Quick Weekend Getaway Ideas

[Anonymous]

Any ideas on quick weekend getaways with kids aged 4 and 2? Great Wolf is probably the front runner but we wonder if we're missing something. What about Massanutten? Would there be enough to keep the kids entertained?

[Anonymous]

I believe that Massanutten also has an indoor water park like Great Wolf. I have never been there, but thought I read about it and considered for a trip myself. Unless your kids are brave I would not recommend Great Wolf for that age. Adults cannot go down the water slides with the kids. We were pretty much limited to the kiddie pool area while we were there - which was closed at one point because of an "accident".

I would consider the Homestead resort instead. Right now they are running a winter package for $250 per night with unlimited winter activities and kids under 6 are free. That is free skiing, ice skating, bowling, movie night, pool, kids club, horseback, etc. There is more to do at the Homestead than Great Wolf for that age. Homestead was rated as one of Travel +Leisure's best family firendly resorts.

[Anonymous]

Massanuten would be nice if you can stay in one of the condos, do not stay in the hotel part. There are plenty of activities to stay busy. The water park is nice but the indoor pool is also nice. Or if you go in the summer there are alot of outside activities to do.

I personally think that with kids that age, all you need is to find a great hotel with a nice pool that's near decent food options and maybe a mall and just go there. I've mentioned before on this board that we go and stay at a Residence Inn near Dulles, near the Wegmans, and spend our time with our dd4 in the pool, go to Dulles Town Center and do the train, go out to dinner and go down to the outlets in the colder months and we feel as though we've gotten away. Or we go up to Baltimore and stay at the Marriott right there on the waterfront and do the same thing, nice pool, aquarium, science center, decent restaurants and room service. You could do Richmond and stay at the Omni, similar thought.

If you just going Friday to Sunday, you don't want to drive forever or really pack too many things in. That's why we pick local weekend spots.