sf7307

Looking for ideas of places to go for a week with family, end of August, 5 adults, 1 toddler and 1 infant. Parents of toddler and infant do NOT want to sit still at a beach house or all-inclusive. They were suggesting Cuba, which I nixed due to weather among other things. So, it has to be someplace that isn't wildly hot and humid, that has things to do including hiking and specifically kid-oriented things, that has some quaint and/or historic towns, etc. Can be anywhere that's "doable" from the west and east coasts of the US for a week.

lynni

Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove ( Point Lobos, Dennis the Menace Park, tidepools, California history, aquarium etc)

Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Santa Barbara, Ojai ( beaches, zoo, hiking, historic missions, wine tasting, bicycling etc...)

Lots of things to do, beautiful weather that time of year, not exotic but a week is a nice amount of time for either of thee areas.

Gardyloo

1. Vancouver BC. VERY kid-friendly, numerous in-city or nearby options - mountains, sailing, ferries, islands... Fabulous parks, beaches (water cold, sand warm) farmers markets, great food, aquarium, Shakespeare festival (Bard on the Beach)... Plus the US/Canadian dollar exchange rate is very favorable.

2. Portland and Columbia Gorge. Stay in Hood River - Gorge waterfalls, visits to Mount Hood, forest or lake walks, U-pick farms on the Hood River Valley "fruit loop," visits to the fun/funky Maryhill Museum and Maryhill Stonehenge. Visit Herman the Sturgeon and feed the baby fish at the Bonneville hatchery, lots of farm-to-table, craft beer, wineries, lots of water activities on the Columbia River (windsurfing etc.) No sales tax in Oregon.

fishee

San Francisco 4 nights for urban sightseeing, excellent food, and the Bay Area Children's Discovery Museum in Sausalito (mostly outdoor) is a must-do.
Point Reyes Station (1 hr from SF) for gorgeous coastal hikes, walk to the lighthouse, and hikes through the redwoods. Excellent farm-to-table restaurants in charming little town, Point Reyes Station. I'd stay in Pt Reyes for 3 nights.

We've done this trip several times with my baby and toddler. Some pics from fodorites

http://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/wp...16/04/GG_1.jpg

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/wp-c...7/P1050891.jpg

http://www.protrails.com/protrails/t...m%20kelham.jpg

https://www.protrails.com/protrails/...0stand%201.jpg

Gardyloo

The OP lives in the Bay Area.

fishee

I also love the Portland itinerary that Gardyloo posted and we've done this a few times with my babies/toddlers. We usually stay in the Hawthorne area in Portland for 4 nights and stay 3 nights in Hood River. Gorgeous, easy hiking with big "payoffs" for relatively easy effort/access. Excellent high quality food options.

Inakauaidavidababy

What exactly are "kid oriented things" for an infant and toddler? I've never understood this question. I think Vermont is an interesting suggestion. Less crowds then the ocean, bike paths, hikes, farm to table restaurant scene. . .

dfrostnh

I like VT but I think NH might be even better. Get a cottage in the quieter areas of Lake Winnipesaukee. The White Mountains are just to the north. Maybe Wolfboro area would be good since you would be closer to Story Land in Glen NH for the little ones. Wolfboro should qualify for quaint. I also like the Meredith area for shopping and events (two summer theaters). There is also a summer theater in Tamworth. The 4 yo should love Squam Lakes Science Center. Plan to spend a good part of the day so you can see some of the animals show. Docents wander around to make sure people are having a good time and to tell them something else about native NH animals. One lady had a small owl on her arm and talked to us about owls. Just us, 2 adults and 2 grandchildren. Winnisquam is a quieter lake but further from the mountains and Story Land. Squam Lake is wonderful but very little commercial activity, tends to be old cottages that have been in the same family for years. Just make sure the cottage has a good little beach area (some only have docks) and a screened porch. Tons of hiking trails. Plus Portland Maine is do-able as a day trip.

sf7307

These are great suggestions - thanks, and keep them coming!

emalloy

I agree with dfrostnh as you can see on your other thread.

suze

Hawaii??

sf7307

suze, we always love Hawaii, but they were there last year, and prefer to go someplace they haven't been.

Landseaair

The first place I thought of when seeing your post is Sunriver, Oregon. We started going there when we had a 9 month old and a 3 year old. We don't go every year- but to this day when we say 'let's go to Sunriver!' The kids are on board. The 3 year old is in his 30's now with a young family of his own.
It's a bit of a haul for us from Northern California ( 6 hour drive) but so worth it.
It's easy to rent a home or condo, either through the Sunriver Lodge or vrbo/homeaway.
Bring your own bikes, or the rental may have bikes or you can rent from several bike rental shops. There are over 30 miles of paved, connected bike trails throughout the complex.
There is a cute shop area with a grocery store, and specialty stores. There is a huge aquatic center for workouts and swimming, and a spa. The Deschutes river runs through the place and has rafting,
There are stables for horseback rides.
There is a Nature Center to visit with the kids. There is also a large playground area.
The High Desert Museum is very close and is great for a visit with kids.
Bend Oregon is just up the highway and has lots to offer, too. Hiking is everywhere also. Last year, DD and her friend (both in college) went on a guided tour of lava caves.
With a bike trail nearby wherever you end up staying it is easy to put the kids in a stroller and go for a walk, or go out for a bike ride, taking turns or putting the little ones on a toddler seat or in a wagon.
There is so much to do a week might not be long enough ��
The best thing about the time that you want to go is that most California families will be back home starting school. So it shouldn't be a super crowded time to visit.
Oh, there is a small airport there also. The next nearest airport is Redmond I think, or Portland. From Portland Sunriver is about a 3 1/2 hour drive.

sunbum1944

Landseaair- I agree Sunriver is great for families.
I think you covered what is has to offer. One of my favorite spots and I only live a couple of hours away.

You are right that the airport is in Redmond.
Bend is a fun city with lots to see and do, good restaurants.
A friend of mine owns a home there and rents through Flipkey. It's very nice and would accommodate this group. Let me know if you'd like more info.

Fodorite018

Another vote for Sunriver. We live in Portland as have been going with our family for many years. Our kids are in their 20's and still love it and talk about their great memories over the years. You can hike to Benjamin Falls from the north end of the resort. Nearby is the lava tube and lava butte. At the butte you can feed the chipmunks, which toddlers are always entertained by. The High Desert Museum is also nearby and is a must! Back at the resort there are deer and huge squirrels that you see all over the bike paths and in yards. Again toddlers love seeing them so close.

Fodorite018

Ugh auto correct! Benham Falls not Benjamin

Gretchen

I agree with the question another posed--interesting to infant and toddler. Who is going to babysit while these cuties take their naps?
How about Charleston? They really "could" stay at the beach in case the parents wouldn't mind a few days--or hours per day there. And then there is the bird island nearby, shrimping boat, eating great food, etc.

fishee

I'm going to hijack to say I've never heard of Sunriver and it's now on our list for next year. My husband cycles year round & the kids love riding in a cargo bike so we will def check this place out. Thanks!

sf7307

We haven't been to Sunriver, but when the kids were young, we went to Black Butte a couple of times. We loved it up there. On the list!

Fodorite018

fishee--Oh my, definitely check out Sunriver! It is a fantastic place!!!

sf7307--I like Black Butte as well, but it just doesn't have near as much as Sunriver. BB is great for a more laid back getaway.