Family travel 5: Explore fun options in these US cities
Seattle
Seattle provides a dreamscape for kids. Stay near the newly expanded waterfront and you'll be close to many top attractions for a family crew. You'll be steps from the seaside aquarium, the Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington as well as a slew of eateries and ice cream vendors. Plan to see the playful fish toss at Pike Place Market, and wander through the famous marketplace where fresh seafood, vegetables, flowers and other curiosities are plentiful. Ride the monorail to Seattle Center where you'll find the iconic Space Needle, Artists at Play playground, the Pacific Science Center and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, plus the option for lunch or an afternoon snack at the Armory. Consider taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a multifaceted experience.
After a busy day in the city, return to the Four Seasons Seattle where dinner in the Goldfinch Tavern and a pool with a view provide respite.
For more: www.visitseattle.com; www.fourseasons.com/seattle
Cincinnati, Ohio
Perched aside the Ohio River, this vibrant city melds a Midwestern vibe with a little Southern charm borrowed from its nearby Kentucky neighbor. Go local with a stop on the Donut Trail for sweet treats or sample a favorite sausage and oat dish called goetta. While in town you'll want to meet a world-famous hippo family (including siblings Fiona and Fritz) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Animal lovers can also take a break on the train ride or whirl on the carousel.
Later, opt for hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum, part of the Cincinnati Museum Center where you'll also find an Imax Theatre and other rotating exhibits. Explore the underwater world at the Newport Aquarium. Among the more popular destinations is nearby Kings Island. The amusement park gets high marks for thrilling roller coasters, the Planet Snoopy kids area and Soak City, a water park where slides, rides and play areas provide all-day fun.
For more: www.visitcincy.com
Nashville, Tennessee
Head to the home of the Grand Ole Opry and the best in country music where y'all will learn how a simple radio broadcast spawned a global entertainment phenomenon. From industry legends to the latest luminaries, you'll get a taste of history along with a contemporary dose of the genre in the 'home of American music.' Take in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe and the Johnny Cash Museum. Ask about backstage passes, behind-the-scenes tours and family packages.
Nashville is also one of the best destinations in the world to sample free live music. Whether exploring local neighborhoods or visiting iconic venues, you'll find talented musicians performing without a cover charge every single day. You'll also want to check out the award-winning zoo, numerous parks and outdoor venues as well as hiking, kayaking and picnicking options.
For more: www.opry.com; www.visitmusiccity.com
Kansas City, Kansas
This Midwestern city is proud of everything from their mouthwatering BBQ to their crowd-pleasing sports teams. New in town is The Museum of BBQ, an immersive, colorful environment that encourages play while visitors learn about the elements and regions of American barbecue. Children ages 5 to 12 will want to explore Kaleidoscope. Sponsored by Hallmark Cards, it's a free studio environment where kids can tap into their artistic zone to create puzzles, draw and color. Families will also want to explore Legoland, the zoo and aquarium, the Ernie Miller Nature Center and the Wonderscope Children's Museum, where in 15,000 square feet of indoor space and a half-acre of year-round outdoor adventure, the focus is on STEM learning activities.
For more: www.visitkc.com
New York City
There is so much to see and do in the Big Apple you may have to take It one bite at a time. But seeing the city through a child's eyes will be a thrill all on its own. Central Park is huge and you could spend a day there exploring Heckscher Playground, taking a spin on the carousel, wandering through the Central Park Zoo and searching for the Alice in Wonderland statue.
Will you ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, catch a kid-friendly play on Broadway, ride to the top of the Empire State building, or opt for other birds-eye observation places around the city? Younger kids will enjoy the Children's Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History, a hit for their dinosaur halls. You'll want to consider a trek along the West Side's Highline, a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
For more: www.nyctourism.com
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