What was your favorite summer family vacation with young children?....Looking for ideas.
 

We've done Disneyworld, Disneyland, LA area beaches, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Seattle, Alaska, Baltimore, and New York City. We're planning a Disney Cruise (3 day to save money) for next summer. Looking for new places to visit during the summer with our four children (18 months, 3 yrs and 2 preteens). We live in the desert southwest but are willing to go almost anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Anyone have any particularly memorable, pleasant vacation spots they visited with your young children?

Yellowstone, Jackson Hole and Rafting down the Snake River. My parents took our family when I was 10 and I still remember it vividly (I am 44 now....)<BR><BR>Grand Canyon would be a close second, but I think you actuall have to be older to appreicate the incredible job nature did there.

Hi Mom,<BR><BR>Not a mom here so maybe you will see ideas here that don't work well in practise. Just writting this quickly so pardon my grammar, spelling, typos.<BR><BR>My best experience with kids is introducing them to something new. I have taken kids to Hawaii a few times. Love getting them out in Nature watching there reactions to this. Hiking, Kayaking and snorkeling. We had babies near us on the plane on two different trips from CA to Honolulu and Kauai. So I don't know that babies on planes is always a no no, these kids never ever cried but were awake and playing with mom on both trips. Went with all differnt age groups on different trips, youngest being 7 oldest being 17. <BR><BR>If I could not go to Europe with my kids (nieces and nephews, step kids) I would consider Quebec city and the gaspe penninsula.<BR><BR>St.Lawrence river up by Tadousac (just 4 hours from Quebec city has three different kinds of whales in early to mid August (beluga, minky and Blue). I remember sitting on a rock jetty when a while took a dip near this edge, NO JOKE!. A lot of boats to take out. Quebec city is the closest thing to Europe you will find in North America. Sister took her kids there and they make pilgramges back every other year.<BR><BR>Along the Gaspe Pennisula you have many natural wonders. You want to drive around the ring over the course of 1-2 weeks. Too many sights and towns to list. There is also the tallest peak in the North East Mount Jacque. If you camp near here in August you might catch sights of some moose. I did not camp but I did see some caribou on the nearby mountain when hike up with a group from my hotel. I stayed at a hostel in nearby Mount San Pierre (hang gliding capital of North America). Also found sand dollars on this beach. This place is also a nice respite from the hot humidity of the US NE in August. It is more like September/October weather in August. Also take a look at MT. Forllion Park, Pierce.<BR><BR>That's all there are great tourist boards out there to help you with more details.

Our favorite kids trips were to Grenada and Tortola. In Grenada, we made it a goal to find the seven different waterfalls on the island, which was fun because the locals come out of the woodwork, most are kids, and they took our kids jumping off the rocks. The Saturday market was a real eye-opener for the kids, although yours are still in the stroller stage, might be a bit of chore for walking. In Tortola we stayed in a villa at the Long Bay Beach Resort, snorkeled daily, cooked a couple of times (the restaurant helped us out with salads - we brought our own steaks with us). One night we went to Mrs. Scatliffe's restaurant, which is really her home, and she sang for us from the Bible after dinner. A great experience, the kids still talk about that.

<BR>Our favorite was probably a dude ranch.<BR><BR>We went to the Lane Guest Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado. Horses, hiking, rafting, swimming pool. Everything, including the food, was wonderful.<BR><BR>Downside: very expensive.<BR><BR>Lane's ad is running daily this week on page A3 of the Wall Street Journal. Or see laneguestranch.com.

The mountains of NC/Tenn. Some Civil War history mixed with beautiful days in the mountains and woods. <BR>Tucson Az. Sedona, Old Tucson, Senora Desert Museum, San Xaviers Mission, a really cool hotel. Horseback riding at sunset in the foothills.<BR>

We used to get together with our cousins...(four families). Each family would rent their own cottage on Lake Michigan, in the state of Michigan, for 2 weeks....we'd be on the beach all day and either have a bon-fire on the beach at night or play cards, board games or charades...no TV...never even missed it. Everybody pitched in with cooking, cleaning, setting the table, whatever, so the adults (read: moms)had a vacation, too. <BR>Sometimes the cheapest vacations turn out to be the best....we all have great memories of those summers.

okanagan valley in british columbia...vernon, penticton, kelowna area. plenty of lakes, waterparks, nice hikes. great area for families (and our dollar sucks so it's affordable).

