Suggestions Please. I Have A 2 1/2 Yr Old And An Eleven Month Old.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

My wife and I are wanting to plan a vacation soon and we just can't think of anywhere that would be good for them and us at the same time. Does anybody know of a place to go that we all could find some things to do? I'm in new jersey and places within a few states away would be preferred (though others may not be necessarily ruled out)

Thanks for the input DU!

[Catchawave]

1. We did a lot of camping when my kids

were that young. Beach vacations were pretty easy too.

[pitohui]

2. listen to yourself friend

you have a 2-1/2 yr old and an 11 mo. old

there is NOTHING they want to do except eat, sleep, crap, scream, and watch teevee

go where the adults want to go and leave them w. a babysitter, they won't remember it anyway so you're wasting time investing what they want to do

my vote is sell the kids to grandma and go to atlantic city :-)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

3. Do You Even Have Kids? If You Do, They Ain't Like Mine.

No offense, but my kids do and want a hell of a lot more than to eat, sleep, crap, scream and watch tv.

And please note also that I love my kids more than life itself and part of the whole reason for vacation is to enjoy time with them, and not to sell them to grandma.

So thanks for nothing.

(and I know you were being lighthearted, but something about your post annoyed me, sorry)

[xmas74]

5. Camping, like another poster stated.

(just cheering you up after the last post)

I took my daughter at one year camping. She loved it and still loves it to this day. Invest in basic equipment now and upgrade a bit each year. The equipment can be a bit pricey to start but is well worth the investment.

I hiked while carrying my daughter in a sling, laid down a blanket and put a few toys on it while I set up the tent (shock cords are the way to go!), took her swimming in the lake, pointed out what sticks we would gather for hot dogs and marshmallows, etc.

At 2 she held my hand while we gathered the sticks and she loved picking up "safe" leaves. Her rock collection started at two and is still growing to this day.

Hit the local thrift stores and rummage sales for old nonbreakable plates, cheap flatware and a cast iron skillet. Buy your firewood before you get anywhere near the campground-they hike up the prices like you wouldn't believe near the campgrounds. Pack a radio and a bottle of wine or some beer for when the kids are asleep.

(FWIW-coffee and pancakes seem to taste better over a campfire. I can't really camp w/o either.)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. Thanks. When The Youngest Reaches 2 or So I Definitely Want To Go Camping

For now though I think we may just do a beach/sand thing and a good aquarium or zoo on inbetween days.

You did get me psyched up about possibly going camping next year though, so thanks!

[xmas74]

8. We go every summer.

If you plan on it next year start looking for equipment this fall. It'll be on sale cheaper then.

Make it a family Christmas present-everyone gets something small for the family camping supplies.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

11. Off Topic, But Were You Born Dec. Of 74?

[xmas74]

26. Good guess.

Two days after Christmas

[radwriter0555]

34. How about Boston? Don't they have a good aquarium?

http://www.neaq.org/index.flash4.html

Check that out... I've heard good things about it.

When traveling with my little one I always organized it so that the trip alternated activities... a day of adventure, then a day of rest at the pool, at the beach or shopping, walking locally, etc. I would also basically take turns seeing/doing things I wanted to see, with seeing/doing things she wanted to see.

I always made sure to get a room with a fridge and bought a rotisserie chicken and beverages to tide us over so as to not break the food budget with eating out every meal.

I've traveled all over the world with my wee one, and she's 13 now and an outstanding traveler. I am really glad I infected her with the travel bug early, that's for sure.

As a kid I grew up in upstate NY. Every summer we went camping in a wretched little trailer to mosquito infested swampy camp grounds, but I tell you what... I have great memories of those times. Buttermilk Falls near Ithaca, Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands State Park. We traveled through-out Pennsylvania touring the civil war sights, the Amish country, through Maryland, to Williamsburg. I can't begin to express to you how much I learned about early US history on those trips. Memories to last a life time. While we weren't terribly impressed at the time, I still remember and appreciate it 40+ years later. So yeah, we remember.

Enjoy. Pack light, have a great time! Don't listen to the grouchy bastards.

[pitohui]

12. they won't remember it

my ex had to hear for 30 years abt how he saw the mtns because they took him camping when he was 18 months old

yes he was bitter and angry abt it and told anyone who would listen how they were so poor he had never seen the mountains

wouldn't you be?

he was told he went somewhere and had a great time, and if it wasn't a lie, it may as well have been a lie, because he was at an age before memories form

if you are doing it for the children, you are wasting your money because it only creates bad feeling in later years

i was trying to be helpful

i'm sorry

go ahead and tell your kids what a great vacation they had at 11 months but i guarantee they will be angry abt it for decades

seriously

re-read what i posted again and think back to what you remember of being 2.5 yrs old and ask yourself honestly if i am wrong

because i am not wrong

PUT YOUR WIFE FIRST and worry abt a kiddie vacation when they're old enough to appreciate the sacrifice

and before you ask, yes, i'm a woman, and i can tell you are not a woman or you would already know this basic information


LOVE YOUR SPOUSE as much as you love the kids, this is your last chance for 20 years, seriously

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

16. Your Preaching Is Almost Unbearable.

First of all, if he is bitter for being told he had a great time when he was a young child than he has some serious issues.

