Family vacation: Help me make everyone happy

Hi-

Situation: 74-year-old mom wants three grown daughters, one grown son and sons-in-laws and five grandkids ranging in age from 8 to 16 to go on a family vacation. One grown daughter in Northern Virginia, everybody else between there and Central New Jersey. Mom loves the mountains, everyone else wants to be near water and have plenty of activities to keep the kids busy as well as nearby attractions, decent restaurants and shopping.

Am I asking too much to find a destination that can accomodate all of these wants and be located somewhere in between NOVA and NJ?

If so, where are they? Your suggestions would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

Family vacation: Help me make everyone happy

Hi,

When you say ';water,'; does everyone else want the beach, or would a lake suffice?

If the lake option would work, I would strongly recommend renting a large home in the Pocono Mountain region of PA...although I don%26#39;t think it would meet the requirement of being between NOVA and NJ. There are many gated communities in the area, and VRBO or local realtors have properties available. I have stayed in Towamensing Trails %26amp; Arrowhead Lakes, and both are lovely.

The Poconos has shopping (outlets, small quaint shops), lakes, water parks, and some pretty nice restaurants, plus with a house, you could eat in to save money. You also have attractions like Bushkill Falls, Delaware Water Gap, Shawnee Playhouse, and more. 800poconos.com is their website.

Good luck planning. I hope you find your ideal situation.

Family vacation: Help me make everyone happy

Thanks slrtravelplanner.

The Poconos crossed my mind. I think it would satisfy everyone%26#39;s wants. Just have to check to see how far it is from NOVA.

Thanks for your help.

Hmm..No. Va to Mt Pocono would probably be about 4.5 hours per Mapquest.

A couple of other really good attractions in the area are the Lackawanna Coal Mine and Steamtown, both in Scranton. Steamtown is run by NPS and is a train lover%26#39;s paradise. Lots of cars to tour. The coal mine is very informative and gives a good background on the mining industry.

You also have Knoebels, a small amusement park which would be about 2.5 hours one way from the region. We did this when we stayed in Towamensing as a daytrip. This park is very quaint and extremely reasonably priced with some very good coasters. For those non-riders like myself, admission is free. Rides are pay as you go.

Good luck planning!