Suggestions for next years vacation...

[moniqueand2]

Didn't read all of the responses, but giving you a Canadian perspective! If you choose to do Niagara Falls, you can then come over to the Canadian side and hit Toronto. Lots to do and I would be happy to answer any questions for you. Big plus....you dollar goes further here!

I very much agree. Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is great.

 

[richmo]

We did a Southwest trip 6 years ago, so the kids would have been 11 and 13.

Flew into Las Vegas and stayed there two nights. Yes, Las Vegas isn't for kids, but... we stayed at Mandalay Bay. The pool area is fantastic...wave pool, lazy river, etc. Almost like a water park and its included with the hotel and good deals can be had. The day after we arrived we took a tour of Hoover Dam, which is very impressive and maybe an hour away, if that. Upon returning to Vegas, we went to Red Rock Canyon, just a few miles west of town. It doesn't get much attention, but its a beautiful park. Plus there's kid friendly restaurants in Vegas -- Rainforest Cafe, House of Blues, etc. Also, Las Vegas can be much cheaper to fly into and rent cars from than other southwest cities.

After leaving Vegas we drove to Grand Canyon and spent a couple nights there, then to Sedona for a couple nights, then Phoenix. Flew home from Phoenix.

Another suggestion...how about an Alaskan cruise?

 

[momof1princess]

OP, we went to Hilton Head in 2010, and took day trips to Charleston, SC, and it was fabulous! We didn't get to do everything we wanted, because the in-laws were with us and they both tire easily (multiple health issues for both of them), but here are the highlights:

In Charleston, we did a horse-drawn carriage tour, ate at a local BBQ restaurant, did some shopping at the city market (it was directly across the street from where we boarded our carriage tour), and took a tour of Magnolia Plantation, which was gorgeous-they have fabulous antiques, including a copy of Audobon's "Birds Of North America".

In Savannah, we did a trolley tour, which was wonderful. It took us around the various squares and highlighted the historic homes and other areas of interest-we found it very informative. We ate at The Lady & Sons, which is Paula Deen's restaurant. The food was good, not spectacular, but it had a great atmosphere and our server was wonderful. My DD16 (13yo at the time) had key lime pie for the first time, and proclaimed it delicious. We also toured the Mercer-Williams House, which is the site of the murder chronicled in the book (and movie) "Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil". I LOVED it! I'm a big fan of the book, though.

In Hilton Head, we went on a dolphin watching tour, and went parasailing (DH sat that one out), and we had an amazing time on both. I loved parasailing, and would do it again in a heartbeat! The beaches are gorgeous, and DD and I enjoyed looking for treasures (shells and such) while walking on the beach. There is also a great little ice cream shop and also a great Mexican restaurant over by Disney's HHI DVC resort (the name escapes me).

 

[vegasnative]

I'm a planner too. I have next years spring break all booked, and also sprig break 2016 (booked on a cruise). I've asked people to join us on the cruise and they all basically think I'm nuts planning for 2016 already.

My suggestion, although I have never been, would be San Antonio. It has history, the Alamo, and it has amusement parks, Sea World, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn, and beaches that can be a day trip that are not to far away, plus the Riverwalk area. Or what about a cruise out of New Orleans? Something for everyone on those.

 

[ajwolfe]

So many wonderful ideas: I could plan tons of trips from all this useful info!!