We are struggling with were to vacation this year. We have 3 little boys ages 8, 6 and 4. I had hoped to find a hotel or house on the ocean or find a great hotel with a great kids club. We are open to what cities to go to, but we do not want to break the bank. thank you for any help!!

Hilton Head is very family oriented and full of condo/ villa's that are rented by the week. The villa's are in all price ranges. The Marriott corporation has rental villas there with activity programs for all ages.

Sanibel Island is a great place for kids as is the Marriott at Marco Island.

San Diego is a great family destination. Perfect weather, beaches and a ton of places to see. There's LegoLand, The San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, etc.

Catalina is great because no theme park proces are involved. Glassbottom boat and flying fish tours are fun. Most of your time will be on the beach or walking and spending time together. Beach Realty is our favorite on the island.

Cathy,

I suggest renting a cottage on Cape Cod, preferably at least as far out as Harwich or Brewster. You don't say where you're traveling from, so I don't know whether such a trip is practical.

Renting a place right on the water may not be affordable (or even possible this late in the year), but you might be able to find somewhere w/in walking distance. Also, there are many freshwater ponds on the Cape, and sometimes cottages are available right on the pond beaches.

There are a number of things that are fun for kids w/in driving distance of the "mid-Cape": Pirates Cove miniature golf in Dennis, Cape Cod League baseball games (free) in many of the towns on the Cape, the Wellfleet Drive-in Theater, nature walks along the Cape Cod National Seashore, and more.