Anyone who has visited Mackinac Island knows that the only way to truly appreciate all that this fun destination has to offer is to stay on the island overnight.

  For families this is especially true. Driving to either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, then boarding a ferry, getting to the dock, renting bikes, navigating through downtown then actually trying to see something on the island can wear out even the most intrepid group. And if you have babies or toddlers along, a visit can be even more daunting. Tired kids and parents are likely to be the result.

Rather, families should come to the island and stay a few days at Mission Point Resort. Why is Mission Point so perfect for families?

The No. 1 reason why is its facilities. It offers special two-room suites for families that allow children to sleep separate from their parents. It has spacious grounds, right on the water, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The large lawn is a great setting for children to run and play. There is also a large swimming pool and a movie theater. And it is pet-friendly, too!

The dining choices at Mission Point also work particularly well for families (there’s no need to dress for dinner unless you want to!).  The Lakeside Marketplace offers everything from gourmet sandwiches, salads, picnic lunches, bagels/muffins to Starbucks coffee. It is great for a quick snack or an early meal for the little ones. Casual dining for all ages is available at the Bistro on the Greens, or the Round Island Bar & Grill. Parents might want to get a baby sitter or utilize the Kids Club so they can enjoy a romantic dinner for two at The Epicurean.

The No. 2 reason Mission Point is so special is its activities and programming. Children can meet at the resort’s “Kids Island Club,” a 3,000-square-foot indoor activity center where trained counselors ensure that each child is entertained and educated. Toddlers ages 2-4 have fun at storybook circles, with balloons and bubbles and at teddy bear picnics. Ages 4-10 enjoy a variety of outdoor games, arts and crafts and field trips.

“Tweeners,” ages 11-15, can hang out in the resort’s game room where pool and pizza parties, video games and tie-dye parties take place.

Once the family reunites, more activities await them at the resort such as first-run movies at the island’s only theater, picnic games, poolside bingo and build-your-own ice cream sundae parties. There are also old-fashioned hayrides, bicycle rentals, lawn bowling, croquet, horseshoes and tennis. The Greens, an 18-hole executive putting course, is always popular with older children and teens. If the weather turns gloomy, there is a video arcade and billiards for indoor entertainment. The resort also maintains a library of books, playing cards and board games.

Youngsters may also enjoy a visit from Mac the Moose, the mascot of Mission Point, who is likely to turn up most anytime to give little ones – and adults, too – a big hug, welcoming them to the resort and Mackinac Island. He's the resort's "ambassador of fun." Check the "Where's Mac?" posters in the lobby for a list of his daily appearances. (Parents can even arrange for a special nightly tuck-in service with a visit from Mac and a "Mini Mac" plush toy to take home.)

The No. 3 reason to visit Mission Point Resort is the exceptional deals that are offered to families.  With the “Kids Eat Free" program, children 12 and under can eat for no charge from a special menu in the Round Island Bar & Grill, the Lakeside Marketplace, and for breakfast in The Epicurean.

And this 2010 season, there is a really special deal for a family. The Mission Point Resort – Island Family Adventure Package is the perfect way for the family to experience Mackinac Island. This all inclusive package, which starts at $599, includes two nights accommodations, four rounds on the putting course, four Tower Museum tickets, four tickets to Fort Mackinac, four tickets for a carriage tour of the island, four round-trip ferry tickets to and from the island, a four-hour bike rental for four, as well as breakfast and dinner daily for four. Prices can be customized depending on the size of your family.

For more information on Mission Point Resort and to learn how you can experience a great summer family getaway, please visit missionpoint.com or call reservations at (800) 833-7711.