Catalina....I appreciated the beach when our son was young. They have planned activities (races etc) for younger childen in the summer and I liked that the area was limited for the teenagers to have some freedom and still check in (In a cool way of course). There are very few cars on the island, so that in my mind makes it safer for children. The first time we went on the flying fish boat trip wa pretty exciting for all. Our daUghter even went back to work there as a the Catalina Co for a summer. we have spent more and gone further, but we have lasting fond memories of &quot;26 miles across the sea&quot;.

We loved the coast of Maine when our kids were young. The water is cold for swimming but when the kids were younger they were more interested in the sand anyways. Portland is a nice city and has a minor league baseball team-entertaining and inexpensive; cruises to see scenery and sea lions (fun), probably whale watch cruises too but I dont remember. Freeport, where LLBean is located is an outlet town and fun if you like shopping. Best beach places to stay are south of Portland, but really only 15-30 minutes away (Ogunquit, Kennibunkports, Wells, Old Orchard Beach, etc) The LL Bean store has a pond in it. We havent ventured inland in Maine but it is also known for its lakes. You can make your way up the coast to Acacia National Park-more rugged coastline, hiking, etc. One of my favorite aspects of Maine is having fresh lobster everyday. You could also tie in a trip to Boston to make this a great vacation. If you're living in the SW, this would be a real change for you.<BR>

had one more thought after posting-Muskoka (sp?) area in Ontarion, Canada. there are lots of resorts there on the many lakes which offer activities for everyone. Also a place called the Fern, also in Ontario on a different lake. These are very scenic parts of Canada (think lakes, hills, pine trees, and moose). These lodges/resorts offer meals and activities in their price and with the strong US dollar, are a great buy. go to the canada board for better info.

Hi Mom. I just asked my kids, ages 8 and 5, what their favorite vacations were. They were in total agreement that Hawaii is No. 1. But, we went in Nov. when it is colder where we live. They also enjoyed our trip up to Niagara Falls. If we had had more time we would have gone on up to Toronto, which I have heard has lots of things to do--a great science center and a zoo. When they were really little (1 and 4), we took a camping trip to Colorado. We stayed in a pop-up camper at a campground in Estes Park, and went up into Rocky Mtn. Natl. park every day. They really loved exploring and seeing wildlife. But, maybe camping isn't your thing. You could, however, find a hotel or lodge and still be able to explore nature.<BR><BR>San Antonio was also a fun place with lots to do for kids--some expensive, some not. Sea World, Alamo, River Walk, the zoo...<BR><BR>Other places we have visited and enjoyed, although not necessarily at the top of our list--Chicago and St. Louis. We like science museums and zoos. Chicago has a neat children's museum that your kids would love--something for every age. Have fun planning!

When I was a kid, my favorite vacations were when we rented a cabin on a lake for a week where we could swim, take out row boats on the lake, fish, hike, have camp fires, play cards, and basically just hang out. It was always more fun if there was another family because there were more kids and also the parents always seemed to have a better time too.

Another vote for Niagra Falls. My kids absolutely loved it! Actually thanked us for &quot;making&quot; them go (they were preteens at the time).<BR>

Clearly not in the US or Canada, but Costa Rica is great for children. Exotic animals everywhere (monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, etc), the locals love children, and there is a good tourist infrastructure so it's easy to travel.

My favorite vacation when I was a kid (6, am now 42) was going to Yellowstone. I remember that trip more than any other as a kid. The bears, the geysers, and just being in a forest setting. And ranger letting me wear his hat for part of a tour was a big hit as well.<BR><BR>We also visited Hoover Dam on that trip, and I remember that as being really interesting as well.

My kids favorite vacation was to Colorado. We rode horses, hiked, rented mt. bikes, white water rafted and just hung out in the beautiful mountains.

My kids are gone now, but 10 years ago we did several pricey ones and western USA national parks, but their absolute favorite was Mears, Michigan. Sand dunes,dune buggies, water sports and kids' paradise- plus they could &quot;hang&quot; in some safety. Still hearing about it through the grapevine. (And I thought I was with them all the time.) The entire Lake Michigan coastline has its attractions but this area around Silver Lake and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes is terrific. It is NOT an ocean or gulf beach but the whole package is as about as good as it gets for families with energetic and adventurous kids. It can get somewhat crowded- but it is just too far out of the way for the traveling / marketing genius to package. I sure hope some outfit doesn't try to package the area, like they have Saugatuck and the other coastal towns that are just touristy now.

