Where would you go?

[Flynn]

Okay gang. You guys always have such amazing suggestions I'm going to tap this resource once again.

We'd like to take a trip this February on our first grader's winter break. The last big bash family vacation we took was in 2007 so we're due.

A few guidelines:

we'd like to stay in the country
we'd like to go somewhere warm (no snow) -- 60 degrees or warmer
we'd like a great family pool at the place where we stay

...other than that it would be nice to be close to one family attraction if we feel the urge to "do something" like a great zoo or an amusement park.


We've done Disney but Florida is the obvious choice for warm weather, a good pool and attractions if you want. We'd be open to Florida again but not do Disney necessarily. Texas is also on the list -- but we don't know anyone whose ever gone there, let alone someone with kids looking to combine keeping them busy with getting sun and relaxing.

Where have you stayed, wanted to stay or heard was super fun?

We are very open with regard to budget!!!!

Thanks in advance!

[Flynn]

Oh, and when we go in February we'll have a 7, 5 and 19 month old.

[oceanchild]

What about southern California? I don't know how "in the country" you'd be able to get, but there are fun kid things in both LA and San Diego. I remember loving the San Diego Wild Animal Park at about age 7.

February can sometimes be pretty rainy in LA, though. That might be a downside. I don't know about SD.

[medpedspouse]

In Texas (north of Houston, south of Dallas where you can fly in) there is an awesome retreat center that is very family friendly...although not too far from major cities, you are in the country. Here is the website. http://www.artesianlakes.com/ Here is the activities page. http://www.artesianlakes.com/RESORT/...9/Default.aspx

However, I have never been there during winter - so I do not know how much swimming you could do. Texas can get pretty cool in Winter regardless of how far south you go.

To be on the safe side - I'd consider Florida instead. OR if you want to head out of the country, this is one of my favorite places (very kid friendly too - lots of water based activities on site) http://www.robertsgrove.com/

[DCJenn]

Come on down!

In February we should be in the 80's. There are lots of kid-friendly things to do and every hotel has a pool.

Jenn

[MrsC]

Disney can never get old in my book but then I've been there three times in the last 4 years
Orlando also has Seaworld and Universal. The Disney resorts are supposed to be excellent.

[DCJenn]

My friend did the Queen Mary- but I don't think they do trans-atlantic crossings in the dead of winter! (She said it was awesome though- completely staffed with British nannies)

They also just did a Club Med kids resort- the one in Florida, I think. She had nothing but good things to say. They had a 2 yo and a 4yo at the time and the day care facilities were great and you can reserve a nanny to come baby sit in your hotelroom for the evenings.

and then finally, there's Baby Friendly Boltholes, run out of the UK with lists of fabulous places to stay that have things like cribs and refrigerators stocked with kid friendly foods. I know there are some gorgeous looking Italian places. I know you said 'in-country' but check out their website!

Jenn

A few years ago I stayed on Disney property at The Yacht Club - walking distance to epcot and lots of other Disney Resorts and the 'boardwalk' right there. Also a great pool.

After the conference a friend and I drove about 2 hours to the Gulf coast and stayed in the Clearwater area at this resort:
http://www.tradewindsresort.com/

I remember thinking it was very kid friendly and definitely a place I could stay with family. They had suites with little kitchenettes, lots of kid activities, pool and ocean, rock climbing wall for kids, etc.

[Sheherezade]

By "in the country" do you mean countryside or USA? I'm assuming USA. You could try the Bahamas --- it is almost the USA. You could also do Key West and rent a place on one of the Keys. Amelia Island resort was nice when I was a kid in Florida. No help with Texas.

I've got houseboating in Lake Powell (AZ) on my family vacation list. I'm not sure what the weather is like there in February, though.

Have fun!!

[Thirteen]

What about southern California? I don't know how "in the country" you'd be able to get, but there are fun kid things in both LA and San Diego. I remember loving the San Diego Wild Animal Park at about age 7.

February can sometimes be pretty rainy in LA, though. That might be a downside. I don't know about SD.

I too thought of SD -- good area, much more laid back than LA. Kid friendly, etc.
Would be warm in Feb. (in theory)

[SuzySunshine]

I'm assuming in the country doesn't include Hawaii but if it does let me know we stayed at a great, family friendly resort in Maui a few years ago.

[oceanchild]

By "in the country" do you mean countryside or USA? I'm assuming USA.

Good point. I stand by my San Diego suggestion.

[JaneDoe]

I'm assuming in the country doesn't include Hawaii but if it does let me know we stayed at a great, family friendly resort in Maui a few years ago.

I'm curious, where did you stay? We went to Maui last winter and stayed at Kahana Sunset. It is awesome for families since it has its own private beach and pool. I would totally recommend it.

Flynn, we are seriously considering going to Disneyworld next fall. I agree with Mrs C that Disneyworld does not get old!

[SuzySunshine]

I'm curious, where did you stay? We went to Maui last winter and stayed at Kahana Sunset. It is awesome for families since it has its own private beach and pool. I would totally recommend it.

Flynn, we are seriously considering going to Disneyworld next fall. I agree with Mrs C that Disneyworld does not get old!

It was the Westin at Kaanapali - this was before we had kids but they had great pools for kids and great ones for adults only. They had water slides, a great beach, were close to shopping and to the best Maui luau IMO. Oh and GREAT golf

[madeintaiwan]

For over 30 years my stepfamily spent 4th of July week at the Hotel del Coronado. I've been able to go a few times and it was always good times. The last time we went there were 12 of us, adults and kids from the ages of infant to teens. It is a historic landmark and named "one of America's most beautiful beach resorts." There's legoland, san diego zoo, and sea world. And if you wanted to take a day trip, you could get up early and do disney one of the days. Without traffic it's only 1.5 hours away. We've done "day trips" from Pasadena to SD and it's further away.