There is an Elmo park in PA I believe.... that might be fun. I'm not sure exactly where, but I'm sure if you looked it up, you could find it!
Have you heard of Seseme Place. If your kids are into Seseme Street they will enjoy this location.
http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/index.aspx
My mom and sister went and rented a condo in Myrtle Beach and couldn't believe the stuff for kids there. They paid $400.00 for the week for the condo. So, I'm assuming a house couldn't be that expensive!! Good Luck
Hi Nicki, I highly recommend Legoland in California http://www.legoland.com/california.htm. Your kids are the perfect age for it. All of the rides and shows are geared for ages 10 and under - so once you become a big kid you would be bored, but at their age the entire park is built just for them. I just love it there. And then there is SeaWorld http://www.seaworld.com/sandiego/ and they have a great zoo http://www.sandiegozoo.org/. Not to mention Disneyland and Disney California if you run out of things to do, which I doubt you will. There are a ton of things to do that I haven't even mentioned. Enjoy the trip wherever you go!
Hi Nicki, have you ever took the kids to COSI in Toledo. I know it doesn't sound too great, but trust me, I took 3 boys, 4, 5, 7 & they were going crazy & didn't want to leave. It's all hands on museum stuff, but real interesting for all ages. The kids keep wanting me to take them back, but this time we will also cover one of the caves witht the stalagmytes & stalagtytes, so they can have some fun underground, and then the Toldeo Zoo is one of the best if you're into zoos (10X better than our Detroit Zoo). The drive is pretty close & I always plan a stay at the Hampton Inns with indoor pools. I never have to worry about cleanliness there. A great breakfast buffet in the morning free to all guests with everything from cereal to egg dishes to fruit & bagels. I never say anywhere else.
Have fun.
Siouxsee
I second the Chattanooga suggestion. We took our son when he was 2 1/2 and went to the Tennessee Aquarium, the awesome Children's Discovery Museum and even rode on the Chattanooga Choo Choo. There's a miniature train museum there that we didn't get to see, and there's the historical Lookout Mountain activities. Lots of Civil War sites nearby for the little ones to learn about their country's history.
Minnesota - Mall of America - check the website - lots of cool things....
Ohio - Great Wolf Lodge...along with other waterpark hotels...
Nikki,
Last summer I took my kids to Sesame Place in Horsham, PA. It was awesome!! The entire park was nothing but Sesame Street characters, and it was way under $5000, more like $500, but I drove from Detroit, and it only took 9 hours!!!check out the site on sesameplace.com
Hi -
Great spots to try sometime -
Legoland, California A real pleaser for all ages. Accomodations in the area are as high end or budget friendly as you want. Clean and entertaining.
Holiday World, Southern Indiana - not Disney, but definately family fun. Not fabulous accomodations, but very budget friendly and family oriented. Waterpark rocks.
Also, caving and canoeing is a short drive away.
Myrtle Beach, SC - Surprisingly good fun. A stay at a family friendly condo on the beach (Avista and Island Vista are good spots on the beach) make this pleasant and affordable. Lots of activities all around.
Just some options to consider sometime. I used to write family travel pieces - these were a few spots that we all had a great time at.
Have fun,
Rita
Thank you for all your great ideas. We are going to try Sesame Place this summer(little 3 day trip). Frimthe reviews it sounds amazing. We have also booked a weeks vacation to universal orlando and sea world in August. If you have any furher great travel destinaltion please share.
Thanks