So, we can go anywhere, my husband says. Yikes! Where would my "dream" (US or islands) be with my four kids? The older three are boys - love active stuff, but appreciate the simple things as well. I want to experience something different with them - a place or people we normally don't come across. We live in a Philly suburb.

But the probelem is the one year old (ah but she's soo sweet)! I'm thinking a more laid back, intimate place, where the boys have freedom would be the best. Maybe a small resort/lodge/inn type place with lots of "family" activities. They don't like to be shoved into a program.

Please...ideas. I'm suffering from option anxiety.

Lisa

Have to add that we need great food and a/c. Had a horrible time last year at Lake George with cafeteria food and no a/c for a week. We were so sluggish and took lots of naps. Baby was sooo cranky. Not fun!

I think San Diego is great for kids the ages you describe. The attractions there (Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Legoland, Sea World, beach) have something for everyone (although the 10 year old is pushing the upper limit of Legoland) and the ambiance is very family friendly.

a dude ranch would be great for you. Many allow a nanny to come free with little ones, so you can bring along grandma or a friend and give yourself some free time as well.

Williamsburg, VA (Water Country USA)
Good for all ages

I have had friends rave about family Club Med programs but personally have never been. We really enjoyed a family trip to Maui where we stayed in a condo and had lots of pool/beach time plus were in a beautiful location.

Regardless of where you go, you might want to find a place that offers baby-sitting services. On our last two beach vacations (Acapulco and Barbados) we've arranged for a sitter to come in the afternoon to watch our 1 year old daughter. It gets her out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeps her a bit more on schedule when it comes to taking naps. It also let's both my wife and I have some quality time alone with our almost 3 year old son.

In terms of location, you might consider somewhere like Cancun. While not my favorite part of Mexico, for someone traveling with 4 kids you can likely get a direct flight, the beaches are really nice, there are plenty of American-restaurant options, and there are sites within a reasonable drive (such as Tulum.)

I would recommend Maho Bay Camps on St John USVI but I'm not sure if they have large enough tents for a family of 6. The beach offers shade as well as great snorkeling. Breakfast and dinner are available at the dining pavilion. The last time we visited was about 6 years ago. The food was ok. Our first visit was when our son was in kindergarten. Kids made friends on the beach and could play around the dining pavilion. There wasn't any need for organized activities. We hired one of the staff to babysit so we could have an adults only dinner in Cruz Bay. Evening programs were offered if you could stay awake that long. Quiet time was spent at our "tent", lounging on the deck with a wonderful view of the bay, feeding the birds and watching the hermit crabs. Families could snorkel together, take hikes or explore the island. Our friends chose to stay in one of the eco lodges but the downside was they are a long steep walk from the beach. It's a very relaxing vacation but not very luxurious if you don't like public showers. I heard a lot of parents comment that the kids were having a terrific time without the need to arrange play dates. Private yachts anchor in the bay at night. I thought it was pretty interesting that I could enjoy the same beach and view as some fabulously wealthy people!
Check their website for more info.

I don't know your budget but we are taking our family to Negril Jamaica. There are several places to stay there that you might like. My sis-in-law stayed at Moon Dance Villas with her 2 kids & loved it. You have a whole "house" to yourself with a cook & bartender. They would watch her kids if she & the husband wanted to walk the beach alone. They reserved the 2 bedroom villa but were upgraded to the 3 bedroom when they arrived. It was 3500 sq ft! They don't have organized activities but they do have water sports available.

Negril has the fabulous beach, cliffs (with cliff divers), tropical foliage & a chance to see a different part of the world. There are glass bottom boats & snorkling too.

One note to remember here- this is a part of the world that isn't Disney like so you could drive past poverty on the way from the airport. I don't consider that a bad lesson for our kids to see. The people there seem to be making the best with what they have instead of crying about what they don't.
All in all you get a feeling of relaxing & appreciation for nature.

I cruise could be an option also, you stop at many ports and see different things. We stopped at the Grand Caymans and went to Sting Ray Island and feed them by hand. Absolutely the best thing I have ever done. Just an option.