POlson

San Diego is great for parents and children, but we also enjoyed Yosemite and Sequoia, Vancouver Island, Ireland, Portland. Go where you want to go and then find things your child will enjoy too. A little off the beaten path but which our 3 year old enjoyed alot - American Southwest, particularly Tuscon (Sonoran Desert Zoo), Mesa Verde, and Santa Fe (stayed at Tamaya resort in Bernalillo and really enjoyed nearby explorations).

TahitiTams

Being 4 years old, she won't remember much except all the fun things in San Diego, its great for both parents and child and wide range of resorts/hotels to choose from.
SD Zoo/SD Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland, great beaches (Coronado & La Jolla)and Balboa Park.

pollyvw

Try Baltimore. Wonderful Aquarium there and 'hands on' science museum attuned to children of all ages; the Inner Harbor with its street performers & boats and not far from Annapolis.

travelbuff127

Thanks everyone! Some of these replies have given me greatideas, especially Barcelona and San Diego. Already did the Baltimore area (with Annapolis, of course). And don't think Japan is on our "to do" list. Sorry! Oddly enough, San Diego was my first choice for this years "family" vacation until we won a trip to Las Vegas! Considering it's my 4th time going, I'm not exactly thrilled about it! SD will have to wait another year! We don't intend on doing Any parts of Europe with her until she's old enough to appreciate or remember it! Thansk everyone and keep em' coming!

dawnnoelm

travelbuff - we just took our first trip to Europe - took our girls 10 and 13 - they were good ages for us to travel with. I would not have enjoyed dealing with a younger child touring, on and off trains, on the go that much - but many do (and more power to them! :0)

You will love San Diego imo.

Momof5

No question it was Hawaii, specically Maui and Kauai. He (back when he was 4) had a blast and enjoyed it all. Very good boy he was because he was so excited to be somewhere other then Disneyland.

We loved taking him so much that his baby sister turns 4 and we are going to take her now with the family as his trip was soooo long ago. She is excited because of all the other kids talking about it.

Kauai North shore was his favorite place!!

Momof5

I first posted my thoughts and then read the other threads. I beg of you no Vegas. I grew up there and it sucks for kids. Yes the pool is cool but that is all that is cool. My kids like it as a last resort to visit cousins now. But they told me they think it is miserable. My sn said unless I take him to Toys R us. Great thread!

travelbuff127

MOMOF5 - I really wish I had an alternative, BUT, the wicked (and I mean WICKED) travel agent that sponsored the trip we won was totally unreasonable and unwilling to listen. If she said it once, she said it a thousand times - YOU MUST GO TO NEVADA!!!!! Having been to Lake Tahoe before (pre-wedding era) I knew my husband wouldn't enjoy it never mind our daughter so it wasn't an option. besides, as soon as my husband heard Vegas, it was a losing battle! As I said earlier, my hearty was going to San Diego until this all happened. Just my luck I go and win the one trip I wasn't willing to make!!!!!!!

SAnParis

Paris - hands down...it may be one of the most child friendly destinations in the world.

Autoeng

St. Louis is great for kids with many free children related activities. The zoo is very good and free. There is a Children's Science center and several other things. We went for jut two days and had a good time.

happytrailstoyou

The dentist's office.

travelbuff127

TO HAPPYTRAILSTOYOU:

Ironically - my husband IS a dentist so I guess the joke is on you!!! LOL!

Lord_Mesron

I would have to agree with ksctx. The amusement park is actually called Idlewild. It also has Mister Rogers' Neighbohood of Make Believe which you ride through on Trolley. I just took my 2.5 year-old nephew there and he had a blast. We also went to Kenneywood in West Mifflin, PA, about an hour away. He loved both parks, and his uncles and parents had a great time watching him have fun. There are also fun rides for the adults too. Of course, having grown up with Mister Rogers, his uncles and parents also had a great time in the Neighborhood and on Trolley.

Momof5

Travelbuff127, I totally understand. SHe was wicked. Lets face it the pool is nice there this time of year. Also down in Henderson is the Ethel M chocolate factory my kids loved it, even the 4 year old.

Have a fun time, I just hear so many stories of parents who think Vegas is a family town, not while they hand you cards with naked women (let alone kissing) on the strip, they are stuck everywhere for my 8 year old to see, fun explaining that one.

Have a great time!!!

travelbuff127

Hi Fodorites - made reservations to see the Comedy Pet Theatre at the new Plante Hollywood Hotel (old Alladin) apparently it's vey kid friendly (good for ages 3 and up) and was wondering if any of you all out there have seen it????!

Ozarksbill

Ten fun places for a four year old. My kids are now in their 40s and I would say:

1. campsite where he/she can dig in the dirt, also have roasted marshmallows and hear stories around the capfire
...I think of many such in our past

2. playground where he/she can crawl in and out of things...and some still have slides and swings!

3. theme park playgorund with same as above only with concrete animals (like dinosaur one in Black Hills)
or little houses (like one in Wisc. Dells).

4. any beach to play in the sand...just don't forget the sun lotion.

5. swimming pool or lake...for splashing of course

6. any zoo (St. Louis does have a dandy)
...don't we all love seeing the animals?

7. children's museum...oh yes, that Indianapolis one is great but for a 4 year old any will do.

8. theme park like Silver Dollar City with kid's rides (only mention that because it is in our area).

9. also a county fair...rides plus cotton candy!

10. grandma's house for cookies and hugging...and a coloring book

My point with dry humor is don't worry about finding some expensive tourist destination with a four year old. Costa Rica, Japan, New Orleans? Come on!!

ozarksbill

jasmine3

We just got back with our 4 y.o. from Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. He absolutely LOVED it! I loved it. There are several locations throughout the country.

travelbuff127

Jasmine3- thanks for your input but my family visited the Poconoc Mt Great Wolf Lodge last March 06. My daughter enjoyed it but I loathed the place and my husband said it was just OK. maybe the one in Willamsburg is better and runs better but this location left alot to be desired on SO many levels! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

KathyK

Ozarksbill, You could not have put together a better list. You were certainly looking through the eyes of a 4 year old with your post.

Retired_teacher

I completely agree with Ozarksbill with regards to expensive tourist destinations and young children. Put the extra funds into your child's college account and find hands on activities that focus on your child.

To Bill's list, I'd add the following ideas from our own family's favorite vacation memories:

11. Any WMCA family camp program, especially ones which include an overnight in a cabin with bunk beds (For safety sake, remember to put an adult in the upper bunk.)

12. A petting zoo....

13. A ride on an old fashion train with open RR cars

14. Any out of season snow (Great memories of making a snowman and having a family snowball fight near the Visitors Center on Trail Ridge Road in RMNP.)

15. Fishing by a small pond with a bamboo pole with G-Pa

16. Paddle boat on a small body of water that the child can help operate

17. A farm stay that included gathering eggs and milking cows

18. Apple picking

19. Fall hayrack ride out to choose the family pumpkin(s)

20. Sleigh or wagon ride out to harvest the family X-Mas tree

P.S. to Ozarkbill.... Think that we met at an Elderhostel in Yellowstone during the fall of ' 02. Remember seeing Old Faithful in a blizzard on that trip? rt(s)