vacation suggestions w/ kids?

[Michele S]

With all the travel talk on here lately, I'm looking for vacation ideas that are "small kid" friendly (6 and 3.) We did Disney this past May and we're planning on going back in a few years, but I'm trying to come up with some other vacation plans for next year's trip, also in May, either here in the US or maybe the Caribbean. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[lindzebird]

Hi,

I don't know if you'd be interested, but St. Louis, MO has some wonderful things for families to do and they are all FREE. Yes, you read that right...most family attractions are free. First is the St. Louis Zoo (recently rated in the top attractions for family vacations), it's free...parking is like 8$ or something, but you can always find free parking on the street if you don't mind walking a little bit. Also if you go for the first hour it's open (opens at 8) you can go into the children's section free. They have all types of fun things for kids to do. Next, is the science center. It's also free. There are some things that you would have to pay to do...omnimax theather, special exibits, etc. but there is a ton of stuff that is free. The Magic House (also rated on top family stuff) is a MUST, it's free certain Friday's and you can check their website too. It's like imagination come to life, your six year old would especially like this I think. There is also a place called Grant's Farm (also free) and at the end you get free drinks from Anhiser Bush who own it. It's like a mini safari. There's also the Botanical gardens (free on Wed. I think)...but any way, this is getting pretty long, so I'll just end there...you could do a search on St. Louis with google or whatever and find out more. I know with a young one, it's hard to pay a lot for entertainment on tight budgets. My husband and I live here while he's a medical school, and I couldn't be more grateful for all the fun family stuff.

Email me if you want any more information.
Just one suggestion,
Lindsay

Oh yes...we also have a six flags with a great section for young children, and for older children (and parents who love thrill rides)

 

[jpasanski]

I love taking the kids to the beach. This year and last we went to north Carolina (Outer Banks). We go to a small community that has a sort of clubhouse. They have great activities each day for the kids (fishing in the pond, making a tee shirt, painting, jewelry, lots more, all for a small fee...$2 - $15) They have a common pool. Some houses have private pools. We drive to the beach (5 minutes). A pretty large place, plenty of places to bike, walk, etc. Our house comes with all the baby stuff we need and very kid friendly (beach chairs to take to beach, bikes for kids, etc.) website is www.pirates-cove.com

Also have gone to Destin, FL. The beaches are white and so beautiful! We renta house right on the beach and that is the vacation. When the kisd want to play, we walk down our stairs and play in the sand all day. It is nice, because we can bring the baby monitor when out little ones are alseep (lock the front of the house) and hang out on the deck. We rent from Abbott Resorts. They will send you a catalog to check out all of their houses (and condos etc.) They have all price ranges, on the water and off, 1 - 5 bedrooms, etc.

Next year we are trying Fort Myers Beach, FL. Renting a large home on the water with 2 other couples and 2 kids each. Should be interesting!

All-inclusives are worth looking into (Beaches have family friendly resorts). Mexico can be cheap (Cancun?). How about a cruise? Disney land and sea can be fun, or just a family friendly cruise?

Good luck! Family vacations are my favorite! Sometimes it becomes my part-time job to find the perfect spot!

 

[arogerson]

Went to a great place last spring break with 10, 8 and 3 yr old kids. Mandatory to go with another family, so much more fun. The Lazy Dolphin is a house you can rent on North Captiva Island, FL. They have a website, just type in the name of the house. Steps from the beach and the house has a pool. It was a steal when you divide cost with another family. No cars allowed on island. It was really fun and relaxing. You order all your own groceries and take it with you but it is set up to make it so easy because everyone that goes there does the same thing.