Travel advice

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jebdad

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My dd was lucky enough to receive a CVW, so that means that the Easter break will be spent driving from Illinois out to Annapolis. DD is extremely excited, but my 10 and 7 year old boys aren't too thrilled about the vacation plans. :biggrin:

We are also going to visit West Point and New London. While we have been to Annapolis once via plane, we did not venture beyond there. This is our first trip out East. Any and all recommendations, advice, etc. is appreciated - especially any ideas you have on possible entertainment or fun for the little ones while fitting in visiting the academies.
 
Ocean city is about 2 hours away. The hotels should be reasonable as it's early in the season. You probably can't go swimming but the ocean is nice. I think the Boardwalk will be open. Also Assateque island has wild ponies that was always a hit with Boy Scouts. You can message me if you need any other info. We go to O C every summer.
 
Annapolis is close to Baltimore and the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore has a lot to offer. It is right by Camden Yards if you want to see the Orioles. Lots of hotels, restaurants, shops nearby. The Maryland Science Center is there, too, which my kids have thoroughly enjoyed. Interesting interactive museum for kids of varying ages and adults, too. Also docked in the Inner Harbor are some ships you can tour - an old sailing ship and a sub are several of, I think, five ships you can tour.

Also Port Discovery Children's Museum is close by the Inner Harbor. It has been a while since we would have been to that one - not sure if it might be geared toward slightly younger children.

I believe there is also a good train museum in Baltimore. I think it was closed some time back after snow caved in a roof, but I'm pretty sure it reopened. You could probably find it by Googling.

Lots to do! Good luck!
 
I don't know where you are staying but a day in Washington DC is easy from Annapolis. Most museums are free and there's lots kids would enjoy. Additionally there's the monuments, Capitol, Zoo, and lots more.

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My boys and I have loved renting bikes in DC and riding around from monument to monument. Best vacations ever.
 
I don't know any kids that age who wouldn't absolutely love the Natural History Museum or Air and Space for that matter.
 
Near Dulles is the Air & Space "extension" -- Udvar-Hazy. It is AMAZING. SR-71, space shuttle, tons of military and civilian aircraft. Kids of any age love it.

Agree that DC is probably best for two boys and a very easy drive -- in non-rush hour. :smile:
 
Inner Harbor is always lots of fun, with the Aquarium and Port Discovery. DC touring is another great option.
 
Usna1985 is absolutely right about Dulles. More importantly they filmed scenes from Transformers there.


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We stayed an extra night at both CVW and NASS and met mids out in town. They were awesome to tell us how things are (hubby an ancient grad) and answered questions. I suggest hanging close day before/after to get a real sense of the life of a mid.
 
While DD's at the CGA, take the boys to The Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Museum. It's just across the Thames River from the CGA and is free. They can tour the first nuclear powered ship and imagine what life aboard a submarine would be like and see the history of submarines. Or, Mystic Sea Port is about a 15 minute drive and if they like old time sea faring adventures they'll really like the village. Have the older one read Two Years Before the Mast or similar on the drive from Ohio. There's also the Aquarium in Mystic.
 
My husband was stationed at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. This might seem like a strange thing to do with your boys, but Mohegan Sun is an Indian Casino and they have a great play area that my boys loved when they were that age. We never went to go gambling, but we would take the boys there - they have an area where you can pay for them to be watched and they had a great time while my husband and I went to dinner, or the whole family can go in and play games. Just kind of a cool place to walk around. But if you aren't into the casino scene (understandable), the Mystic Aquarium is great. Not a huge aquarium, but my kids always liked that too. The beaches will be kind of cold that time of year, but access should be free and it is always fun to run around and throw rocks in the water. Have a great trip.
 
Be forewarned - DC attractions are JAMMED on Easter weekend, if that's when you are planning to be there.
 
If you have the time the USMC museum at Quantico is a great place to visit. Kids will love it. Mystic Seaport is great for all ages as is the Aquarium.
 
AF6872 said:
If you have the time the USMC museum at Quantico is a great place to visit. Kids will love it. Mystic Seaport is great for all ages as is the Aquarium.
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+1 to the USMC museum. Fun for all ages. I've spent an entire day there once and didn't get through all of it. I plan on hitting it again when I'm in Quantico in July.
 
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