Mini vacation ideas needed

[ge0rgette2]

Living in NY - need mini vacation ideas for 3 9yo's ...

We were thinking water parks, but Great Wolf in PA, is $$$$$ for the end of March .. during their break.

Was thinking Sahara Sam's in NJ ... has anyone ever gone yet, I know it's new compared to some of the others..

We are doing a 2 night mini-vacation with them.

Don't want to drive too far seeing we only have 2 nights.

Suggestions please if you could

 

[luvmy3]

Living in NY - need mini vacation ideas for 3 9yo's ...

We were thinking water parks, but Great Wolf in PA, is $$$$$ for the end of March .. during their break.

Was thinking Sahara Sam's in NJ ... has anyone ever gone yet, I know it's new compared to some of the others..

We are doing a 2 night mini-vacation with them.

Don't want to drive too far seeing we only have 2 nights.

Suggestions please if you could

I don't know what is too far for you, but there is an indoor water park in Lake George. Also there is a Coco Key in Waterbury CT and one in Mt. Laurel NJ.
Since that is Spring Break you are going to find the prices on the higher side for anywhere.

 

[ge0rgette2]

I was thinking within a 4 hour driving time from Long Island..
Not too far.

I actually read some reviews on the CocoKey and read iffy reviews, So i'm concerned..

I know of the Lake George aka Queensbury NY water park - seemed better.

I'm going to have to review and read up more

 

[luvmy3]

I was thinking within a 4 hour driving time from Long Island..
Not too far.

I actually read some reviews on the CocoKey and read iffy reviews, So i'm concerned..

I know of the Lake George aka Queensbury NY water park - seemed better.

I'm going to have to review and read up more

I've been to the Coco Key in CT and it wasn't spectacular but my kids did have fun. I didn't think it was in the greatest area so we didn't venture out anywhere for dinner which left us with limited options. It wasn't worth a trip back, if we were to do another indoor we'd pick the one in LG. I haven't been but know people who have and have really enjoyed it. That one is pretty pricey too though.

 

[Janepod]

Rocking Horse Ranch?

 

[ge0rgette2]

Hmm Rocking Horse --- I think that's pricey too, but you get meals right?

 

[Rylee]

Living in NY - need mini vacation ideas for 3 9yo's ...

We were thinking water parks, but Great Wolf in PA, is $$$$$ for the end of March .. during their break.

Was thinking Sahara Sam's in NJ ... has anyone ever gone yet, I know it's new compared to some of the others..

We are doing a 2 night mini-vacation with them.

Don't want to drive too far seeing we only have 2 nights.

Suggestions please if you could

Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA. Usually reasonably priced.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Lake George. Might be pricey but the beauty of the Adirondacks is worth it.

A couple in Niagara Falls, Canadian side, not sure about the American side.

There is one in Cortland and another in Batavia.

There are probably others but DH and I really hate indoor pools and water parks, so I'm not too familiar with them.

Are you interested in other ideas?

 

[cntrygal]

yes RockingHorse includes meals. What about Mystic Ct

 

[MichelleinMaine]

What about Mystic Ct

I was going to say Mystic. Not sure if there are any waterpark hotels there, but aquarium would be fun. (Just get a hotel with a pool

 

[Pikester]

DH and I took DS15 and DS11 to Jay Peak, VT to their indoor water park. It wasn't too bad. Not sure how far away that is for you. We went for one night with a Stay & Splash package. As soon as you check in you get access to the water park and the next day even after check out you get access to the water park until it closes. http://www.jaypeakresort.com/pumphouse/waterpark/

 

[ge0rgette2]

Doesn't have to be a waterpark. Was just an idea. I want them to have fun.

Erie PA is a good bit of a drive.

We were thinking Hershey but we were just there over Christmas.

Don't want to drive to Canada. Too far :-(

 

[shoney]

woodloch pines is fun, but will probably be very expensive that week!

How about a quick trip to Philadelphia? Lots to see... The franklin institute is fun and has the Titanic exhibit going on now. My kids love going there and you get to eat cheese steaks...LOL

.

