Family Vacation Ideas...

Cyclone62 · 06-19-2008, 01:42 AM

The Dells are great, IMO. I loved being up there as a kid.

vmbplayer · 06-19-2008, 01:42 AM

I don't have much experience in the kid realm seeing as I'm still enjoying my sanity from 2 and 3 year olds 24/7...

BUT... Another option similar to the Dells is Branson, MO

It's got all the boating/fishing/swimming kind of stuff you're looking for, plus all kinds of mini golf/go cart type places

And if that's not enough there's the shows. I think it might make a good place for a first time family vacation that's not to far away.

vmbplayer · 06-19-2008, 01:46 AM

Also, I now feel obligated to point out it is Mizzouri and your kids may sustain an irreversible drop of about 10 points on future IQ tests for having traveled there at such an impressionable age, but at least it isn't big 10 country (Wisconsin sucks unless playing EIU)

Cyclone62 · 06-19-2008, 01:53 AM

cys_av8ter,

Your subheading, "Maxi Motorboater," combined into an image I never want to think about again. It just seems gross.

Signed,
Immature

ISUFan22 · 06-19-2008, 09:19 AM

Another vote for the Dells. I was only there once, when I was about 7 or 8. One of the best vacations our family took.

J-Diggy · 06-19-2008, 09:44 AM

I've done both the Dell's (Mt. Olympus) and the Water Park of America with kids and both were lots of fun. The roller coasters at Mt. Olympus add a lot, especially for a little older kids.

With your age kids I would vote for Minneapolis because A) it's closer and B)it's closer. The less family car time the better.

Plus you've got the mall with Lego land and Camp Snoopy for another option when you've had all the water fun you can stand.

Bobber · 06-19-2008, 10:19 AM

If you don't want drive far(I've got a 5,3, 1 year old and know what that's all about) stick close in the state. There are quite a few decent spots.

Waterloo has a great great water park and they just opened a new kids imaganarium at the local musuem. Great bike trail system in the Cedar Valley.

Dubuque has a water park, and the Mississipi river musuem which is really cool. Also lot's of new eating and art places.

Omaha has a great zoo. The College World Baseball series is coming soon. Just west of town is a great air craft musuem.

Okaboji is always fun and they have a small amusement park.

For a young family, the distances involved might be more appealing and you can go on the longer trips when the kids get bigger and hopefully gas is cheaper.

clonzst · 06-19-2008, 10:32 AM

Our first vacation was up to Okoboji. We took a boat ride, spent a lot of time at the beach, went to Arnold's Park, and went to a outdoor water park. It is one of our kid's most memorable vacation even though they were very young. We rented cabins and even took our naps every afternoon. I highly recommend it...plus think of the gas you'll save by not traveling out of state.

clones26 · 06-19-2008, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by ANKENY4CLONES

Hate to be captain obvious, but why not try Okoboji/Spitit Lake area

You beat me to it, my thoughts exactly. There is also a new water park at some condos on East Lake that is great. I am going to Branson/Table Rock in July and would much rather drive the 3-3.5 hours (from DSM) to my in-laws lake house in Okoboji than the 6+ hours to Branson.

cys_av8r · 06-19-2008, 10:55 AM

I have been thinking about Okoboji, but I am up there all of the time with my band and it might be cool to go somewhere else. It is tough to come up with places that will work with really young kids. It becomes much easier when they get older.

83Clone · 06-19-2008, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by isucyfan

Leech Lake is beautiful. My kids (7, 4) can throw rocks in the lake for hours.

The North Shore of Lake Superior is great, too. Duluth is touristy, but great if you've never been there. The farther north on the lake you go, the less tourists, and the more beautiful the land. There are lots of parks, resorts, and cabins all up the North Shore. Highly recommended.

Not to mention waterfalls, a great view from the lighthouse, and Sven and Ole's pizza in Grand Marais. Another great thing about the North Shore is that it isn't real crowded-there are only so many places to stay and that keeps the crowds down

isucyfan · 06-19-2008, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by J-Diggy

Plus you've got the mall with Lego land and Camp Snoopy for another option when you've had all the water fun you can stand.

FYI: Camp Snoopy is no longer Camp Snoopy.

Nickelodeon took it over.

zach · 06-19-2008, 10:15 PM

The Dells are a great time...3 times so far. We stay at the Wilderness,(Great BIG indoor and outdoor water parks, arcade for the kids, food on site, although I recommend going off site) and have a great time. Try Moose Jaw pizza for a great environment for the family. The WILD THING jet boats are terrific....the little ones might not enjoy this though...it is wet and fun though for the older kids and adults). Also, on your way home, stop by Wollersheim Winery, just south of the Dells, Prairie du Sac, on your way home. (The guy that founded Napa valley, started this Vineyard first here in america...Vines are from Europe) Wisconsin Wineries: Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin

zach · 06-19-2008, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by cys_av8r

I have been thinking about Okoboji, but I am up there all of the time with my band and it might be cool to go somewhere else. It is tough to come up with places that will work with really young kids. It becomes much easier when they get older.

More to do and places to stay, in the Dells! I have been to both on vacation....

z

Wx4Cy · 06-30-2008, 11:09 PM

There's been much talk about the Dells so I thought I'd share. Not sure how close this lake is to the Dells but spooky nonetheless.

WGN Weather Center Blog: Surreal shots of what was once Lake Delton in Wisconsin as photographed over this past weekend (June 28-29)