Where to go by myself with 3 kids ages 6, 3 and 1.

[Anonymous]

Want to get away for a week, but it will be just me and kids, husband can't come. Where would you go to have a fun and (somewhat) relaxing vacation? Because of the one-year-old, beach will probably be too hard. Any advice much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Grandparents'? I think that's the only way you get relaxation with kids that age.

-Mom of 6, 3 and 1 year olds.

[Anonymous]

How can you possibly have a relaxing vacation in that scenario? Sincere question, as I've been solo parenting a 6 yo and 3 yo most of the past year and it has sucked. Adding in a 1 yo couldn't make it any better.

[Anonymous]

Dutch Wonderland might work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can you possibly have a relaxing vacation in that scenario? Sincere question, as I've been solo parenting a 6 yo and 3 yo most of the past year and it has sucked. Adding in a 1 yo couldn't make it any better.

OP here - I know, it is probably totally crazy. But it's just as crazy busy staying at home. And looking back on when my oldest was still a toddler I do think that the fun memories of the vacations were totally worth it. So I am willing to give it a try. I just don't want it to get too crazy!

[Anonymous]

Wintergreen has kids clubs starting at 3, the Hyatt Chesapeake at 4 - having a kids club option is a good back up.

Or you could break up the week, if your kids don't mind the car - Dutch wonderland, Please Touch Museum in Phily, aquarium in Baltimore, and the Hyatt Chesapeake could be an adventurous and memorable week!

[Anonymous]

Your husband sounds like the one getting the vacation.

[Anonymous]

When my kids were that age (I also had three), I enjoyed camping, indoor/outdoor water parks and places where we could do some easy hiking (with the youngest in the backpack). Many campgrounds have cabins if you don't want to tent camp. I often took my three kids on trips.

For a specific suggestion, book a cabin that has showers and cooking facilities at the KOA in Niagara Falla, NY. Take two or three days for travel. Go the Pittsburgh route to get there. On the way between Pittsburgh and Erie there is a water park. Spend one or two nights. Then a few days at Niagara Falls. Do all of the great touristy stuff. On the way home, take the route through Corning, NY. Stop for a night and visit the Corning Glass Museum. Take a class in glass fusing. i did this when my kids were your kids ages and it was great.

Not many people are as adventurous as you to take your kids away alone. But once you get a grip under your belt, you will have so many opportunities for adventures.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you stay home, use the vacation $ to hire a babysitter for a few days and go to the movies/museums/spa?

[Anonymous]

Lancaster, PA. Stay at the Eden resort which has a fun little splash pad and playground, and has a separate living area which can help with sleep time.

You could go to the choo choo barn to see the model trains, ride the Strasbourg railroad, find a farm to pet some baby animals. If you have enough energy, go to Dutch wonderland and see the diving show and let the bigger ones ride some of the tamer rides that you can watch from the side lines with the baby. It's not a bad drive. Just pack your low expectations

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lancaster, PA. Stay at the Eden resort which has a fun little splash pad and playground, and has a separate living area which can help with sleep time.

You could go to the choo choo barn to see the model trains, ride the Strasbourg railroad, find a farm to pet some baby animals. If you have enough energy, go to Dutch wonderland and see the diving show and let the bigger ones ride some of the tamer rides that you can watch from the side lines with the baby. It's not a bad drive. Just pack your low expectations

Agree about Lancaster--two days at DW is perfect and there's a ton of other stuff around to do. Look into staying at a working farm. They usually have a bunch of activities. We also like the Hands-on House museum, which is good for the 6 and 3 year old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dutch Wonderland might work.

No, it won't, because where will she put the 1 yo while riding the rides with the other children?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dutch Wonderland might work.

No, it won't, because where will she put the 1 yo while riding the rides with the other children?

Most of the rides her 3 and 6 yr old can ride without a parent. That's part of the beauty of DW. I assume you've never been.

It's the perfect place solo + 3 small kids. BTDT if you need specific tips op.

[Anonymous]

OP,

Take the money and hire a babysitter for the one year old. Then, take the other two on day trips to water parks and museums in this area. Don't worry about cooking and do take out.

That would be a lot more relaxing. You could even go to the beach for the day on a weekday when the traffic is not so bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dutch Wonderland might work.

No, it won't, because where will she put the 1 yo while riding the rides with the other children?

Most of the rides her 3 and 6 yr old can ride without a parent. That's part of the beauty of DW. I assume you've never been.

It's the perfect place solo + 3 small kids. BTDT if you need specific tips op.

Nope, I've been. Sounds like hell.