Moms Talk: Family Vacations

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week's question: What's a good vacation for all the family? Conversely, is there any place that you won't take kids again?

Donna Milnes:

Our family vacations always had a water element be it the beach, boating or a pool. My girls loved the water and my grandkids seem to enjoy it too.

We like Florida, the Jersey Shore, the Outer Banks and we always stay in a condo instead of a hotel. It gives the kids down time like at home with toys and a kitchen to make them meals, also in the evening they can be put to bed and the adults can still enjoy playing games or sitting on the deck relaxing.

I wouldn’t take children to New York or Washington D.C. until they are at least preteen and can enjoy seeing some history, museums and things they have learned about in school.

Our rule for a happy vacation is always be flexible and don’t have a schedule. 

Gloria Kilfoyle:

Our family is trying to visit all the State of Ohio parks.

Our children and grandchildren stay at the campgrounds because the grandchildren love camping. We, the grandparents, stay at the lodge.

First of all, the beds are more comfy for the old folks and then, if necessary, the campers can use our shower.

The pool is also easier to use at the lodge. We do eat with the campers and visit there during the day. We usually leave after the campfire is out.

It is fun to see what our sons cook over the campfire. Our daughters-in-laws have fun too, as they watch the guys cook. So far we have been to Salt Fork, Mohican and Maumee.

We also go as a family to Cedar Point and stay at the Breakers. By staying at the Breakers, one can walk into the park earlier than the regular opening. We stay in the older part of  the hotel because the rooms are much less expensive.

The rooms are not glamorous but they are adequate because we really just sleep there. Also, the beach in front of the hotel is excellent. The children love playing in the sand and walking in Lake Erie.

Have a grand summer.

Devone Lansing:

We are planning to stick around here this year. We'll probably do some weekend trips but we are saving the major ones (the North Carolina coast, Disney) for next year or the one after that.

I think both of those will be great trips, but we need to wait another year or so until the baby is more sure on his feet!

Mary Jo Stack:

It's been a while since we have been able to take a family vacation. Since my husband is a contractor, it's very hard to take time off during the summer months. We are hoping to take a few long weekends this year. Those weekends will include checking out colleges for my daughter.
 
We are hoping to find some interesting places to stop along the way.