Need family vacation ideas- NOT disney

[Jajone]

For various reasons, we are not doing Disney this year, but would like to take a family vacation. We have 3 adults and 3 kids going and would like to keep the cost around $3000 or less. We are willing to fly or drive. We have considered Colonial Williamsburg, but not sure the kids will enjoy it and looked briefly at Yellowstone today. Same deal, not sure if the kids are old enough yet. They are 4,9 and 11. We have cruised and don't want to do that either. We do have passports though. Would like to go end of summer or end of October. My challenge to you is to give me great suggestions other than what I have already considered. Thanks everyone!

 

[taitai]

Well, you know your kids, but their ages seem to make them great candidates for Yellowstone. So, I would reconsider that. There is another thread about it floating around here somewhere.

Other National Parks? They are the great American bargain as far as vacations go. Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Glacier would all be fun car trips from Wisconsin. Or, go the other way and hit Acadia in Maine. Beautiful.

Washington DC? Hot in August but gorgeous in October.

What about South Dakota? You could do the Black Hills, Badlands, Caves, Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, etc.

If you want a beach vacation, there are the Outer Banks. It is fun to rent a house there for a week.

International, your best bet would be an AI in Mexico somewhere. Probably get terrific off-season rates. Or the Caribbean. You have the hurricane issue in August but the rates would be good and it really isn't that hot. The Caymans are very family friendly.

San Diego? The Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland are all there.

I would go with a National Park you could drive to. The $3000 budget will go further there. It would be hard to buy plane tickets and then do lodging, food, car, etc. for $3000 many other places. Not impossible. Just hard.

Have fun planning.

 

[Swmr359]

Some places I visited as a kid/teen:
Lakes Region New Hampshire
One of the Great Lakes
Washington DC (actually I live 30min. out, but I love going to play tourist!)

 

[umieesa]

I read somewhere years ago that this area was rated best family Destination by Disney Family, so I planned a trip to Northern Michigan with our then 6 and 2 year old along with my brother-in-law's family with a 4 and 2 year old.

For those who have never been to this area don't know what they're missing! It is absolutely beautiful with so much to do! We stayed at Boyne Mountain which is about 1hr north of Traverse city from what I can remember, but if I ever return Traverse City is the place to be. We took our kids to the Sleeping Bear Dunes which were a blast...felt like I was in a different country! Google it and check out the pictures...absolutely breath taking and even the pictures don't do it justice. (I can't post links yet, but if you search Disney Family it will turn up too).

There's also a farm in Traverse City called Moomers that makes their own ice cream and we did a private tour that was so much fun even for us adults. Both educational and fun. My eldest still talks about it! Would definitely love to go back.

There are beaches as well, but not sure how the weather will be at that time of year. We did Michigan's largest indoor waterpark in Boyne Mtn. that was tons of fun and had an indoor surf simulator that everyone got a kick out of. Something for all ages..it's called Avalanche Bay.

And our favourite must have now everytime we're in Michigan is Grand Traverse Pie Company....sooooo yummy. Best pies I've tried ever, and they were just featured in O magazine. (Just a note about their prices...the prices on their website are about $10 more per pie than in store for some reason). American Spoon Foods is another nice stop for some yummy preserves from the region and make great gifts for family back home.

The city is very charming and the whole area is absolutely beautiful. The great lakes are amazing and this far north the water still looks really clean! Many more things to, but too many to mention, but it's definitely worth further research. From what I remember there's also a Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse city that my kids LOVE! Haven't been to the one in Traverse, but I'm sure they're all pretty much the same. Sorry for rambling, but it really is a place more people should visit.

 

[JOLLYHOLLY]

Myrtle Beach.... tons to do!

Williamsburg (they have Bush Gardens also)

Hershey, PA lots of fun!

Dollywood in TN

Clearwater FL

 

[Adistar]

For summer time how about Massachusetts (Im not bias or anything ) There are alot of fun things to do in boston, and during the summer it is awesome to rent a cottage down the cape. Also in the New England area is Marthas vineyard, lakes region in NH, Maine is fantastic in the summer. Another favorite is Block Island RI, absolutely gorgeous there!

