OT: Can't afford Disney - where else to go?

[Fyrefly]

My sisters went to college there and one of them graduated from Gallaudet University (where my BIL still works and he lives in Baltimore, so the drive can't be that bad) and we went there for a weekend to attend that graduation, and my (insert WICKED here) stepmother allotted one, count em, one hour to the Smithsonian.. I didn't get past the lobby of the American History museum. It looks so big and expansive, I would spend two weeks there if I could! Waiting till DS is 10 to try to go on that trip so I can just read and read all the information, and so he can too!

That's an injustice! I get there at opening and don't leave until they kick me out! Best of luck getting a few days to check them all out when DS is old enough.

 

[Darcy03231]

www.rockinghorseranch.com
www.pinegroveranch.com

Both are in NY and easily driveable from Maine (I live in NH). Our personal preference is the Rocking Horse Ranch, but both are a lot of fun.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

www.watersafari.com in Old Forge, NY, Adirondack Mts. Our kids loved it when they were littler. If you are outdoorsy at all they have cabins to stay in.

 

[pajules]

Thought I would throw my two cents in on Hersheypark, since I am a local. Depending on the types of rides your kids like, you might also want to consider Dutch Wonderland, which is in Lancaster, about 35 minutes from Hershey. In the last few years, Hersheypark has really expanded their roller coasters. If your kids are big thrill seekers, I would say go for it. They have also added "The Boardwalk" which includes a huge wave pool, lazy river, and other water attractions.

Also, there is no such thing as Fastpass at Hersheypark and in the summer, you can expect to wait more than an hour to get on some of the more popular rides.

If your kids prefer less intense rides, you might want to do Dutch Wonderland. Yes, it's down near Amish country, but it's a very cute amusement park, less crowded and also has a small water area called, "Duke's Lagoon." It's also a lot cheaper. AAA has discount tickets.

The best deal on Hersheypark tickets is actually available a one of our local grocery store chains, Giant. I think they offer tickets that are $8-$10 off the regular admission price. There's a Giant not too far from the park so I would wait until you arrived to purchase your tickets.

Dutch Wonderland and Hersheypark are owned by the same company and I think both have a deal where you can buy a special ticket that gets you into the park after 4pm on the day before you use your regular park pass as an added bonus.

You could certainly combine the two as part of a weeklong trip and add in Gettysburg as well as a day exploring the Amish.

PM me if you need more info

 

[kpgriswold]

My family took a "retro" trip to Niagara Falls last summer and had a great time. We visted a butterfly park and some museums in addition to the Falls on the American and Canadian sides. Going to a "foreign country" was very exciting, even for the big kids.

I have fond memories of Old Orchard Beach from when my childhood friend and her family took me a few summers.

And the suggestions made about PA or DC are also good ones. If you go to PA, there is alot to do in my hometown of Philadelphia, including Sesame Place (a water park geared to your little ones), the Phila. Zoo and the Franklin Institute, a hands-on science museum.

If you choose DC, pick a hotel in Maryland or Virginia that is near a Metro stop, and just take the train in to see the sights. It's alot cheaper and marginally safer. And there is certainly enough free stuff to do here to fill a week!

 

[minnie4me]

One nice thing about Hershey is that there are little kids rides close to all the major roller coasters. So, if some are big riders and some are small, you don't have to split up too much. We went when DS was 3 and DH rode a few rollercoasters, and I would take DS on the 3 or so little kid rides close by while DH waited in line. I'm not much of a rider so it worked out well. Plus Chocolate World is cute, there are outlets close by and a go cart track/mini golf place a few miles up the rode (I'll try to get you the name.) There are tons of hotels, and if you want to stay on site the Lodge is nice, (indoor and outdoor pools and a mini golf on site.) The Hotel Hershey is very pretty, but expensive. Plus there is a zoo (I don't think it is very big, never been to) and Dutch Wonderland is close.
There is alot of fun, rather inexpensive things to do in South Western PA too, I am sure it would be a long drive but if your interested PM me and I'll give you some details

