A recent survey revealed that 60 percent of travelers take family vacations — bringing along children of all ages to destinations from historic settings to wildlife refuges.

What is happening in many New England resorts which cater to ski patrons from November through March is a change in their facilities, programs and philosophy.

One resort manager at Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont said, “We want a year-round facility — not just a winter getaway for the ski vacationer. So we’ve planned a spring, summer and fall program around children. We have everything from crafts programs, musical shows, overnights in the mountains … and find that when the children are entertained — from morning til night with experienced counselors — the parents relax and have a wonderful vacation.”

More New England ski resorts are presenting family getaways — in the nonwinter months — with children’s day care programs. The trend is being repeated in other areas of the United States and is very successful in the Northeast.

“I graduated from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshsire, and I’ve been coming to New England for vacations ever since,” said Richard Haaz, a Pennsylvania father. “There is a timeless quality about vacationing here, not only because of the scenes of enduring beauty during all four seasons, but because of the laid-back lifestyle and the genuine warmth of its people that never seems to change.”

How to select the right spot for a New England family vacation?

Whether you and your family want to relax, be invigorated, be nourished by nature or participate in area activities, there is a resort to provide what you want.

Sailing on a lake, riding a gondola up a mountain, horseback riding through wooded hills, hiking nature trails, playing golf or tennis in a relaxed setting where waiting is simply unheard of, or exploring Americana — call or write any one of these hostelries and a brochure will be in your mailbox in a matter of days.

JIMINY PEAK, Hancock, Mass.

The Berkshires, one of the country’s most scenic and bucolic areas, offer pleasures to satisfy any age group. Jiminy Peak, a popular ski resort, has condolike accommodations of bedroom, living room and kitchen. Four pools, miniature golf, gondola rides up the mountain and alpine slides down the slopes, tennis and fly fishing lessons are available.

There’s a fine dining room as well as casual dining at Christinsen’s. Nearby attractions include the Hancock Shaker Village near Pittsfield; Lenox, where Tanglewood soars with wonderful concerts; Berkshire Theater Festival productions; Chesterwood, where the Lincoln Memorial statue was sculpted; and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Dine at the Williams Inn in Williamstown and the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. For hardy souls, hike up nearby Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. For Jiminy Peak information, call 413-738-5500. There’s also Wheatleigh, an elegant hostelry in Lenox that is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. For information call (800) 525-4800.

TOPNOTCH AT STOWE RESORT AND SPA, Stowe, Vt.

About 12 years ago, Topnotch was lovely, rustic, quiet and full of tennis players who appreciated its dedication to the sport. Today, it has grown, on 120 acres of Vermont countryside, to be a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Stowe’s only four-star, four-diamond resort.

The Tennis Academy offers top instruction every day, and a golf program is also acclaimed as equally professional. The Racquet Club at Topnotch has 10 outdoor and four indoor courts and a tennis program which is ranked among the best by professionals. There are spacious guest rooms and suites and two- and three-bedroom luxury town homes. The Spa includes a 60-foot indoor exercise-lap pool, whirlpool, heated outdoor pool and other facilities.

Also available are an Equestrian Center offering guided horseback riding; a Mountain Bike Shop with in-line skates; hiking outings, and a choice of restaurants.

Five miles from the village of Stowe, Topnotch rates start at $198 per night for two. Seasonal packages offer many amenities. For information write Topnotch Resort and Spa, P.O. Box 1458, 4000 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672; or call (800) 451-8686.

SMUGGLER’S NOTCH, Vermont

The folks at this New England resort, 45 minutes east of Burlington, offer a guarantee attached to each vacation. If any family member doesn’t have fun after trying the programs at the resort, Smuggler’s will give a refund on the program portion of the vacation package.

This family-oriented retreat offers all-day camps for ages 3-12 with games, hikes, a water park and orienteering. A 7,900-square-foot facility, the Child Enrichment Center, won the No. 1 child care rating in North America from Snow Country Magazine. Among the adult programs are guided hikes and walks, a tennis program, horseback riding, an “Artist in the Mountains” program and a course of challenges in the woods.

Spacious condo-style accommodations run from one- to five-bedroom units, many with balconies, overlooking the lush Green Mountains. Visit the Northern Vermont Llama Farm in Jeffersonville and take a llama trek. For Smuggler’s Notch information, call 800-451-8752.

