Vacation ideas beyond usuals: Lego cruise, Firefly Express
Soothe muscles tired after hiking in the natural hot springs near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Credit: Alamy / Aurora Photos
Family fun comes in unexpected ways. Here are four ideas to consider.
1. SOAK IN HISTORIC COLORADO HOT SPRINGS
In Steamboat Springs, more than 150 geothermal bubbling springs soothe tired muscles after a long hike or a day of skiing. Centrally located Old Town Hot Springs offer swimming pools, a fitness center and a water slide for kids. Just seven miles from town, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offer an unusual experience, with hand-built stone pools of varying temperatures, tepee changing rooms and a natural environment. Children are welcome during the day.
INFO colorado.com
2. FOCUS ON FIREFLIES IN BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Board the Firefly Express and let lightning bugs light up your night. Families will relish a narration of Eric Carle’s “The Very Lonely Firefly” along with other themed activities. By day, float down the Delaware River, ride bikes on the Delaware canal path or indulge your toddlers with a day at Sesame Place. Pick your own locally grown tasty treats at Shady Brook Farm or take advantage of Food Truck Thursdays to sample regional fare.
INFO visitbuckscounty.com
3. BUILD SOMETHING ABOARD AN MSC CRUISE SHIP
Kids can join in a Lego Experience Day while sailing through the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, or between destinations in South America. Little ones can also compete to build vertical structures up a specially created wall or tap their constructive resources to create masterpieces. Participants end the day as certified Junior Master Builders. New ships, debuting in 2017, will feature specially designed and expanded play areas developed in cooperation with the Lego group.
INFO msccruisesusa.com
4. EXPERIENCE THE WILD SIDE OF MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Enter a 32-story steel pyramid, set on the banks of the Mississippi River, and explore a cypress swamp complete with 100-foot cypress trees, an 84,000-gallon alligator habitat, water features and aquariums with more than 1,800 fish at Big Cypress Lodge. Learn about the history of waterfowl and wetlands conservation, visit the archery range or check out the ocean-themed bowling alley.
INFO big-cypress.com