Second of all, my kids have fun every day with us. We plan on having fun with them on vacation as well. It doesn't matter if they'll remember it years from now. What matters is that they enjoy it RIGHT NOW. If you think that concept is one that is going to permanently damage them mentally than I can't help wondering if you don't have any serious issues.

Third of all, How dare you preach to me about my spouse, as if you know what in the world you're talking about or know what she wants. You don't, so get a grip. SHE is the one begging me to find a place for them. SHE is the one that won't settle on anywhere unless it is all about them and us spending time with them. SHE loves her children with all of her heart as well and it would mean nothing more to her than to spend a week laughing and playing with them when we both work full time. Now I want these things as well, but SHE is the one they mean far more too within this vacation. I love her very much and will make sure I accomodate her wishes as much as possible. So you couldn't be more friggin wrong in your have-no-right-to-make-in-the-first-place assumptions and how dare you have even insinuated what you did.

Goodnight now.

(And to the others that replied, thanks for your genuine caring to help me out and I'll take all suggestions into consideration :) )

[Beausoir]

24. So what if they don't remember it? OMC WILL remember it and cherish

those memories.

This idea that we musn't travel with our young children is ridiculous.

Travel...no matter what kind or on what budget..is crucial for children.

Even at the toddler stage, travel teaches them to be adaptable to change.

And your notions about women only wanting to travel on some romantic Sandals vacation is just sexist and ridiculous.

And you better believe I am a woman, tootsie.

[1gobluedem]

4. Tiny kids like that love aquariums

They like to watch the fish swim around. Or the beach; so fun to dig in the sand and watch them squeal and laugh in the water.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

7. My 2 yr Old Would Love An Aquarium, And My Infant Probably Would Too.

I definitely think we're just going to end up doing the jersey shore thing with a zoo and an aquarium thrown in :)

Unfortunatly I found this place in vermont called Tyler Place Resort that seems like it would be absolutely perfect for them, but they were booked until September and we need to go sooner. :(

But I'm sure the beach will be fun too! I'm actually looking forward to watching my son attempt his very first sandcastle.

[mwooldri]

10. Well, there's also Virginia Beach.

Aquarium, beach, sand, plenty of OK hotels.... not much P&Q though.

Mark.

[pitohui]

14. yes i was at virginia beach when i was two

of course i remember feck-all about it

what a waste!

is there no one in the lounge other than pitohui who understands that kids are not born w. the immediate ability to form memories?

how old were you before you were able to remember ANYTHING of a vacation? how old after that before you were able to remember ANYTHING of the vacation except little glints and pieces?

[hfojvt]

35. I don't remember hardly anything before the third grade

I remember one incident (not a bad one) from the first day of kindergarten. I remember my older sister telling me that there's no such thing as Santa Claus. I remember the big spelling bee from 2nd grade, and maybe bits and pieces here and there. Not very much.

One thing is, that I am guessing that I remembered more of kindergarten when I was in the 2nd grade. Way back then, I probably remembered some things from when I was 3. Things I have forgotten, or sublimated into some forgotten corner of my memory banks. As an uncle I have the experience of someone asking a 3 or 4 year old niece or nephew if they remember old weird uncle hfojvt. And they claim to, even though they have not seen me for a year. Some really horrid or really great events can be burned in memory for a long time.

The adult POV seems more relevant here. When they get back and are asked "what did you do on your vacation?" The answer is going to be mostly "watched and took care of the kids". If that is what you enjoy, then you might as well stay home and just take the kids to McDonaldland or a waterpark.

[pitohui]

13. no they won't, were you ever 2 years old?

they won't even remember being at the aquarium, do it when they're old enough to enjoy it and REMEMBER IT

eeeekkkkk!

perhaps you are divorced but if not i feel sorry for the invisible spouse, the vacation should be abt the woman who carried these kids and is caring for these kids, in a year or two, when their brains have developed and they can remember more, all these ideas are fine

but not at 11 months, not at 30 months

it's a wicked waste of a vacation to cater to kids who won't remember and who will resent hearing abt it later because they will inevitably think, why couldn't they have saved that up for when i was old enough to remember it? for all i know they are making it up!

and if you don't think teens think that way, just wait

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

18. I Want You To Know, My Wife Just Read Your Replies And Is Completely

disgusted. I won't repeat what she said.

But just know you are not helping women out here with this personal sentiment of yours.

[mwooldri]

9. Ocracoke Island, NC.

Perfect for parents and small children. You have the beach for them to explore. It truly is a getaway but the east coast of NC might be a bit of a drive (you can't necessarily fly there - unless you have your own plane). But for small kids - plenty of sea, a nice boat ride there, and a nice drive down the Outer Banks.

PS I think this is just a great spot for anyone wanting a bit of P & Q. Teenagers here might find themselves bored unless you got money for boat trip ( ATVing on Portsmouth Island as one example ) and other stuff. There's no chain stores there at all. Not even a glimpse of a Mall Wart.

