by Dr. Shanthi Thomas
Many families dream about the places they are going to visit once the Covid 19 pandemic has blown over. And the top priority in their bucket list is often dictated by the youngest members of the family – the kids. Here we introduce to you some theme parks around the world that perfectly fulfil all your criteria for the greatest enjoyment for kids.
Located in Orlando, Florida, the Magic Kingdom is from Walt Disney World and blends fantasy and magic, and has exciting rides and shows by professional entertainers. Kids can fly with Dumbo, dive in the sea with the Little Mermaid and meet other favourite Disney characters. There are even rides for parents to enjoy, and facilities for caring for babies such as special feeding areas and changing tables. The Magic Kingdom is a true family-friendly theme park.
Wonderland in Vaughn, Ontario, just outside of Toronto, has become even more family friendly with the addition of Planet Snoopy in 2010. There is Kidsville, an area dedicated for little ones that debuted in 1998, and pre-schoolers are welcomed with tyke-friendly characters and other entertainment choices that are tailor-made for young kids. Baby-friendly facilities include two Baby Care centres, kid-friendly dining options, stroller rentals and kid-friendly dining options.
Playing with Lego is a childhood experience that we do not forget as adults. The Legoland in Billund, Denmark is a paradise for children. The park is themed on Lego and is divided into nine areas including Imagination Zone, Duplo Land, Miniland, Knight’s Kingdom, Legoredo Town, Amusement Land, Pirate Land, Polar Land, and Ninjago World. It is truly a heaven for Lego enthusiasts.
Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates is a marine theme park that truly amazes and educates the little ones. For starters, there is the exciting Lost Chambers Aquarium that is home to over 65,000 incredible marine animals. There is also a tube ride through shark lagoon and the lazy river, which are exclusive activities for kids. The park is not open past 5.30 pm, so it very much counts for a day time fun experience for your kids.
The China Dinosaur Park in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China is one for kids who are dinosaur enthusiasts. The park has a dinosaur museum that hosts a variety of dinosaur fossils. There are also dinosaur-centred recreational activities for kids which include Twisting Lolllipop, Dinotoon, Theatre Shows for kids, Crazy Firedrake Drill, Dinoconda, Jet Tower and a 4D Roller Coaster. It gives your family an authentic and unique experience.
SeaWorld Orlando, Florida showcases marine animals and all other kinds of sea life. It offers unique experiences such as dining with sharks, patting dolphins on the nose or gazing at penguins. There is also the Shamu show, the perfect way to see the grace and power of killer whales. Another unforgettable experience for kids will be the 3D 360° TurtleTrek, an adventurous voyage with sea turtles and manatees. The experience is complete with Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, which is the latest addition in the SeaWorld family that has instantly become a huge favorite because of its massive colony of more than 250 penguins.
Set to open on Yas Island in 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the first marine life theme park in the MENA region, covering 183,000 square meters of land. SeaWorld will serve as a vibrant habitat for over 100,000 marine, land and flying animals, and will showcase 8 fantastic, immersive realms: One Ocean, Abu Dhabi Ocean, Rocky Point, Microocean, Tropical Ocean, Artic, Antarctica, and Endless Ocean. While here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the UAE. Also worth checking is the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, the country’s first and only research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center aiming to support regional and global marine conservation efforts.
The magical realm of Walt Disney extends to Hong Kong too! This fairy tale – inspired wonderland unfolds into seven themes including Toy Story Land, Adventureland, Fantasy Land, Tomorrowland, Mystic Point, and Grizzly Gulch. Spread over so many themes, there are unique adventures such as Jungle River Cruise, speedy rides at Toy Story Land, Iron Man experience and Hyperspace Mountain Roller Coaster at Tomorrowland.
Universal Studios in Singapore in Sentosa boasts of 24 attractions spread across 7 theme areas that include Madagascar, Hollywood, New York, The Lost World, Sci-Fi City, Far Far away and Ancient Egypt. Unforgettable experiences at the Universal Studios include Shrek’s 4-D adventure, Kiddy Ferris Wheel, Battlestar Galactica, Treasure Hunters and Rock climb.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a 422-acre amusement park located in Virginia, United States. This unique theme park offers animal encounters, high-energy shows and themed rides in Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. Visitors can see bald eagles, Clydesdale horses and grey wolves that live at the park, along with other animals. The park also has a Behind the Scenes tours, one of which takes you into the stables to get hands-on experience with the grand horses.
Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea is a magnificent combination of indoor and outdoor theme parks making it an adventure zone in the true sense. The various rides and attractions include ice-skating ring, Gyro drop, Gyro swing fast and magic land.
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