I would like to plan a family vacation but with money being tight with the economy I'm trying to think of something that is reasonable. I have a 22 month old daughter and a 18 year old son(in which I'm also paying for college) so of course finding something to meet both of their needs is what I'm finding difficult. Any suggestions or ideas?
there is a camping spot in MI where you can stay overnight in teepees for $30. can't remember for the life on me just search mi camp grounds teepee
We took our kids to Great Wolf Lodge over Christmas Break. We have a 5 and 3 year old and they loved the water slides, as did we. I know there are other places that have similar things that you might enjoy.
http://www.sunsetmotelonthebay.com/index.php?page=Motel_a...
How about Munising, MI in the great UP!!! Check out the link attached!
We stayed in one of their vacation homes for a week (with our 4 young children) and travelled to various places in the Upper Peninsula. There are waterfalls and hiking trails, boat tours and great family fun for kids of all ages...and most of it is extremely inexpensive. We went with good friends who also have small children and rented a pontoon for the day to explore around the bay, beaches, and The Pictured Rocks. GREAT FUN!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!
Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Hart, MI... its awesome there and only a 3 hr drive... That is also close to Michigan's Adventure, Ludington, Grand Haven.. Beautiful beaches..
Good Luck :)
What we do on the years money is tight are stay-cations -- we find / figure out 1 thing each of us wanted to try / go do in our lives... might be skydiving instead we do the speedzone virtual flight($30 and your safer being strapped in. (or go do diamonds digging (3 hours away down here in tx so can do under 150.00 and get to keep the diamonds too)
let them sorta pick and choose our kids arcades etc and think they are a blast. Hope this helps Warmly, T. ###-###-####
One of the places I loved to go as a kid and still love to visit today is the Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. There is so much to do for all age groups (Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, several water parks, many places to see in the Mountains). The view is breathtaking and is priceless. You can rent cabins in the mountains for the same price as a hotel room. The most cabins come with a jacuzzi or a hot tub, some include pool tables... They all come with a view!!
I have been going to that area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park since I was very young. Now I take my kids there!
I would suggest Kalahari waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio. They have a great area for toddlers, some large water slides, you can take surfing lessons, arcade. http://www.kalahariresorts.com/
Have fun!
My best adice is to wait until it's off season - so when schools are in session. If you can wait - Sept and Oct are a great time to travel and the rates are amazing. Or, if you go to Great Wolf like someone suggested, go in the summer when people are other places outdoors.
If you are looking to go away sooner rather than later call a travel agent. They can get you great deals if you are flexible and are willing to travel within the next month - like a cruise for example. If you book now for one in two or three weeks you will get a HUGE bargain. And although baclonys and windows are the way to go on a cruise, you can be in an inside room for cheap and still have all the benefits (food, entertainment, etc). Besides, you are hardly ever in the room anyway!
Good luck and enjoy!!
This may be way over the top, BUT if you can afford a short cruise, the kids and the adults would love it!!! There's so much to do or you can just sit and relax. As someone else said, if you go off season or dates are flexible, you can get a GREAT deal. Same on air....if you can fly out on Monday and return Friday, flights are less. You could do a 3-4 day cruise out of Florida. They have pools, waterslides, kids camp (FREE on Carnival and Royal Carrib) and teen clubs. There are Casinos & shows along with poolside entertainment. You make multiple stops at islands where you an get off and walk around or take a tour (these are pricey, but we NEVER do them...no real need). All you food and lodging is included. There's food 24 hrs a day. You can get a 4 day cruise for less than $1000. Where can you go these days for 4 days (hotel & food) for under $1000 and actually be entertained and see some sights. No matter where you go, it will be fun for the family just to get away together.
