Where to go on vacation for a family of 14?

[mrudman]

My parents are wanting to plan an all-family vacation for next summer. We all live in different corners of Ohio, and to make it a budget trip, we'd like to be able to drive to wherever we're going to visit (thinking 9-10 hrs max).

It's going to be my parents (in their 60's), then my family and my brothers' families, which will include kids ranging from 4 to 11 at the time of the trip.

I'm trying to brainstorm some places that we could go, that would be interesting enough for the kids, but still give plenty of relaxation time. Thinking possibly a beach vacation, but not sure where.

Can anyone throw out any ideas/places? Thanks!

 

[lurkernj]

My immediate thought is the outer banks in North Carolina, though it might be a little farther than 10 hrs. They have huge houses that sleep multiple people/families, right near/on the beach. Most have private pools/hottubs.

We rented in Corolla a few years ago with 19 of us. Rates vary greatly based on what week you are interested in. Try going to vrbo and checking some out.

 

[smitch425]

My parents are wanting to plan an all-family vacation for next summer. We all live in different corners of Ohio, and to make it a budget trip, we'd like to be able to drive to wherever we're going to visit (thinking 9-10 hrs max).

It's going to be my parents (in their 60's), then my family and my brothers' families, which will include kids ranging from 4 to 11 at the time of the trip.

I'm trying to brainstorm some places that we could go, that would be interesting enough for the kids, but still give plenty of relaxation time. Thinking possibly a beach vacation, but not sure where.

Can anyone throw out any ideas/places? Thanks!

It's not the beach, BUT St. Louis would be the PERFECT place for you! Here are a few places for you to research...

St. Louis Arch
St. Louis Zoo
Grant's Farm
The Magic House
Missouri Botanical Gardens (quite possibly the most beautiful place I've ever been!)
Science Center

Good luck with your planning! You're a brave soul for taking that many people on a big trip! I hope you find the perfect spot!

 

[McKelly]

There are some big cabins to rent in the Smokey Mountains/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area too. Lots of things to do. If you are trying to keep it budget, there is the national park for lots of hiking.

 

[RachaelA]

There are some big cabins to rent in the Smokey Mountains/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area too. Lots of things to do. If you are trying to keep it budget, there is the national park for lots of hiking.

This was going to be my suggestion. You could also go to Dollywood while you are there.

 

[Lucky4me]

Ten hours is tough, but I'd drive a little longer and try Outer banks. Or Hilton Head Island. Beach houses in the outer banks are very expensive during the summer, but less if you wait until the end of August.
Beach houses in Hilton Head are outrageously priced anytime, but you could get two condos close together near the beach for a lot less. We like staying in Shipyard and Beachwalk is a nice place very close to the beach.

Unfortunately, beach vacation in the summer is not conducive to a budget vacation.
The place we stayed in the Outer banks with 35 family members went from $15,000 for the week we stayed in July, to $5,000 for the last week of August.
It was the only time the family could get together and it was being paid for out of the estate of my sister in law who passed a couple of years ago, so no one cared.
It was nice, but not $15,000 nice!!

 

[mrudman]

Wow, some great suggestions already! thanks!

I'll definitely have to look into NC, see what we could get for fairly reasonable amount.

Never even though of St. Louis, I'll have to research that, and see how that would be.

Forgot to mention in my original post, Gatlinburg is out, I'd love to go there (will eventually take just the 4 of us there), but for this trip, no can do.. long story, but one of my SIL's refuses to go back there, lol.

Keep the ideas coming please, Thanks!

 

[mrsklamc]

For a NC beach I suggest Kure Beach; VA Beach would be closer maybe?

Niagara Falls? The Smokey Mountains are a good suggestion too.

 

[HeatherC]

How about Myrtle Beach? Or my fave...Hilton Head Island. Lots to do and gorgeous beaches.

For budget villas in Hilton Head, check out the Hilton Head Resort. Great location, private boardwalk to the beach with a little beach bar at the end, several pools and right next to a beautiful golf course. It is one of the oldest resorts there and by no means fancy. But great value, clean and awesome location for a beach vacation. You can rent two bedroom condos for under $700 for the week. Their website is hhresort.org

We also love Palmetto Dunes Resort there, but it is more money.

Hope this helps!

 

[Suz D]

Fort Rapids in Columbus? Might be fun and the kids would definately enjoy the water park.

