We'd like to plan a long weekend vacation (3 nights) for sometime this spring. We are outside of Philadelphia and have a 6 yr old girl and a boy who will be 2 in April. We'd like the entire trip to come in under 1k. Some of the ideas we've been juggling are Hilton Head area, the gulf coast of FL, and the Outer Banks. We would also be interested in an island if we could find something in our price range...

Where can we go that would be fun for the kids and relaxing/interesting for us as well?

Not familiar with the Outer Banks or Gulf Coast of Fla. We have been going to Hilton Head for years - since our kids were born (now 19 and 22). During the summer months there are loads of families with young kids - not sure about the Spring.It is not undeveloped and there is lots to do. Nice Beaches, pools,bicycling,mini golf,restaurants,playgrounds,etc. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Oh, we just got back from Isla Mujeres. It was a great trip and very reasonable, but I doubt that you could do it for $1000.00

If you are driving, you can certainly do it for 1K.

Otherwise I don't know for 4 people airfare can add up quick.

So, Mama, are you planning to fly somewhere? And when in the Spring are you thinking of going?

I'm prejudiced, of course, but I like the Outer Banks. We've been there in late April and we stayed in early April further down the NC coast (near New Bern). It can still be quite chilly, so if you want a beach vacation, these areas wouldn't really do. However, there are many other things to do and see if actually getting into the ocean water isn't required. Many places do have heated pools though.

Ann

We had originally planned to go to Grand Cayman, but have changed plans and are going to Anna Maria Island on the Florida Gulf coast. I have never been but it looks nice and relaxing! We rented a 3 bedroom gulf front condo, but there are many options available if you just google.

An easy trip from Philadelphia would be Chincoteague Island. It is on the Atlantic Coast in Virginia, just south of the Maryland line. Note that this island is on what is known as the DelMarVa Peninsula. There is a marvelous nature preserve, the nearby Wallops Island NASA facility from where they launch experimental rockets (bet you thought all that happened down at Cape Canaveral, didn't you?), and--to top it all off-- WILD PONIES! Trust me, those critters are all over the place. It's where they do the world-famous wild pony round-up in the summer.

The ocean is a short drive away on Assateague Island, and if you want excitement Ocean City, Maryland, is about an hour north.

It's a pretty laid-back place, in general.

If you go to the Outer Banks, take careful note of exactly where your rental is. You probably won't have too much of a problem in the spring, but if you go in the summer, the Sunday rental change-over results in massive backups getting across the bridge to the Banks and also going up or down the island. We rented in Corolla, and it took two hours to snake our way up the island to that town, and that was after the massive backups just getting to the Banks.

Best of luck. -Bill C.

I second Chincoteague. We live in northern DE and it is a very do-able drive from here. About 10 years ago we stayed at the Refuge Inn. http://www.refugeinn.com/
The website makes it look more upscale than it was then, but you might check out reviews on TripAdvisor. They had a covered pool, bicycles for rent, and ponies right next to their parking lot. They are almost the last building before the causeway to Assateague, so it's easy to get to the Park, with wide bike lanes/paths. There was also a great variety of restaurants in the low-key town.

I would third Chincoteague - a very relaxing place, beach-y, and the ponies are really something to see. Your kids would love them. Other places that come to mind would be Shenandoah National Park (about a 5 hour drive, though, from Philly), Hershey/Gettysburg area, or if you wanted to go a more commercial route, Busch Gardens.

Mama, there is a very informative thread here all about Assateague Island and the ponies.

Being in North Carolina, I love our Outer Banks, especially Hatteras.

There isn't a lot going on to amuse young children, IMHO. I don't think the Wright Brothers, Lost Colony, etc. works until children are older. If you want to rent a place to just relax and hangout for a week on the beach, you can't beat the OBX. Riptides and currents are rough for anyone, however.

With your small children, I agree with the other recommendations for Chincoteague.

Cameron

Sanibel Island, Fla. Kids are captivated by the shelling, the best in the world. Low key, family friendly.