6 Fun Destinations For A Memorable Family Outing
Whether you're celebrating a big birthday or just looking for an adrenaline rush, there's nothing like the thrill of an amusement park or activity center, full of rides, games, and delicious snacks to satisfy every member of the family. This list, in no particular order, highlights destinations around the globe offering up one-of-a-kind entertainment and excitement.
For #1, we have Clacton Pier, located in Essex County, England. Originally opened to the public in 1871, this seaside destination boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including go-karts, bowling, sea fishing, and an arcade. Among its attractions is Discovery Bay, a jungle gym intended for toddlers and kids up to thirteen years of age.
The Pier has special seasonal attractions as well. During the winter holiday season, guests can take a souvenir photograph with Santa and see animatronic reindeer and elves. Meanwhile, Evil on Sea is a Halloween-themed funhouse, featuring actors and special effects in one of the Pier's oldest buildings.
Coming in at #2, we get iPlay America. Situated in Freehold, New Jersey, the indoor theme park hosts games, attractions, rides, and more. Lasertron, its two-level, interactive, LED-illuminated laser tag arena, can be booked for birthday parties and other group events.
The location's 4D theater has intuitive seats that rock, roll, vibrate, and move to make viewers feel like they are part of the action. Another unique attraction, the Topgolf Swing Suite, features six bays with game simulators, lounge seating, HDTVs, and full food and beverage service.
Next up, at #3 is Seabreeze Amusement Park. Based in Rochester, New York, it has dozens of rides and attractions, including four roller coasters, among them the Jack Rabbit and Whirlwind. It also features a water park, an arcade, and kiddie rides for little ones.
Cirque En Vol is the park's acrobatic show. Another attraction is the Carousel Museum, where visitors can see photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia from over a century’s worth of park history. After a long day of fun, families looking for a bite to eat can visit one of many restaurants or snack stations, such as the Seabreeze Grill, the Waffle Stand, or Sprinkles.
The #4 entry is Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. This family-friendly entertainment center offers many indoor attractions, such as mini-golf, a haunted house, a laser maze, an escape room, roller skating, an arcade, and a snack bar with a full menu.
Located in Sandusky, Ohio just a few miles from Cedar Point, Ghostly Manor has been featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I've Ever Been” series, and recognized by Forbes magazine as among America's "Best Haunted Halloween Attractions." The Center is available for private party rentals, and offers special packages with food and beverages.
In the #5 slot, we've got Kennywood Park. Founded as a recreational playground far away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Pittsburgh, this site overlooking the Monongahela River offers multiple roller coasters, kiddie rides, and more. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, three of its roller coasters date back to the 1920s.
The Steel Curtain is the headlining attraction of Steelers Country at Kennywood, the first-ever theme park area devoted to a professional sports franchise. With various refreshment stands and snack carts, Kennywood offers numerous places to eat. In addition, guests are allowed to bring a cooler or picnic basket to create their own in-park dining experience.
Last but not least, at #6, we find Pacific Park, situated on the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. It features several rides, including the West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, the first solar-powered ferris wheel. The ride offers views of the Los Angeles skyline.
On the boardwalk, guests will find a variety of midway games where they can win prizes like stuffed animals and souvenirs. Pacific Park is also home to numerous dining establishments, serving burgers, pizza, funnel cake, coffee, ice cream, and more.