Budget weekend getaway from Toronto?

[HelloMinnie]

Just looking for ideas for a quick weekend trip for my family (me, DH, DD4 and DS1)

Anyone have any recommendations on where to go with activities for the kids and maybe something for the adults (shopping or restaurants)?

Looking for something within 3-4 hours drive in any direction from Toronto.

Initially was thinking Great Wolf Lodge but the prices are expensive and I'm still not sure if DD is into water parks yet. She loves kiddie pools though.

We have done outlet shopping in the past (Michigan and Pennsylvania) and while they have been fun for DH and myself, there isn't much that interests DD. DS just turned 1 so he doesn't really know what's going on yet. He just likes to practice walking

Looking for a trip to be under $500 for hotel and attraction tickets. Any ideas?

 

[who's ur daddy?]

How about Rochester, NY? Your kids may really like the Children's museum there (Strong Museum of Play). The youngest one won't know what the heck is going on, but I think it'd be great for a 4 year old.

You could also try the Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester. I haven't been, but want to try it.

We got a great hotel rate through Priceline. You just "name your own price" for one of the top rated hotels in Rochester and because there's only one or two of them, you'll end up getting a great hotel for a great price.

Also, you can buy a lot of stuff in the U.S. with the increased exemption limits...

 

[encinc]

I'll second the recommendation for Rochester. We have been several times. My kids loved the Museum of Play when they were that age.

If you like the idea of Niagara Falls, but aren't sure about GWL, I think the Americana is even better for little ones. Plus, I've seen more deals to Americana than GWL lately. You could always visit the Falls and do some of the other attractions while you're there.

Visiting Storybook Gardens in London is another possibility. There is a middle eastern restaurant in London (Barakat) that we love. It's super kid friendly.

 

[HelloMinnie]

Thanks for the recommendations.

We haven't been to either of the places with kids. Now to figure out which weekend to go.

 

[two*little*birds]

If you like the idea of Niagara Falls, but aren't sure about GWL, I think the Americana is even better for little ones. Plus, I've seen more deals to Americana than GWL lately.

Wow, I never even knew this place existed! Where have you been seeing deals for this hotel?

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

Wow, I never even knew this place existed! Where have you been seeing deals for this hotel?

We went to the Americana last year and it was a big let down after GWL. Yes it was cheaper, but it is much smaller and not as well kept. Plus they sell day pasess to the public so it can get pretty full.

 

[two*little*birds]

We went to the Americana last year and it was a big let down after GWL. Yes it was cheaper, but it is much smaller and not as well kept. Plus they sell day pasess to the public so it can get pretty full.

Thanks for the feedback. Oddly enough we just got a coupon today for 25% off GWL so we booked that instead.