Exploring LA: Must-Experience Activities For Travelers

BY  Sibashree Jan 20, 2026

A good summer trip! For the longest time, these road trips have been the ultimate bonding time for our family. Us, our parents, and the stars, the 15-year-old moody chatterbox, and the 10-year-old, giving me young Sheldon vibes.  Now, my daughter has always been a sport, and she has behaved her best during road trips. It’s my son who always brings the challenges. Also, he is now 10 and has a lot of opinions to share.  And with him growing up, the perennial sibling fights are more frequent. So, this time, we let our kids prepare their lists and make small chits. The trick was to shuffle the chits and keep them in a bowl. Finally, I will pick the chit, and it will be the place we go for this summer's road trip.  Now, I was amazed to see how detailed and diverse their lists were! Here are the best family road trip destinations they chose for this summer.  What Are The Best Family Road Trip Destinations In The USA? Be it the on-mountain summer experience, the dream adventure in the national parks, or the iconic and mighty Niagara Falls! The best places to travel with kids on a summer trip are endless in the USA.  These are the places our kids want to visit.  1. Vail Honestly, I would not have thought of Vail as one of the best family vacation spots if my daughter had not said it.  In the Rocky Mountains, Vail is beautiful in the fall and winter. However, it is more amazing during the summer.  Epic Discovery Learning about local wildlife, adventure sports, and a scenic gondola ride are the main attractions at Epic Discovery.  There are many fun activities for the kids. They can do ziplining, roll down the hill on a tube, or try their hands at the golf club. Also, for all of us, the forest flyer mountain coaster ride can be the ultimate adventure.  Also, if you think that seniors can’t enjoy it, they will love the gondola rides, exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and hiking through the short nature trails. River kayaking, white water rafting, and hot-air balloon rides are some other exciting activities here.  Moreover, you can try horseback riding or cattle drives. But as always, I am never up for these things ethically!  2. Orlando This was expected from my son. And Walt Disney is The PLACE when you are traveling in Orlando with kids. And my son has been cribbing since Christmas that we missed the Disney visit this time.  It was I who was unsure about it because I could not think of Walt Disney World without Toy Story Mania, and the reconstruction work was not complete before the holiday season.  However, the restoration of the Toy Story entrance archway is complete now. And this summer, Disney is going to have the debut of the “Soarin' Across America", and the experience around 30th June is going to be more patriotic at Walt Disney as the nation celebrates its 250th year.  Moreover, there is now a new snack kiosk near Toy Story Land. This place sells amazing pepperoni pizza spring rolls.  3. Luxury Glamping At The Resort At Paws Up Now, resorts are the most convenient choices when it comes to the best family holiday destinations. The Resort at Paws Up in Montana was once again my daughter’s suggestion.  She heard of it from her best friend, who went there last summer with her family.  I already knew about the resort, as it has multiple accolades to its name. It is a two-Michelin-Key resort, and in 2025, it won the title of the 8th best resort in the world in the “Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.” Glamping here gives a wonderful opportunity to sleep beneath the star-filled sky. Furthermore, this cattle ranch, spreading over 37000 acres, has 100 miles.  Along with cattle and horseback rides, you can enjoy water rafting here in the massive Blackfoot River. Furthermore, it has spa and wellness amenities for your rejuvenation. 4. Glacier And Yellowstone National Parks In Montana Montana also has gems such as the Glacier National Park and the Yellowstone National Park. You can do wilderness camping at Glacier National Park with a wilderness permit. It has easy to moderate hiking trails such as the Avalanche Lake, Hidden Meadow, and Highline Trail.  Furthermore, the national park has the North Fork Flathead River and the Middle Fork Flathead River.  Moreover, this 1,583 square miles of wilderness is the Crown of the Continent. It has fossils, a growing wildlife, and a unique geology.  The Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. In fact, the concentration of mammals here is the highest among the lower 48 states.  In addition, it has reptiles such as the bullsnake and rubber boa.  5. Grand Teton National Park In Wyoming  The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has the National Elk Refuge. It is an area of 25000 acres, offering refuge to 7000 elk.  Furthermore, the Oxbow Bend here is frequented by the mother bear grizzly No. 399 with her cubs. The Kelly Loop, Antelope Flats, and the Moose Wilson Road are the other spots in the national park to spot wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and antelopes. Moreover, this national park has the endangered white bark pine trees, the bald eagles, which are a species of concern, and the grizzly bear, which is a species at risk.  