Mark.

[AlCzervik]

15. there is also Cape cod, when my daughter was little, about 2 i think

we used to go there all the time.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

17. That's So Funny! My Wife Just Brought Up Cape Cod All Of Ten Minutes Ago!

I gotta go hit the hay, but I'll look into it tomorrow. Thanks :)

[AlCzervik]

19. i'm going to email mynhusband and get the name of the place we used to

stay, it was right on the beach but in a little bay so the water is warmer and it's a bit safer in terms of the surf.

[Rabrrrrrr]

20. Dude - Delaware Water Gap.

Maybe a night of camping, certainly at least a picnic. You have one of the most beautiful parks so close - go enjoy it!

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. And who gives a shit if the kids "remember" a trip? What fuckall bullshit.

Doesn't matter if they "remember" it one whit - you are, at a very minimum, building relationship. And, dammit all, YOU will remember it, and YOU will be building fond and good memories FOR YOU.

While I think the 2.5 year old will remember it - though obviously not in great detail - even the 11-month old will experience some conditioning at a subonscious level that says "I did neat things with these people".

Ignore the one who is spouting the abusive, and bizarrely wrong and psychotic, bile.

[Beausoir]

25. You are so correct! Kids need to see things and go places.

Great post!

[LeftyMom]

22. Just remember short trips are best with the young'ns

A three day weekend or so. Any longer than that and they'll likely get worn out and overstimated and take you with them. It also helps if you can change up the pace, with a busy day and then a quiet one away from crowds rather than three days at a theme park or something.

Oh, and if they're good car sleepers, try traveling while they sleep or nap. If that isn't an option, snacks in the car are a godsend.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

23. The beach would be a good place to take little kids.

They always have fun playing in the sand and water.

And, BTW, the argument that you shouldn't bother to take them on vacation with you because they won't remember it anyhow is absurd. I know I was taken to the beach and camping, etc., when I was younger than 3 -- and even though I don't remember it now, my parents said I had a great time, and I certainly don't resent the fact that they took me somewhere I can't remember. On the contrary, I appreciate the fact that they cared enough about showing me a fun time that they were willing to deal with the inconvenience of taking care of a little kid instead of just dumping me on a babysitter. Heck, if one were to buy that notion, one could argue that you should just keep your kids locked in the basement until they are 3 years old or so because they won't remember it anyhow. :sarcasm:

Take the kids to the beach. They'll love it and so will you and your wife.

[mykpart]

27. I suggest a series of day trips.

The kids will be happier if they can sleep in their own beds. The zoo and the aquarium are great ideas. Perhaps kiddie amusement parks. And be sure to have some days just to "be" with your kids. They will remember the time you spent with them even if they don't remember what you did. You're a good daddy.

[Gormy Cuss]

28. Go to the shore, rent a cottage.

Worked for my in-laws. Your kids are young enough that their interests are pretty simple: amuse them with and they don't care where they are.

[cboy4]

29. Too bad you don't live closer to Calif. == Your kids would love

Fisherman's Wharf and the amusing sea lions and a ferry ride



But I've been to the Jersey shore....nice choice also ;)

Have fun!

[Kathryn STone]

30. hey ow are ya? I was a student at NYU in 80's went to the Jersey Shore

with a couple of girlfriends from the dorms and her parents. We stayed at a condo and I was AMAZED at how nice it was. I was a snob from the South (Atlanta) and was thinking that NJ was gross and the beaches/sand would be as well.It was super nice and IIRC there was a Boardwalk and games, the usual.
If you live in NJ why not do that?, the thing I found with kids (I was a nanny for a while in Atlanta) it's like Keep it Simple.
I guess you'll have diaper bags, formula, etc. I have lots of pictures of my boyfriend with his big brother at the shore not quite that young but they are obviously having a good time. Sand, running after the surf, etc.
Plus I am surprised at all the negative responses-lighten up people. I'm sure this guy has a nice little family.
Roger and out good buddy.

[politicat]

31. Drive to Virginia or N. Carolina. Play in the ocean on the outer banks.

Hit the pirate stuff. Relax. Book a cabana on the beach and take cold cuts and chips. Relax more. Play in the sand.

You're lucky you're on the East coast. There are a lot of cheapish beaches and attractions in the Mid-atlantic and everything's pretty close together -- no more than 6 or so hours.

Another place I wouldn't have considered until I'd been there, but Wheeling WV is gorgeous. Mountains, river, zoos, gardens... it's really a nice place to go and not at all expensive.

[alittlelark]

32. The coast of Maine

When my kids were little we spent a lot of time at the beach. The sand, the sounds of the surf.... it really reaches out to the imaginations of little people. Spend mornings on the beach, afternoons looking around the town or hanging out in the room, spend evenings at the beach.
Eat as many meals as possible on the beach (it's cheaper too).

We used to hang at Half Moon Bay (CA), but I'm sure the beach experience is the same on both coasts.

[borlis]

33. I was never as brave as you when my kids were

that little!! We just stayed home. Good luck in whatever you choose and have a good trip!!