Sri Lanka may only be small, but thanks to its jungle-clad mountains, golden sandy beaches, abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, and spice-laden cuisines, the island nation ensures visitors are never bored.
25.09.2023 - 11:11 / lonelyplanet.com / Thomas Jefferson / Art
Steeped in American history and culture, Philadelphia is a popular destination for kids and families from all over.
On any given day, the City of Brotherly Love draws in countless history buffs, art lovers, and sports fans, as well as class trips from neighboring towns. But Philadelphia’s bragging rights don’t end there: It’s also home to the oldest zoo in the country, an interactive science museum, plenty of outdoor spaces, plus an endless supply of soft pretzels and water ice (or, as the locals say, "wooder ice"), giving it plenty of universal appeal. If you’re not sure where to start, here's our list of the most exciting attractions families shouldn’t miss in Philly.
While some kids might struggle with history lessons from text books, you’ll find they’ll become much more engaged when they get to experience a bit of it firsthand by visiting Independence Hall. Located in the Old City neighborhood (aka Philadelphia’s Historic District), the stately brick building is home to the Assembly room, where Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and other founding fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Admission is free (though there is a $1 handling fee), and you’ll need to secure timed tickets online ahead of time.
Opt for a tour to get the most out of your experience (these begin every 15 minutes). Kids ages five and up can pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet at the Independence Visitor Center afterwards to complete activities and earn a badge.
Known for being the oldest zoo in the US, the Philadelphia Zoo was first chartered in 1859, with its opening delayed to 1874 due to the Civil War. History aside,it’s also one of the most innovative of its kind. The Zoo360 program, for example, allows animals like tigers, lemurs and gorillas to roam around sections of the 42-acre campus via a series of see-through mesh trails, giving the human animals even more opportunities to observe all their favorites.
Spend a day visiting with the lions, giraffes and penguins, and don’t miss exhibits like KidZooU, an indoor and outdoor education center and children’s zoo where tots can feed goats, brush sheep, and get up close with chickens and ducks. Open Wednesdays through Mondays (and closed Tuesdays), visitors need to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Planning tip: If you’ll be visiting multiple ticketed attractions in Philly, make sure to check out City Pass as a good money-saving option.
Traveling with kiddos ages 12 and under? Head for Smith Memorial Playground. Located inside the sprawling Fairmount Park, this popular outdoor playground has been delighting kids for a century with swings, play structures, a massive wooden slide and a 16,000-sq-ft playhouse. The free
Sri Lanka may only be small, but thanks to its jungle-clad mountains, golden sandy beaches, abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, and spice-laden cuisines, the island nation ensures visitors are never bored.
With bald eagles and bears for neighbours, the mighty Mendenhall Glacier to the north and the Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the US — at its feet, Juneau may, at first glance, seem a daunting destination for hikers. Look closer, however, and the rugged wilderness of southeast Alaska reveals itself in stages. In the foothills and valleys just beyond the city, waymarked trails suitable for a wide range of abilities bring Alaska’s wild landscapes to life. Here are three to try.
While many Americans associate kaleidoscopic fall foliage with New England, Seattle also brims with autumnal appeal with cool, crisp air and a stunning backdrop of tree-covered hills and mountains. Also: where else can you take in awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier, knock back a chambong (champagne glass-beer bong hybrid), savor spicy Laotian chicken laap, and retire to a plush room overlooking Elliot Bay in a single day?
Looking for the best car rental company? You’ve come to the right place. J.D. Power—which also ranks airlines, airports, hotels and more—has just unveiled the 2023 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. This annual study ranks the best rental car companies and evaluates customer satisfaction.
While the current prices of airline tickets are down from their peak earlier this year—thanks to pent-up travel demand being released and more flights being added—they likely won’t stay that way for long. The holidays are coming and, with them, an increase in flight prices.
The most common question you’ll hear when traveling with kids in the USA? “When can we have a snack?”
Founded in 1626, just six years after the Mayflower arrived at what became Plymouth Colony, Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city on the rise; so much so that it just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Long considered nearby Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own by growing amongst younger people for its affordability over the Second City, allowing people to buy homes and rent better apartments. Not to mention the growing restaurant scene, new infrastructure increasing walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable—it’s no longer just a small town. And with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new.
With mountains in west Texas, beaches along its Gulf Coast, and the Hill Country at its heart, the Lone Star State covers such varied terrain that sometimes it feels like a country all its own. And it was, from 1836 until 1845. Today visitors flock to America’s second-largest state to learn about its fight for independence, spot neotropical birds, chow down on barbecue or Tex-Mex food, or hike mountains and deserts.
Renowned for its jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and mouth-watering street food (did some say deep-dish pizza?) it's no wonder Chicago was voted the second-best city in the world by media and hospitality giant TimeOut.
A burger and fries by the beach in San Diego, California. (Photo Credit: sophia_ross/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
While there are plenty of museums, restaurants, and historical sites to keep you busy in Mexico City, the central region of Mexico is filled with pueblo m á gicos (magical towns) and beautiful areas that are well worth your time for a weekend getaway. Mexico City is conveniently located so day trips are easy and numerous, not to mention a fun way to learn more about this incredible region.