Grown-Up Getaways, Kid-Friendly Fun
If
you think destinations like Napa and Vegas are adults-only, think again
By Linda Childers
For a vacation where everyone in the
family will find fun, here are ten locations known for their adult appeal,
that are sure to please grandkids, too.
Ashland, Ore.
Home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a small town surrounded by majestic mountains and roaring rivers.
Adults go for: Water sports on the Rogue River, the theater, and shopping till they drop because there is no sales tax in Oregon.
Kids will love: The ScienceWorks, a hands-on museum featuring a hall of illusions and pedal-powered railroad, or a family trip to the Adventure Center for horseback riding, rafting, and biking.
Aspen, Colo.
Best-known for winter sports and celebrity sightings, Aspen features many family-friendly attractions.
Adults go for: Skiing in the winter and rafting, fishing, and kayaking along the Roaring Fork River in warmer months. Adventurers can try rock climbing or mountain hiking through Aspen Expeditions.
Kids will love: Going for an authentic dogsled ride and visiting the Aspen Recreation Center featuring indoor swimming with lazy-river-and-spray-water features, an ice skating rink, and a climbing wall.
Atlantic City, N.J.
Located on the New Jersey shore, Atlantic City has 11 casino-resort hotels, beaches, and nonstop entertainment.
Adults go for: Gaming options, including Pai Gow Poker, Blackjack, and slot machines, and shows — like the Beatles tribute at the Tropicana Hotel.
Kids will love: The Steel Pier amusement park on the Boardwalk, with its dozens of games and attractions (though the diving horses are long gone).
Branson, Mo.
Dubbed "the live musical capital of the world," this town in the heart of the Ozarks features more than 52 music theaters and a host of family attractions.
Adults go for: Hitting the "Branson Strip" (Highway 76) to see shows featuring the stars of yesteryear, including an Elvis Superstar show, and to catch acts in the theaters of Andy Williams, Dick Clark, and Dolly Parton.
Kids will love: Some attractions at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner show like the stunts on horseback, ostrich races, magic, and audience participation.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Home to a never-ending array of casinos and stage shows, this desert town also doubles as a family playground.
Adults go for: Top-rated entertainment, including six Cirque du Soleil shows and the new CSI The Experience at the MGM Grand, where you can piece together clues in state-of-the-art crime labs.
Kid will love: Free shows, especially the one at the lion habitat at the MGM Grand and the erupting volcano(!) at the MIrage.
Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
This island, eight miles off the Massachusetts coastline, is home to six towns, each with a selection of restaurants and activities.
Adults go for: Cruising New England's coast on the Black Dog tall ships, and visiting Bill Smith's Martha's Vineyard Clambake Company for an authentic clambake to-go.
Kids will love: Biking through Oak Bluffs to ride the Flying Horses Carousel, and visiting the new Waters of the World Aquarium, with an interactive tank where kids can pet starfish, sharks, and stingrays.
Ashland, Ore.
Home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a small town surrounded by majestic mountains and roaring rivers.
Adults go for: Water sports on the Rogue River, the theater, and shopping till they drop because there is no sales tax in Oregon.
Kids will love: The ScienceWorks, a hands-on museum featuring a hall of illusions and pedal-powered railroad, or a family trip to the Adventure Center for horseback riding, rafting, and biking.
Aspen, Colo.
Best-known for winter sports and celebrity sightings, Aspen features many family-friendly attractions.
Adults go for: Skiing in the winter and rafting, fishing, and kayaking along the Roaring Fork River in warmer months. Adventurers can try rock climbing or mountain hiking through Aspen Expeditions.
Kids will love: Going for an authentic dogsled ride and visiting the Aspen Recreation Center featuring indoor swimming with lazy-river-and-spray-water features, an ice skating rink, and a climbing wall.
Atlantic City, N.J.
Located on the New Jersey shore, Atlantic City has 11 casino-resort hotels, beaches, and nonstop entertainment.
Adults go for: Gaming options, including Pai Gow Poker, Blackjack, and slot machines, and shows — like the Beatles tribute at the Tropicana Hotel.
Kids will love: The Steel Pier amusement park on the Boardwalk, with its dozens of games and attractions (though the diving horses are long gone).
Branson, Mo.
Dubbed "the live musical capital of the world," this town in the heart of the Ozarks features more than 52 music theaters and a host of family attractions.
Adults go for: Hitting the "Branson Strip" (Highway 76) to see shows featuring the stars of yesteryear, including an Elvis Superstar show, and to catch acts in the theaters of Andy Williams, Dick Clark, and Dolly Parton.
Kids will love: Some attractions at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner show like the stunts on horseback, ostrich races, magic, and audience participation.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Home to a never-ending array of casinos and stage shows, this desert town also doubles as a family playground.
Adults go for: Top-rated entertainment, including six Cirque du Soleil shows and the new CSI The Experience at the MGM Grand, where you can piece together clues in state-of-the-art crime labs.
Kid will love: Free shows, especially the one at the lion habitat at the MGM Grand and the erupting volcano(!) at the MIrage.
Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
This island, eight miles off the Massachusetts coastline, is home to six towns, each with a selection of restaurants and activities.
Adults go for: Cruising New England's coast on the Black Dog tall ships, and visiting Bill Smith's Martha's Vineyard Clambake Company for an authentic clambake to-go.
Kids will love: Biking through Oak Bluffs to ride the Flying Horses Carousel, and visiting the new Waters of the World Aquarium, with an interactive tank where kids can pet starfish, sharks, and stingrays.
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