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I am a single mom with a 5 year old son and would love to start taking him on vacations. My parents didn’t take us on that many growing up but still have those memories of the ones we did go on. Would love to instill some of those memories in my son and also open him up to new things.
I just am having trouble on where to start. We are located in Philly so would be nice to have somewhere we could drive to for a start. Eventually would be open to flying with him as well.
X off all the advertisements, click on photo gallery then click on location you are interested in and click on "Things to do." I use these helps even when I am using my own condo points. Great guide for planning. Now what are your son's interests? Happy vacationing!
Our now 28 year old granddaughter at 5 years enjoyed Pompano Beach and things like Butterfly World. We have a friend that took their two girls at about 9 & 10 to national parks and they got stamps to become honor something, maybe park rangers. Pictures looked great on Facebook.
If you're in Philly, you have a lot of driving options. You could do a short trip to Hersheypark, or longer trips to NYC, New England (both Boston and Maine are fantastic!), or head south to the Appalachians, Shenandoah, and the coastal Carolinas. What you need to ask yourself is what trips interest you (and I do mean YOU, not your kid). there are kid-friendly activities all over, so pick a destination that has some appeal to the adults who will actually be driving.
I am a single mom with a 5 year old son and would love to start taking him on vacations. My parents didn’t take us on that many growing up but still have those memories of the ones we did go on. Would love to instill some of those memories in my son and also open him up to new things.
I just am having trouble on where to start. We are located in Philly so would be nice to have somewhere we could drive to for a start. Eventually would be open to flying with him as well.
Any ideas in the northeast area ?
I grew up on the other end of Pennsylvania from you OP, in the Pittsburgh area. My parents took my siblings and me on a driving vacation every year, and I have very fond memories of those trips. One summer we went to Niagara Falls, another year to Washington DC, always staying in a motel with a swimming pool.
Those were great trips but my favorites were the summers we'd drive to Ocean City NJ (very near to you!) and rent a beachfront apartment for two weeks. We'd ride rented bicycles on the boardwalk in the mornings, spend the afternoons on the beach, and enjoy other fun things like miniature golf and movies. I'll bet your son would love it. Good on you for making happy memories for him.
Last edited by WellShoneMoon; 01-02-2024 at 06:12 PM..
Your son is young. Just focus on local stuff. Art museums, library programs, and sports geared to his age. Any vacations away can wait until he can appreciate them. Disney can wait until he is 7-9. A cruise with children’s activities is great, but he is too young yet.
My grandchildren have been to Spain and Puerto Rico, but they could not care less. They would have been just as happy at home in the park.
If you're in Philly, you have a lot of driving options. You could do a short trip to Hersheypark, or longer trips to NYC, New England (both Boston and Maine are fantastic!), or head south to the Appalachians, Shenandoah, and the coastal Carolinas. What you need to ask yourself is what trips interest you (and I do mean YOU, not your kid). there are kid-friendly activities all over, so pick a destination that has some appeal to the adults who will actually be driving.
I would add Washington DC to that list. Our kids loved the Air and Space museum.
Hershey park is on the list but I think I will wait for warm weather for that. Was thinking of doing a trip in March. Dc sounds like a good option if there are good museums for kids. He actually
May also appreciate the historical monuments. He surprises me sometimes with things he’s interested in.
Was also thinking the poconos and staying at one of those family Resorts. I have never stayed up there and it has been a while since I have visited.
I grew up on the other end of Pennsylvania from you OP, in the Pittsburgh area. My parents took my siblings and me on a driving vacation every year, and I have very fond memories of those trips. One summer we went to Niagara Falls, another year to Washington DC, always staying in a motel with a swimming pool.
Those were great trips but my favorites were the summers we'd drive to Ocean City NJ (very near to you!) and rent a beachfront apartment for two weeks. We'd ride rented bicycles on the boardwalk in the mornings, spend the afternoons on the beach, and enjoy other fun things like miniature golf and movies. I'll bet your son would love it. Good on you for making happy memories for him.
Yes I love ocean city nj!! We used to go there growing up as well. We actually stayed nearby in ventnor last summer but spent a day there. Maybe will add a trip to oc this summer ! Love eating my way through the boardwalk haha
Lancaster PA would be a fun day trip or overnight.
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