Some of our other favorites are DC, and we love california too.

 

[Jajone]

Great ideas, keep them coming.
Can you tell me what there is in Hershey and Myrtle Beach for the kids?

 

[glk2009]

We are big fans of Yosemite in California. Lots of great hiking and biking trails. They also have horseback riding.

Also second the suggestions for South Dakota and Martha's Vineyard.

Something we plan to do once our daughter is older is an extended road trip. My husband and I drove from CA to MA in 3 weeks and had the best time. One of our friends used to take Winnebago trips with her grandparents and they would just drive from place to place to see the sights.

Have fun!

 

[Joyful3Heart]

What a great thread, OP...I had never heard of traverse city, but looking it up, it is beautiful!!
I love Colonial Williamsburg, but I can't see spending an entire vacation there, even with Busch Gardens...maybe 3 or 4 days at the most...but thats just MHO...
We love the Outer Banks,NC for a budget family vacation, it is much quieter than Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach but we love the pace for children. We usually stay in South Creek Acres which is a planned community with community pool and tennis and is only one row back with great ocean views. Oceanview instead of oceanfront knocks off about $2000-$3000 from the weekly price but is still just across the street from the ocean. It's great for kite flying, beach combing or just enjoying the ocean. We have also stayed on the sound in Pirates Cove resort, which was different but offered new experiences. Each House/Condo has its own boat slip, meaning there are miles of docks to walk in the entire community. We were able to go crabbing right outside our condo, which was great fun, especially for the kids. The outer banks does offer things like parasailing, go karts, fishing charters, just not in the abundance of a more developed beach.
Have fun planning!

 

[blessedby3]

Our second favorite place to vacation (after Disney, of course) is Hilton Head Island. We love the relaxing atmosphere there. There are tons of families, not bunches of teenagers like they have a Myrtle Beach. We used to go to MB for years until we discovered HHI about 7 years ago.
The do have a Disney owned hotel there, but we have never stayed in it. We prefer the other side of the island.

 

[starsweeper]

Some things I have enjoyed:

1. Washington, D.C. - tons to do and the museums are fabulous

2. Colorado-Arizona - we flew in to Denver, went over the Continental Divide in the Rockies, stopped in Grand Junction and Durango (white water rafting), visited the Grand Canyon, visited Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tombstone

3. Colonial Williamsburg/Virginia Beaches

4. San Diego - gorgeous weather, lots to do, best Zoo and Wildlife preserve in the country, not a bad drive to LA for Universal

 

[pommfrites]

HersheyPark is in Hershey, PA...it's a great family themepark centered around....CHOCOLATE! Of course it is, it's Hershey. You also have the ZooAmerica included with admission and their waterpark! My kids are 3 and 4.5yo and have a ball there. There are alot of shows and rides for all ages, so it's not just wild rides or kiddy stuff. If there is anything you would like to do for the younger set...drive about an hour further and take them for the day to Dutch Wonderland....cheap...has a waterpark...rides are mostly for the under 8 crowd, but I still enjoy it to this day. They also have minature golf course. We did both last summer and had a ball.

 

[JAL2525]

We do two trips a year...Holidays in orlando (disney and/or Universal) and July inCape Cod. The cape is the relaxing trip.

 

[rookie78]

How about Texas, Fort Worth Zoo, Six Flags Over Texas, Medieval Times, shopping, and there is a place called Wolf Chase Lodge I think, it is a hotel with a water park on the inside and only the guest can use it.

Or San Antonio --Sea World, riverwalk, Fiesta Texas

 

[disneymarie]

Myrtle Beach.... tons to do!

Williamsburg (they have Bush Gardens also)

Hershey, PA lots of fun!

Dollywood in TN

Clearwater FL

I have to say since we are nearby we have done Hershey in a heart beat for endles Kids wonderment.
Near by is the Park, Museum, Trolley ride of history, fireworks and tons of entertainment of Amusment park porportions you cannot imagine. Even a Board Walk since we have been down.

