Idea for short trip in August with toddlers

[Anonymous]

I need an idea for a 2-3 day trip with two toddlers (2 yr olds) in mid August. The beach is out because we are going there in July. But we need something else during the summer break before their school starts again at end of August. We are hoping to go somewhere not too far (a few hours drive at most), relaxing, where kids can run around and we can get away, too (to the extent possible w/ the kids with us!). Oh, and not too expensive. Is there any such place?

[Anonymous]

Lancaster, PA. You can go to Dutch Wonderland, go to the children's museum, ride in a horse and buggy, go to Cherry Crest Farms, and swim in your hotel swimming pool (look at Willow Valley Resort - they have an indoor mini water park.) We go every year and have a blast. Perfect for that age group and very affordable. It is about 2.5 hours from DC.

[Anonymous]

Hershey Park in PA:http://www.hersheypark.com/index.php

[Anonymous]

I second Hershey Park or Lancaster, Pa. But would also add Williamsburg, Philadelphia (go over to the Jersey Aquarium) or Sesame Place area. Another idea, depending on where you live, is just go up to Baltimore, there's plenty to do with the harbor, aquarium, kids museum. Or if you don't live in Va, maybe go out near Leesburg, you can do the outlets and there are plenty of parks in that area to run free.

[Anonymous]

Great Wolf Lodge, Massanutten, Strasburg, PA.

[Anonymous]

I was also thinking about a national park, like Cunningham Falls or Deep Creek, maybe rent a cabin or a nearby hotel and then do the park during the day.

[Anonymous]

I was just about to write 9:44's post. We had a great two-day trip going to Dutch Wonderland and taking a horse and buggy ride through the farms. With the potential of some serious August heat, PA might also be a tad cooler than other locations.