i know there was a similar thread and everyone was talking about hawaii... *sigh* IN MY DREAMS! i would *love* hawaii, but from michigan, it's quite a stretch...

i'm looking for ideas for a fun, affordable place to spend a few days this summer, perhaps. i'd love it if it were naturally beautiful, and had tons of activities for young kids-- my ds is 4, and my dd is 1.

i "hear" kentucky, west virginia, etc. are beautiful, but i wouldn't even know where to "start," i'm so unfamiliar w/ locales in that vicinity.

and i also hear cape cod is nice, but then i've also heard it's touristy, etc.

what are your recommendations?
thanks!
alycia

How about Washington DC? Lots to see and do and educational for the kids.

The Jersey shore is a wonderful family vacation spot! There are beach towns all up & down the coast, most if not all are very family friendly. Wildwood & Ocean City have huge boardwalks with amusement rides, games, stores, you name it. My IL's own a beach house in Sea Isle City, which is about halfway between Ocean City & Wildwood, so we take advantage of both. Wildwood has several water parks as well. There is a free Zoo in Cape May Courthouse. Ummm, what else, ooh, lots of historical stuff too, especially in Cape May Courthouse. The beach & ocean are so-so compared to say, Florida or So. Cal, or Caribbean, but still very swimmable, and lots of great sealife. There are whale & dolphin watching tours in just about every town. Most have family programs as well- Sea Isle has a family activity every night- puppet shows, concerts, carnivals. There are also beach comber activities in the early morning-9am or so, where they teach about all of the sea life local to the beach/area, then go on a search for specimens, and then the volunteers will identify what you have found.

We love the Jersey Shore! We have been going since we were itty bitty, and will probably go til we can't travel anymore, lol

Maine is a beautiful place to visit. Portland is a great little city with lots of art and amazing restaraunts. Your within 1/2 an hour to gorgeous beaches and even some great hikes that are perfect for small people. I can help you out with ideas if you head that way.
Angel

I second Maine, of course I am biased. But it has lots to do with little ones in and around Portland. I can also help with some less touristy areas if interested.

I was born and raised on Cape Cod. LMK if you have any specific questions. It IS very packed in the summer season.

you mamas are awesome! thanks for your offers of assistance. i guess i should clarify and say that ideally i was looking for places within a comfortable driving distance of michigan, as we hesitate to take babies on the plane... but i guess that depends on how it shakes out w/ dd's ears...

thanks for the ideas!
alycia