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

One nice thing about Hershey is that there are little kids rides close to all the major roller coasters. So, if some are big riders and some are small, you don't have to split up too much. We went when DS was 3 and DH rode a few rollercoasters, and I would take DS on the 3 or so little kid rides close by while DH waited in line. I'm not much of a rider so it worked out well. Plus Chocolate World is cute, there are outlets close by and a go cart track/mini golf place a few miles up the rode (I'll try to get you the name.) There are tons of hotels, and if you want to stay on site the Lodge is nice, (indoor and outdoor pools and a mini golf on site.) The Hotel Hershey is very pretty, but expensive. Plus there is a zoo (I don't think it is very big, never been to) and Dutch Wonderland is close.
There is alot of fun, rather inexpensive things to do in South Western PA too, I am sure it would be a long drive but if your interested PM me and I'll give you some details

Good to know - I was concerned with the ages of our kids and the rides. Funny thing is the only one interested in rollercoasters is DD7 and shes probably not tall enough. Sounds fun. Still undecided but I'll keep it in mind.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Just want to say thanks to everyone who replied. I'm researching all the suggestions and appreciate it! This is fun.

 

[mjkacmom]

Good to know - I was concerned with the ages of our kids and the rides. Funny thing is the only one interested in rollercoasters is DD7 and shes probably not tall enough. Sounds fun. Still undecided but I'll keep it in mind.

When we went last year, my twins had just turned 6, and were tall enough for most of the big coasters. I also love how the park is set up, with rides for everyone in every area.

 

[strmtroopr96]

www.watersafari.com in Old Forge, NY, Adirondack Mts. Our kids loved it when they were littler. If you are outdoorsy at all they have cabins to stay in.

Woo Hoo!! Former Water Safari employee here! LOL My oldest has loved going here since she was little as we are about an hour away. At on point, this was her favorite park NOT WDW!?!?!

We are also about 40 minutes from Cooperstown but having 2 girls, we don't get there as much.

 

[fireflymedic]

Good morning,
We're a family of 5 - DH, DS10, DD7, & DD5, and me. No way we can afford Disney this year or next probably. Just thought I'd ask where else people go.

We live in Maine so we'd have to travel to go anywhere. Last summer we went to a couple Red Sox games in Boston. But this summer I'd like to plan a road trip. Our backup vacation is StoryLand in NewHampshire - we could always go there but have been many times already. We are thinking Pennsylvania or Virginia but not sure yet. Is there any places you all would reccommend?

Thanks for any ideas.

From the age of your kids they may love camping out.

So you mite want to check out state parks. any state you want to go to.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

From the age of your kids they may love camping out.

So you mite want to check out state parks. any state you want to go to.

Yep they love to camp out. We have a camp on Green Lake here in Maine and we're there most of the summer. Kids love to canoe, kayak, fish and swim.

 

[AirGoofy]

If you drove instead of fly, would that be a consideration. I know it is a long drive and considerably longer than mine of 13 hours. Still, I drive at which takes some of the drama out of the ride while the children sleep.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

If you drove instead of fly, would that be a consideration. I know it is a long drive and considerably longer than mine of 13 hours. Still, I drive at which takes some of the drama out of the ride while the children sleep.

I've thought about it and I guess we could. Just don't know how the kids would do with such a long drive. And we would need more then 7 days for a vacay which I think would be possible.

 

[soonerfan2008]

I just wanted to offer you some advice about DC and Williamsburg- we live in Williamsburg and travel to DC a lot! Both areas are WONDERFUL for kids, and there is so much to do.

DC- We always stay in Arlington- short drive or ride to DC, and King Street is very nice (shops, candy store, restaurants, cobblestone, etc). Since I like all of the nicer hotels in the area, I usually priceline Arlington and end up around $75 a night. Parking in DC is not terrible, but it can be tough to find a spot. Weekends are a cinch- park in the Reagan building for free, 2 blocks to the Smithsonian. We also park at the zoo. Bought a family membership for $55 (I think), and we get free parking, a stuffed panda for joining, free snacks for the kids, a discount in shops/restaurants AND free admission to most other zoos in the country, including the one near our home. All of the Smithsonian museums are wonderful, and the food at the Native American history museum is really good.

Williamsburg- You can find an inexpensive hotel. Almost all areas are nice and very safe, but avoid 2nd Street. Anywhere on Richmond Road is right in the middle of everything, and you can drive, walk or catch a bus to a lot of places. Colonial Williamsburg is beautiful, and there are lots of activities for kids. Yorktown is interesting, and there is a great little beach. Jamestown is FUN for the kids, and they will have a blast playing in the village and climbing on the ships. I'd skip Busch Gardens, unless you love big roller coasters. There are some cute areas for kids, but it is expensive for what you get. Water Country is a lot of fun. The Virginia Living Museum is just 20 minutes away, and it is a wonderful nature center that highlights the animals found in VA. They have both an outdoor walking trail and two stories on indoor exhibits. VA Beach is about an hour away, and there is a great beach, as well as an aquarium. Food prices are no higher here than anywhere else- lots of chains, as well as some great local eats. In the summer, there is a Saturday market that is a lot of fun. We also have outdoor movies in the summer (I think on Sundays).

