Non- Disney Vacations

[belle22]

We went to Disney last year and our kids had a blast. We are looking for a non-disney trip this summer. Anyone have any ideas for a kid vacation? If you didn't go to Disney where would you go? Our children are 5 and 2.

Thanks

 

[1stluvispooh]

Outer Banks NC. A week at the beach

 

[SGMCO]

We live in Colorado and there plenty of thing to do.
There is plenty of Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Natural
Rock Formations, Dinosaur Fossels, Caverns, Camp grounds,
the great Sand Dunes, Dude Ranches w/log cabins to stay in
(w/horseback riding-fishing holes) a Vintage Train Ride through the
mountains to an old western mining town, and the list goes on and on.

 

[MelAnderson]

My DS is 5 and we are going to Cape Cod this summer.

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

we loved chincoteague/asategue island. BUT beware of the killer mosquitos.

Also, we really enjoyed NC Mountains and WIlliamsburg VA.

 

[karajeboo]

All inclusive Jamaica or Mexico! Great kids programs at Beaches and Breezes. Great thing about all inclusive is you pay up front and with the exception of souveniers, you don't touch your wallet or pocketbook until you leave!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

-Williamsburg, VA (tons to do!)
-Family All Inclusives in Mexico/Caribbean
-Camping just about anywhere
-Disneyland and other LA/SoCal amusement parks
-Cruise

 

[DizneeMommy]

We did WDW for the first time last summer. This summer we're going to North Myrtle Beach--DD's first trip to the ocean! I've never been--DH has as a child and wanted to go back.

 

[katie111]

I also second Mexico. We just went with our kids ages 4 & 5 this past fall and they loved it. All inclusive was great. It was actually a really nice change from Disney, it was nice & relaxing. When I told my kids we were going to Orlando over Feb break they both asked if we could go to Mexico instead. We've also taken our kids to St John and Turks & Caicos and they were both great as well. Both very low key and relaxing with awesome beaches. Cape Cod and Maine are really nice if you are within driving distance.

 

[gibsontrio]

we loved chincoteague/asategue island. BUT beware of the killer mosquitos.

Also, we really enjoyed NC Mountains and WIlliamsburg VA.

YAY!! i'm so glad someone mentioned chincoteague!!! I practically grew up there and took my children for a stay last summer, along with bringing back so many childhood memories for me I got to share new ones with my children!! DEFINITLY check it out, truely a unique place!!!

 

[Aliceacc]

If you can stand the weak dollar, either Bermuda or London!!! Or, if you want domestic, how about Alaska or Hawaii???

(Of course, a typical vacation for us is Lake George in upstate NY. But you didn't mention a budget so I figured I would shoot higher!!)

 

[gibsontrio]

my sister and I are renting a beautiful house on the chesepeake bay in maryland. Found it on vacation rentals by owner (vrbo.com) Maybe you could search houses and rent one at the beach of your choice! We chose our place because last yr the little ones were trying cross the atlantic ocean everytime we turned our back so we never got to sit and relax.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

We went to Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg / Knoxville Tenn. area. Had a great time! Beautiful and so much to do for everyone's tastes.

 

[Metsoskil]

Another vote for the beach. We go to Rehoboth Beach, DE every summer for 2 weeks. As much as we enjoy Disney and plan on doing that every year, it's our vacation at the beach that we will NEVER give up.

 

[luvmy3]

My kids love camping. We don't tent camp, we rent a cabin in a campground because they have so many activities to keep you busy the whole time you are there. We bring our bikes and ride evry morning, fish, etc. Or you could just hang out and not do anything. We usually go to Lake George but this year we are going to Disney instead, and my kids were actually disappointed that we weren't going camping.

 

[minkydog]

My kids love camping. We don't tent camp, we rent a cabin in a campground because they have so many activities to keep you busy the whole time you are there. We bring our bikes and ride evry morning, fish, etc. Or you could just hang out and not do anything. We usually go to Lake George but this year we are going to Disney instead, and my kids were actually disappointed that we weren't going camping.

We have been camping with our kids since they were little. We started out with a small tent and gradually moved up to a travel trailer. The kids love having their bikes with them. We usually camp in the mountains where is it cool in the spring & summer. They like to wade in the creek and collect rocks. Sometimes I spray them with the hose if it's hot. If there are horses nearby DD14 will ride. And there's always hanging out around the campfire, cooking s'mores!

If you haven't tried it, camping can be a fun, inexpensive way to have a vacation. We took our camper all around the country for two months last summer(not an inexpensive vacation!) for what it would have cost us to take a 10 day cruise. We went 6,000 miles and took in 12 National Parks. Prolly won't be doing that again for awhile, but the kids are already looking forward to heading up to the Smokies this summer.

 

[momtwo4]

Some places we have enjoyed
Ocean City: Assateque Island (kids loved seeing the horses!)
-we camped at "Frontier Town" lots of fun then moved to hotel on beach

Hilton Head, SC

Sarasaota, FL-Siesta Key

San Diego- Lego Land, Zoo

 

[mom2prince&princess]

We had a great time last summer at Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland, and Hershey Park. Of those, my favorite is Sesame Place.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

We went to Disney last year and our kids had a blast. We are looking for a non-disney trip this summer. Anyone have any ideas for a kid vacation? If you didn't go to Disney where would you go? Our children are 5 and 2.

Thanks

Did you say "non Disney"? Banish the thought!

 

[tami82]

Try Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Tenneessee, the kids will love it!!! Its a bit similar to Orlando, it has tons of shows, Dollywood Amusement Park & waterpark, & all surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. There is no place quite like it and plenty of things to keep the kids busy. I went 2 years ago after not going for a while and took my husband and 3 kids. they had a blast and my husband also enjoyed it which surprised me. We are going back this year. They are also building up alot and have many new waterpark/hotels which will be opening up this summer & fall. It is definitely a place you should look into. Check out the message boards & the visitors site.