Mom plus elementary kids: trip last week of August

[Anonymous]

My kids’ school doesn’t start until after Labor Day so we have the last week of august to fill. My husband always has to work that week so we can never play a family vacation then. There aren’t camps that week. However, this year, rather than paying someone to babysit, I’m going to take the week off and do something with the kids. It will will just be me and my three elementary kids. Any ideas for fun, budget friendly, drivable trips? We’ve never been to OBX and I tentatively booked an Airbnb in Manteo, but I feel like there could be other, better options. Please let me know if you have thoughts to make the most of this week while also preserving my sanity!

[Anonymous]

I think you have the right idea going to a beach- kids always love the beach and can entertain themselves no problem. I’d personally go to Rehobeth or Bethany instead because it is a much shorter drive and there is a boardwalk, mini golf etc to entertain in the evenings.

[Anonymous]

How self sufficient are your kids and how strong of swimmers are they? I personally wouldn't go to a beach with a current without a second adult. Also, to be clear, Manteo is not on the beach at all. You'll have to cross another bridge and find parking every time you want to go to the beach.

Frankly, traveling with my kids without my spouse sounds stressful and tiring, but if I did it I'd probably not go to the beach. Just my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

Mount Gretna in PA for swimming in the lake, roller skating, mini golf.
There are nearby hiking trails.
It’s also close to Hershey Park and I think the local Renaissance Festival is running in August.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How self sufficient are your kids and how strong of swimmers are they? I personally wouldn't go to a beach with a current without a second adult. Also, to be clear, Manteo is not on the beach at all. You'll have to cross another bridge and find parking every time you want to go to the beach.

Frankly, traveling with my kids without my spouse sounds stressful and tiring, but if I did it I'd probably not go to the beach. Just my 2 cents.

This is a good point about the swimming. We’ve been going to the beach with our kids since they were babies so it didn’t cross my mind (to be clear I’ve spent many times at the beach as the only adult with my young kids and lots of people do the same, and I think it is hours and hours of free, easy and pleasureable entertainment for kids, but you should think about your own comfort level with this).

A non-beach suggestion could be renting a cabin at a place like Camp Jellystone (there are several locations an easy drive from DC area)- there are so many activities, hiking and pools and mini golf and go karts, etc etc, and lots of other kids around.

[Anonymous]

Other than the beach, I like to head North for cooler weather.

My kids that age have liked
--the Lake Placid area--lake swimming, hiking, Olympic stuff, etc. Assuming you like reasonably outdoorsy stuff
--Finger Lake--we used Ithaca as a base and went to the Corning Museum, Watkins Glen, hiking/swimming. You can do the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester and Niagara Falls if you want to do more than just the Ithaca area.
--If you want more of a city trip, Boston or NYC are easy. Not nearly as budget friendly of course.

[Anonymous]

Cape Charles may be nice - on the bay side, easier to manage multiple kids and swimming.

[Anonymous]

Mantel doesn't really have a lot going on. If you're looking for more action in the OBX (mini golf, shops, ice cream stands, etc.), I'd stay in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head.

[Anonymous]

Drive to port Canaveral and take a Disney cruise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you have the right idea going to a beach- kids always love the beach and can entertain themselves no problem. I’d personally go to Rehobeth or Bethany instead because it is a much shorter drive and there is a boardwalk, mini golf etc to entertain in the evenings.

OP here. Thanks! We’re going to Bethany as a family earlier in the summer; otherwise, I’d be totally on board with this idea. Looking for something we haven’t done before, but from the sounds of it, Manteo might not be it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How self sufficient are your kids and how strong of swimmers are they? I personally wouldn't go to a beach with a current without a second adult. Also, to be clear, Manteo is not on the beach at all. You'll have to cross another bridge and find parking every time you want to go to the beach.

Frankly, traveling with my kids without my spouse sounds stressful and tiring, but if I did it I'd probably not go to the beach. Just my 2 cents.

This is a good point about the swimming. We’ve been going to the beach with our kids since they were babies so it didn’t cross my mind (to be clear I’ve spent many times at the beach as the only adult with my young kids and lots of people do the same, and I think it is hours and hours of free, easy and pleasureable entertainment for kids, but you should think about your own comfort level with this).

A non-beach suggestion could be renting a cabin at a place like Camp Jellystone (there are several locations an easy drive from DC area)- there are so many activities, hiking and pools and mini golf and go karts, etc etc, and lots of other kids around.

+1. I did this twice solo with my kids when they were early elementary. It was great! I didn't have to plan anything because there were lots of activities for them (mostly free), and our cabin was right across from the pavilion. I went with them to the water slides and other activities (jumping pillow, laser tag, outdoor movies, etc) but could relax. We went to the one near Hagerstown, Maryland, which was an easy drive even though we're in northern Virginia. We only went for 2-3 nights, though, not an entire week.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine loves Nemacolin with the kids b/c it is easy with lots of preplanned activities.