Expert: Pam Smith - 6/15/2008

Question
Hi Pam,

My husband and I have 3 young children, ages 3 1/2, 2 1/2, and 9 months.  We'd like to go on vacation this summer but we are at a loss about where to go where we'll all have a good time.  My husband likes the idea of peace and serenity in a cabin on a lake.  I like the idea of keeping my kids entertained and happy.  I was thinking maybe a theme park experience, but I thought better of it, when I realized they're probably to young for it.  I like the idea of the cabin, but I know our kids will soon be bored if there is nothing to do outside.  I just can't think of the right solution.  So here is what we have to work with:

We like to vacation for about 4 days.  Spend no more than $1000, and we need to stay on the east coast.  We live on Long Island, N.Y.  So we don't want to have to travel beyond 4-6 hours in the car.

What do you think?  Thanks!

-Tanya

Answer
I know you mentioned that you didn't really want to consider a theme park, but did you know about Sesame World? http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/index.aspx
It would be a great fit for your young children.

Other than that, the only other suggestion I could give would be a beach vacation in the Hamptons.  Wish I could offer more ideas but I am just not real familiar with that area.

Good luck in your search!

Pam