Okay, w/ tax stimulus package help--LOL, we have decided to take the kids on a vacation this year. We've narrowed it down to 3 places and wondering if any of you have been to these locations and some feedback. Remember, this needs to be kid friendly and enough to keep varying ages entertained. Ages 5 to 15 girls and boys. 3 places are: Atlanta, GA--thought of touring the Aquarium and coca cola plant Washington D.C.--thought of doing most of the museums and stuff on the mall Beaufort, NC-- Someone had a thread on here w/ pirate things to do and such at the beach This has to be a very short vacation as most of our children can't handle change of routine for more than 3 days. So, what is there to do in some of these places and have you all been? The other thing is cost. We have to have 2 hotel rooms each night. Can not camp due to certain medical needs of some of the kids. So the cheaper option is out...bummer. If any of you know of reasonable but not roach motels, can you recommend? Thanks. Stephanie--mom to 7
We spent our last anniversary in Atlanta and we are both overgrown children. They will love the aquarium, but we thought the Coke Museum was a rip off and boring. I would take them to the Zoo instead of coke, they have a baby panda (well as of last July) and Merkats, in addition to all the other critters. Also the light show and kids activities at Stone Mountain would be great. Regarding cheap I usually get all mine free so I can't be of much help . Beaufort, NC, I enjoyed the museum and graveyards but I am not sure a kid would. Regarding DC, it is my favorite spot, but not sure what the kids would get out of it. If you do DC, find where the Metro Line runs and get a cheap hotel out of town.
Some may have other suggestions, but we have honestly had great results with Hotwire.com. You can specify city, neighborhood, and choose class of hotel even though you don't know exactly where you will be staying. We always get great deals and have only been disappointed once in probably a hundred visits. You do know what amenities the hotel offers before you buy, even though you don't know the name or exact location. Of course, with your 7 kids I'm thnking you would have to make sure you could get adjoining or at least close rooms. They give you a chance to specify preferences when you sign up. If you are driving or getting a rental car anyway, why not? We did it last weekend in Phoenix, and ended up in the Hilton at the airport for $66 per night. We usually end up saving around 50% by using them, and no, I don't work for Hotwire but they really should pay me commissions! One thing I like better about them than Priceline is that you can see what you can get for the $ before you give your credit card number. It may be worth at least checking out. www.hotwire.com.
We have an upcoming trip planned for DC. There are a lot of free things to do there ... zoo, Museum of Natural History, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, ... the subway itself is an adventure for children as is seeing the monuments and white House. After much searching, I got two rooms at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Herndon Reston each room for $70 a night, (including taxes/fees) Both rooms have two queen beds and a sleeper sofa + micro & fridge Hotel has an indoor pool. I learned rooms in DC are much cheaper on weekends. This same hotel costs $229 per room, per night for the weekdays I searched. I got my reservation through Expedia. HTHs if you decide on a DC trip.
I would not recommend DC if you only have a short trip time frame. DC has so much stuff to see and you can spend days in just one thing.
I'd love any input from people who have been to DC with kids, we're thinking about it this summer. What's great to do, are the things all in close proximity to each other, or does it involve a lot of driving? I see there's a trolley route, is this good to do with kids?
It's going to be late spring or summer by the time those checks come out. How about Ft. Fisher, the Aquarium, and a nice relaxing day at the beach?
It looks like we're going to Disney World next Winter, and I am soooo excited! Our family LOVES Disney World, and we all watched the DVD on it last night and picked out all our rides and adventures! Anyone on here gone recently and have any suggestions? I haven't been in 2 years.
My sis-in law lives near DC and she said that the zoo will be charging but I am not sure when that will start. So you may want to look into that.