It is near Lancaster which equally is amasing for kids, and Gettysburg. Each a one day hourish drive to from Hershey so you can stay at Hershey.
Chocolate world has a new make your own candy activity, they have the 3-D movie, free choclate making ride.

There is a camp ground, Hershey High Meadows that has cabins for rent, and shuttle bus so no parking fee at the park. Large pools, kids pools nightly and day activities, Great for campfires, some'mores,
My older son takes the grandson now.

Another fun thing was an overnight trip to Lancaster, to Strausburg rail road the choo choo Inn..slept in a train car.

I can't think of any kiddo that would not have an amasing time here.

 

[Forever Disney Young]

We also enjoy Colonial Williamsburg, but it does help if your children are 8 and older and have an interest in history. We also love the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge there is something for everyone! Putt putt, outlet malls, shows, laser tag, Dixie Stampede, hiking, nature trails, fishing, whitewater rafting, you name it! Also Dollywood and it's water park are two of the best and cleanest amusement parks around. You can rent a spacious, comfortable cabin in the mountains at a very reasonable price, especially with six people. Much better and cheaper than a hotel! We love it there!

 

[kathy884]

My favorite National Park (especially with younger kids) would be Rocky Mountain National park. You could drive. You could get a cabin in Estes Park or possibly stay at YMCA of the Rockies in one of their lodges (tons of family activities there). Rocky Mountain park is absolutely beautiful -- lots of elk and other wildlife, family friendly hikes, free Ranger guided programs -- many geared to families (Rocky at Night where kids and their parents start out before the sun goes down and find out that without the artificial light, we can really see in the dark. for example). My favorite family friendly hikes are around the Bear Lake area. And the drive up Trail Ridge Road and stopping at all the lookout points is a must. The town of Estes park has fun gift shops, go kart, mini golf, etc. as well as resturants. There is family friendly horseback riding at the YMCA at the Rockies that you can do even if you aren't staying there. There is plenty to do for a week and this is great for all ages. What I prefer about this National Park vs. other popular National Parks is how accessible it is. Typically from your cabin or lodge room it's only 20 minutes to be at an absolutely awesome hiking trails and crowds aren't bad even in the summer. In Yellowstone, Yosemite, (beautiful special places too) you spend more time in your car and in traffic trying to get to where you want to be.

 

[JOLLYHOLLY]

Sorry I just saw your question.
Hershey... there is the Hershey plant which you tour, thier is also the Hershey theme park which I have heard has really great rides!

Myrtle Beach- There is tons to do! Putt Putt, Boat tours, Alligator Park (like a mini zoo), 2 diffrent outlet shopping malls, Broadway at the Beach (look it up tons for kids to do), 3 diffrent Ripley Museums, Carnival type rides at diffrent locations, Bouncey houses, IMax, lots of water parks, dixie stampede, Murells Inlet Marsh Walk .... the list goes on and on.
Before my dad bought a condo... we stayed at North Myrtle (Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier) It is a little bit more of a drive to get to all the activities but it much more quiet and you can enjoy the beach with out thousands of people on top of you. Surfside Beach area is also nice!

 

[redbyrdGA]

My DS is deep into thrill rides so we try to go places with amusement parks...but last year we tried the Myrtle Beach instead and while it's beautiful... I've found out..I don't like sand in my hotel room.

My favorite places outside of Orlando is Cedar Point in Ohio they have indoor and outdoor water parks and a awesome amusement park. Second would be Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN....You can stay in a cabin, hit an amusement park, waterparks, Ripley's, Bubba Gump Shrimp , hiking in mountains and white water rafting with levels for small children as well.

Both within driving range

If I had to pick a beach destination within the US though..I would pick the Fl Gulf Side....the surf isn't as rough and the white sand is lovely.

