Another school year has come to a close which means it’s time to gas up the car, pack up the kids, and take a family road trip this summer. Where will your family visit during the months of July and August? If you’re stumped for ideas and not sure where to take the troops for a special vacation this year, check out one of Your Child Today’s “Top Nearby Family-Friendly Travel Destinations.” All of the selected parks and resorts are outside of New Jersey, but luckily for Shore area families, they are all within a reasonable driving distance.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont: This all-inclusive family resort, located in the picturesque mountains of Vermont, is well worth the journey north. In addition to separate activities for kids and adults, there are plenty of events for the entire family as well.
While the kids are kept busy and happy in one of Smugglers’ many camp programs, parents can pursue some of their own hobbies and interests through guided hiking tours, kayaking, fishing clinics, garden tours, and other specialty programs.
Smugglers’ popular health and wellness workshops showcase aromatic herbs, essential oils, and spices this summer under the guidance of knowledgeable herbalists from Vermont’s Purple Shutter Herbs. New sessions include Herbal Manicure, Bath Fizzies, Lip Balms and Energizing with “Zoom Balls,” a sweet treat made with herbs and spices that deliver an energy boost. Yoga, fitness walking, meditation and aromatherapy classes are also available.
If you would like to enjoy a taste of Vermont, a farmer’s market will be available every Monday morning at Smugglers’. Local farmers and specialty food vendors will offer a bountiful selection of goodies including fresh-from-the-field vegetables, locally raised meats, maple products, artisan cheeses, spicy condiments and wines.
If your family is adventurous and would like to see some of the sights outside of the resort, day trips are also available. A new outing explores Vermont’s beautiful lakeside “Queen City.” Resort day trippers have a new outing to choose from with Discover Burlington, which joins perennial favorites A Taste of Vermont and the Montreal Day Trip. After a stop at a local coffee roaster, guests can head to the shops and boutiques on Burlington’s renowned pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace, take in the waterfront of Lake Champlain and spend time in the lakeside ECHO Center, an
interactive science museum that all ages enjoy. The journey back to Smugglers’ includes a photo opportunity at a covered bridge.
What’s New: This summer, the resort is offering two vacation packages to increase family vacation choices. The Resort’s new SimplySmuggs Vacation Package offers flexibility to families who want to make a la carte selections from the Resort’s varied menu of award-winning children’s programs for ages 3 to 17. When registering for those programs prior to arrival, families will enjoy a discounted rate of 25 percent on the children’s programs they select. Vacation package rates for a family of four in a one bedroom mountainside condominium start at $1176 for a 3 day/3night stay on the SimplySmuggs Vacation Package in July (shorter or longer stays are available). The Resort’s popular FamilyFest Vacation Package includes Smugglers’ award-winning daylong children’s programs, and offers the best value for families interested in a comprehensive package. Rates for a family of four in a one bedroom mountainside condominium start at $1395 for a 3 day/3 night stay on the FamilyFest Vacation Package in July (shorter or longer stays are available). Camp activities for ages 3-17 include nature discovery, games, arts and crafts, and pool and waterslide fun. In addition, children ages 7-15 may elect to concentrate on performance, arts & crafts, nature & hiking or adventure and games. The SimplySmuggs and FamilyFest Vacation Packages offer discounts for families interested in specialty camps focusing on outdoor adventure, tennis, skateboarding, and videography. Both the SimplySmuggs and FamilyFest Vacation Packages include full-equipped mountainside condominium lodging, unlimited use of eight heated pools and four waterslides, daily guided walks and hikes for all levels of ability, two teen centers, mini golf, disc golf, and use of the skate park. Family programs and entertainment included in the package are: bingo, dance parties, a family magic show, and more. Nightly entertainment for adults is also included. Both packages feature unlimited use of the FunZone Family Entertainment Center- an indoor play center for all ages featuring climbing and bouncy inflatables such as a giant slide and obstacle course, plus a kids’ climbing wall, miniature golf and arcade games. Package information is available by visiting www.smuggs.com or by calling the resort’s reservationists at 1-800-451-8752.
Sesame Place, Pennsylvania: On a really hot summer afternoon, spending the day at Sesame Place is a great way for your kids to get wet and stay cool. Don’t miss this popular park in Langhorne which features characters from the hit television series and is only about an hour from the Shore area. Your kids can splash around and frolic on one of the many water rides or they can stay dry and take a spin on the carousel, roller coaster Blast Off, Vapor Trail or Flyin’ Fish rides. If you need to catch your breath and relax for a few moments, sit back and relax for one of Sesame Place’s interactive shows, like Big Bird’s Beach Party or the all-new Elmo Rocks! Rock n’ roll show. Your kids will have a blast rocking out with Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, and the loveable duo, Bert and Ernie. If you know your kiddies won’t be able to cram all of the fun into just one afternoon, purchase Elmo’s Any 2 Day Ticket (you can visit another day at no additional charge) and stay overnight at one of the area’s many hotels.
