temple. Other parents and kids were all around them lounging, playing pool and cards. "We can go out at home without the kids," he said. "On vacation I want to be with them."

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