Family Vacation suggestions
- Thread starter SamSpade
- Start date
How long do you consider "long"? As in, what's your max?
Also, what do you like to do? Tourist trappy kid stuff, or naturey kid stuff? And when would you be going?
Consider the often overlooked Jersey Shore. Wildwood on up to Seaside Heights. Talk to Jody and Rick about Cape May - they go there every year, or used to.
kwillia
n/a
Hershey Park is a good choice for the age range of your kids. It's an attractive park and they have shows so going multiple days isn't overkill. We stayed in Hummelstown just on the outskirts. We chose a hotel with a kitchette so we could do breakfast prior to leaving hotel for the day. It made for a relaxing start to the day rather then forcing everyone up early to go fight the breakfast crowd. There is also Indian Echo Caverns and a train depot in the area.
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
I went there often as a kid, because I grew up in Lancaster. Also went to Indian Echo on a field trip. Besides the chocolate tours and amusement park - which I am certain has changed since the 60's and 70's - what else do you do? I have a timeshare which can secure spots in Hershey.
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
Funny that you consider Jersey Shore overlooked, since until I moved to Maryland, I didn't know there even WAS an Ocean City - in MARYLAND.
To me, the shore WAS the Jersey Shore, and my sisters lived in Ocean City and Somers Point.
I think Rick and Jody actually have family there,(in Cape May) so it makes it easier for them. I'll mention it. Jody has family in NC.
I've considered the Outer Banks.
The kid's limit is probably five hours. Myrtle Beach can be reached if you drive fast and don't take breaks, and we have
lots of choices with our time share there. But we already have a beach vacation scheduled elsewhere for Memorial Weekend.
Hershey is looking more attractive.
When they're bigger, less touristy stuff will appeal to them - my folks used to go up to Cape Cod
and to the Poconos, but they were into hikes, biking, canoeing and all that. Littlest is very small and eight
and would prefer crafts and stuff. We went to Williamsburg one year and they still liked going to Yankee Candle
more than seeing the old city.
Me? Frankly I wouldn't mind a whole day sitting on a quiet beach and snoozing.
No zip lines or body surfing. I get enough stress during the rest of the year.
Myrtle Beach has at least two things going for it for us - it's on the way so my mom can join us,
and the kids would still like South of the Border as a stop. Mom wants to join us, and it makes it easier.
Still thinking.
A couple of these might be cool for kids and not too expensive - http://mountainrailwv.com/
General Lee
Well-Known Member
Never understood why people stress out over vacation. If you stress and put to much energy into into it, its not a vacation
It's not something I'd do every year but we took the kids to "family camp" at Camp Friendship in Virginia one year. The price was incredibly reasonable (though no frills) and everyone had a really good time. The one downside is that they only have it available for one week at the end of August.
Consider several short stays instead of one long one, although I'm not sure how doable that is for kids. Like, you head for Colonial Beach for a day; then Williamsburg for a couple of days; then head to VA Beach and OBX, or go the other way toward SOB and Myrtle Beach. A bunch of vacations in one.
OR take the kids "camping". Most campgrounds have cabins for lodging that are reasonably priced, many of which include a private bath and at least a modest kitchen. The kids can play, hike, swim, kayak, and stay busy while you and Mrs. Spade relax. That's also a lodging option worth considering no matter where you go because they're usually priced better than hotels and you get way more bang for your buck, plus it's a vacation in itself (which a hotel usually isn't).
OR take the kids "camping". Most campgrounds have cabins for lodging that are reasonably priced, many of which include a private bath and at least a modest kitchen. The kids can play, hike, swim, kayak, and stay busy while you and Mrs. Spade relax. That's also a lodging option worth considering no matter where you go because they're usually priced better than hotels and you get way more bang for your buck, plus it's a vacation in itself (which a hotel usually isn't).
Some cruises are very reasonable and kids can stay free in their parents room. Not sure how many are in your gaggle.
The price is more or less all inclusive except for the daily gratuity. Drink the free drinks or you can bring a case along with your luggage. They have age appropriate kids & teen activities. Then there's shows, the pools, port sightseeing, the gym, hoops, running track, arcade, casino, etc. Check in & check out just 1 time.
The price is more or less all inclusive except for the daily gratuity. Drink the free drinks or you can bring a case along with your luggage. They have age appropriate kids & teen activities. Then there's shows, the pools, port sightseeing, the gym, hoops, running track, arcade, casino, etc. Check in & check out just 1 time.
GWguy
*
Along these lines, there's Luray Caverns on the Blue Ridge. Cabins available.
luvmygdaughters
Well-Known Member
Outer Banks? We would go there when I was a kid. My father always stopped by the USS North Carolina to take the tour. I know its ridiculous, but I always looked forward to that part. Myrtle Beach is also a good selection. Plenty of stuff to do and restaurants to please everybody!
MiddleGround
Well-Known Member
I hear WallyWorld might be open. Pack up the family truckster and hit the open road!
terbear1225
Well-Known Member
along these lines, anyone know of anything in Central PA? good places to stay for cheap? DD has the opportunity to do a day camp in Carlisle but would be done by 1:00 each day.
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
Amazing. When I was a kid, I went to a camp in Carlisle.
But I doubt Camp Shand still exists, although it wouldn't surprise me if your camp is on the same grounds.