What’s New: Sesame Place is celebrating its 30th Birthday this year! There will be many events throughout the summer to commemorate this milestone. Beginning July 9th, middle school children are invited to one of the “Friday Nights –Summer Nights Series” events. The pre-teens and teenagers are invited to an exclusive after hour’s DJ dance party from 6:30-10:00 pm at Sesame Place. Kids can mix and mingle, enjoy water rides, enter dance contests and win prizes throughout the evening. Mark your calendar for July 30th and celebrate Sesame Place’s 30th Birthday with a beautiful fireworks display, set to a Sesame Street sound track.
Fireworks are at 9pm on Friday only and twilight admission is not valid. Then, on September 5th, celebrate Labor Day with fireworks at 8:30pm. For the best view of the night sky, have your family watch from the park’s front plaza! The fun doesn’t stop once the kids go back to school. The park is still open on weekends with plenty of special events to entertain the little ones. On September 18th and 19th, treat your kiddies to a Hip Hop Harry Live Concert. Characters from the popular television show from Discovery Kids and TLC network will perform on the Sesame Place stage for three shows daily. Hip Hop Harry, a loveable dancing bear will teach kids about art, dance, language, and music all through the use of hip hop fun! Reservations are required for these shows. And, on September 25, the park is open just for 2010 & 2011 Season Pass Members from 4:30– 7pm, complete with a live DJ and kids’ dance party. Finally, beginning on September 25th through October 31st (weekends only), celebrate Halloween at Sesame Place with the Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. For more information, call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO or visit www.sesameplace.com
Mystic, Connecticut: Located on the banks of the historic Mystic River, this coastal village offers terrific restaurants, quaint shops, and of course, the Seaport. Mystic Seaport is divided into four sections: a re-created 19th Century Village, where guests can learn about each building’s role in a coastal community; the Waterfront, an area with tall ships and other historic vessels; the Preservation Shipyard, which restores antique vessels using traditional methods and tools; and Exhibits and Galleries, including “Mapping the Pacific Coast: Coronado to Lewis and Clark.”
What’s New: Tugs! – Mystic’s newest, interactive exhibit that explores the American tug, tow and barge industry. This exhibit is for visitors of all ages and is open through spring 2011. For more information about this specific exhibit, check out www.mysticseaport.org/tugs. Mystic Seaport Sundays – Guests are invited to come after 5 p.m. for free! There will also
be live music, food, and a cash bar at Spouter’s Tavern, and one of the most beautiful spots to watch a summer sunset in Mystic. This is a great way for families, couples, or even singles to unwind and relax at the end of the day while enjoying the peaceful and beautiful grounds ( www.mysticseaport.org/summersundays).
Does your family enjoy boat rides? If so, enjoy the sights of the Mystic River and take a cruise on the steamboat Sabino, or rent rowboats or sailboats from the Boathouse (www.mysticseaport.org/boathouse). There are many authentic experiences to choose from as well, such as watching a blacksmith pound iron in the Shipsmith shop to conversing with an 1876 roleplayer that is strolling the grounds. Mystic Seaport just launched a website sharing this “Earn Your Sea Legs” promotion and it can be found at www.earnyoursealegs.com. The site also features new 30-second TV spots, as well as great new special offers and discounts which always come in handy! For more information, call 888-973-2767 or visit www.mysticseaport.org.
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania: Known as the “Sweestest Place on Earth,” this is a great family destination with plenty of sights and attractions. The town of Hershey has made significant improvements in the past three years, resulting in $185 million worth of new offerings for guests. Hersheypark has more than 65 rides and attractions, including 11 roller coasters – more than any other park in Pennsylvania. The park also features The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, which is home to nine water-based attractions. One-price admission to Hersheypark provides access to all of those attractions and to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which throughout 2010 is celebrating the 100th anniversary of a zoo in Hershey. Guests can enjoy a ride on Great Bear, a looping inverted steel roller coaster, and then walk across the bridge to ZooAmerica to see real great bears.
What’s New: Adjacent to Hersheypark is Hershey’s Chocolate World, which this summer will debut “Create Your Own Candy Bar,” an interactive, hands-on attraction that immerses guests in the process of creating a candy bar. This first-of-its kind attraction gives consumers the ability to select their favorite candy bar ingredients, operate authentic factory equipment and design packaging for a custom candy bar. Definitely leave a few hours of your trip for a stroll through Chocolate World as it provides a lot of hands-on activities and exhibits for the kids. Plus, there are many places to buy delicious Hershey treats and desserts. Save your calories and splurge for a sweet chocolate confection. You’ll be glad you did! For more information, call 1-800-HERSHEY (1-800-437-7439) or visit www.HersheyPA.com.
Peddler’s Village, Pennsylvania: For more than four decades, Peddler’s Village has been a popular leisure destination. Located at Routes 202 and Street Road in Lahaska, this charming village offers a unique shopping and dining experience. Peddler’s Village features 70 quality specialty shops and six restaurants. In addition, there is also the 70-room Golden Plough Inn and Giggleberry Fair family entertainment center. Giggleberry Fair provides hours or fun for the entire family. In addition to the beautifully
restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company Grand Carousel, this 10,000 square foot attraction houses Giggleberry Mountain, the Game Room, the Painted Pony Café, and the newest attraction, Giggles Discovers. Enjoy free seasonal festivals and year-round family events at Peddler’s Village. For more information, please visit www.peddlersvillage.com or call 215-794-4000.
