We are trying to plan a trip for mid-July with a large group of family members--10 adults, 6 kids (ages 6 mos-7 yrs). We have many parameters placed by various members, so we feel limited and stumped on a destination! We'd like to stay in the U.S.-- somewhere not too hot or prone to hurricanes. A resort would be great, as our emphasis is on togetherness more than sight-seeing, with all the little ones on different schedules etc.. A beach in Mexico was my top choice but got nixed by some who feel it's dangerous there right now. Disney was also ruled out. Any advice or ideas are hugely appreciated!!

Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Me -- great for family reunions! Right on the coast, shouldn't be too hot. Fly into Portland Me 2 l/2 hr drive. I am sure you can find other resorts on Cape Cod Ma -- Have fun. (When the children are older there are many great family-oriented resort-style dude ranches in Colorado and Montana.)

Cruise to Alaska. Lots of options on board for kids, sitter services, eat together or apart or in groups, go on excursions together or in subgroups, surprisingly affordable when you consider it's all inclusive. Unpack once and the scenery comes to you. Add a few days on either end in Seattle or Vancouver BC, where it ought to be warm but still comfortable. No hurricanes, promise.

Alaska cruise is a great idea. Or how about Hawaii? San Diego is good if kids want warm beaches. Or for cooler weather, the Monterey/Carmel area of CA is very nice.

Renting a house at the beach, (Outer Banks of NC, Cape Cod, Jersey Shore) or on a lake (try Minnesota, New Hamphshire, Upstate NY) would be ideal for a group like this. However, I'm guessing at this point in the year it may be difficult to find a place for July. Cruise is also a very good suggestion.

There are so many options it would help if you narrowed down by budget or region. My family and my SIL's family went to OBX last year and rented a huge house on the beach in Kill Devil Hills, NC - we rented through Brindley but you can also try VRBO.

We also recently went to Woodloch - in PA. It is an all inclusive vacation with activities for all age groups. Kind of expensive.

I like the idea of renting a big house on the water--plenty of bedrooms will give privacy and allow for naps, and a cummunal kitchen and living room will provide togetherness. Our kids always thought a vacation at the lake was the best. Cape Cod would be one option we liked.

We've had good luck finding places to rent through homeaway and vrbo.

Can you narrow it down geographically? I would vote for New England (the Lake Winnipesaukee area of New Hampshire is beautiful in the summer) , but it depends on where you're coming from and if getting to the northeast is logistical with your large group.

I think the thing to keep in mind is that you want some place that isn't too far from a major airport. Where you want to go is very dependent on where you are coming from and what you are looking for.

I second the cruise idea - my parents had us all go on one for their 50th Anniversary. There were over 25 of us. It allows you to all get together at the pool or buffet but also have separate rooms to get away if you need to. If you're interested in Mexico but don't want to stay there, you could do a cruise from CA to Mexico and back. There are even Disney Cruises so you could get some of the Disney flavor if you want.

Are you coming in July of this year? You might not be able to find a cruise at this late date. The Disney ones definitely fill up fast. Good luck!!

We have been a part of a family reunion for 21 years, ages infant to 84 y.o. The beach is always a good idea. Rent condos that include: close beach access (no one wants to walk very far or drive at all to get to the beach), indoor pool, outdoor pool, tennis courts, raquetball courts, beach volleyball, nearby shopping and affordable dining options. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!

Lighthouse Inn in Dennisport Mass (Cape Cod) has scheduled child activities and supervision, and a meal plan.

Anything in New England will soon be full for July, so it would be smart to give us some more particulars and then move quickly on the advice given.