Tag: zoo

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California

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

One of the world’s best zoos, San Diego’s is a 100-acre tropical garden housing 800 rare and exotic species, including giant pandas.

Why go?

Really superior to most other zoos, the one in San Diego’s Balboa Park is a must-visit for any family on holiday in the city. 

Asides from over 800 rare and exotic species, including giant pandas, the site has a safari park, amusement rides, such as a carousel and steam train, and you can take a hot air balloon ride, 400ft above it all.

But visiting those should only be part of your visit to Balboa Park. Don’t miss the San Diego Air & Space Museum and 14 other museums in the park, as well as the theatre, art galleries and acres of lush gardens.

Top tip: San Diego is a breezy maritime city with a colourful city centre packed with casual family eateries; linger overnight to discover all its charms. 

The lowdown

Travel time: Flights from London to San Diego take 11 hours and 10 minutes. 

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Heathrow to San Diego; from £621 return. 

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November are the best times to visit, the weather is warm and sunnyand there aren’t as many crowds as during the summer.  

Categories
England

Drayton Manor Theme Park

Head to Drayton Manor this summer, with rides for all ages, a zoo and luxurious over-night accommodation. Perfect for a fun family weekend.

The lowdown

Travel time: Drayton Manor Park is near Tamworth, Staffordshire, 2 hours from London by car or 1 hour 20 minutes by train. 

Getting there: It’s located on the A4091, just off the A38 / A446, J9 M42 and Exit T2 M6 Toll. Car Parking is £3 per car. The nearest train station is Tamworth, trains from London Euston depart every 30 minutes and cost from £23 for an adult return. 

Accommodation: For visitors travelling from far and wide or looking to turn a day trip into an overnight stay, there’s the on-site four-star Drayton Manor Hotel. It has 150 bedrooms, including 15 Thomas & Friends-themed family rooms; from £230 a night for a family of four in July. 

Booking: Visit draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1960.

Ride time

Smaller children and Thomas the Tank Engine fans will delight at Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, and its ride, Winston’s Whistle Stop Tour. The peaceful monorail ride carts you around the park, taking in the sights – such as the 10-acre zoo – from on high.

Meanwhile, for older kids, there are heaps of adrenaline-fuelled attractions, Apocalypse, which has been voted the UK’s scariest ride by Channel 5’s The Gadget Show. 

Top tip: A fantastic wet-weather guarantee means that if it rains continuously for two hours or more when you visit, you’ll be given a free return trip to the park – can’t say fairer than that. 

Categories
Ireland

Travelling with Kids: Dublin

Dublin’s parks, its lush surroundings and its nearby coastline all offer ample opportunities and space for children to play and to explore.

Why go?

The Irish may be fond of children but their capital can be expensive and daunting for parents travelling children. But don’t be fooled, Dublin has a lot to offer kids of all ages.

Parks – like Merrion Square, St Stephen’s Green and the large Phoenix Park – all have rolling lawns ideal for children to romp around on. There is also a playground on the east side of St Stephen’s Green.

There are buskers, as well as funny and creative street artists performing on the pavements at Temple Bar and in Grafton Street, which will entertain the children as you are sightseeing.

There are also a number of fun bus trips suitable for all age groups. Children under five can use public transport free of charge, while family tickets make admission fees to various museums and events more affordable.

Activities

Attractions: Dublin Zoo – in the middle of Phoenix Park – has been one of the city’s main attractions since 1830. Apart from the popular big animals – lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and gorillas – there are many more favourites and the zoo’s management take pride in the animals’ welfare. 

If animals aren’t your thing, Dublinia will take you back to the Viking era and to Dublin in the Middle Ages. You can take a trip on a Viking ship, try on some Norsemen clothing, view a Viking house and learn their runic alphabet. Displays can take you back 700 years. 

You can’t miss a visit to the National Leprechaun Museum, where you can learn about the story of this mythical Irish creature, a tiny cobbler who knows where great treasures of gold are hidden. Here, countless stories about leprechauns caught by humans, followed by leprechaun magic, are retold in twelve hisotrical interactive chapters – from the 8th century to today’s representation of leprechauns in films and in pop music. 

