Where else do you go with big families????

[java]

We now have 4 children... And it seems like we have just sized ourselves out of most of our vacation options. I was looking for a quick weekend getaway and was having little to no luck. The only place that seems big enough for us is Great Wolf Lodge. Anybody have any other ideas? We are in NJ and would have to drive to the location and the rooms have to accomodate 6 of us! (YIKES) Disney was a good spot this year because they didn't count the youngest.(babies don't count yet my 12 year old was an adult... but it worked for us) So what are your favorite little getaways with a crowd? Somebody help!!!

 

[PlutoLuvr]

No kids here, but my very close in-laws have four kids, plus they always take one mother along on their trips.

Their favorite is renting a cabin in NC. They specifically go to Ashville. They rent a giant cabin -- usually with another couple with lots of kids. There's a creek right outside the door you can fish in and then cook your dinner on the outdoor grill or in the kitchen inside the cabin. They always come back with tons of fun stories about hiking, checking out nearby towns, just having quiet family fun.

If you'd like, I can get you more specifics. I know it's unbelievably affordable, especially compared to a WDW vacation cramped in a hotel room. I believe the cabin is a six-bedroom two-story home that they rent for the week.

 

[PA Princess]

We also have 4 kids...ds11, ds10, dd6, and dd1. Not really a good weekend idea, but renting a house is always a better way for us to travel than staying in a hotel. You can get great deals if you are willing to travel off season. Not sure when your kids start school, but our school has what is considered a late start date (day after Labor Day), so we often travel the last week of August and have had some great bargains. Last summer we rented a house in Ocean City, NJ for 1/3 of what it goes for in the busy summer season, and if you can travel in September you can pay a 1/4 of the summer rates. We also have looked at renting homes in AZ, TN, VA, but we have not actually made those trips at this point.

 

[Brier Rose]

There are 4 of us, and twice a year we vacation with my parents and my sister and soon to be DH, so 8 total.

In September we go to Hilton Head and stay at the Disney resort there in a villa.

It's huge, and we always have plenty of room. It's great to just relax on the beach, swim in the pool at the beach house, and even cook! We love to grill steaks, and pick up some fresh seafood as well. We do go out to eat too, but we all agree that the nights we spend in tend to be our favorite!

We sit around at night and play cards while the kids watch movies, or we take a walk along the marina at night looking at all of the boats. LOTS of FUN, and I honestly look forward to it as much as our WDW trips!

In January we all go to my parents condo in Gatlinburg, TN. Again, plenty of room for us all. We always have a great time playing in the snow, shopping, going out to eat. It can be as relaxing or as action packed as you like. There is tons of stuff to do if that is your preference.

So I guess I'm saying look for a villa or condo rental.