Need to Know If It's a Break for Us

Updated on March 26, 2009
M.K. asks from Wheaton, IL
4 answers

Hi Mamas. My husband and I are thinking about taking the kids somewhere for the night (such as a water park) next week. He and I both have severe cabin fever, as we have only been away overnight once in the past 3 years. But this time, we want to try to take the kids! My daughter just turned 3 yrs old and my son will be 2 yrs old in May. They both still take an afternoon nap. And aside from when my daughter was 9 months old, they have never slept anywhere else other than their own cribs in their own room. My daughter is potty trained and in a twin bed now, while son is in a crib.

I've looked at previous postings about water parks appropriate for young kids/toddlers, and it sounds like there are several options. My question is: would it really be worth it for us (meaning...would hubby and I have a relaxing, good time?) My kids would be just as happy going to the indoor playground at the mall...but my husband and I are really looking for something to give us some relaxation and break-up some of the monotony. Or do you think that, at ages 3 and 2, my kids are just too young to manage in a place like a waterpark and it would be more work than fun? As a comparison, we have taken the kids to the DuPage Children's Museum and the kids have a blast. He and I have fun seeing the kids so happy and active, but it's a lot of work chasing them around, making sure they stay out of trouble -- not necessarily relaxing for us. Is there any "family getaway" type of place you would recommend to give the adults a break while kids our age safely played? Or...are we just stuck until the kids are a few years older? Any thoughts or advice will be appreciated!

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much for the candid responses. Hubby & I talked about everything and decided to stick to day trips close to home for now. We know that the first few overnight outings may not be smooth (the kids may not sleep, etc.) and that we have to start doing it sometime. But, we decided that this week is not the time for us to give it a try -- we're just too burnt-out! Thanks again!!

More Answers

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

O.K. Here is my thought..I think u should go for it i.e. a waterpark..Ya you are going to be going quite full force during much of the day but it will be at having fun with the family. Lets face it 2 and 3 not much else happens at that age..But maybe you could see if u could get adjoining rooms and just use it during nap time (and bed time if your ok with that)..Put the kids down and u and hubby enjoy quiet time or a movie or whatever ud like. Then up and more fun at the park and after the kids are worn out have a quick dinner and put the kids down and enjoy parent time! Good luck in your quest

1 mom found this helpful
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L.A.

answers from Chicago on

Waterparks are fun, but not necessarily relaxing for mom and dad. My kids are 11, 7 and 7, and and even last year I was still keeping an eye are where they were most of the time. The waterparks are big places, and so many people around.

If you want something a little less hectic, I agree that a hotel with a pool would involve less running around.

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M.J.

answers from Chicago on

About previous outings you said "it's a lot of work chasing them around, making sure they stay out of trouble -- not necessarily relaxing for us". At a waterpark, you have to stay with the kids and not sit and read a book (you can do that when they are older! :-) ), so based on your comment I would say that no, it wouldn't be a good idea.

At that age you are going to do a lot of chasing around and following them no matter where you go. It won't be like that forever, but it's the way it is now.

When our kids were that little we did go to the Dells and planned to be busy until nap time. We would get a suite with a bedroom that had a door that closed and the kids would nap and we would watch a movie, read a book, etc.

The indoor waterparks can be EXTREMELY noisy, so that's another thing to keep in mind.

Do what you feel is best. You know your kids and how much work they are at these outings.

M.

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T.D.

answers from Chicago on

For me that sounds like more work than being at home. I would probably look for a nice hotel that has a really nice pool. The pool would be fun and less work than a water park. I would make sure I had a nice room to for time spent there for naps.

I hope some others have some good ideas. I am interested in hearing the responses too.

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