I think that the suggestions for national parks (Yellowstone) will suit your older kids but not your younger ones. We went to Yellowstone and Grand Teton 2 summers ago and I can't imagine what I would have done with toddlers. It would have really interfered with the outdoor activities there. Any trip involving hiking, rafting etc. is not suited to toddlers. I think that a beach vacation interests kids of all ages. What about the Carolinas? The outer banks area of North Carolina or Hilton Head in South Carolina?

Starting when the kids were in diapers, we joined with 3 other families and have gone to the beach in Delaware. Now, 18 years later, it is heresy to suggest not going for the first week of August (we used to do 2). It was great for little kids to play and safe to wander. Parents could relax &amp; not drag everything around an share eating duties. There seems little point in spending a lot on the wee ones, and preteens don't like to change every night &amp; pick in the car &amp; are easily bored with spectular scenary after a while. That said, do Colorado or other Mountain States as a relatively easy, but different place to explore.

don't call yourself a good mom until you take your kids to Yellowstone for a real family vacation. It'll make disneyland look like what it is -- shallow and plastic. Take them to somewhere worthwhile for gods sake and start with Yellowstone...

Another vote for the mountains of Colorado or New Mexico. Horseback riding, rafting, hiking, etc. Our other favorite so far has been to the beach, specifically Gulf Shores, Alabama. <BR>

I am also a mother of 4 kids ages 16, 13, 9 and 3. Last March we took the kids to Kauai, which is a very long plane ride from Phila., but well worth it. Since it seems like your children are well-traveled (as mine are) you shouldn't have problems with flights. When deplaning in HI, I actually had people come up to me and remark how well behaved the young ones were. The older ones can help entertain and it's a matter of planning. We have always taken the kids everywhere since they were infants and they are used to taking 16-20 hour car rides. I laugh at friends who say,&quot;my kids are horrible after an hour&quot;. Train them early. My husband has traveled around the world, and thinks Kauai is the closest to paradise. There is lots to do there, and we even took a helicopter ride where my then 2 1/2 year old fell asleep. It's very pricey but worth every penny. My kids can't wait to go back. If you go, go in the summer and stay on the North side. Other places we have been that the kids loved, LA - especially the teens - lots of action and excitement; Vermont - beautiful mountains with many activities; Lake Placid - they esp. liked the Olympic Village area; Beaches in the Florida Panhandle; Kiawah Beach in South Carolina - lush with lots of activities; Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Florida - again lush with great shelling; Kingston, Ontario and 1000 Island Region - great prices and beautiful uncrowded area; Estes Park and Rocky Mountains - breathtaking scenery; Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA - appeals to all ages. We are hoping to go within the next few years to Paris, Spain and St. Johns, USVI. Hope this helps.

To all of you people suggesting hiking, rafting, horseback riding, etc., what do you suggest this family do with the two little ones? Those kind of vacations sound great, but not for a family with very young children.

We did the Niagara Falls/Toronto thing, my kids, loved the CNTower goes up 1800 feet and you can have lunch at the top, Niagara has Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls, many parks and things to do, dinner at the Skylon at sunset should not be missed. There is a fireworks display over thefalls on Fridays.

Take them. Those of us that are suggesting this have done it with our own families. We took babies in backpacks on hikes and horseback. Little kids can also go on the rafting trips. Obviously they don't take on the wild rapids but it is still fun. You can rent a little caboose that seats two to pull behind a bike. I also have four children. If you wait for the baby to be old enough to do everything the oldest kids will miss out on a lot of fun. They're are teenagers and working and you miss some great opportunities to make good memories. Plus it also seems like &quot;mom&quot; is planning for next summer when the babies will be older since she already has a disney cruise planned for this summer. I wouldn't suggest Colorado as my favorite with young kids if I hadn't done it. No lines to stand in, no crowds to fight, just pure fun.

My kids - now 17 &amp; 20 - always want to go back to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. When they were 7 and 10, we took them the first time. We've taken them several times since. We rent big family houses and from all the rental houses and villas we've done - they're the best. They also have smaller homes. We like to rent the ones directly on the beach - most have their own pools, hot tubs, outside showers and direct access to the beach. They loved flying kites, swimming, crab hunting, etc. We've gone alone and also with other family. They've asked to go back again this year. Check out houses at www.carolinadesigns.com or www.sunrealty.com. There are many to choose from. You can cook in the house or there are plenty of restaurants.<BR>Theresa<BR>