 

[java]

A friend went to Sahara SAMs and said it was fun and they would go back. But they did it for a day trip not overnight as there is no hotel attached. I asked if it was better than GWL but they have jot been. My concern would be that it could get really crowded with the was of just going in for a day.

I did GWL with a bunch of 9 year olds once and they loved it. I had 6 girls. For me the cost was cheaper than a party place near my house, but I got a good deal on the room.

Are they all your children, because that might change what I suggest.

What about DC?

 

[AnnaS]

Rocking Horse Ranch is a bit expensive but you park your car and your are done. Also - your meals, entertainment and horse back riding included. We went many years ago when the kids were younger with another family and absolutely loved it - so many activities.

What about Lancaster?

 

[LBAK]

We've done Philly and Boston which both my girls loved when they were around that age but the best mini vacation we had was staying in the city. Yes we only live a 30 minute train ride away but we've never stayed over night there. We did all the "touristy" stuff and had a blast. We ate in Chinatown, had dessert in Little Italy, hung out in Times Square, went to the wax museum, the American Girl store Central Park, etc. they still talk about it years later and they're 26 & 18.

 

[Rylee]

Doesn't have to be a waterpark. Was just an idea. I want them to have fun.

Erie PA is a good bit of a drive.

We were thinking Hershey but we were just there over Christmas.

Don't want to drive to Canada. Too far :-(

Sorry, when I started my first reply, I had a number of distractions. By the time I clicked submit, I then saw your subsequent post about within 4 hours of Long Island.

Look into Lake George. If the Great Escape Lodge (accommodations include water park) is too pricey, perhaps you could choose a different hotel and just purchase day passes. Also, I think Lake George has other places that offer some other indoor activities such as mini golf, rock climbing, laser tag, roller skating, etc. If you happen to catch nice weather... bonus... and you can choose from other outdoor activities.

 

[Darcy03231]

Here's another vote for Rocking Horse Ranch. My kids loved going there when they were about your kids ages. While it is a bit on the expensive side, it does include all your meals and entertainment. Like a PP I liked parking the car and then not having to worry about anything else.

 

[ge0rgette2]

A friend went to Sahara SAMs and said it was fun and they would go back. But they did it for a day trip not overnight as there is no hotel attached. I asked if it was better than GWL but they have jot been. My concern would be that it could get really crowded with the was of just going in for a day.

I did GWL with a bunch of 9 year olds once and they loved it. I had 6 girls. For me the cost was cheaper than a party place near my house, but I got a good deal on the room.

Are they all your children, because that might change what I suggest.

No.. One child is mine - I'm taking my friends daughter with us and another mother and her daughter are joining us ... It's for my daughter's 10th birthday. I am not giving her a party - I'm trying to avoid it as it becomes drama at school of who's invited, etc..

These are her 2 close friends and this is what she'd like to do.

What about DC?

Rocking Horse Ranch is a bit expensive but you park your car and your are done. Also - your meals, entertainment and horse back riding included. We went many years ago when the kids were younger with another family and absolutely loved it - so many activities.

What about Lancaster?

Lancaster could work

We've done Philly and Boston which both my girls loved when they were around that age but the best mini vacation we had was staying in the city. Yes we only live a 30 minute train ride away but we've never stayed over night there. We did all the "touristy" stuff and had a blast. We ate in Chinatown, had dessert in Little Italy, hung out in Times Square, went to the wax museum, the American Girl store Central Park, etc. they still talk about it years later and they're 26 & 18.

I'd love to see Boston...

She loved Baltimore MD and went there twice with my parents and LOVED IT!

We've also been to Gaylord in National Harbor which she loved too!

We just did DC over Christmas time (along w/ the National Harbor)

I was thinking American Girl lunch/brunch for her birthday.... But we might be doing that as a end of year girl scout party...

 

[ge0rgette2]

Here's another vote for Rocking Horse Ranch. My kids loved going there when they were about your kids ages. While it is a bit on the expensive side, it does include all your meals and entertainment. Like a PP I liked parking the car and then not having to worry about anything else.

WIth 2 adults and 3 children, it's like $1400 for the 2 nights.
That's some birthday party!! LOL