We are starting to plan what to do for our vacation next summer. With 5 children it certainly limits us! We aren't looking for "hot spots" or anything like that. Its more of a spend time together, go swimming, hiking, that sort of thing. Has anybody had a successful camping trip or road trip with several children ranging from 2 to teens? What suggestions do you have to ease the "myspace-addicts" withdrawal symptoms?

Have you thought about RV'ing? There are places where you can rent an RV. It might help the with the teens, who, if they are like any teen I've ever met, cannot fathom the idea of sleeping in a tent with their family. :p

I have considered it, but with gas prices what they are this year I just don't know if that would be a reasonably priced vacation. Does anyone have experience with RVs and how much gas they use? Do they require a special driver's license?

We have a place close to us that is family friendly. It is called Kentucky Down Under and it is a really cool place. There is an underground cave tour, lots of animals-some Aussie animals and some from here, like cows. They have sheep shearing, let you milk cows and a little petting zoo where you can feed baby animals.

Another suggestion is Jellystone Parks if you have one close to you. They are campgrounds (you can tent, RV, or rent a cabin (from rustic to deluxe) and there are a ton of things for the kiddos to do (including meeting Yogi and Booboo). I have been wanting to take my kids for a while.