About ten years ago we went to a real neat family resort in Vermont, &quot;The Tyler Place&quot;. This lakeside resort (Lake Champlaign) is extraordinarily popular with families who want to abandon the ratrace, recharge their energies as a couple, and provide a superb program for the younguns. We rented one of their comfy cottages and RELAXED. We enjoyed extravagant dining in their main lodge (inclusive in the price)and met up with other folks for games of volleyball and such. The kids, age 2 and 5 at the time, enjoyed some time of their own within age specific activity groups, and had a fabulous time. Our 5 year old talked everyday about this vacation for no less than 3 weeks straight!!! Afternoons gave plenty of time for family sidetrips to bike, canoe, or even visit Montreal (1 1/2 hours away). There are other kid-friendly vacations out there---Smugglers' Notch ski resort also has a great summer getaway in Vermont. And you will really enjoy the scenery and temperatures of New England in the summertime.

I loved to think about this. Came up with 2 choices.<BR><BR>An East Coast Beach Town - Rent a house near the ocean for a week and be a beach bum. Some spots I am familiar with are still good for the pre teens to bike by themselves. Oceans are fun. The family can play in/near the water - and there will be many others with similar age composition. Kids find a way to play together. Rent bikes, play mini golf, shop, eat in (and out). The place I love is so nice I don't want to say to the world. The OBX are ok, but not conducive to kids able to bike or go to the ice cream store or mini golf by themselves (IMHO).<BR><BR>Bermuda - I don't know anybody who has said anything bad about their Bermuda vacation. And all I ever hear is how family oriented it is; how clean it is and how relaxing it is.<BR><BR>

Hey, mom, when our children were younger, the beach is about one of the best vacations yet. I am a biased Carolinian and our beaches are wonderfule for children. They are flat to the water and when the tides go out there are small tidal pools, shallow and hours of fun for llittle hands. The days are lazy and usually in June the nights still have a cool breeze. I recommnend anywhere but Myrtle Beach. Try Sunset, Wrightsville, Hilton Head (night life for the preteens), and for a true resort (complete with babysitter lists and wonderful spots to dine out with your spouse) Kiawah Island. Good luck!

WOW!!! What great ideas. Thanks for all of your suggestions. Any other thoughts???

Our kids have been on a disney cruise, yellowstone, colorado (skiing, summer), etc and their favorite was staying on Kiawah Island, SC at a resort where they could just hang out. Their were some organized kid activities, nature walks, games, ice cream socials, crafts... but they just liked the beaches, roller blade trails and basketball court the best. The older ones (12, 15) liked the freedom to sample lots of stuff, somewhat on their own...

We always took our family of 8 to a cottage on Lake Michigan. Now the 2nd generation is coming. (I rent the cottage). They bring their kids, we swim, play in the sand, some golf, go to Saugatuck for a day. Also used to spend summers on the Outer banks -loved it, would go back if I were in the East. When our kids were older than yours, we did Yellowstone, Disney, etc.<BR>Haave fun

Vail and Whistler.

My two kids' favorite so far has been a week camping at Rocky Mountain National Park. They were 7 and 9 years old. In addition to family activities, my husband and I each took a long hike on our own while the other one watched the kids. The kids really liked going to ranger activities as well as taking walks, especially walks that allowed for a little climbing on big boulders.<BR><BR>I remember how much trouble it was to take mine anywhere at 18 months. I call that time the point of maximum mobility, because at that age they are very active and don't really pay attention. I can't remember any vacation taken at that time in either of their lives that I remember fondly.

When our sons were 12 and 16 we took a trip to Colorado. When school started that year, I had occasion to read an essay my then 7th grader had to write about the best vacation he had ever had. He wrote &quot;....we went to Colorado and it was okay. It had lots of trees and stuff, but the best vacation we ever had was at Kings Dominion.&quot; We had hauled our sons over some of the most spectacular places in America but he loved a theme park 2 hours from our house the best.

We travel all over. But our kids have always preferred the time share condo we use every June for a week in Florida (anywhere along a beach gulf blvd) from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach. Kids of all ages love it. My daughter now brings HER kids to the same spot. Plenty to do, including excellent base for day trips.

What the previous posters have written about having fun two hours from home hit the nail on the head. It doesn't really matter where you go, it's being together and having fun that the kids remember. The theme here seems to being together in an unstructured natural environment with plenty of options for fun.

Mom<BR><BR>I second J Correa. My favorite as a kid was a cabin on a lake in Maine. It was actually a family vacation where the family was a family rather than individuals being entertained but never interacting. Other trips that would be similar include Amtrak across America, Canal Boating in France, River Rafting, etc

Topping for the other recent post re: ideas for vacations including children.