Have you ever fantasized about becoming an archaeologist? Is your kid a born fiddler? Your spouse a wannabe sailor? We found 14 total-immersion learning getaways—from the tropical surf camp featured in our related slideshow and directory to the musical, culinary, and other special-interest programs listed here—that will send you home with a shared experience and a new talent, not to mention fodder for endless dinner-table "Remember when we ... ?" conversations to come.

Archaeology Vacations

Paleontologist Joseph Hatcher teaches aspiring archaeologists how to identify fossils and excavate dinosaur bones during three days at the professional dig site in eastern Montana's famed Hell Creek Formation and in the laboratory. Relax at the community pool and the local soda fountain after hot afternoons spent with hadrosaurs. For all ages. Held June through August; $60 a day for children 15 and under, $120 a day for adults; Base Camp accommodations $50 per night; Base camp meals available for $25 for children and $35 for adults; (941) 473-9511.

Kids and parents dig alongside real archaeologists during this one-week course near the amazing Mesa Verde National Park (site of pre-Pueblo cliff dwellings). Participants, who stay in Navajo-style log cabins, discover how to tell pterosaur bones from pottery shards and experience ancient Southwest life by using stone tools, lighting fires without matches, and making ropes out of yucca plants. For ages 12 and up. Held during one week in August (dates vary); $1,275 per adult, $1050 per teen (ages 12 to 18) for non-members of the local archaeological society, discounted rates available for members; price includes meals, six nights' accommodations, and local transportation; (800) 422-8975.

Culinary Vacations

Families visit ancient lemon groves and artisanal mozzarella makers, then use locally grown fresh produce to create three multicourse meals. Over four days, students cook with regional professional chefs in small groups (maximum eight people) and learn the proper techniques for everything from measuring olive oil (yes, there's a right way) to rolling out gnocchi. For ages 3 and up. Held year-round; $2,800 per adult, $1,400 per child (ages 6 to 10), kids 5 and under free; price includes seven nights' luxury accommodations in a 17th-century villa and three cooking classes with dinner; (617) 247-4112.

If you only have a weekend to spare, check out this intensive course at the charming Inn at Essex, which is home to the New England Culinary Institute. During the one-day beginner-level program, students get a personal lesson from a trained chef at the institute's kitchen as they help to prepare—and eat—a three-course meal. Kids get lots of individual attention and can even help out with the stirring and measuring as long as they're tall enough to see over the counter. For all ages. Held March through October; from $269 to $399 for the first person, depending on the time of year, and $60 for each additional person; price includes a one-night stay, a tour of the Culinary Institute, the one-day cooking course, and a continental breakfast; (800) 727-4295.

Music Vacations

Experts from around the country give budding musicians approximately 27 hours of instruction over a week in the instrument of their choice: fiddle, guitar, piano, or bass. The folksy, all-levels camp also entertains, offering hayrides through the nearby elk ranch and evening performances by the teachers. The surrounding Three Sisters Mountains make up the dramatic backdrop. For all ages (7 and up recommended). Held during one week in late July or early August (dates vary); $449 for the first person, $425 for each additional person; price includes six nights' dorm-style accommodations (or a camping or RV spot) and meals; (541) 390-4390.

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