 

[thenewgirl]

Myrtle Beach, SC is great if you like the typical busy beach atmosphere. There is so much to do there, you cannot possibly do it all. There is outlet shopping, a Medieval Times and other dinner theatre/shows, IMAX, water parks, permanent carnivals, a really nice aquarium, great restaurants, putt-putt, helicopter/airplane rides (some as low as $20 per person). You (and the kids) can get your pics with tigers (cubs or adults) and apes at Barefoot Landing. And, to top it off, MB has a really nice beach. One great place to stay is Dunes Village...it has an indoor water park.

The Outer Banks are fabulous if you want a slower speed! There is plenty to do there...go to see the Wright Brothers' Memorial, drive to see lighthouses (some you can go in), see the Nights In Rodanthe house (even though it has very recently been moved), climb the sand dunes and watch the hang gliders at Jockey's Ridge, watch the wind surfers near Hatteras, eat melt-in-your-mouth-good REAL seafood (although Calabash, near Myrtle Beach, has the best of all), go shopping, go offshore fishing, go to the aquarium, stroll the Elizabethan Gardens, explore the location of the Lost Colony - or check out nearby Jamestown, or you can just hang out on some of the most pristine (amazing) untouched & undeveloped beaches in the US (they even win awards sometimes for the most beautiful beaches in the world)---all with no huge crowds (in fact you can find beach spots with no one within sight)! There are not many hotels there (no high-rises to spoil the beach view); most people rent homes. You can also go a few hours south and stay in the Beaufort or Emerald Isle area...also very few hotels. Very laid back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Beaufort has the maritime museum and claims to be where Blackbeard hung out. There is an island nearby with famous wild horses and daily boat trips to look for dolphins. In the Emerald Isle area (by the way it is a tiny island), you can see dolphins almost daily in the summer playing just past the wave break line.

The NC mountains are also nice. Tweetsie Railroad is fun for the kids. For the adventurous type, you can go whitewater rafting. It is easy to rent a cottage (for less than a hotel) or log cabin (or you can be brave and go camping)! Fishing there is fun! The Biltmore House is gorgeous (and impressive!). The gem mines, Grandfather Mountain, natural hot springs, hiking to the waterfalls...all awesome! This is a laid-back and very restful vacation spot with gorgeous scenery. The NC mountains is where they filmed much of Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans...you can visit the movie sites. In the far western part of the mtns (near the TN border) you can take a train ride that goes past the site where they filmed a bus/train wreck for The Fugitive...all the wreck is still there.

I also love Washington, DC. If you stay just outside the city and are willing to ride the metro in (some kids think that is actually an extra bonus!), you can find a great deal not far away from the action. Crystal City (in Arlington VA) is a great place to stay, and the metro ride in is easy! All the Smithsonian museums are FREE (a great added bonus!), including the zoo! You can check out the White House, lots of memorials, Arlington National Cemetary, a wax museum, the Ford Theatre (where Lincoln was assassinated), even the train station is lots of fun (my DS8 is a huge train fan, so many of our trips revolve around trains!). Washington DC is not too terribly far from Richmond, VA, where there is an amusement park (King's Dominion), so if you want a 1-day fix, there you go...they have great coasters for big kids!

You could also consider a trip to the Caribbean. Believe it or not, you can find great deals that make it very affordable without giving up luxury or security! We go to the Caribbean every single summer (either by cruise ship or staying at an All-Inclusive Resort) and it is heaven!

I am a teacher in NC, and I LOVE to travel!! Every summer, my kids and I get in the car and head to these places and more (and, by the way, I feel safe even on my own with just the kids in each of these spots). The kids love to go just like their momma! This summer we will be going on a cruise to the Caribbean, will spend a week in Emerald Isle for July 4th, will spend at least 2 long weekends in Myrtle Beach, and I am considering either New York (another great idea...shows, shopping, big buildings!, Central Park, maybe even a side trip to Niagra Falls) or along the coast of New England for lighthouses and historical sights (I teach literature...lots of cool stuff up there for literature lovers) or maybe even just drive to see the Mississippi River (I know...seems weird...I just want them to see it & put their toes in!).

I got incredibly long-winded...I'm thinking of becoming a travel writer (focusing on travel with kids), if I can find an outlet. If you need any details....just ask! Have fun planning!