If you are visiting the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, don't miss a visit to the Maryland Science Center. After a massive renovation/addition, the Science Center has interesting, interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. For the little ones, the Kids' Room is a blast. They can "fish," play in an underwater sub, see themselves on the big screen, and splash in the water table. The space is contained (with an attendant at the door), so the kids can roam a bit. There also is a playroom for infants/young toddlers that is a safe, fun, less hectic place for them to play, as well as daily science demonstrations. The exhibits for the older crowd are also cool - we especially love the Knex area, where kids can build all sorts of contraptions, and the "new" dinosaur wing. There also is an IMAX theater (extra charge) and a great planetarium show. This science museum definitely is worth a visit. (Also, remember that if you are a member of another science museum with reciprocal membership privileges, admission is free.)

You may be too young to ever have been to the Catskill resorts featured in the movie Dirty Dancing, but you cn go to Woodloch and experience it for yourselves. This family-run resort is chock-full of activities for kids and adults. A daily schedule lays out all of the events, from snow tubing to go karts, putt-putt contests to Easter Egg hunts, bingo and art activities. There also are movies running all day long. Our March vacation was so much fun, we're planning to go back with our extended family. We did not stay at the lodge (more like hotel rooms), but in the homes located about a 1/2 mile from the lodge (but still affiliated with the resort), which made things a little more affordable. (The meal plan is expensive, although it looks like a lot of fun.)

The Reading Terminal Market is for the hungry. Filled with individual food stalls run by local merchants, you can get all of the Philly classics (hoagies, cheesesteaks, PA Dutch pretzels), as well as fresh meats, cheeses, produce and baked goods. There is something for everyone here, and lunchtime is great for people-watching.

My family of four rented one room in this downtown Philadelphia hotel during Spring Break. The room was spacious enough, clean and comfortable. The hotel has a very modern, dark design, and not a lot of common area, but this is outweighed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. There is also an exercise facility with an indoor pool, which the kids really enjoyed. The hotel is within walking distance to many major attractions - Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, U.S. Mint, and best of all, the Reading Terminal Market, where you can eat hearty, local breakfasts and lunch, as well as shop the many food stalls. Parking is expensive ($40/day), so try one of the public lots that are within a few blocks.

Take the time to walk the grounds of City Hall as you make your way to/from the Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, Museum of Art. The scale of the buliding is impressive and the courtyards remind one of Europe's public building grounds. Hear the story of the William Penn statue atop City Hall (no longer the tallest point in the City) and enjoy the bustle of downtown.