 

Sightseeing: Viking Splash Tours offer an exciting way to see the sights of Dublin. On land and through water: this unusual city round trip has amphibious vehicles, which drive into the water and back out again. 

 

Beach and coast: At the coastal village of Malahide you’ll find a sandy beach, and in Killiney there’s a nice pebble beach with a view over the Wicklow Mountains. Both beaches are quick to get to with the DART from Dublin’s centre.

Not far south of Killiney, on the coastal promenade in the small town of Bray, is the Aquarium National Sea Life Centre with sharks, piranhas, seahorses and many other creatures that will fascinate the children.

The lowdown

How to get there: British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Dublin; from £100 return. 

Travel time: A flight from London Heathrow takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

 

BUY:

Read a Marco Polo travel guide before you go on your family holiday.

Categories
New York

Your Guide to New York City’s Neighborhoods

Each of New York’s boroughs has a distinct personality. Find out what the Bronx, Queens, Manhatten, Brooklyn and Staten Island have to offer.

The Big Apple is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each area has enough attractions, places to stay and restaurants – and enough personality – to be a city in its own right. 

Curious George, the beloved monkey from the children’s book series of the same name, has been unvieled as New York’s official family ambassador and the cheeky chap is encouraging families to visit all five of New York boroughs. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up the the number-one family attractions and the best places to stay in each New York neighbourhood.

THE BRONX

ANIMALS, EXHIBITS AND MORE

The Bronx Zoo recreates the diverse natural habitats of its numerous residents, from the gorillas of the Congo to the snow leopards of the Himalayas. The zoo boasts both indoor and outdoor exhibits to guide you through multiple landscapes and view their wildlife inhabitants. You’ll see mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians, fish and insects all while in the central hub of New York City. 

You can purchase general admission tickets or take part in the Total Experience package, which gives you unlimited access not only to the zoo’s exhibits, but also to their special rides and attractions of the day. Special rides and attractions include the Bug Carousel, Butterfly Exhibit and a Dinosaur Safari.

HALLOWEEN TREAT

As part of the Total Experience and a special seasonal event, Boo at the Zoo is running 4 October – 2 November 2014. Weekends during this month feature many fall and Halloween themed treats. You can visit spooky night creatures, like bats and owls before venturing into a hay maze.

Price: General Admission adults, £11; children (3-12), £8. Total Experience adults, £21; children (3-12), £15.

Where to stay: Opera House Hotel, from £107 a night for a family of four, including breakfast.

Want to try original NYC street food? Check out these popular food stalls! 

 

MANHATTAN

VIEW FROM THE TOP

No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to the Empire State Building, the most photographed building on the planet, apparently. Rising more than a quarter of a mile above the heart of Manhattan, if offers panoramic views of up to 80 miles in every direction.

The Empire State Building’s main attractions are its two observations decks. The Main Deck on the 86th floor is ‘the highest open-air observatory in New York’. It provides 360 degree views of the city from its wraparound decks. Sixteen floors above the Main Deck is the Top Deck – where you can see the city from the clouds and all of the New York City’s major landmarks, like Central Park. Ride the manually operated elevator, Otis, and see the sweeping views of the city.

SKY-HIGH EXHIBITS

Home to more than its top floor decks, the Empire State Building has two exhibits inside that detail both its history, and future goals. The Dare to Dream Exhibit aims at ‘chronicling the planning and construction of the world’s most famous office building’. Located on the 80th floor, it’s a perfect stop before reaching the Main Deck. On your way in, don’t miss the Sustainability Exhibit on the 2nd floor which explains the Emprie State Building’s plans to decrease energy usage and costs for a healthier environment. With lots of exciting activities and views, the Empire State Building is a must-see during any trip to New York City.

Price: Tickets cost £17 for adults and £14 for children (children under six go free).

