Three Families from Central Alberta Canada and central East coast of US, 2 very seniors in 70s, 3 adults in 50s and 60s, 3 kids age 6-10.
Last Summer we met for four days in Virgina Beach, swimming, playing in sand, biking, flying kite, eating. We stayed in adjacent hotels. It was fun, But I feel could be better. A house or resort might be nicer.
We had planned to meet in Myrtle Beach in early June this year, but time has been postponed to mid-August.
We could still do that, but even years ago, Myrtle Beach was a mess of traffic in Summer and I am afraid, beastly hot. Advantage - cheap by comparison with other places, lots to do, very affordable rentals and great beaches.

So, I am looking to come up with some fantastic, but cheap alternative. Personally, I'd be happy with any small town on or near a lake, or a family resort with nice pools, but we are really all over the place.
Traverse City or somewhere in Michigan, western Maryland, New Jersey Shore, Delaware Beaches, etc., etc. We are looking for a place to meet mid-way or where only one family does much travel.
If anybody has any inspired solutions, advice or suggestions, we are very appreciative.

Is the OBX too expensive? There are hundreds of rentals and depending on where you stay plenty IMO to do. It's closer than Myrtle Beach but in some ways not nearly as commercialized. Just a thought prompted by our own HUGE family get-togethers, sometimes in multiple houses, over the years and good luck in your search.

I kinda doubt OBX is closer but I haven't done the math. It is also hurricane season.
I agree about MB but there are other beaches like Litchfield that are beautiful and not crowded. Look at Litchfield by the Sea. oops, forgot the ''cheap'' alternative. Not sure what is the range for that but until Labor Day, it is still high season the southeast coast.
Michigan would definitely be closer.

Look in the south coast of Maine. Wells Beach, Moody Beach, York, Ocean Park, etc.

Presumably everybody is fine with flying rather than driving?

Why not look for a lake resort somewhere near Montreal, maybe in the Laurentians?

New York has a few great options.... of course, Niagara Falls and the wine region... lots to do, tons to see...

then there's the Finger Lakes region, Geneva to Watkins Glen. .. Cooperstown, cabins, boating, and character. ...

Lake George, Saratoga... racing in August, plus lots to do...

finally.... Lake Placid. ... amazing cabin resorts, lodges, the Olympic history and village is great in the summer...

Yorktown, Williamsburg, VA?

Thank you, thank you! Please keep them coming. This is a great help. I am looking at every single one. A friend today also suggested places on the Great Lakes, even including specific rental properties.

I think Lake George, NY is wonderful in the summer. There are lots of lodging options from fancy resort hotels (The Sagamore) to lakefront cabins. Here is one you might like. https://www.lakegeorge.com/business/...nd-cabins-646/

White Mountains of NH - Loon ski area or Attitsh have condo rentals. Take gondola up Cannon Mtn, hike Flume Gorge, drive Kangamagus highway, canoe or kayak the Saco river. Lots of hiking and outdoor adventures but also cute towns and shopping.

Mackinac Island
Bayfield, WI
Madeline Island, WI
Duluth, MN
Grand Marais, MN
Voyageurs NP in Minnesota - there are resorts on Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake and Crane Lake