Vacation ideas needed for 7 and 16 year olds.
 

My daughter is racking her brain trying to decide on a vacation that both her children can enjoy. She has a daughter 7 and a son 16. Last years vacation at the beach didn't work very well as her son doesn't care for the beach. Disney and a cruise are out as his father has taken him both places many times. This kind of age span seems to create a vacation challange. Any suggestions?

Dude ranch?

I don't know how far away they want to travel or their budget but what about Europe. Paris has so many things to do and see, I would think even the 16 year old would be amazed. Haven't been to London, but that could be another option. For the US, what about the West Coast? Maybe San Diego or San Francisco?

Maybe Williamsburg - there's history, amusement parks and a water park. My 2 girls have enjoyed Williamsburg since the oldest was 3. She's now 14 and can't wait to go back again. She's going in early May as part of a school trip.

We usually stay at the Kingsmill Resort, where there are lots of other kids, golf, tennis, shuttle bus to Busch Gardens and Water Country. Wouldn't hesitate to go back again. The Great Wolf Lodge also is good for families from what I've heard.

Where did they go to the beach? I think that is important since someone may really enjoy a beach vacation in one area, but not another. Depends on what people like to do.

California would be a good choice - depending on how long they have, they could stay in one spot, visit a few different places or do more of a road trip. And the nice thing about California is that you can have cities, mountains, coast, small towns, etc. all in the same vacation so there can be something for everyone.

National parks offer things to interest people of all ages - they could go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, they could tour some parks in Utah.

Colorado has a lot to offer.

My kids are 10 years apart (both boys) - 3 and 13. We have found a beach vacation is our best option. But we always combine it with some sort of adventure to keep it interesting. Last year we snorkled with whale sharks. Other times, we visited ruins, swam in caves - we always visit the Yucatan Peninsula.

I also wonder what beach they went to...maybe the beach was not nice?

Yellowstone is a great family vacation for any age kid. Or perhaps New York City if they're not nature lovers? And Washington DC is great if it's not the middle of the summer...

Why not ask the kids where they want to go on vacation?

Have them write a list of 10 or so ideas and then as a family sit down and go through them. While going through them, ask them why they wrote each place. You may find a place that both of them would enjoy and they get the joy of having helped decide.

If you don't find a place that both agree upon, at least you'll have a better idea of what they want to do and can search for a place that provides a bit for both. For example, if son wants video games and daughter wants beach, a trip to Santa Cruz, CA, with the boardwalk at the beach could be a good compromise.

Would the 16-year-old have more fun on a beach vacation if he could take a friend? We have let our teen daughter take a friend on vacation for several years ... she has somebody with her same interests, we have time to relax, and she isn't constantly whining because she is bored... That way if you're at an amusement park, etc. they can do their own thing, have a ride buddy, and mom may be able to focus more energy on the 7-year-old. Last year my daughter and her friend had a great time at every beach, boy-watching, playing in the tide, etc.

Good suggestion about bringing a friend. I am an only child and my parents generally let me bring a friend on family vacations. It was great - for all the reasons mommatac mentioned.

The older boy will be looking at colleges soon. How about a vacation in Boston area? There are tons of colleges in the area, musuems, whale watching, could do side trips to the New England area, Berkshires, Cape Cod. Lots to see & do!

Hi JackieA,
How about Yellowstone National Park? Hike, walk, see animals, natural wonders, etc. We have visited when my daughter was 5 and are planning trip next year at 16. I think your children will be amazed at the land around them. We've always had a terrific time there. If you can stay in one of the cabins (we had a pioneer cabin) or in the Lodge. Both experiences were great for our family.
I second Washington DC - there is so much to see and do in DC and the surrounding area, from museums, the Mall, Monuments, history, Mount Vernon just minutes from DC and Colonial Williamsburg around three hours to the south. Golf, tennis, history, hiking, walking - your choices are endless.
You might ask where your children might want to visit? It could be a family planned vacation where each member helps to research and found the best places to stay, best places to eat and what type of "touristy" places are available. Get them involved.
Enjoy!

I think the National Park idea is a great idea; both kids could find something that interested them.
Another idea could be Montreal. It is a beautiful city with tons to do.