Vacation with 1 year old - ideas?
 

Hi everyone, we are looking to embark upon our first vacation as a family of three. Our daughter turned 1 a couple weeks ago. We live near Philadelphia, but would be willing to take any type of transportation. We are not really beach people, so I know that rules out a lot. We love good food, scenery, history, architecture, etc. of course, now that our toddler is in the mix, it has to be kid friendly and offer things for her as well. We have travel extensively before she was born, so now we are just trying to figure out what a vacation looks like. We would like to go this fall or next spring (prefer cooler weather) for a 3 night trip. Money isn't really an issue so we'd like any and all ideas that seem like a fit. Thanks!

Kids don't remember anything until they are four or five so go wherever you want and just take her along... From philly, ...New York , Washington, Boston , are all great in the fall or spring...

>>and offer things for her <<

A <i>one year old</i>? What does she do at home? Those are the same things she'd on any vacation at 1yo. There are no special activities to plan - just take her where you want to go - I agree w/ gary.

Now, a casino/Las Vegas trip wouldn't be smart - but anywhere else you want to go -- go.

A beach rental would be great

Agree with the above. A noose year old doesn't care where she is at, as long as she is fed, changed napped and mommy and daddy are near she should be happy. You just have to remember to make sure you have all your "tools". Before my daughter was 2 she had been to Argentina, Dominican Republic and Boston. We just started going to parks instead of art museums, and child friendly restaurants instead of fancy ones. As far as where to go, what about Boston? They have a great park and she would probably love the swan boats. Their children's museum and aquarium would capture her attention even if she is too young for the exhibits. Another great city would be Vancouver. Also with a great park and aquarium,

Oops, accidentally hit submit. Was going to add that in Vancouver you can rent a bike and ride the ferry to Granville island. Lots of fun.
Have fun.....the sky is the limit.

I cannot think of many places that offer things for a one-year-old to do, but I see the question quite often these days. From the age of 4 til 17 you'll probably be planning every single vacation around her wants and needs and desires and school vacations so for now, pick a place that YOU'LL enjoy and don't feel guilty about it.

Where did your parents take YOU when you were a year old and what were the planned activities????

Father and grandfather agrees that the next few years are for you!

Here are some things to think about.

A three day trip is an excellent idea. It is a good amount of time and if things don't work, it isn't forever.

Not going to the beach is a good idea. No pediatrician or dermatologist likes beaches for children that young. Early sunburn is the most likely to lead to skin cancer and dehydration happens quickly.

Flying across country, especially for a short trip, is a bad idea with a one year old.

Go for a suite hotel like Embassy so you will have a kitchenette and another room so you and baby each have some space.

Plan to eat your "nice" meals at lunch. Places that may freak out at an infant or that may freak out the infant themselves at dinner are usually happy to have you for lunch. Expect to eat dinner earlyish and casually or get gourmet takeout.

I really like the idea of Washington, DC. There is something for everybody on the Mall, it is stroller friendly, there is good public transportation and in the fall and spring, the weather is usually about 25-30% better than Philadelphia (I used to go to both for work). You can take the train or drive, but the traffic into and out of DC is daunting.

Have fun.

Sorry - a lot of kids remember things from before the age of 4 or 5 - and I'm sure many of us can list things we remember.

However, agree that at 1 or 1.5 she won't remember. But you still need to do what she will enjoy now. I would find a place that has some low key kid activities - petting zoo, short boat rides, etc as well as some real playgrounds and space just to run around. She might enjoy a real zoo - or might be frightened. Same with any place that has "characters". We had breakfast at a Hilton near Disney and a couple of toddlers were screaming in fear when one of the "characters" approached their table. I think one has to be prepared for them (it seems a lot of littler kids believe the characters are the same size they are - not adults).

Isn't there a Lego place somewhere? That might work. (Sorry never had them at that age so don't have details.)

Father of 6 and 2 YOs. Read Clarkgriswold's post over and over again until it sinks in.

Based on what you said about what you want, DC does have most of it, although I don't actually picture DC as having great scenery. I would suggest Newport RI for a great 3 day trip from out of Philly.

Also, though you specifically suggested you do NOT want a beach, I wanted to respond to the above about bringing a 1 year old to the beach. Seeing how it is unlikely that you will spending more than 3 hours at a time ANYWHERE with a one year old, and seeing as how there are excellent, relatively inexpensive sun tents made just for this sort on thing, I would not rule out a beach based on UV threat alone. If you have a sun shade, dress the child appropriately, and are only there for an hour or two, I don't see where a baby would get anymore UV than they would get in a stroller walking around the National Mall in DC.

Well either way the child will need a sun hat, a shade to the stroller and infant sunblock.

oh jeeze - I completely missed the 'not beach people' bit. I wasn't being snarky when I mentioned a beach rental -- must have just skipped over that part of your post.

I'd pick a small town somewhere w/ a nice hotel/motel (B&Bs aren't good since most don't allow toddlers/young children) - where there are vineyards or historical bldgs or country parks or just pretty scenery. Your daughter won't care as long as she's w/ mom and dad.

I like DC for you. There are loads of outdoor options ranging from parks to strollable neighborhoods to historic buildings to monuments... and all are free, meaning you can change course or abandon a plan entirely if the kiddo isn't into it, without penalty.

Ditto indoor spaces: the Smithsonian museums are all free, and the large ones are generally OK with a bit of kid-generated noise. Stay as long as it works for you, stop and sit for a spell, or move on.

If you stay in the city, especially in, say, Penn Quarter, you can return to the hotel as needed.

I should add, DC is great in fall and spring, but spring is a much more crowded time because of the Cherry Blossom Festival and spring break school groups.

My boys loved Chicago when there were small. There is an incredible children's museum in Napier ( short drive) and great public transportation. The River Architectural Cruise was fun for all of us and there are many museums and parks, the lakefront and lots of window shopping!

My vote goes to Charleston.

I think DC is a great idea - it is easy to get there from the Philadelphia area - plenty for you and your spouse to enjoy and at 1 the little is just a long for the ride :-)

The other responders are right on, go where you want to go as your little one will not remember the trip.

When our kids were 2 and 4 we moved halfway across the country. Shortly after we took them on a road trip to the major cites in our new state. On our way home we asked them what was their favorite thing we did during our week long vacation. Their response? All staying together in the same hotel room every night! We have always laughed that we could have gone to a local hotel for a week and saved a lot of driving and money!

I love Charleston but it is hot and humid as blue blazes in the summer and tough on little ones (& often adults too).

I think DC is a good suggestion.

Well, the OP said she was looking at a trip in the spring or the fall. And in any event, DC ican be terribly uncomfortable I'm the summer, too.

Yes, for a friend's preschool granddaughter, the best thing about going to Disney World was getting to sleep in a Big Girl Bed instead of a Pack and Play. The rest was. Blur.