The BELLA Guide to Family Fun
By Judi Rothenberg
Finally… Good-bye snow, hello spring! The days are longer, the weather milder and the daffodils are peeking through the soil. It’s the perfect time to pile in the car for a family adventure. From a luxury weekend in Manhattan to a few hours zip-lining down a mountain, we’ve got the places for a memorable outing.
Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ Recently renovated and easy to access, the Asbury Park Boardwalk has a wealth of activities for all ages. There’s a Splash Park for little ones, mini-golf, glass-making and demos at Hot Sand, a hands-on Pinball Museum and of course, the ocean. Bicycles and four-wheeled surries can be rented at Brielle Cyclery. APBoardwalkAmusements.com, BrielleCyclery.com
The Plaza Hotel Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, Manhattan The elegant and fabled Plaza Hotel may seem an unlikely choice for a kid-friendly break, but if you have a “girly-girl” in tow, she’ll have a “rawther splendid” time channeling the spirit of Eloise (the sassy, fictional 6-year-old who once called the Plaza home). Under her moniker are a fanciful shop and whimsical guest suite. The shop has a Fashion Room where guests can play dress-up, a Library for watching movie clips and reading, and a Tea Room charmingly outfitted with pint-sized pink tables and chairs. ThePlaza.com, 212.759.3000
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Photo courtesy of Floyd Dean
Photo courtesy of Billy Farrell Agency
Skytop Lodge, Skytop, PA Skytop Lodge, a stately manor set on a 75-acre lake, offers resort activities like fly-fishing, boating, mountain biking, and swimming (indoor and out). Families may set out on their own, join organized activities, or drop off younger kids at camp. Teens can busy themselves with paintball, laser tag, rock climbing, and geocaching. Meals are included. Skytop.com, 800.345.7759
Museum Row, Garden City, Long Island Rainy day? Museum Row has several options. Entertain the brood at The Cradle of Aviation with an Imax movie and a close look at over 75 air and spacecrafts. The Firefighters Museum and Education Center teaches children about fire safety and has antique and contemporary fire trucks and gear on view. Interactive exhibits at Long Island Children’s Museum range from stepping into a giant bubble to experiencing the challenges faced by people with disabilities. CradleOfAviation.org, NCFireMuseum.org, licm.org
Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Waterfront, DUMBO On a wide expanse of grass, sandwiched between the majestic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, you’ll find an enchanting 1922 carousel. Lovingly restored by artist Jane Walentas (she scraped off 62 coats of paint!) and now fully operational, the carousel and the dramatic glass pavilion that houses it were a gift to the city of New York from Walentas and her developer husband, David. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, half the fun of going is getting there! Hop on the East River Ferry, take a water taxi, or stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge. At the Fulton Ferry Landing Pier, you’ll find Grimaldi’s famous pizza (be prepared to wait in line!) and The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Chocolate lovers should pay a visit to the Jacques Torres Chocolate Shop on Water Street in DUMBO. JanesCarousel.com, NYwaterTaxi.com, NYWaterway.com/ERF
Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, Connecticut Sharks, Beluga whales, tropical fish, penguins, poison dart frogs and more! Discover ocean life through interactive exhibits, webcasts with scientists, and live animal encounters. Extend your visit with a family overnight (bring a sleeping bag) or, for more luxurious accommodations, book the Fins and Family Package at the nearby Mohegan Sun casino and resort. MysticAquarium.org, 860.572.5955, MoheganSun.com, 888.777.7922 Bellanyc.com | 73
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