So, the family is spending a weekend together. 8 adults - ages 30 to 80, and 4 kids - ages 1.5 to 6.5

Stymied. They all live in central Jersey, we live in NYC. They don't want to drive too far because of the kids, and I don't want to stay in some dump in the Poconos.

Please, please help!

Have you ruled out the Shore...esp. Spring Lake or Pt. Pleasant?

Yes, shore has been ruled out by my cranky mother who doesn't like the beach.

I'm not sure what kind of place you're looking for but why don't you check out Hersey,PA... or New Hope,PA ...or Newport, RI or are you looking for a resort?

more of aresort.
I suggested Hershey - they said it was too crowded.
I suggest Philly(zoo/aquarium)-they said the kids are too young (1.5, 3.5, 4, and 6) Unreal.
I am out of suggestions at this point.

I think I'd vacation alone I kid. I kid!

What about Mystic, Conn?

Cape May or Newport? Lots to do not only the beach.

What about Lake George?

Have you thought about Lake George? We have stayed at the Sagamore and really liked it.

I think Hershey is a good option. The park is nice, the town has some quaint features, and there are plenty of hotel options for most budgets.

We like the Hotel Hershey, which is one of the pricier options of the three Hershey owned properties. But, it has the benefit of an indoor pool in case the weather isn't perfect.

How about the Pine Barrens, vis a vis the Sopranos?

Is there anything for the little kids at the Sagamore or Pine Barrens?

Atlantic City.

What about mountain creek resort? depending on when your weekend is, there is a water park there etc.

Atlantic City isn't too bad either, as the boardwalk and casinos can keep your mom busy and you can still have the beach....

Lake George area. Lake Placid area. (these are 3 to 4 hour drives from central jersey)

Block Island Cape May Newport Mystic, CN

Washington DC (3 hours from NJ) plenty to do!

The Sagamore is great for young kids, a kids program, indoor pool, you can rent villas or hotel rooms, the lake is beautiful, boat rides . . . lovely old hotel . . .

Apparently, the Poconos is trying to shed it tacky image. This was in NY TImes a few months back -- there are some really NICE looking resorts!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/12/22...22poconos.html

Hope this helps..
Debi

Sigh. Sagamore is booked. They ruled out woodloch last month since they think there is nothing for the kids. I give up.

Let them find a place since none of your ideas appeals to them.

...and what about Cooperstown?

Lancaster, PA...you could stay at a farm (Rayba Acres has real hotel rooms, but it's not fancy...make sure you're in a new room), go to Dutch Wonderland (much better for little ones than Hershey). Nearby is Strasburg....my kids loved all the train stuff there when they were little.

Mystic is great too.