Now.  Now!  Now!!!

It's February.  It's cold (for most of us anyway) and there was snow in 49 states this month.  And it's the epicenter of the winter blues.  Oh, and the economy still kinda sucks, so there are still great deals to be found. 

It's the perfect time to sneak away someplace warm with the kids!

Here are four of Macaroni Kid's 2010 beach vacation picks.

Some vacations are meant for relaxation.  Some, culture.  And some deliver a suspension of reality and a taste of fantasy.  That’s Atlantis.  Indeed, there is something almost other-worldly about Atlantis and, according to visionary founder Sol Kernzer, that’s just what they were going for.

Macaroni Kid was recently invited to help celebrate the grand opening of Atlantis’s Kids Adventures (they call it "AKA").  As if there wasn't enough to do at this sprawling resort already . . . water slides and rides, tennis, golf, a beautiful beach, 18 restaurants, an aquarium themed around ancient undersea ruins and what my 8-year-old son dubbed the world's least-lazy, lazy river.  And no visit to Atlantis would be complete without a visit with the family of dolphins rescued from an aquarium that collapsed in Hurricane Katrina.  Yup, you and your kids can don wetsuits and get in the water with them.

And now there’s AKA.  It is a technology-driven world of fantasy, play and imagination.  Five main areas offer fully tricked out play zones for kids three and up and cater to almost every interest.  For the little ones, a well-stocked “grocery store,” tot-sized house for tea parties, wizard’s room complete with a talking tree and a LEGO room that is so well-equipped it looks like the right kid could build a space shuttle.  Bigger kids will love the arts & crafts and the unique “Culinary Adventure” where young chefs can whip up candy oceans, crazy cupcakes and custom pizzas.  Mac computer stations and a huge gaming room will keep the 8-12 year-olds engaged for hours.  The performance room lets the little ones play dress up and the bigger ones channel their inner American Idol.  A warm staff brings tremendous kid-friendly energy to the entire enterprise.

AKA is an indoor-focused club and offers three daily sessions ($45 for morning or afternoon and $60 for evenings).  Booking a few sessions during the course of your stay will give the kids an amazing experience and give you a few hours to yourself.  And maybe even dinner at Nobu.

To visit AKA, kids must be at least three and potty perfect.  But don’t despair, there is plenty for the toddler and teen set.  For the littlest ones, Splashers’ Mayan-themed water play area, Poseidon’s Kids Pool and the miniature slides at Ripples Pool will keep them entertained for hours.  And when mom and dad need a break, qualified in-room babysitters are available.  Teens and preteens will not tire of Atlantis’ collection of water slides, including the Serpent Slide, a wild ride that ends with a gentle float -- through the center of a shark tank!  Afternoons and evenings will find them at Club Rush, a teen only club of music, movies, mocktails and videogames.

Atlantis offers three basic levels of accommodations: the Coral Towers, Royal Towers and Cove.   Both the Coral and Royal Towers are just fine for families.  The Royal Towers offers slightly better accommodations and a more convenient location.  The Cove is Atlantis’ newest area and boasts gorgeous rooms, a quieter and more elegant atmosphere and an amazing adult-only pool.  A warning for families, however, the Cove is a bit of a hike from the heart of the Atlantis complex.

Though not usually considered a bargain destination, Atlantis is currently offering some excellent packages.  The best of the bunch is the Escape Winter package.  Rates start at $499 and include 5/days 4/nights, free companion airfare and kids 11 and under stay free.  Families would be well advised to consider a dining plan, otherwise the ala carte meals can really add up.  Dining plans start at $75/day for adults, $35/day for kids 7-11.  Kids 6 and under eat free with dining adults.

We asked several regular Atlantis families why they keep coming back and the answer was always the same: “there is something for everyone here and it’s beautiful.  Why would we go anywhere else?”  Why indeed.  www.atlantis.com or call 1-800-Atlantis.

[Author's Note: Maddie and I were guests of Atlantis for a 3-night stay where we had the opportunity to experience much of what Atlantis has to offer.  Neither Atlantis nor its affiliates had any input into the contents of this review].

Everyone who remembers (or barely remembers) a Club Med vacation from his or her single days, raise your hand.  Yup, that's me, and there's my husband, and my friend Miranda (now mother of a 10-year-old) and my cousin Leslie and . . .

Okay, stop.  Club Med, the innovator of the all-inclusive vacation concept, has gone family.  Now think about that . . . an all-inclusive family vacation designed with an eye toward the family experience.  With kids' clubs, Petit Chef programs, games and activities for all.  And thoughtful details that make things so much easier, like convenient bottle warming stations near your room and kid-friendly food available at every meal.  Choose from several Clubs that offer kids clubs for all ages.  Note that all programs and amenities are not available at every Club, so be sure to ask when you book about the conveniences that are most important for your family.

The beauty of Club Med is that all you really need to do is book, pack and go. 

Right now, with Club Med's kids stay free package, an all-inclusive vacation for a family of four starts at $2,240. 

Aruba is an island worth putting high on your to-do list.  One of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean, Aruba boasts white sand beaches, gorgeous water and reliably perfect weather.
 
The Westin Resort, located on Palm Beach, is seeking to entice families to visit this spring with a host of family-friendly activities including Movies Under the Stars, Fireside Storytelling, Stargazing with professional telescopes and a Little Chefs program.  And, when mom and dad need some time alone, the Westin Kids Club will help keep those ages four through 12 entertained with sandcastle building, seashell hunting, iguana feeding, coconut bowling and more (mornings, afternoon and full day sessions are available at additional cost).
 
While a traditional-style resort hotel, The Westin offers an all-inclusive package with lots of options, always a value and a convenience with traveling with kids.  Nightly rates start at $519 per room, based on double occupancy.  Children four through 12 can be added to the room for an additional daily charge of $50, and teens ages 13 through 17 for $75.  www.westinaruba.com click on Hotel Offers and check out the “Classic All-Inclusive.”

Okay, you could go just down the beach to Beaches, an uber-family friendly resort complete with an endless array of games and activities for your brood.  It is non-stop action and non-stop fun.

But, if your idea of a vacation leans more to the elegant and low-key, check out The Somerset.  Though not a traditional "family" destination, this high-end resort has it all . . . rooms with full kitchens, a gorgeous infinity pool and a prime location on one of the world's most beautiful beaches.  Add a buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, amazing service, outdoor movies and milkshakes by the pool, and this resort gets the very highest rating from Macaroni Kid.  www.thesomerset.com