Where to stay:  Pod 39 Hotel, costs from £221 a night for a family of four. Located in the heart of New York, it’s in within walking distance of many of New York’s other famous attractions.

For more family-fun in the States, check out the west coast’s cultural hub, San Francisco.

 

QUEENS

SWOT UP ON SCIENCE 

The New York Hall of Science is a family-friendly museum-cum-science and technology centre where every single exhibit is interactive. Open daily and located in the neighborhood of Queens, NYC, it was founded in 1964 for the World’s Fair and has since transformed into ‘New York’s center for interactive science’. 

There are more than 450 exhibits, workshops and special events. Play a round at Rocket Park Mini Golf where the course displays the effects of gravity and the laws of motion, mimicking that of a spaceship (open weekends). Next, wander over and let the kids play on the award-winning 60,000sq ft Science Playground. Weather permitting, it’s open daily and lets kids see and experience all the scientific elements, like motion and balance, as well as Earth elements like sun, wind and water. It’s the perfect combination of learning while having a blast.

3D FILM FUN

If you’re looking for more low-key fun at the museum, visit their state-of-the-art 3D theatre. You’ll find a wide selection of award-winning science films, animations and educational programmes too. With new exhibits coming and going, there’s always something new to learn and fun to do at the New York Hall of Science.

Price: Tickets for adults cost £6.50; children cost £5. For the 3D Theatre, tickets cost an extra £3.70 for adults and £3.10 for children. 

Where to stay: Four Points by Sheraton Long Island, from £130 a night for a family of four. 

Planning an urban adventure? Take a look at our top tips for keeping your children safe in the city. 

 

BROOKLYN

NY’S FAMOUS CONEY ISLAND

If you’re looking to escape the skyscrapers and loud sirens of New York City, then venture off to Brooklyn’s Coney Island. Just a 22 minute drive out of the heart of New York City, Coney Island offers thrills and spills and a unique brand of entertainment.

Coney Island boasts great sites and rides, including the legendary wooden roller coaster the Cyclone. The fun continues inside Luna Park – Coney Island’s amusement park. Home to many rides and attractions, the options for fun are endless. Whether you race around on go-carts or fly through the air on the Balloon Expedition, it’s guaranteed fun for both the kids and the parents.

Price: An unlimited four-hour ride wristband will cost about £20. 

MORE ATTRACTIONS

For more low key fun, relax while riding ’round and ’round on the historic B&B Carousell. Expertly refinished, it is a staple in Coney Island’s attractions. Another great attraction is the New York Aquarium where kids can gaze at clown fish, penguins and sea otters. Whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to grab a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, which has called Coney Island home since 1916! 

Price: Tickets cost £7 for ages 3 and up. 

Where to stay: NU Hotel Brooklyn, from £143 a night for a family of four. 

Find out more: coneyislandfunguide.com

Looking for more theme park fun? Check out 10 of the world’s best theme parks.

 

STATEN ISLAND

PLAY AND LEARN

With giant board games, creepy-crawly exhibits and a fabulous interactive children’s theatre, Staten Island Children’s Museum is the perfect place to mix education with fun.

You’ll be spoilt for choice by the plethra of exhibits and activities. Ladder 11 invites kids to dress up as firemen, ring the alarm and slide down the pole, while over in the Great Explorations room, they can drive a dog sledge, dive the ocean floor in their own submarine, and hike through a rainforest canopy. 

TREAD THE BOARDS

The main attraction, Portias Playhouse, is a children’s interactive theatre where costumes and stage props help kids escape into a world of make-believe. Children will love trying out the wacky sound effects and performing their skits for their families. 

The Children’s Museum is spread out over four impressive floors, with enough exhibits to guarantee kids and parents a full day of play, learning and laughs.

Price: Museum tickets cost £3.60 a person, ages 1 and up.

Opening times: Tuesday-Friday noon-5pm; weekends 10am-5pm.

Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn costs from £81 a night for a family of four.

Find out more: sichildrensmuseum.org

For more details about New York’s bustling districts, and what they have to offer families, visit nycgo.com/family.

