It’s a water park. It’s a children’s day camp. It’s a scenic resort.

One thing Smugglers’ Notch isn’t is just a winter destination anymore.

Nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, just north of Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch gives its guests the chance to park and never leave for the length of their stay, as there’s something for everyone on its 300 acres.

Named by Parents magazine as one of the top 10 family resorts in the United States, Smugglers’ Notch has a philosophy of “fun for kids, freedom for parents.”

This is accomplished first through its Summer Fun University, with programs for children ages 3-17, who take part in water play and other activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, allowing parents time to do their own thing. (Younger children can be taken to the Treasures day care center.)

What kind of activities are available for parents? During the day, there’s tennis, golf, guided walking and hiking, outdoor exercise, health and wellness programs, swimming, volleyball, canoeing, kayaking art and day trips. At night, there’s live entertainment, dancing, karaoke, trivia and magic.

One of the biggest draws is Smugglers’ water attractions, including eight heated, outdoor pools, four waterslides and Rum Runners’ Hideaway, a 6-acre mountain reservoir with its 25-foot Aquajump.

In the early evening, the family reunites for such events as the Smuggsational Family Social, the Family Splash Down Party, The Family Karaoke Dance Party and Marko’s Magic Show.

Families stay in mountainside condos in one of four “neighborhoods,” ranging in size from a studio holding up to four people to a five-bedroom accommodating 10. It’s possible to park upon arrival, then either walk or ride the on-demand shuttle to your destination.

On-site eateries include the upscale Hearth & Candle Restaurant, family-style dining at the Morse Mountain Grille, the Green Mountain Deli, Riga-Bello’s Pizzeria and Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop (yes, the ice cream is manufactured nearby). The Country Store offers groceries and gifts.

Although Smugglers’ Notch has been in existence for 52 years, the summer season there got its start in 1976, when guests would rent condos, then be shuttled to the Olympics in Montreal.

Occupancy is now split fairly evenly between owners and timeshare visitors and retail guests-renters.

Packages are available in the fall (Sept. 3-Oct. 8), for families with children younger than school age. In the winter, children’s programs focus on activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

While many activities are included in the various packages offered, others come at an additional cost, so families should figure out what’s important to them before arriving.

Still, while some may suffer from sticker shock while touring www.smuggs.com, consider how much deluxe accommodations, a water park and a day camp would cost separately, and the prices become more reasonable.

After all, it’s hard to put a price on convenience.

What: Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Where: Route 108, above Stowe, Vt.

How to get there: Take Interstate 95 south to the Newport exit. Follow Route 2 through Maine and New Hampshire and most of Vermont. Take I-89 to exit 10. Follow Route 100 to Stowe, then Route 108 to the resort. In the winter, the portion of 108 known as Smugglers’ Notch is closed, so it’s necessary to take Route 15 from Route 2, then take Route 108 South from Jeffersonville.

For more information: Call 800-451-8752, visit www.smuggs.com, or e-mail smuggs@smuggs.com.