If you have any questions about either location, I'd be happy to help.

 

[MickQuinn]

We are from Maine, too and have a ds (7).

Have you thought about staying in state? We love Acadia NP. There are tons of trails, great campgrounds, and Mama Dimatteo's in Bar Harbor is an awesome place for Italian food. The hiking trails are well marked and most guidebooks have a difficulty rating for each trail. Great Head (right off Sand Beach), Gorham Mountain Trail and the Jordan Pond loop were all doable last year when ds was 6. We also like to walk out onto the sand bar and pick starfish during low tide. We have gone to Acadia every July since 1994, and have always found something new to explore.

If your kids like more structured stuff, there are some great campgrounds that offer super kids programs in the summer. Acres of Wildlife in Steep Falls was great for this... and an easy drive for day trips to Funtown or the ocean.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I just wanted to offer you some advice about DC and Williamsburg- we live in Williamsburg and travel to DC a lot! Both areas are WONDERFUL for kids, and there is so much to do.

DC- We always stay in Arlington- short drive or ride to DC, and King Street is very nice (shops, candy store, restaurants, cobblestone, etc). Since I like all of the nicer hotels in the area, I usually priceline Arlington and end up around $75 a night. Parking in DC is not terrible, but it can be tough to find a spot. Weekends are a cinch- park in the Reagan building for free, 2 blocks to the Smithsonian. We also park at the zoo. Bought a family membership for $55 (I think), and we get free parking, a stuffed panda for joining, free snacks for the kids, a discount in shops/restaurants AND free admission to most other zoos in the country, including the one near our home. All of the Smithsonian museums are wonderful, and the food at the Native American history museum is really good.

Williamsburg- You can find an inexpensive hotel. Almost all areas are nice and very safe, but avoid 2nd Street. Anywhere on Richmond Road is right in the middle of everything, and you can drive, walk or catch a bus to a lot of places. Colonial Williamsburg is beautiful, and there are lots of activities for kids. Yorktown is interesting, and there is a great little beach. Jamestown is FUN for the kids, and they will have a blast playing in the village and climbing on the ships. I'd skip Busch Gardens, unless you love big roller coasters. There are some cute areas for kids, but it is expensive for what you get. Water Country is a lot of fun. The Virginia Living Museum is just 20 minutes away, and it is a wonderful nature center that highlights the animals found in VA. They have both an outdoor walking trail and two stories on indoor exhibits. VA Beach is about an hour away, and there is a great beach, as well as an aquarium. Food prices are no higher here than anywhere else- lots of chains, as well as some great local eats. In the summer, there is a Saturday market that is a lot of fun. We also have outdoor movies in the summer (I think on Sundays).

If you have any questions about either location, I'd be happy to help.

Wow - thank you. This is great - I appreciate the detailed info. Since we haven't been to this area before for this information was what I was looking for. Thank you!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We are from Maine, too and have a ds (7).

Have you thought about staying in state? We love Acadia NP. There are tons of trails, great campgrounds, and Mama Dimatteo's in Bar Harbor is an awesome place for Italian food. The hiking trails are well marked and most guidebooks have a difficulty rating for each trail. Great Head (right off Sand Beach), Gorham Mountain Trail and the Jordan Pond loop were all doable last year when ds was 6. We also like to walk out onto the sand bar and pick starfish during low tide. We have gone to Acadia every July since 1994, and have always found something new to explore.

If your kids like more structured stuff, there are some great campgrounds that offer super kids programs in the summer. Acres of Wildlife in Steep Falls was great for this... and an easy drive for day trips to Funtown or the ocean.

Thank you for your reply. We do go to Acadia in the summer and also Camden, Rockport, etc. We live in a beautiful state. Looking for something different this year but if we can't swing the car trip - we sure have some nice day trips we can take.

Thanks again.

 

[soonerfan2008]

I meant to put that we stay in Alexandria- not Arlington!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I meant to put that we stay in Alexandria- not Arlington!

No problem - I figured it out.