More of what you love…

Check out the best activities for kids in New York, then discover more cities your little ones will love with our guide to the world’s best toddler-friendly cities.

Categories
Competitions

Win a Trip to Hampshire With Over £2500!

Hampshire’s Top Attractions is launching a competition to win a  ‘Golden Ticket’ prize of over 50 family tickets to attractions in Hampshire, plus an overnight stay for a family of four in two Hampshire hotels for use until the end May of 2016!

From wildlife, roller coasters, action and adventure through to steam trains, classic cars, museums and heritage – Hampshire’s Top Attractions has them all! Perfect for a summer of exploration.

FAMILY FUN!

WHERE’S INCLUDED?

  • Paultons Family Theme Park, home of Peppa Pig World in the New Forest is home to more than 60 fun rides and exciting attractions.
  • Housing a collection of over 250 automobiles and motorcycles, the award winning Beaulieu National Motor Museum appeals to all age groups.
  • From ring-tailed coatis to cheeky monkeys, endangered tigers to frilled lizards, curious meerkats to pygmy hippos – Marwell Zoo is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.
  • Go wild and take to the trees with Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park and Itchen Valley Country Park.
  • There is something for everyone at Staunton County Park; With a farm full of friendly animals, the south coast’s largest ornamental glasshouses and 1,000 acres of country park to explore.
  • The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth offers breathtaking views over the city and its harbour. Nearby atGunwharf Quays you can enjoy a spot of shopping and lunch overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.
  • Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is an interactive, science and technology centre and the largest capacity digital planetarium in the UK!

MORE ATTRACTIONS…

GARDENERS WORLD

Explore 200 acres of beautiful gardens at the famous Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – a world-famous magical place in the New Forest which belongs to a branch of the Rothschild family.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is a 180-acre garden paradise with a magnificent collection of more than 42,000 plants. While the gardens at Mottisfont, make a feast for the senses all year round.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Winchester Cathedral offers a wealth of beauty with its outstanding architecture. On the Watercress Railway Line you can climb aboard a carriage pulled by either a steam or loco engine.

The Museum of Army Flying tells the story of British Flying with over 35 historic aircraft dating from World War I to the present day alongside interactive displays. Take time to visit Fort Nelson – an imposing Victorian Fort that is home to the Royal Armouries’ national collection of artillery.

AHOY THERE…

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose Museum and where you can go onboard Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. There are a number of friendly museums that create The National Museum of The Royal Navy: Gosport’s Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Explosion Museum of Naval Power or The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea to see the extrodinary stories of the men, women and ships of The Royal Navy.

Overlooking the vibrant Solent, Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is home to thousands of incredible creatures from tropical sharks to turtles and stingrays.

Channel your inner pirate and sail the seas of the Rapids in Romsey with Valley Leisure for some active family fun.

DISCOVER THE ISLE OF WIGHT…

From Royal Residences and fairytale castles, dramatic coastline and sandy beaches, The Isle of Wight has it all. Explore the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel Ferries if you are traveling from Southampton or if you are traveling from Portsmouth step aboard Wightlink Ferries.

AND FINALLY…

If you are planning to visit Hampshire, check out Southampton Airport with daily flights from across the UK – you could be in Hampshire quicker than you think! And because Hampshire as so much to offer, Visit Hampshire can help plan your next trip with details of events, accommodation and travel advice and tips.

THE PRIZE

A family ticket to all of Hampshire’s Top Attractions featured on hampshireattractions.co.uk. The ‘Golden Ticket’ includes attraction admission for two adults and two children. Hotel stays are for a single night bed and breakfast at theWhite Star Tavern in Southampton, a historic tavern, dining & rooms with a 5 star AA rating and The Grand Harbour hotel in Southampton and iconic four star hotel in the city centre.

Attraction tickets will need to be redeemed by the 31 May 2016 and hotel stay before the 31 December 2015.

COMPETITION CLOSES 15/07/2015

Sorry, this competition has now closed. Please check out our competitions page for more chances to win!