vacation ideas for large families

[disneynewbee]

We are a family of 6 with a wide variety in ages. Kids are 15yo, 6yo, 3yo, and 6 months old. We are looking for vacations to do on our between Disney years. We used to go to OC, MD on our off year but have grown bored with it.
Likes-
beach, waterparks, pools, zoos, aquariums, animals, amusement parks
things we are not into-
site seeing (younger kids are too young to enjoy it yet, we've tried), hiking, sports, tent camping

I guess we are more into commercial fun. I think the kids would love all inclusive or beach resorts. Cost is important since we have such a large family, I looked up sandles and Yikes! Of course I don't know when their cheaper seasons are. Any ideas?

 

[tricia]

One word for you: CRUISING

there is something for everyone. Well, except maybe the baby...

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for more info.

 

[mjkacmom]

One word for you: CRUISING

there is something for everyone. Well, except maybe the baby...

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for more info.

This is what I was going to say! All inclusive, and you can drive to some ports, and save on airfare.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I like the cruise idea, but there is also Gatlinburg. You could rent a cabin, go to Dollywood, the Nascar race track, Ripley's Aquarium and more. We go every year but normally at Christmas time. I think it would be so fun to go in the summer to do more of the things outside.

 

[mrsmom]

We are a family of 6 and we just took our kids on their first cruise and they loved it as much as going to disney, so we will now cruise every other year.There was so much for the kids to do on the cruise.
Kim

 

[disneynewbee]

Thanks. We do have a Disney cruise planned for 11/1/2009. I only booked a 4 nighter because I don't know how the 15yo will do with it yet. She has a weak stomach and I don't want her spending 7 days or more sick. If she does ok we will definately cruise more.

 

[Colinsmom]

Sandals is currently running a "kids free" deal. I priced out a week at the Florida location, and was pretty impressed at the price (about $2400 for a week at whatever time of year I selected, so about half price) for a family of 6 (2 adults + 4 kids) in a 2 bedroom set-up. I've heard great things about their food, they have tons of kids' activities, and even childcare for your baby if you choose to use it.

The other Sandals locations are pretty expensive, so try pricing again for the Florida location with the kids stay free deal.

Oh, I just went to their website and that deal must have ended. You might want to keep an eye on the website in case it rolls around again.

 

[summermac]

See I'm too cheap for a passport so Sandals, etc and cruising are OUT these days.

The Gatlinburg is BEAUTIFUL! It's a different trip every time you go. We found a really nice cabin from vrbo once and we've also camped (we own a popup) at Panther Creek State Park. Awesome.

Myrtle Beach is still one of my fave beaches. So much to do. Myrtle Beach Resort is great for families. Again, found a nice oceanfront condo on vrbo.

Noticed you're from PA - How about Hershey Park & Gettysburg? I'm a nerd so loved Gettysburg.

Lake Erie area - Put In Bay, etc again great place. We stayed at an excellent campground in Port Clinton, OH. So much fun. Oh darn, what was it called again?

We camp often in the Laurel Highlands area of PA too. Beautiful and nice campgrounds there too.

Not sure where in PA you are but another fave place of mine is the New River Gorge area in WV. (Beckley, just off I-77)

I'm just a PM away if you want to pick my brain about tri-state (OH, WV, PA) stuff. I live about 1/2 hour from the WV border and 2 hours from Pgh.

 

[summermac]

OH damn, I thought you said you were into camping. My bad.

Still though, there's really nice accomodations in the New River area as well!

 

[kacaju]

Williamsburg VA!!

 

[debbiemomto4]

I second williamsburg- you have busch gardens,water country ,and jamestown there. Lots of things there.
Not sure where you are but we like DC. lots of free sites too.

 

[disneynewbee]

Sandals is currently running a "kids free" deal. I priced out a week at the Florida location, and was pretty impressed at the price (about $2400 for a week at whatever time of year I selected, so about half price) for a family of 6 (2 adults + 4 kids) in a 2 bedroom set-up. I've heard great things about their food, they have tons of kids' activities, and even childcare for your baby if you choose to use it.

The other Sandals locations are pretty expensive, so try pricing again for the Florida location with the kids stay free deal.

Oh, I just went to their website and that deal must have ended. You might want to keep an eye on the website in case it rolls around again.

Wow that is a great deal I'm going to have to keep a look out to see if it comes up again. When I priced for our family on the one site it was almost $8000 for 7 nights. Do you know how old kids are considered kids with them? My oldest is 15 and is an adult LOL at most places. I didn't know they had a Florida location that would save a lot of $ too. Thanks.

 

[disneynewbee]

I'm not far at all from DC about 2 hrs maybe. My sister actually lives near there so we will make some day trips this summer. We are also only a short distance from Hershey Park but we've gone there pretty often lately. We get free tickets every year from DH's work. We also love Dorney Park but we've done that too and so I'd like to try something different although the kids do want to go back there badly. I went last summer to Williamsburg on a girls wkend with just me and some girlfriend, they had some neat stuff so I might check that out too. Thanks everyone.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I also have 4, wide range of ages (13-2). Every summer we go to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY for a week. Lots to do, fun for everyone. Very casual, comfortable. Of course, it helps if you have someone who loves horses.

Something more general to consider--if you check out sites like vrbo.com, you can rent vacation homes anywhere in the world. If you're interested in an area--say, Cape Cod--you could rent a house. Much more room than a hotel room or two, and much easier to accomodate a variety of schedules. Plus, cheaper than a hotel and eating every single meal out. And you can find homes even in less touristy spots.

 

[DWFan4Life]

One word for you: CRUISING

there is something for everyone. Well, except maybe the baby...

Check out www.cruisecritic.com for more info.

Yes, same here. Cruise is perfect for everyone.

 

[DizneeMommy]

We are a family of 6 with a wide variety in ages. Kids are 15yo, 6yo, 3yo, and 6 months old. We are looking for vacations to do on our between Disney years. We used to go to OC, MD on our off year but have grown bored with it.
Likes-
beach, waterparks, pools, zoos, aquariums, animals, amusement parks
things we are not into-
site seeing (younger kids are too young to enjoy it yet, we've tried), hiking, sports, tent camping

I guess we are more into commercial fun. I think the kids would love all inclusive or beach resorts. Cost is important since we have such a large family, I looked up sandles and Yikes! Of course I don't know when their cheaper seasons are. Any ideas?

Try Myrtle Beach! They have a terrific aquarium, Alligator Adventure (a zoo-type thing focused on reptiles which my son loved), Hard Rock Park, and a host of waterparks!! My family went last summer for the first time and loved it!

 

[nu2dis]

We have kids 16, 14, 3 and 2 and the age difference is hard. This year we voted on going to WDW. last year we just went to visit family friends (they love hanging out with buddies). The second runner up idea was San Diego. Beach, water sports, fishing for the bigger kids and the zoo and Lego land and a trip to DL for the little ones. But everyone voted for WDW as first pick (surprised me!). I always pick 5 things and we all vote (the littlest doesn't vote yet).