Where would you take your kids, please help us choose.
 

Hi
I am having a dilema I travel with my family a few times a year and we have a couple of new destinations in mind. I need you to give me your opinion.
We are trying to choose between, Phillie, Junae Alaska, San Franciso, wrote quick hope these are spelled right.

We donot care where we go. In the past we have been to DC and NYC and the kids loved both. They know this is a quick trip to explore a new place.
The ages of kids are 8-16 (4 out of my 5). Thank you for your opinions and ideas. They are very much appreciated.

Boy Mom of 5, those are very diverse choices. I really like Philadelphia but you've visited 2 east coast cities. Why not mix it up a little and go to Alaska? I've never been so I can't offer any insight, but given the opportunity I would sure love to go.

Philly ... US history.

Kids would love San Francisco.

Thank you I love the quick responses.

Yes my kids have grown to love US history by seeing it first hand. I did check out Phillie but noticed many of the programs (for kids) did not start until summer and we are going next month. Will Alaska be freezing?

Again thank you I the opinions.

For a trip next month, I would head to San Francisco. Although you may get rain, SF has the best chance of good weather. I wouldn't head to Alaska in the winter or early spring if I could help it.

From the weather channel online: the average high in Juneau in March is 39F and the average low is 28F. Compare that to SF, which has an average high of 61F and an average low of 47F in March.

Another consideration - daylight hours. Juneau is significantly further north than SF and it is still winter/early spring next month - the days aren't long yet, so a northerly vacation might not be the best choice.

I don't know where you're starting from or how long your trip is for, but I'd opt for San Francisco any day over the other choices. That said, I'd say San Diego is probably better for kids than SF.

My vote is for San Fran, for reasons already given.

Another vote for San Francisco for all the above reasons. Also, agree San Diego would be even better in March.

Where are you coming from? I think that makes a difference.

Since I am from the east coast, I would choose San Francisco or San Diego hands down. But, if you live on the west coast, you might want to try out the east or midwest.

Since it seems you like cities, what about Chicago?

I was all set to suggest Alaska until you said you want to do this next month. I've never been to Alaska, but it seems like a "big trip" requiring more planning time than you have. I vote for San Francisco, which also has its share of US history, in addition to stunning scenery and the food --- oh the food!

Hi Momof5, since your children liked DC and NYC and considering you are talking about March I too would suggest San Francisco. My experiences with children of all ages has always been that they love San Francisco. And you won't need a rental car as there is a lot of public transportation. You can do a search here on Fodor's to get all kinds of ideas. You might want to go to the SF Chronical's website also which is www.sfgate.com for more ideas. Best wishes and enjoy your trip. I have always loved travelling with children, they add a lot to a trip.

I'd eliminate Juneau based on the fact that Alaska is best seen by getting around the state once you're there.

Juneau is the state capitol and you can't even GET there by car!!

Philly does have history on its side, but wow...

So to me it seems a clear choice: "San Francisco"

There are lots of things to do there, and when you can't find something immediately in front of you, there is always the ocean and other areas a short drive away (not an option that Juneau can offer).

"Philly does have history on its side, but wow..."

Just curious - what does that mean?

hi momof5,
where do you live?
i'd go with sf esp. with kids 8-16. downtown sf is a beautiful, full, hip area. there's chinatown for a busy trinket shopping day, fisherman's wharf for clam chowder, the marin headlands for some fresh air and scenery, not to mention the golden gate bridge to cross...it's been wet and cool but the sun is always nearby.

My kids love S.F. (4 ages 8 - 15). Definitely book a tour to Alcatraz, you might rent Escape From Alcatraz before you go. The view of the city from the Ferry to Alcatraz is great. Go to the top of Coit Tour. The aquarium is great but haven't been to the temporary location. If the weather is nice rent paddle boats on Stowe Lake in Golden Gate Park. My kids love shopping around Union Square and the food court at the new Westfield Mall on Market(short walk from Union Square) has a fun selection of food. Chinatown, very close to Union Square, is fun to walk around. LuLu's is a good restaurant to take kids, it's just south of Market. Also my kids love going to Giants baseball games, and the park is very confeniently located. I love going to the Ferry Building (Taylor's is a great place to eat - fabulous burgers,etc) but my kids would rather go to Pier 39 (which is just a bunch of tourist shops).

Hope this helps.

Wow. I lived in SF for 10 years and I always thought it was a really adult city, with the biggest appealing features being pretty much grown-up-geared. (Views, romantic spots, great restaurants, the nearby wine country.) I am reading the places people suggest going with kids, and I understand it, but I never really liked those places. I personally would pick Alaska but agree that it probably would take too much time to plan. I'm sure you'll have fun wherever you go, but I thought it was funny that my opinion was so off the mark!

Another vote for S.F. I think S.F. is a great city for people of all ages. If they liked NYC and DC, they'll like S.F. as well.

SAN FRAN, in additon to all the fun things mentioned previously you could visit the nearby redwoods, take a horseback ride through a winery, or along the beach, about an hour drive from the city. Cable cars are fun for kids, and there is a bike path along the bay. The activities are plentiful in San Francisco. Just don't expect much warm and sunny conditions. For that, head to FLORIDA.

Thank you for all your advice. I am coming from Southern Utah. We have been to Southern Cal many times and liked it. The reason we always pick big cities back East is that it is so diferent then where we are from and we do love history. I could not get flights to Boston or we may have gone there. We like to take the walking tours to.

Thank you again I think we may go to SF sinse with it coming up quick. But this summer I amy take them to Phille or Boston lots of good history there.

Thanks in advance!!