Non Disney October Family Vacation...

[TnTWalter]

Looking to get away and have fun with my family....

ideas? Destin? Anna Maria? Tennessee? Where would you go that's budget friendly and fun mid-October?

Thanks.

 

[fishing gal]

I guess it depends on your family and their ages, preferences, and the like. We went to Siesta Key, Florida last October and it was wonderful. We have 3 kids, they were 7, 4, and 1. We relaxed on the beach, swam in the pool, visited the aquarium, made a day-trip to LEGOLAND, and just explored the area. The weather was great and it was not busy so prices were lower to rent condos. Good luck!

 

[worm761]

What does your family like? Personally, I would do Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. But we don't do the whole relaxing on the beach type vacations. I am not a fan of the beach and we have one up the road less than 10 minutes from the house. We never go. But we do like a good hike so TN would work wonderfully for us. Plus there is plenty to do there that is not just hiking so it would be well rounded.

How far are you wanting to go? Columbus, OH has a decent zoo and COSI for the kids. And only a small drive to Kings Island if you want to hit up an amusement park.

 

[TnTWalter]

kids 14, 12 10
we like adventure and also beaches
was thinking south because it will be getting cold here in Indiana ...

was thinking hiking exploring camping in Tennessee

or playing on beach/pool in florida

but if everything was closed up because out of season wouldn't be fun as we mix adventure and relaxing.

in summer we typically go North to Lake Michigan and hike, kayak, explore and enjoy beach

12-15 hours [Anna Maria Fl is like 16 from us]

Thanks.

Trish

 

[wekhogan]

Outer Banks? We went there a few years ago and had a wonderful time.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

We did Disney Hilton Head this summe and loved it. Savannah and Charleston are close by for road trips.

We love Washington DC as well

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

What about the indoor waterparks at Wisconsin Dells? We spent a week in the Dells during summer 2010 and it was a fabulous family time. October should be much cheaper, too, as it would be the off season.

 

[Chelley00]

We did Disney Hilton Head this summe and loved it. Savannah and Charleston are close by for road trips

Us too. We wanted to go back for Fall Break but Disney was sold out the week we could go.

We looked at other beach areas (namely Gulf Shores because it's a shorter drive) but decided we wanted something "not summer" We debated between Pigeon Forge and Branson and are going to Branson. The condo was cheaper and the older ones liked the gokart tracks better.

 

[stsomewhere]

cruise.

look at vacationstogo.com for last minute deals on all cruise lines.
We prefer Disney cruiseline but i snagged at great deal on an 8 night Carnival cruise for $429 pp. My mom just got back on Sunday and had a great time. So much fun that we are considering canceling on DCL cruise in Aug for another Carnival Breeze cruise.


ETA: Look at the 90 day ticker for best deals

 

[mrsabbott]

You aren't too far from me! We regularly visit the Indy area!

Anyhoo... there are some fun things to do nearby me!

If you're thinking of doing some camping, whether in a tent, rv, or cabin.. I highly recommend http://www.jellystonemammothcave.com/ !! Clean campground, lots to do there and in the surrounding areas!

While you are there, check out:
http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm

http://kdu.com/

http://corvettemuseum.org/

http://www.dinosaurworld.com/dinosaur_world_cave_city_kentucky/

There are lots of neat things to do in the Louisville Area as well. I really love the Louisville Zoo and while the Science Center is no Indy Children's Museum.. it's worth a look! The Slugger Museum is pretty cool also!

 

[swilshire]

Tennessee is over-run with tourists in October. Do yourself a favor and come another time when the rates are more reasonable.

We're going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October, but it isn't cheap.

We have gone to Nantucket for Columbus Day week. Great time to visit the island.

Sheila

 

[MinnieForMe]

Tennessee is over-run with tourists in October. Do yourself a favor and come another time when the rates are more reasonable.

We're going to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October, but it isn't cheap.

We have gone to Nantucket for Columbus Day week. Great time to visit the island.

Sheila

Would you check in afterwards or PM to tell us how you liked the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. My daughter, thanks to American Girl, has been begging to go there. It's not doable this year but maybe the next! It's something I've always wanted to see!

 

[swilshire]

Would you check in afterwards or PM to tell us how you liked the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. My daughter, thanks to American Girl, has been begging to go there. It's not doable this year but maybe the next! It's something I've always wanted to see!

The Balloon Fiesta was high on my bucket list before our first visit last year. We never went because we always had kids in school, but I decided we had waited long enough and took our youngest out for a week. It was so amazing that I insisted we go back this year. DH suggested every other year, but I talked him into returning this year.

Today was our third day and I have already been able to fly twice. That is even more incredible than staying on the ground. DS14 had his first flight today also. I would recommend anyone who has the slightest interest in balloons go at least once.

Some tips: Book everything very early. I used Marriott points to stay both years, but last year I hadn't quite committed to going until early summer. By then, all of the hotels close to the park were full. We wound up staying at the airport. This year I booked on the very first day reservations came open for the dates and my first choice was already sold out. I guess they block out rooms for tour groups.

Rent your car early. I booked through Costco early on for a halfway decent price. Quite often, rental prices go down as you get closer, but for this week they soared to over $1000 for the week.

Ditto the flights. We drive 200 miles to fly Southwest and I always check when they have sales to see if the fares have gone down. I did get a great rate by flying out early on Thursday during one of their sales and a return on Columbus Day that wasn't terrible, but they are almost completely sold out returning Sunday or Monday.

Volunteer to crew if you really want to be in the middle of the action. They have a link on the official website to sign up. Last year we crewed for a friend of a friend and we never really "bonded", but this year we were assigned to a wonderful couple that will probably be our friends for life.

We have six more days of fun to go here.

Sheila

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

With all reports of brain eating ameba's and flesh eating disease being caught by folks who went into various warm water locations I would not want to go in the water anywhere!

I agree about TN being busy during Oct when people flock there to see the fall colors.

 

[My2Qtz0205]

Charlottesville, VA and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley area. There's lots of history (Monticello, Montpelier), wineries, hiking, apple picking.

Colonial Williamsburg, if the government gets their acts together (because it is a national park). There is also a Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. One hour drive from VA Beach. Again, lots of history, winery, and Busch Gardens is also open on weekends through Oct. 31st.

 

[mrsclark]

Charlottesville, VA and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley area. There's lots of history (Monticello, Montpelier), wineries, hiking, apple picking.

Colonial Williamsburg, if the government gets their acts together (because it is a national park). There is also a Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. One hour drive from VA Beach. Again, lots of history, winery, and Busch Gardens is also open on weekends through Oct. 31st.

Colonial Williamsburg is run by a private not-for-profit organization and is open. There are some attractions in the area near Colonial Williamsburg like the Jamestowne Visitor Center that are closed due to the shutdown. For more information, see link below:

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/updates/

 

[My2Qtz0205]

Colonial Williamsburg is run by a private not-for-profit organization and is open. There are some attractions in the area near Colonial Williamsburg like the Jamestowne Visitor Center that are closed due to the shutdown. For more information, see link below: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/updates/

Oh, great! I was hoping to spend the day there when my in-laws come down on the 26th. I would like to do the ghost tour in the evening.