Mammoth Cave, Smokey Mountains.

Boston and cape cod. History, sports, whale watch, beaches, food.

PP. Some thoughts on amazing for little kids:

Empire State roof at sunset
Lion King on Broadway
Statue of Liberty
Staten Island Ferry
Fun specialty stores - Nintendo, Harry Potter

We liked our lunch at Fraunces Tavern. Not stuffy, not expensive, family-friendly.

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely not NYC in the summer. It’s hot and smells like balls.

I've been to NYC in August near Labor Day a bunch of times for vacation

There's lots of wow there.

It can be hot but no more than a beach vacation.

I wouldn't walk too close to dumpsters and trash bags, but it's not memorable different from other times of year regarding stenchiness.

Anonymous wrote:Smoky mountains, North Carolina mountains (west of Asheville area), amazing hiking, water activities in mountain rivers and lakes, breathtaking mountains.

Agree. Stunning.

Anonymous wrote:NYC will be hot, but it's still a great trip, and a lot of stuff is indoors, so you can plan to do the outdoor things in the morning, and spend the afternoon in a museum or at a show.

My kids also enjoyed our trip to Boston. We went whale watching, ate a lot of cannoli, Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, swan boat ride in the Public Gardens, etc. There are also ferries you can take to nearby islands or out to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod if you want to combine it with that.

+1 to Boston. I know you mention driving, but we got a good deal on the Acela and that became its own fun experience along with the rest of our trip. Also something to consider if you do NYC.

Shenandoah. It’s beautiful, it’s cooler, it’s great for kids. Stay in a lodge if you don’t like camping. Hit Luray caverns, too.

Anonymous wrote:You’ve never taken your kids to Ocean City, MD or the DE beaches? Then do that.

Boardwalk in Ocean City or Rehoboth (both have rides and games; Bethany only has shops and restaurants on the boardwalk).

Minigolf. So many Minigolf choices!

Go Karts.

Beach and pool.

Head to Lewes or Henlopen for a day on the “bay” beach (easier to swim without waves). Get ice cream in charming Lewes.

If you can afford an oceanfront condo, head towards north ocean city or Bethany. Both are centrally located so you can check out all the beach towns (at night).

You can go on a 1/2 day fishing charter. Kayak on the bay.

Omg no

Delaware and MD beaches are not impressive they are middle class America fine but not impressive. Over priced as well.

OP you want Maine Wells and Olgunquit. Or Vermont Lake Champlain

Smoky mountains, North Carolina mountains (west of Asheville area), amazing hiking, water activities in mountain rivers and lakes, breathtaking mountains.

You’ve never taken your kids to Ocean City, MD or the DE beaches? Then do that.

Boardwalk in Ocean City or Rehoboth (both have rides and games; Bethany only has shops and restaurants on the boardwalk).

Minigolf. So many Minigolf choices!

Go Karts.

Beach and pool.

Head to Lewes or Henlopen for a day on the “bay” beach (easier to swim without waves). Get ice cream in charming Lewes.

If you can afford an oceanfront condo, head towards north ocean city or Bethany. Both are centrally located so you can check out all the beach towns (at night).

You can go on a 1/2 day fishing charter. Kayak on the bay.

NYC will be hot, but it's still a great trip, and a lot of stuff is indoors, so you can plan to do the outdoor things in the morning, and spend the afternoon in a museum or at a show.

My kids also enjoyed our trip to Boston. We went whale watching, ate a lot of cannoli, Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, swan boat ride in the Public Gardens, etc. There are also ferries you can take to nearby islands or out to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod if you want to combine it with that.

Sleeping bear dunes is impressive and beautiful but a long drive for so little time. Your kids might like Oceans Edge on cape cod the bay beaches there are so beautiful and fun for kids.

Acadia National Park in Maine. Take a couple of days to drive up doing a night or two in Boston on the way. Lots of good hiking and beautiful scenic views right here on the East Coast!

Absolutely not NYC in the summer. It’s hot and smells like balls.

We were hoping to go west for amazing mountain vistas but due to time and money (less than a week, driving), that won't be happening this summer. Where can we go close by that will make elementary kids say "wow"?

They loved and still talk about Puerto Rican beaches and the touristy stuff at Niagara Falls. We camp in MD/PA and go to the Finger Lakes frequently already, so not looking for more Appalachian feel. We have also done a coastal Maine trip, and it was great but I'd like to go somewhere new.

What can we do that's similarly quick, cheap, and awesome? Considering NYC, but not sure if it's pleasant midsummer. Also wondering if there are interesting Great Lakes destinations that are closer than UP Michigan. We haven't actually been to Delaware beaches, is that memorable?