MikeBuckley

lisette,

I don't mind so much that my wife doesn't like NYC as much as that she doesn't like Vegas. Yikes!!!!!

You're right, of course, that some of the road shows don't employ the same stars that appeared in the Broadway shows. But that's not always the case. Maureen McGovern is reprising her Broadway role in "Little Women" in a 32-city tour, including performances at the KC. Though not a musical, James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams took their Broadway roles in "On Golden Pond" to the KC this season. I've seen others over the years including the guy (can't remember his name) who made the tenor role in "Les Mis." Having just seen Christine Baransky as "Mame" at the KC, that show might go to Broadway though odds are apparently against it.

As for general culture available at the KC and other DC venues, if I wanted to spend the big bucks to take my nieces to ballet that is about as good as it gets, I'd have the following choices next season: Kirov Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet and others. There are similarly significant offerings throughout the year of symphony orchestras, chamber music, jazz, etc., etc., etc.

And rather than pay NYC hotel prices, I can return home from those performances to my own bed.

TheWeasel

I'd vote for some national parks. I think it would be more interesting and stimulating to show them something really different, instead of taking them to NYC so they can experience Broadway. At that age, I just think expanding their horizons is better than focusing in on what they already like.

And as some others have said, you'd have to pick something that's interesting and different, not just a scenic place. Scenery is beautiful, not necessarily interesting or exciting for a kid. Yellowstone has a lot to offer. There's a reason it's so popular. I don't know that I'd consider RMNP to be a great kid destination for this trip - it's beautiful with great hikes, but there isn't enough variation IMO. For that same reason, I'd vote against Grand Canyon as well. After they get over the "WOW" factor, they might get bored.

So, either pick something like Yellowstone (even though there's really nothing else "like" it), or pick somewhere like Colorado/UT with a variety of parks and topography.

claire_bluesky

DH, our 13 yr. old DD, and I just got home from a trip to Glacier Nat'l Park. She loved it and thinks we ought to move there. A first: DD actually offered to carry the backpack and then took a turn on every hike. Proud of her we are.

There are lots of other activities including boat/ferry tours, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, etc.

She's a total girly girl and tends to be prissy, but enjoys hiking even in the mud and rain. She would never go camping, but then neither would I. A warm and cozy place at the end of a rugged day is our preference.

If you decide on Glacier, July or August.

MikeBuckley

A warm and cozy place at the end of a rugged day is our preference.

Understandable. A friend of mine's concept of roughing it is a hotel without room service.

fuzzbo

Our family went on vacation when I was 12 and I remember being most excited by the hotel pools - clearly I was not an exceptional child!

A couple of places that I like:

Mackinac Island in Michigan,although I'm not sure there's enough to do for a week, but it could be part of a larger western Michigan trip (Traverse City, Petosky, etc.) There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island and you get around by bike, foot, or horse drawn carriage.

Oregon - Portland and the coast. Sea Lion Caves, international test rose garden, etc.

Seattle/San Juan Islands.

Can't wait to hear what you decide!

mah1980

As a child, my family went on many of the trips suggested in this thread. My sister and I were both over achievers in school. That being said, one of the most memorable thing about some of the places were those hotels that had the best pools.

This will be a summer vacation, and kids that age love the pool. I know it sounds really basic, but I think the chances of your nieces liking the trip will greatly increase if there is a good pool.

karens

I agree with the pool comment! Now when we travel in the summer, we look for a water park. I think the highlight of our trip to Yellowstone was the water park, however small, in Thermopolis. Last summer, they loved Raging Waters outside San Jose. This summer is Colorado and we're going to visit Water World.

Kris629

When are kids were this age we started going to Myrtle Beach every summer. There are lots of roomy condos to rent and tons of activities for kids that age to do. Miniature golf, banana boats, parasailing, mazes, fun spots that have little cars for racing plus great restaurants and shopping.

karens

Re-reading my last comment, I want to make it clear that the small water park in Thermopolis was the highlight for my kids, not me! (Although I do love those pool fed by hot springs - I'm usually cold in regular pools!)

Kris629

Sorry Mike, just realized you didn't want a beach area although there is so much more to Myrtle Beach than the beach.
Another suggestion would be the Lancaster PA/Pennsylvania Dutch area. There is the cultural aspect with the Amish experience center( not sure of its official name). There are great shopping outlets,musuems, tours(the pretzel factory is fun) There is a place called Sight and Sound that has a wonderful stage show. We took our kids to one called Noah that actually had a full blown ark that opened up and had tons of animals on stage. There are two amusement parks nearby, Dutch Wonderland(closest) and Hershey Park, both are lots of fun. The hotel I recommend is The Willow Valley Resort which has spacious rooms(suite rooms available), a great restaurant, two pools and I think it may even have a miniature golf area.

