Suggestions for Toddler Friendly Vacation Ideas

We just took a great vacation with our 2 kids (ages 2 & 5) to Captiva Island, Florida. It is on the Gulf of Mexico about 40 minutes from Fort Meyers. We had a great time and the resort we stayed at was amazing! It was so kid friendly, yet we enjoyed it as adults too. Oh and I was 6 months pregnant at the time and still found it to be so relaxing and fun.

Check out this website: www.southseas.com

This is the resort that we stayed at. We stayed in one of the Gulf Beach Villa's (facing the Gulf of Mexico and just steps from the beach). There are several pools that you can choose from that are zero entry and there are some fun pizza and ice cream places that our kids enjoyed a lot. The resort was very clean, up to date (due to Hurricane Charlie) and very friendly staff everywhere. Best of all, the flight was easy....3 hours from Minneapolis to Fort Meyers and then just a short drive to the island.

Good luck in your search!!!

We recently went to Orlando for a work related conference. While Disney was horrible for our son (18mths), he did enjoy the beach. They also have an awesome petting farm and bounce house there. It was great being close to the beaches too, as we made several trips.

Also, I know you said outside the Midwest, but St. Louis has a lot to offer for little ones. They have a great zoo (that's free), the magic house, grant's farm (also free, a petting zoo type), the science center (free again), and places like discovery zone. There's a lot to do there and hardly any cost other than travel.

A beach is always a good choice for young children. They can spend hours playing in the sand and pool. You don't need much more entertainment then that for toddlers. Southern Florida would be a good choice. Look for a hotel that is family friendly and has a zero depth entry or baby pool. We've done this the past couple of years with our two young girls. It works out great.

We've taken 2 trips to Wisconsin Dells and stayed at the Kalahari. AWESOME PLACE> The last time we went our son was only about 1 1/2 months old and our daughter about 2 1/2. Really nice waterpark. Lots of other activities. They just added on AGAIN! Go on their website and look for some good deals. The last time we stayed for 2 nights in a 3 bedroom suite with kitchen, dining room, living room and the 3 bedrooms. Could have up to 12 people in it and it only cost $600 total. They have other deals if you are planning on just going with you 3...... We just went with a big group.

Our daughter loved the duck boat ride we took. And there are all kinds of other tourist attractions to see.