In Need of Vacation Suggestions

[cayennews]

My husband, son (9yo) and I go away each year during the week between Christmas and New Years. We normally go to Florida, but we want to go somewhere new this year. My husband wants there to be stuff "to do" besides spending time at the pool. He suggested Las Vegas, but I have been there a few times before and don't really want to commit to it. I'd love to hear other ideas if you have any to share. Preferably in the US. Thanks!

 

[JaxDad]

My husband, son (9yo) and I go away each year during the week between Christmas and New Years. We normally go to Florida, but we want to go somewhere new this year. My husband wants there to be stuff "to do" besides spending time at the pool. He suggested Las Vegas, but I have been there a few times before and don't really want to commit to it. I'd love to hear other ideas if you have any to share. Preferably in the US. Thanks!

We’ve done DC and NYC at Christmas time. Both had lots to do.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

My husband, son (9yo) and I go away each year during the week between Christmas and New Years. We normally go to Florida, but we want to go somewhere new this year. My husband wants there to be stuff "to do" besides spending time at the pool. He suggested Las Vegas, but I have been there a few times before and don't really want to commit to it. I'd love to hear other ideas if you have any to share. Preferably in the US. Thanks!

Could you fly into Las Vegas but rent a car and go see things surrounding there? Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Death Valley NP, Grand Canyon south rim, Joshua Tree NP, Disneyland is just 4.5 hours drive. Make a driving loop, and have a night or two in Vegas before you fly home.

 

[Thegoofysmers]

Could you fly into Las Vegas but rent a car and go see things surrounding there? Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Death Valley NP, Grand Canyon south rim, Joshua Tree NP, Disneyland is just 4.5 hours drive. Make a driving loop, and have a night or two in Vegas before you fly home.

Agree with this. Fly into Vegas, rent a car. Dam is close. Go to the Canyon, then to Sedona for a few days. Definately hit Slide Rock SP while there. Your 9 yo and husband wont be disappointed.

 

[ronandannette]

Southern California. The weather in San Diego is lovely any time of year and there are lots of attractions in the area. It's also very doable to split the week to have some time at DLR, which is done up beautifully for the holidays.

 

[JLTraveling]

Come to New Orleans. Plenty of stuff to do, and super walkable. If your hubby wants to "do stuff" while you lay by the pool, it's easy and you can always meet up later.

 

[Skippy918]

Any of the national parks. If your kiddo will be in 4th grade, get the free national park pass for 4th graders.

 

[cayennews]

Thank you for the suggestions. Hopefully we can figure something out that will make everyone happy.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I second the thought of southern Cali, especially San Diego - many options and things to see. Keep in mind, Vegas between Christmas and NY's will be crazy busy, and on the cool/cold side. The outdoor pools are closed, so it'll be casinos, restaurants, and shows - all busy, and might not be much for a 9 yo. The idea of driving and seeing things around Nevada is an excellent idea. Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, and many other sites......

 

[Darcy03231]

Here's another vote for San Diego. We had a great time there.

Another suggestion would be the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, or a cruise.

 

[CamillaF]

Hawaii. The big island. My kids still talk about seeing a Volcano (we were there during lava flows). Great beaches, beautiful hikes.

 

[McKelly]

How about Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia? Lots of stuff in the area. We've not been at Christmas time but we enjoyed the area during the summer months. There is a Busch Gardens there as well, that looks like it has special Xmas events. And a Great Wolf Lodge if you are looking for swimming.

 

[antmaril]

I think San Diego could be just the ticket. The weather should be nice. We took our son when he was 12 (many years ago). We went to the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Lego Land. Lots to do in SD.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Well I like the mountains so I would say Gatlinburg. Lots of shops and the christmas lights will still be up. It will be crowded but I would not let that deter me. I am not a fan of Pigeon forge but there is a ton of stuff there for kids and adults to do.

 

[jen7233]

A cruise.

 

[seshat0120]

How about Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia? Lots of stuff in the area. We've not been at Christmas time but we enjoyed the area during the summer months. There is a Busch Gardens there as well, that looks like it has special Xmas events. And a Great Wolf Lodge if you are looking for swimming.

I second Colonial Williamsburg. They offer a lot of holiday programming in December. Some is free, and some do require a nominal fee. I was there two weeks before Christmas last year and there wasn't a day/night that I didn't have something to do. The last Grand Illumination will be December 16, so you'd miss that, but there will still be a ton of stuff including the Firing of the Guns on Christmas Day. You do have to plan early, though, to get tickets for the events that require one. The Holiday Planner is normally out some time in late August/early September. Last year is was released the last week of August. Tickets went on sale to guests at CW's official hotels 9/6 and to the general public two weeks later. Some of the events were sold out very quickly.

Although I haven't been to it, I've heard that Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is really good, too.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I have a biased suggestion, a vacation in one of the counties of the Hudson Valley. Christmas time is very special here with traditions and events occurring (with plenty to see and do). It’s also not far from MA. Plus many hotels have indoor pools.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Come to New Orleans. Plenty of stuff to do, and super walkable. If your hubby wants to "do stuff" while you lay by the pool, it's easy and you can always meet up later.

My first thought, too.

 

[sheilafri]

I lived in the SD area for 8 years. So much to do with children! Zoo (Best in the World imho), Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park and its museums, Midway Aircraft Carrier, Point Loma Lighthouse, La Jolla tide pools, baseball, football, Old Globe Theatre, not to mention restaurants. My kids loved The Chicken Pie Shop, Rubios Fish Tacos and El Pollo Loco. Plenty of upscale options, too. It probably won’t be warm enough to hang out at the beach swimming, but should be nice for walking along the beaches. We would pop up to DL on MLK Day for our Disney fix.

I also like the idea of Colonial Williamsburg. Might be colder. It would be very educational for your son, though.

 

[Travel60]

Second (third?) Colonial Williamsburg. Could combine with a trip to Washington DC - national Christmas tree and all that.

Another idea - we spent the week between Christmas and New Years in Hershey, PA at the Hershey Lodge. Lots of activities.

If you want warmer, consider San Antonio - the Alamo, etc