[HBV]

My inlaws want to take a family vacation this summer, and we are trying to think of some good places to go in August that H would enjoy.

None of us are big on hot weather, and DH and FIL are not beach people (sunburn far too easily)

Disney cruise is in the plans for the following summer, so that's out.

So, I need suggestions for family friendly, NOT too hot & sticky, non-beach, non-Disney locales. Any suggestions?

[GCS]

We rented a house in the Outer Banks in September two years ago. It was a wonderful family vacation! It was on the beach with a pool but it was starting to cool off so it wasnt the hot summertime beach vacation. We collected shells, built sandcastles and did a little swimming on the warmer days. Being in a house I made breakfast and dinner every day and we went into the towns during lunch time to shop, site see and have a nice lunch out. There was mini golf, wildlife, fishing. And because it was off season we had the place to ourselves! (and much, much cheaper!)

We also did a San Deigo trip that was a lot of fun. One day at the famous zoo. One day at SeaWorld. A day at Balboa park and a few days town hopping up and down the coast - La Jolla, Del Mar, Laguna, etc. We had a great time on this trip too.

We did New York for a few days. Central park, riding the subway, the Statue of Liberty. They loved the zoo. We had a car so we were there for a few days and then drove down to the New Jersey coast and did some fishing and playing in the sand (it was October so not swim weather but it was a lot of fun. Again at the beach off season for us non-tanners is a good thing!) Then we drove into Bucks County for a day and hung out there.

This year we are going to Yellowstone. Its our first time there with the kids but we've been many times together before kids. We just have to have realistic expectations with them as they are too young to do any back country hikes and we are big hikers. So it will be a very different experience for us there.

[HBV]

Thanks---I LOVE OBX. We have rented the same house in Avon several times w/ friends---I think we are going to save that one for next summer so the kids can all go together. DH will just have to gear up for a beach for once.

I like the Sea World idea, though, and love the SD zoo!

[loveajax]

I just got back from visiting a friend in SD and it was so awesome....We went to the SD Wild Animal Park which was a blast!!

I like OBX too....

DH, MIL, FIL and DD went to Chicago last summer to catch a Red Sox game, and it's such a fun city and tons to do for everyone!!

We go to Block Island every summer.....It's so quaint and fun (but we are real "beach people"). Let us know what you decide!

[dac_cincy]

Michigan's upper Penisula is great too- lots of outdoor activities and the leaves would just be starting to change.

Love to you,

[HBV]

More good ideas----thanks!

[Scatterbrain]

One of our favorites was renting a cabin in SD. Everyone had a great time. A couple of years ago we went to Branson too. There were a lot of shows. The kids had fun, but it was a little cheesy (IMO) When DS was 6 we traveled up the East Coast just stopping wherever we wanted to. That was education and a great time. Good luck!! We are off the Disney World in a month. Kids are so excited!

[britfish]

The white mountains in NH is nice too. North Conway has lots of outlets plus there is StoryLand, Santas Village, Conway Scenic RR and lots of "nature" things to do.

[akasohappy]

My kids LOVE a zoo.
I wasn't that into them before, but it sure is different when your kids are totally excited.
Mine are 6 years apart and this appeals to both of them.
Do search on top 10 zoos in the country and see if one of them is nearby.
You could totally plan a whole trip around San Diego Zoo and the surrounding area.