What’s New: The 32nd Annual Scarecrow Competition and Display is scheduled for September 6. The competition will feature colorful scarecrow creations on outdoor public exhibits through October 24, 2010. Participants enter their inventions in one or more of six imaginative categories. The public votes for their favorites, awarding thousands of dollars in cash prizes to the most spectacular creations. Admission to the display is free. Don’t miss The 31st Annual Scarecrow Festival on September 18-19, 2010. This weekend of traditional family fun will include scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin pie eating contests, pumpkin painting, live musical entertainment and children’s activities.
Jellystone National Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania: If your kids enjoy camping, this is the place to have some old-fashioned fun with your family. Plan on spending lots of time roasting marshmallows around the campfire, fishing, and getting back in touch with nature. The campground has 165 campsites and 29 cabins situated on 63 wooded and rolling acres in scenic Southern Lancaster County. Owned and operated by the Ryan family, they are celebrating their 21st season this year at Jellystone.
Deluxe and Rustic cabins are available for rental with full hook-up campsites. Each rental comes with a picnic
table and a fire ring. The park also offers modern restrooms, laundry, propane, camp store/gift shop, and an arcade room. Activities include: pedal carts, volleyball, hayrides, movies, crafts, bingo, horseshoes, shuffleboard, bike rentals, visits from Yogi Bear, theme weekends and food events. The park is adjacent to 100 acres of hiking trails and bird watching at the adjoining Theodore Parker Natural Area. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are part of a National Franchise that has over 70 great parks in the US and Canada. For more information on the Jellystone Park in Quarryville, PA please visit their website at www.jellystonepa.com The national website for all of the resorts is campjellystone.com.
What’s New: Jellystone has a new 40,000 sq. ft. interactive water playground and swimming/activity pool which is open daily through June 12. Guaranteed to provide many hours of fun for your kiddies as well as the adults! Pack your bathing suit and get ready to splash around and have some laughs at Jellystone this summer.
Woodloch Pines, Pennsylvania: Nestled in the pristine forests of the Pocono Mountains Lake Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Woodloch Resort is the ideal destination for family vacations, reunions, weddings and corporate retreats. Featuring a private lake and miles of beautiful scenery, this 250 acre resort is located only two and a half hours from New York City and is the perfect combination of old world charm, gracious hospitality, and modern resort conveniences. The best of a Woodloch vacation is that your family doesn’t need to worry about paying for food and activities. The all-inclusive packages provide three delicious meals daily, endless activities, nightly entertainment, amenities and a variety of accommodation choices from classic standard rooms, fully-furnished guest homes and waterview suites with private balconies. Family Circle Magazine recognized Woodloch as “One of the World’s Best Inclusive Resorts.” Woodloch has also been recognized by Parents Magazine as one of the “Top Ten Best Winter Resorts.” So, remember to keep it in mind when you’re planning a get-away during the winter months this year.
What’s New: New in 2010, Woodloch Pines will offer “A Night on the Town” Broadway-Style Theme Show and Comedian. They resort also debuts a 28’ Rockwall for your climbing pleasure!
This is sure to be a hit with the kids, as they are always up for a new adventure and challenge!
Lake George, New York: If your Jersey Shore family is looking for a change of scenery, travel to upstate New York to this popular vacation destination located in the southern Adirondack Mountain region. Lake George offers crystal-clear water and mountainous terrain in a beautiful and breathtaking setting. Be sure to visit Million Dollar Beach on Lake George which is very clean and family friendly. There are always trained lifeguards on duty. Admission to the beach is “free” but the parking is $8 car and $3 per motorcycle. Million Dollar Beach has the best changing rooms and most “sand” of all the Lake George beaches. There are also many other activities to keep the family busy and happy including: hot air ballooning, boat rides and cruises, fishing, golf, spa services, horseback riding, fireworks, farmers’ markets, min-golf, and parasailing. As for lodging, your family can choose to stay in a traditional motel unit or a bed-and-breakfast if you prefer. There are also numerous restaurants and ice cream shops to choose from throughout the area. For more information about this family resort, check out the website lakegeorge.com. The website is extremely informative and will provide lots of information regarding places to stay, eat, and activities for your family.
What’s New: Check out the Family Fun Festival which runs from July 5-9. There will be many free events for the family throughout this five-day festival. Be sure to see the Rock Band 2 Video Game Competition, the Lego and Duplo Building Contest and a Sand Castle Building Contest.
We hope Your Child Today’s “Top Nearby Family-Friendly Travel Destinations” will be a helpful resource for your family this summer. Now that the kids have just finished school and are asking what the family will do this summer, it’s time to hit the computer and make some reservations. Use this list to create a road trip which best suits your family. If your kids are on the younger side, pick one of the closer spots and make it a day trip. If you have older children, you may want to go further and spend a few days. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to take the time to enjoy your family and have fun making the memories that will last long after your trip is over.
PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT ANY OF THESE FAMILY- FRIEDNLY DESTINATIONS. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS.
