I have stolen a 5 day weekend away from work, and I loved to go away with my 10 year old daughter. I have no ideas beyond a Disney trip.... I know thats a little sad! But we aren't really the lay around on the beach nor shop til drop duo. I was looking for a good mix of spot that might have an amusment park near by, as well and interesting city/town to explore. What are some of your favorites?? I've been thinking LA, or maybe Charleston?? But don't hold to those I'm open for an adventure wherever in the next few weeks. PS it would be great if was a direct flight from Newark!

When are you planning this weekend? Chicago and NY have the American Girl Place. Boston is a great city that is a good weekend trip.
We are taking our girls to San Francisco at the end of the month. They are 10 and 12. We will not be shopping alot but maybe in Chinatown!There are a number of things to do in SF for kids, Alcatraz, Chinatown, museums, Pier 39,etc...
Warmer cities for a weekend, New Orleans, San Antonio (riverwalk) see the Alamo,etc..Have fun choosing.

Any place away from Newark would be a good getaway. But seriously, I would always favor a trip that stays in your half of the U.S. (that is, the eastern half) just because of the smaller travel time. So my first choice would be cities that are not too large but with all the features you want. Some of them would be:
New Orleans, Mobile (don't laugh, it's a neat city), Tampa and St. Pete, Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta (OK, it's kinda big, but lots to do & see), Asheville, and Nashville. Good luck.

Travelocity has a feature called dream maps where you put in your departure city and your airfare budget and they show you where you can go.

http://svc.travelocity.com/info/info...M_MAPS,00.html

I agree New Orleans sounds like a good idea for you. Charleston or Savannah also good ideas. I find LA too much trouble to get around but San Diego might be great. It's just that for a 5 day trip you'll spend a lot of time in the air.

Another thought is the Florida Keys. Fly to Miami and drive the keys. Lots of fun and exploring and warm weather.

How about Philadelphia? There's great sights and then you could drive to Hershey and go to their amusement park. What kid would turn down chocolate and amusement park in one?