I am looking for ideas to take the kids (13, 11, 5, 3) this summer for vacation. The last few summers we have enjoyed Kiawah Island with beach vacations. We would like maybe Colorado with lots of activities (hiking, biking, swimming???). We like to stay in either condos (VRBO) or hotels with accomodations for large families. We have a range of ages of kids so we need different activities for all. HelP!

How about San Diego? There is a lot for all age groups... San Diego Zoo,Wild Animal Park, Balbao Park and it's musuems, the beaches, Midway Aircraft Carrier & museum, Old Town, good food.

city or rural? Do you want to see any of the usual sights of the US - National Parks, Grand Canyon, etc.

I'd visit a national park. It's hard to beat Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

Yellowstone would get my vote for a wide range of ages.

Thanks for your responses-I was thinking the same thing. We have never been out that way and will look into it for the summer.

If Yellowstone/GT are not available,
try Glacier.
Other nice options : South Dakota : Black Hills, Devil's tower, Badlands, Jewell and Wind Caves,Mount Rushmore...and less expensive...
Erik

Go to a Dude Ranch! There are lots of activities including swinmming and horseback riding! Kids get to be with other kids. You don't have to drive, you don't have to decide where to eat. There is supervision. Kids learn to do without TV, cell phones and computers. My son loves it. Try CherokeeParkRanch.com

San Diego would be great but it is high season so pricier.

Another option is Park City, UT. Rates will be much lower and there is great fun and relaxing there....music and art festivals, downtown Park City, hiking, golf, fishing, summer rides at the ski resorts for the little ones, great restaurants, etc. You could even do a day trip for some white water rafting or break up the trip and do a longer trip to Moab for rafting.