How dare me! Other places to visit

[mdurette]

Ok - so I know this is a Disney board - but I am looking to expand my vacation experiences this year.

I am posting here because I know alot of you have kids. My DD is 3 - we have done Disney, Sesame Place and New Hampshire (story land, santas village and clarks). Any other places you would suggest for say a 4 night getaway that would be entertaining enough for mom and dad but more importantly fun for her?

We live near the beach - so that isn't a pull for us.

I can see DL and all the SanDiego stuff in our horizon soon - but that would be more of a week vacation. Just looking for a extra long weekend.

Any suggestions??/

 

[Neesy228]

The first place that popped into my head is Hershey, PA and Hersheypark...you could easily spend a 4 day weekend there between the park, chocolate world, the outlets, Hershey gardens....it's fun too. I think Herhseypark is so great for families.

 

[dismom301930]

The first place that popped into my head is Hershey, PA and Hersheypark...you could easily spend a 4 day weekend there between the park, chocolate world, the outlets, Hershey gardens....it's fun too. I think Herhseypark is so great for families.

I would agree with this and add in Lancaster, PA. There's lots to do there including Dutch Wonderland, which is perfect for a 3 year-old.

 

[mdurette]

I would agree with this and add in Lancaster, PA. There's lots to do there including Dutch Wonderland, which is perfect for a 3 year-old.

Thanks to both of you - as mentioned I knew about Sesame in PA - but forgot all about Hershey - been doing some research on the area - looks like that might be my May/June trip!

Thanks again

 

[Disneyvirg]

My DD was about 2-1/2 when we went to Chicago for a wedding. They have tons of great stuff for everyone. The Chicago Children's Museum is awesome. If you're going in the warmer months your child will love the shooting fountains at Millenium Park. We wandered around downtown Chicago while she slept in her stroller. We were able to ride a bus, a train, and a boat (down the river), so she loved all the transportation. We stayed with some friends and checked out the DuPage County Children's Museum too. I think the Aquarium would be a lot of fun for a little one. Lincoln Park has a free zoo...but when we went is was too hot out, so none of the animals were out. It was an animal-less zoo!

Can't wait to take our girls back again!

I think Baltimore has a lot of neat things, too. I'm not exactly sure, because I was newly pregnant with our first when we went there, but my brother is super excited to get the four of us out there so they can take the girls all over!

 

[aanderson5]

We just had a weekend at a Great Wolf Lodge with our almost 3 year old. We had lots of fun. Big waterpark, a arcade (which DS and DH love), sleigh rides, a cute show and bedtime story, a kids club where they can do crafts etc and a spa for both adults and kids. We ate a breakfast and a dinner there (both buffet) and found the food quite good (better than expected). It was also beautifully decorated for Christmas and Santa made a few apperances.

They have several locations across the US. We went the the one in Niagara Falls, Canada. It makes a great home base and then you can explore the area around the hotel if you don't want to spend all your time at the water park.

 

[jenb1023]

Thanks to both of you - as mentioned I knew about Sesame in PA - but forgot all about Hershey - been doing some research on the area - looks like that might be my May/June trip!

Thanks again

I live about 20 minutes from Hershey and Hersheypark and have season passes. Feel free to PM me if I can offer any help. I definitely recommend going in May/early June - the place seems to turn into a zoo for July and August and there are no fast passes here to combat the waits.

Good luck deciding!

 

[EthansMom]

I know you're looking for long weekend ideas, but when you're looking for something to do for a longer vacation, I (and my kids) highly recommend a Royal Caribbean cruise. The kids' programs are great and it's soooooo relaxing for the whole family.

 

[Darcy03231]

Here's another vote for a cruise. My kids love them.

Other suggestions:

Busch Gardens, VA
Rockinghorse Ranch, NY
Pine Grove Ranch, NY
Woodloch Resort, PA

 

[ilandrazdsw]

My DD was about 2-1/2 when we went to Chicago for a wedding. They have tons of great stuff for everyone. The Chicago Children's Museum is awesome. If you're going in the warmer months your child will love the shooting fountains at Millenium Park. We wandered around downtown Chicago while she slept in her stroller. We were able to ride a bus, a train, and a boat (down the river), so she loved all the transportation. We stayed with some friends and checked out the DuPage County Children's Museum too. I think the Aquarium would be a lot of fun for a little one. Lincoln Park has a free zoo...but when we went is was too hot out, so none of the animals were out. It was an animal-less zoo!

Can't wait to take our girls back again!

I think Baltimore has a lot of neat things, too. I'm not exactly sure, because I was newly pregnant with our first when we went there, but my brother is super excited to get the four of us out there so they can take the girls all over!

Just north of Chicago is Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Mills outlet mall, and I think there is a indoor water park/hotel (Keylime Cove?).

There is also the Wisconsin Dells.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

We live in the Bahamas and I love Atlantis on Paradise Island. If you check with a travel agent you may be able to get a decent rate on a condo to save on food costs. There is also the option of staying at the Comfort Suites across the street (free cont. breakfast) which still give you all the rights of Atlantis property.

 

[runswithscissors]

Another vote for Atlantis! Great vacation regardless of whether you're staying a long weekend or a week or more.

If you're looking for something in the states, consider San Antonio-we always stay on the Riverwalk because it's most convenient to restaurants and shopping. Sea World is 20 minutes from the Riverwalk.

If you don't want to fly, I agree with PP-Hershey Park is a great weekend getaway. Consider staying at the Lodge.

Finally, the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is tons of fun as well. It's conveniently located near the Outlets so you can do a little shopping while the kids and husband enjoy the water park.

 

[sharibrat]

I would agree with this and add in Lancaster, PA. There's lots to do there including Dutch Wonderland, which is perfect for a 3 year-old.

I live in Lancaster if you have any questions on Dutch Wonderland, PM. It is much more affordable for a child this age and just as much fun!

 

[sharibrat]

I vote for Atlantis, as you can see, we've taken our kiddos there twice and loved it.

 

[Aliceacc]

I LOVE Lake George in upstate NY. It's incredibly family oriented.