Need close to home budget ideas for a birthday trip for DS(12)

[roliepolieoliefan]

Turning to my DIS friends for some advice. DH and I would really love to take DS who is turning 13 someplace away for his birthday. Major problem though his birthday is over Easter weekend this year so anyplace is going to be expensive.

I found some descent prices for Cancun and Jamaica for 5 nights but we'd rather stay closer to home. Plus we're worried since it is spring break time, we don't want to run into alot of unruly college spring breakers.

We live right outside of Pittsburgh and DS is into history. He loves anyplace associated with the wars. I looked into Gettysburg but I'm afraid it might still be cold then. PA weather is so unpredictable. Looked into colonial Williamsburg too. Doesn't have to be war related. I am up for any suggestions.

We always go to WDW for DD's birthday only because its in September and its a good time to go. I'd love to do something special for DS. We are going to Aruba in June so thats why it has to be budget and why we'd like to stay closer to home.

TIA for any suggestions.

 

[Marionnette]

Have you taken him to philadelphia yet? Lots of history there. Plus the franklin institute and phillies if there playing at home. Philly weather is milder than pittsburgh. Late april can actually be pretty warm. Or you could head to washington or nyc if philly isnt on his to do list. None of these places is going to be cheap but like you said easter weekend and spring break is going to be pricey no matter where you go. But at least you wont need to fly.

 

[Jax1023]

Williamsburg is nice, you could also go to Busch Gardens for a fun day.

Near Pittsburgh, have you considered any of the indoor water parks in either Erie or Sandusky Ohio?

Washington DC can be nice that time of year as well. Or Boston- thats also usually a good time for whale whatching (although chilly).

 

[beansmom]

wow! we just got clothes and a cake...will you adopt me???

 

[crl]

We went to Washington DC for DD's birthday this year. Both kids loved it. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt which has metro access in the lobby. We were 2 stops from the Mall and 2 stops from the zoo. Colonial Williamsburg is fun also. And I've heard great things about Great Wolfe Lodge in the Poconos. Philly also has some great sites to see though depending on when Easter falls this year it could be chilly.

 

[momxx5]

My #1 vote would be for Washington DC. The museuem in the "mall" area are free......Natural Science, Aviaviton, National Archives, etc. Basically the move Night at the Museum coming to life!

You may be able to contact your local congressman and get a small tour, or meet & greet with photo.

There are some tour trips.....the night/twilight time of day tour is really neat to see all the war monumnets, as well as Presidential monuments.

There are vendors on the outer side of the mall and you could get sunglasses, t-shirt, sweatshirt and more all under $25.

A fun place to eat is Grand Central Station(and for shopping too)

I've been a few time as chaperone with class trips...but also have taken family and had a great time.

A newer food court is the Ronald Regan Food Court. You may have to inquiry about getting in there.

I think you may still be able to tour the Mint(cannot remember for sure)

I think it would be a perfect vacation for anyone interested in history and our great Country.


When I was a young teenager we did a driving vacation through PA....Hershey Park, Amish country, family style dining, and then touring Gettysburg. In the Spring the weather could be iffy, but in the dead heat of the summer it was not so great.