Spiro, the OP's kids are 2 and 3 years old. They are not ready for the Grand Canyon or DC.

The posters suggesting places with train rides, a great beach in a nearby state (RI, MD, etc) are looking at age-appropriate, not just "the best."

We started taking our children to the national parks when our youngest was 2. We put him in a backpack and hiked all over. He loved seeing the animals at Yellowstone, and then would nap in the backpack. He doesn't remember the trip at 2, but he also doesn't have many memories of trips at 6 and 7. However, we all had a great time.

When my kids were preschoolers, our best trips were beaches and Rocky Mountain National Park. At RMNP, we stayed at Lane Guest Ranch, which has a children's program and lots of activities. On some days, we explored RMNP on our own. We did short hikes (with younger child in a backpack carrier), drove Trail Ridge Road across the park, and saw lots of animals.

My kids are now 14 and 16. They have been to 37 states. My spouse has been to all 50, and I have 3 left. The midwest is the area where my kids have the most states on the to do list. Now that my older one is looking at colleges, we may be able to get those last 13 states in.

Atlanta and Chattanooga would be a good preschooler trip. I'd go to the aquarium, the Children's Museum and the zoo in Atlanta (1.5 days, 1 night). Chattanooga is lots of fun for preschoolers with its aquarium (better than ATl imho), Incline Railway, Rock City, and the Children's Museum. There is a day trip excursion train ride near Chattanooga. Thomas the tank engine is there at least once a year. My kids still remember riding on Thomas' train when they were the age of your kids.

For those not willing to take the longer train ride in Chattanooga, there is a shorter ride available. We did the whole experience including the ride, turntable and museum in less than 2 hours:

http://tvrail.com/

5alive,

The OP didn't ask for a specific location. In fact, it mentioned going to CA next week. It didn't mention a specific age. I was suggesting many of the places we had been with our daughter up to this point (age 18). I realize that the poster indicated age 2 and 3. The only place I specfically mentioned was The Great Sand Dunes. The links that I provided are for Parenting Magazine and a book entitled Top 100 Things To Do With Your Kids Before They Grow Up. There are many age appropriate places-zoos, parks, trains, etc on that link.

We had a good time at it all at every age. She went to Disneyworld and Cruise 7 times before age 5- Had a great time every time. I see many kids at places like Yosmite, Zion, under age 4 and they all seem to be having a good time. Playing in the Merced, or Virgin River Narrows, Camping, etc. I'm not sure just how much they will remember of any of it.

Sorry, I didn't answer the post the way you thought it needed to be answered. I'm sure you have the best ideas. After all, you stated yourself that you were to busy in day to day duties when your kids were young. I made it a point to spend time and plan events with my child, be it vacation, church, or participating in sports, piano, and more.

rizzo,

Since you mention aquariums and you are going to be in CA. My favorite aquarium is the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

We really like the Zoo, but equally liked The Wild Animal Park. You might even thing about doing the Roar and Snore there at the zoo.

San Diego Zoo is what I meant

Spirobulldog, here is a quote from the OP:
<Right now they are 2 and 3 so I'm holding off on places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Niagara Falls until they are older.>

"I'm holding off on" sounds to me like she wanted places appropriate for the next few years.

I also would like to address the following:

<After all, you stated yourself that you were to (sic) busy in day to day duties when your kids were young. I made it a point to spend time and plan events with my child, be it vacation, church, or participating in sports, piano, and more.>

That was not entirely accurate--I said I focused on the day to day. I said nothing about duties. For the record, my day-to-day duties were staying home with my children; we did play groups and park visits and we don't miss church (unless we are vomiting). I also had some health issues to square away. We did take them to the beach and camping a lot but, as I said before, during those preschool years we never thought about a longterm vacation strategy.

We also do all of the activities you mentioned plus Scouting, flute, Battle of the Books. We also lead and coach, and have for years. I lead classes in our church and units out at summer camp. I don't know everything but I've spent 40 hour weeks with campers for several years, and you do learn a few things about what kids need. Sometimes my husband and I probably give too much and don't make time to plan a vacation in January like we should. I'm not sure what you're implying, but that's our life.

Still not sure why you singled me out and my suggestion.
What you think is age appropriate and good places to visit might be different than my thoughts.

If you actually read the links I posted, there are many many places (not just the popular Big Name National Parks). I think pretty much every one might want to go to Yellowstone, Yosemite Niagra and Grand Canyon. Again, the links have various age appropriate places to visit.

Simply trying to put some ideas out there, geez.

Back from California...had a lot of fun, but it's good to be home. The best bonus: the time zone confusion has lead to my 2 year old sleeping later!!

Thanks for all of the great sugguestions. I hadn't thought about Rocky Mt Nat'l Park...just hasn't been on my radar.

We have decided to postpone our WDW trip. I want them to be older and not need naps before we tackle Disneyworld, Epcot, etc. Don't get me wrong, they had a blast at Disneyland, but WDW is so much bigger.

Leaning towards the Atlanta to Nashville trip at the end of April and maybe a trip to Amish country in June. While they are young, I'm thinking one flying trip, one driving trip per year.