ovor

...may be Canada?
look at this (i've found searchign my next vacation idea)
http://inozo.com/family/?ct_id=21

seems like you can have fun

nancymaat

Another vote for SF. My 10 year old neice came to visit us a couple of years ago for 3 weeks during the summer.We planned all sorts of outings, including trips to all the SF tourist places,monterey, yosemite, tahoe....turns out, her favorite things were: seating in the shade and watching squirrels, petting a horse (didn't actualy get on one to ride it) and spending the whole day at the exploratorium. SF has lots of options so you can always change the plan once you got here if something turns out to be more interesting to them than others.

hokeypokey

Fly to Rapid City, SD, rent a car & spend a week -- Mt Rushmore (night lighting is awesome), Needles Hiway, Bison & panhandling donkeys in Custer State Pk, Flintstone Park, Reptile Gardens, Bear Country, Cosmos, Boothill Cemetery & The trial of Jack McCall in Deadwood, Trout Haven, Chuck Wagon supper, Trail rides, hikes, Wall Drug & a zillion other things that will keep them very busy and make memories for all of you. Our philosophy has always been: IF THE KIDS HAVE FUN on VACATION, YOU'LL HAVE FUN !

lisariley

Our first camping trip was in Rocky Mountain National Park. My kids were 9 and 12. It was car camping but since we had never done it before it made it a learning experience for all. We had a blast. We went white water rafting. We also got up very early one morning to climb a mountain. You have to summit before noon in the summer because you always have daily storms. We were in our tent during a major hail storm. It was very cool. You have many awesome recommendations. Goodluck!

lizziea06

I realize you said best place in the US, but would you consider taking them to London, perhaps?

OldSouthernBelle

You've got some really good suggestions so far!
My advice would be to talk to the parents first, to come up with a few ideas suitable to yourselves, then maybe have the kids narrow it down abit with their input. That way you aren't 'put on the spot' about any particular place.
I went on vacation with my aunt/uncle at age 16. We did a road trip (pull behind trailor) from Al, stopping on the way & back in LA to see a couple different sets of relatives I didn't know I had (fun!), through Dallas and the turnback point was the Mesa Verde, which we had read about in the Atlas. On the return, did San Antonio - the Hemisphere was there that year. It was very hot, lots of stops for swimming pools, etc.

My first suggestion would have been DC, since there is absolutely DAYS of museums, zoos, and other educational things to do. But you say that is out due to nearness. But I wonder, as many times the near things get put off to never or rarely visited.
That was another childhood trip (twice) that I was fascinated by, and the one we never actually got around to doing with our own children, who had a stated desire to go.

The two (US) trips we did that they enjoyed the best - the Grand Canyon/Petrified Forrest/Painted Desert/Red Rock Canyon (there's an Indian Museum and Annual 'Pow Wow' of all the tribes @RRC in August & a Balloon Fest, I believe). Esp. enjoyed the raft ride/picnic down the Colorado River!
The 2nd trip was in winter - Yellowstone. My kids were 13-15 and loved being able to 'drive' the snowmobiles! Lots of wild life and interesting geology.
I'n sure you will have a great time, regardless. These nieces are really luckly little ladies to have such a caring Aunt/Uncle!

OldSouthernBelle

That was supposed to have been Hemis-Fair!, not Hemisphere ( World Fair with a few dropouts- Ha!)

amwosu

Colorado was my favorite trip as a child (went when I was 12 yrs old for a month)because of the diversity of things to see and do.

I had great fun horseback riding, visiting a ranch, attending a rodeo, hiking, river rafting, and visiting caverns and gold mines. I also enjoyed the history and architecture of ancient native American dwellings in the southern part of the state.

As an adult Colorado is still my favorite state for beautiful awe inspiring scenery and many outdoor pursuits. Also, no humidity and LOTS of sunshine!

There are many many posts on what to do in Colorado if you use the search box above.

calimom29

I'd have to agree with San Diego. The city is very comfortable for families--lots of family attractions like the Zoo, Balboa Park, Aquarium, Wild Animal Park, as well as the beach and museums which are family friendly. The weather is warm during the day and cooler at night and it's easy to find a hotel which caters to families. I think you'll like it especially since you can be physically active as a family but find beautiful places to rest, too.

mooselywild

Seattle. Culture, rugged natural beauty, indoors and outdoors activities, beautiful buildings, quirky but classy casual vibe, interesting landmarks. I remember, when I was around your nieces' ages, roaming aroung Pike's place market never got old! The sci-fi and exp. music museums are great, unless anyone with you truly is disinterested or hates sci-fi or music. The girls might really enjoy Victoria BC (take the ferry)- Empress Hotel, the museums (some of the best "regional" displays), tours,Sticky Wicket. Maybe a day trip to Mt. Rainier park?