Thursday, April 5, 2012

10 Most Interesting Places for Children in California

What would you add to this list? Legoland? Something else?

Disneyland Resort

Based in Anaheim, California, the iconic Disneyland Resort (disneyland.disney.go.com), features close to 90 rides and attractions spread out across two theme parks: Disneyland and California Adventure. The bustling Downtown Disney serves as the resort's outdoor entertainment complex, complete with more than 15 restaurants, 20-plus shops and a movie theater.

SeaWorld San Diego

Perched along the shores of San Diego's Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego (seaworldparks.com) is a marine animal park with a variety of attractions, including shark, turtle and penguin exhibits. The park also includes shows highlighting sea lions, whales and dolphins, as well as rides that include roller coasters and motion simulators.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo (sandiegozoo.org) lies inside the sprawling downtown-based Balboa Park. The renowned zoo plays host to more than 4,000 animals and 800 species, including giant pandas, Asian elephants and koalas. The park also offers a 35-minute guided bus tour across the zoo's 100 acres.

Santa Monica Pier

The historic Santa Monica Pier (santamonicapier.org) dates back to 1909. The pier features a 1922 carousel, street performers, and more than 10 restaurants and food vendors. Visitors may ride bikes and fish on the pier as well. The on-site Pacific Park includes 10-plus rides, including a roller coaster and 130-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Located on the famed Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium (montereybayaquarium.org) offers a host of different marine life, including a 28-foot-tall kelp forest exhibit with leopard sharks and wolf-eels. The aquarium also includes a two-story sea otter exhibit, complete with daily feedings. Additional exhibits highlight Giant Pacific octopuses, penguins and 15 species of seahorses.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Originating in 1865, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk (beachboardwalk.com) features vintage rides that include the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and a 1911 carousel. Additional rides include a swinging pirate ship, haunted castle and a 125-foot-tall freefall ride. Food vendors offer samplings of corn dogs, caramel apples and deep-fried cheesecake.

Pier 39

Located along the San Francisco Bay, bustling Pier 39 (pier39.com) offers nearly 30 eateries, including ice cream, pizza and pretzel shops. The pier also plays host to street performers and an aquarium. On-site booths provide bike rentals, boat rides and Alcatraz tours. Hundreds of sea lions have called the pier home since 1990.

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway (midway.org), a 1945 aircraft carrier, lies in the San Diego Bay. The floating museum features 60 exhibits, including interactive exhibits and short films. The ship also features 25 restored aircraft, including those flown in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Three flight simulators also sit on board.

Children’s Discovery Museum

San Jose's Children’s Discovery Museum (cdm.org) features exhibits on a variety of topics, including mammoths, waterways and gardens. The museum offers an art gallery highlighting children's artwork, two performance spaces, a cafe and ample outdoor space for picnics. Visitors can reserve the museum for private parties as well.

Skunk Train

The Skunk Train (skunktrain.com) travels between the Northern California towns of Fort Bragg and Willits aboard restored early 20th century diesel trains. A one-way journey runs along the Noyo River and through redwood forests for 40 miles. The train features themed rides as well, such as the Easter Egg Express, which includes egg hunts, food and games.

Read more http://traveltips.usatoday.com/10-interesting-places-children-california-102443.html

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