THE BALSAMS HOTEL, Dixville Notch, N.H.

This is the tiny town that makes the news every four years as its 30 or so residents become the first in the nation to vote in the presidential election. They gather at midnight in the Ballot Room of The Balsams Hotel, one of New England’s most successful resorts. The Balsams, in operation for more than 100 years, has earned the nickname “The Switzerland of America,” for it is surrounded by the towering White Mountains, Lake Gloriette, and sheltered by 1,500 acres of virtually undeveloped land.

In the Old World tradition of a truly grand resort hotel, The Balsams still caters to each of its 400 guests — from a bottle of New Hampshire maple syrup upon arrival with an inscription welcoming each guest, to the manicured garden.

Activities and amenities include tennis courts, an 18-hole mountaintop golf course and a separate nine-hole executive course designed for beginners, heated outdoor pool next to the lake, pedal boats, canoes, hiking, movies, cabaret shows, dancing and a library stocked with 1940s best sellers. Three meals are served each day, seafood is flown in daily, and continental cuisine is augmented with New England specialties. Rates start at $238 per day for two. For information, write The Balsams, Dixville Notch, NH 03576; or call (800) 255-0600.

BASIN HARBOR CLUB, Vergennes, Vt.

There is a wonderful split personality in this gracious resort, nestled on 700 acres in a natural cove on Lake Champlain. In one way, it is almost like a step back in time. Guests stay in private cottages, glide over the 18-hole golf course and enjoy fine cuisine in a large dining room. The Beach family, now in its fourth generation of management, stands in a receiving line and greets guests during a cocktail hour each weekend. Yet, the sprawling resort today encompasses modern amenities such as kayaking and sailing on the lovely lake — and there’s even an adventure program of fly fishing and rock climbing.

There also are badminton, tennis, volleyball, garden tours, guided nature walks, and excursions to look for Champ, Lake Champlain’s mythical monster. The resort offers movies, bingo, a piano bar in the lounge, and after-dinner dancing to live music in the Range Room.

It is such an easy place to relax that many guests never stray from the resort. Those who do will find sights such as The Shelburne Museum, a few miles away. The buildings assembled on the site house artifacts from dolls to barber equipment, Indian art, and even a miniature handmade circus train a quarter-mile long.

For information, write Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, VT 05491; or call (800) 622-400 or (802) 475-2311.

TRAPP FAMILY LODGE, Stowe, Vt.

In a state with countless breathtaking settings, this unique resort is cradled on an exquisite mountain — conjuring up images many remember of the Von Trapp family from the classic “Sound of Music” play and movie. Still owned by the Von Trapp family, the 2,200-acre resort consists of a main lodge with 73 guest rooms, a lower lodge with 20 guest rooms and 100 individual guest chalets — all with sweeping, mountain views. The Main Lodge and outbuildings are all Tyrolean — styled with balconies and hand-carved balustrades, steeply pitched gables and a cedar-shake roof with an Austrian bell tower. Though the design is European, the surroundings are very Vermont.

The Main Lodge resembles a European alpine lodge, with huge picture windows offering sweeping views of the countryside. In summer, the French doors of the lounge in the lodge open to outdoor tables set on the front lawn for cocktails and afternoon tea. A handsome dining room offers traditional Austrian dishes and seasonal specialties that showcase Vermont produce.

The guest houses are located in meadows across from the Main Lodge and face the Worcester Mountain Range. The two-bedroom chalets accommodate six people and have full kitchens, fireplaces and balconies — perfect for families or people who want to share the cozy accommodations.

A Family Package offers free membership in the Mountain Kids Club. This takes children on off-property excursions for gondola rides to the top of Mount Mansfield — hiking down the splendid mountain, horseback riding, visiting llama and sheep farms, kayaking and canoeing.

Concerts held on the lawn throughout the summer offer a delightful experience as guests not only enjoy musical performances but savor them on a hillside of scenic splendor.

The many package and meal plans include a Tennis Package, Tap at Trapps (maple sap gathering by horse-drawn sleigh), Thanksgiving Harvest Package and more.

For more information, write 42 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672; (800) 826-7000.