 

[disprincessatheart]

How about the thousand islands in upstate ny? Or the finger lakes?

 

[minniebeth]

I would also suggest the Outer Banks even with the extra driving time because you can find some nice houses for $5,000 for the week for that many people easily with a pool, plenty of bedrooms, game room, etc located 2-3 blocks off the beach, still within easy walking distance. It's budget if you eat in, do a few local activities and just enjoy the beach. It is one of our family's favorites and we're looking to go back.

Hilton Head is about 12 hours but definitely not budget friendly.
Myrtle Beach is around 9/10 hours and you can find some budget places to stay, but not as nice as you can in the Outer Banks for the same money.

What about renting in Ohio along Lake Erie? My DD went with a friend this summer and stayed in Vermillion. They had several cottages together for a family reunion. They had a pool, picnic area, beach area, etc. They were close to Put-In-Bay, Cedar Point, and other local attractions for when they wanted to do things. The town itself was very charming. They really loved it.

 

[TnTWalter]

I live in Indiana. We LOVE the L'Ocean as my kids call it....great beach towns....you can rent houses....our fave town of the ones we've visited is Grand Haven. The beaches are nice, sand dunes to hike, great restaurants, a pier to walk, cute downtown, free trolley riding all around....

Go later in the summer for warmer water temps...


http://grandhaven.org/

You can rent something like this:

http://www.vrbo.com/311041

Enjoy!

Trish

 

[momof3ds]

Check out Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore. It is an awesome family spot with some great homes you can rent.

 

[cvjw]

We vacation with my DH's parents and siblings and their families every year. We are also a family of 14, so I can relate. We normally go to the Caribbean each year, but some years, we try somewhere in the states - that is driveable from Atlanta. We spent a couple of weeks on Isle of Palms in South Carolina. It is a great beach, and very close to Charleston for more activities. We also spent a week one year in Williamsburg. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge - great for kids of all ages, and spent our days alternating between historic Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Virginia, and Water Country USA. We bought the combo tickets that were good for all attractions for a very reasonable price, and all ages enjoyed that vacation.

 

[Irin997]

Honestly my first thought (before reading about being driveable) was an all inclusive to the Mexican Riviera / Playa del Carmen. They are amazingly affordable even with air fare and absolutely everything is included, even kids clubs and activities. It's something to seriously consider!

If not, my IL's side of the family and my DH and I rent a house in Corolla, NC (Outer Banks) every summer and we have an absolute blast. There are tons of things to do there plus the beach. We rent a 5 bedroom house for around $5-$6k for a week. The house will usually sleep 12-14 people.

ETA if you are thinking the Outer Banks we have used several rental companies and our favorite is Corolla Classic Vacations. They have a website with all of their listings online and they may have next year's pricing too. Check it out.

 

[ceecee]

Chicago
Hilton Head
I was going to suggest Gatlinburg too!

 

[dzorn]

Ludington, MI great state park, nice beaches with bike paths.

One year my family rented a house boat in kentucky.

Denise in MI

 

[Styx Fan]

I live in Indiana. We LOVE the L'Ocean as my kids call it....great beach towns....you can rent houses....our fave town of the ones we've visited is Grand Haven. The beaches are nice, sand dunes to hike, great restaurants, a pier to walk, cute downtown, free trolley riding all around....

Go later in the summer for warmer water temps...


http://grandhaven.org/

You can rent something like this:

http://www.vrbo.com/311041

Enjoy!

Trish

I totally 2nd hitting the shore in Michigan

Pick a lake or a Great Lake shoreline. Plenty of resorts, large houses or condos to rent. I have been to both Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, and while I liked both of them (especially HH) I really love the great lakes state. And MI is much cheaper.

My favorite areas are the Grande Traverse Peninsula and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes....voted the most beautiful place in America on ABC this summer But you really can't go wrong in any of the resort towns on Lake Michigan. It's just beautiful...and no jelly fish, LOL!

for folks who only think of Detroit when they think of Michigan, most of the state has very little in common with the southeast area. And I have lived in the Detroit area most of my life.

Check out this link: http://www.michigan.org

 

[kirstenb1]

Sandbridge area of Va Beach rocks!!! Quiet like the Outer Banks, but closer. Also, you're only one hour from Busch Gardens, Water Country, colonial Williamsburg and Prime Outlets. Jamestown/Yorktown is also close by. I love living in Virginia!!!