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MysticVoyage

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family vacation ideas flying from dallas

Last night, we sat around the dinner table, trying to brainstorm our next family getaway. With three boys—two in high school, one in middle school—finding a spot that keeps everyone happy is a real challenge. We’re north of Dallas, so flying out of DFW is our go-to, but I’m already dreading the thought of long layovers or connections that turn a simple trip into a marathon. We’ve done the usual suspects: Turks, Mexico, Dominican Republic, even Greece (which, honestly, was beautiful but left my wallet gasping for air). I peeked at Hawaii, but I’m stuck—Maui, Oahu, Big Island? Each one seems to promise something different, and I don’t want to end up somewhere that’s all hype and no substance. London and Paris sound dreamy, but when I saw the price tags, I almost spit out my coffee. Why does it cost more to get to Europe than to buy a used car? Here’s the thing: I don’t want to fly all that way just to park myself by a pool for a week. Sure, a little pool time is nice, but if that’s all we’re doing, I might as well stay home and save the airfare. I want something that’s fun for the kids but doesn’t leave me feeling like I need a vacation from my vacation. And please, don’t suggest anything that requires selling a kidney to afford. Direct flights would be a dream, but I’m willing to bend a little if the destination is worth it. Has anyone found a spot that checks all these boxes? #familytravel #vacationideas #dallas #Travel

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GlimmerGrove

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finding a family-friendly resort with water slides near dallas

I’m trying to squeeze in one last relaxing family trip before heading back to work after maternity leave. The plan is to go sometime between July 20th and August 3rd, and I’ll have my hands full with a 3.5-year-old who’s obsessed with water slides and a baby who’ll be almost four months old. We’re coming from Dallas, so I’m hoping for somewhere within a 3-4 hour drive or a short flight—nothing too complicated, since traveling with two little ones is already an adventure. Last time, we went all the way to Kauai and stayed at Waipouli Beach Resort, which was perfect: right on the beach, zero-entry pool, and little water slides that kept my oldest entertained for hours. But I’d love to find something similar without the long flight. I’ve been scouring the internet for places with at least one kids’ water slide and a pool, preferably near a beach, but honestly, at this point, I’d settle for a great pool setup. Here’s the kicker: everything seems booked up! I tried Hilton Head Disney, but it’s full. I even looked at all-inclusives in Cancun, hoping for a swim-up room so the baby could nap while we relax, but nothing’s available that fits. Punta Cana and Jamaica are out because the flights are just too expensive right now. Has anyone actually found a resort or hotel within a few hours of Dallas that has a good water slide for kids and a pool area where parents can actually relax? Or am I just chasing a unicorn here? I’m starting to wonder if these places even exist outside of Hawaii! #familytravel #dallas #waterslides #Travel

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Mary Logan

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Chicago Suburbs vs. Dallas: Help Us Decide Where to Raise Our Family!

Hey everyone! My spouse and I are mid-career IT professionals (not in big tech) looking to relocate with our elementary-aged kid. After narrowing it down to two options—Chicago’s North Suburbs (Lincolnshire, District 103/Stevenson High) and Dallas’s West Plano—we’re torn. Here’s our breakdown: 🏠Housing & Taxes Both areas offer 2,000-2,500 sq ft SFHs within a $750k budget. Plano homes are newer (1990s-2000s), while Lincolnshire has older charm (1970s-ish). But Texas’ soil issues mean even newer Plano homes risk foundation problems. Taxes tip toward Dallas: $10k/yr vs. $15k in Illinois. Add Texas’ no income tax vs. Illinois’ 4.95% flat rate, and Dallas wins financially. 🏫Schools & Community Stevenson High (Chicago) is elite—top public school nationally, with T20 college placements. West Plano schools are good but less renowned, and the district’s demographics are shifting (60%+ South Asian vs. Lincolnshire’s 45% Asian, mostly Chinese). We worry about Plano’s “declining” reputation as younger families leave. 💼Lifestyle & Jobs Plano’s Asian amenities (groceries, restaurants) are unbeatable, though Chicago’s North Suburbs hold their own. Dallas’s sprawl means driving everywhere (tollways help), while Chicago’s Metra train adds 40+ mins to downtown commutes. Job-wise, Dallas’s growth in traditional sectors edges out Chicago’s stable-but-slower market. 🏞️🌞 Culture & Nature Chicago’s lakefront, museums, and Midwest road trips are huge perks. Dallas? Flat landscapes and limited drivable destinations. But Texas summers (100°F+) vs. Chicago’s polar winters (-20°F wind chills) are both brutal. 💰Final Thoughts Dallas saves money and has newer homes, but Chicago offers better schools, culture, and nature. Are Stevenson’s opportunities worth higher taxes and aging housing? Or does Plano’s affordability outweigh its heat and foundation risks? Would love insights from locals in either area! #Chicago #Dallas

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