Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis, MA

It is 17 degrees outside, with a north wind snapping at anything that moves. The windchill makes it feel like zero. No worry. Here, the kids belly up to 2-foot waves, whip down an 80-foot waterslide, and dash under cascading falls. No, we are not at Disney World or in Maui — we are tucked inside the Cape Codder Resort & Spa, where warm water trumps winter every time. Consider the 8,400-square-foot wave pool, an indoor theme park with two waterslides, waterfalls, a Jacuzzi that seats 24, and two saunas. Do as most families do: Grown-ups take turns watching the kids poolside. The off-duty parent hits the spa for a massage, facial, manicure, or body wrap. If Dad can’t shed type A mode, there is a state-of-the-art exercise room for him. Though the Cape Codder Resort does a brisk wedding and conference business, kids remain a top priority here. One of the saunas is even kept at a safe temperature for little ones. Owner Debra Catania says, “We got tired of policing the sauna … and children are just innately curious, so we set aside one sauna for them.” There is also a game room, where laughter drowns out the sounds of air hockey and pinball. There are two restaurants on-site: Families with young children tend to eat at the Hearth ‘n Kettle, which serves homemade breads, seafood, pasta, and hearty meat dishes. Since our daughter is a teen, we opt for more sophisticated dining in the intimate Mediterranean-style Grand Cru Wine Bar & Grill. Dad’s favorite is the Kobe beef cheeseburger, mine the Cru crab cakes. Our daughter’s favorite is the baked-to-order warm cookies with hazelnut gelato — a delight second only to the wave pool. Cape Codder Resort & Spa, 1225 Iyanough Rd., Hyannis, MA. Rates: $99-$199. Hearth ‘n Kettle entrées: $9.99- $17.99. Grand Cru entrées: $12-$27. 888-297-2200, 508-771-3000. capecodderresort.com