By the way, I was surprised to see that both my kids had these national parks on their list of best holiday destinations for families.  6. California Coast We have been to the California Coast once during the spring, and I was glad to see that my son wanted to repeat it.  The last time, we started the trip in San Diego, and the kids had a lot of fun at Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches.  Then, we continued our drive north and had an extensive beach experience at Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Newport Beach, and Solvang.  And of course, as we reached the Central Coast, we had to stay at the Madonna Inn. The charm of 1958 is still intact here with the iconic pink dining room and 110 uniquely themed rooms.  A We Continued North  We chose to stay at a resort near Pebble Beach, and from there, it was about 17 miles to Big Sur to enjoy its wonderful views.  Also, we booked a few rounds and enjoyed our time at the Pebble Beach golf courses.  Final Stop San Francisco Last time, our California road trip ended at Santa Cruz. We enjoyed the play at the boardwalk, which still has the old-world charm.  Furthermore, our kids enjoyed their time in San Francisco. Of course, the sundae at Ghirardelli was the biggest highlight. They also loved exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and flying kites by the Golden Gate Bridge.  7. Las Vegas Las Vegas, despite being the “Sin City,” is actually a fun place for kids. My daughter hasspecific demands about the Las Vegas summer trip.  She wants to stay at New York-New York as she is dying to take the Big Apple coaster ride there. Also, she has the Shark Reef Aquarium and the Circus Circus adventure dome on her wishlist.  8. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations. I told my son, “It’s going to be so hot and it’s the peak season, you will feel annoyed.” He was persistent as he wanted to join the “Junior Ranger Program.” “I also want to see the Yavapai Geology Museum, and I want to ride the train (Grand Canyon Railway),” He added.  Now, with his research being so immaculate, I had to consider his choice.  9. Zion National Park I know summer is the busiest time at Zion National Park, and the heat is intense. But it is also the time when we get access to almost all the trails in the park in Utah.  The Lower Emeraland Pool Hike will be easy this summer. It is an easy trail and usually takes 1 hour to complete.  I also chose this trail because it continues through Juniper and pinyon woods. So, even with the high heat, the kids would have a comfortable time walking.   As the trail ends, the beautiful Emerald Pool and ephemeral falls await us.  10. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls was the first place we visited on a family trip after my daughter was born. She was all of two then, but I don’t know if she remembers anything.  I think she has picked things about the trip from our family album. The real thrill begins with the boat ride to the mighty falls. She wants to enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat ride once again this summer.  And if we visit the Niagra Falls again this season, I have plans of descending at the tunnel behind the Horseshoe Falls. 11. Milwaukee And as they say, “The nearer the church, the farther from God," I know that I have missed visiting Milwaukee even after staying so close to it.  Milwaukee, suggested by my son, is a bright city in the summertime. And of course, the young lad is growing up to be quite a bike connoisseur. So, no wonder that the Harley-Davidson Museum was his calling.  The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival from July 9-12 is the ultimate time to visit Milwaukee if you are also a bike enthusiast like him.  Furthermore, the city also has the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Art and Public Museums.  12. Washington DC It’s great to see that my daughter wants to visit Washington, D.C. for the summer road trip. I am even happier because I once shared my experience of being there on 4th July.  The teens these days! They don’t show emotions, but they feel a lot! She specifically mentioned that she wanted this road trip to see the National 4th of July Parade and the fireworks.  I never knew that she harbored such patriotic feelings. 13. NYC We have been to NYC once. My son was 6 years old then. He still can’t forget the experience of seeing the Statue of Liberty. So, it was an expectation suggestion from him.  He also wanted to see the views of New York City from the One World Observatory and enjoy the elevator ride. Last time, he even loved the Central Park Zoo and a boat ride on the lake. 14. Chicago Contrary to the questions I get to read online, Chicago is a safe place, and it is one of the best holiday destinations with kids.  I don’t know why my son has picked the name, but I think he has done so for the Lincoln Park Zoo. He loves wildlife, and he wanted to meet the penguins at the “Malott Family Penguin Encounter.” A few days back, he was giving me a scoop on this.  Furthermore, Chicago has the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum. All are brilliant places for curious kids.  Moreover, my son is a huge baseball fan. So, a match day at Wrigley Field or the Guaranteed Rate Field would be a lifetime experience. Now, Are You Ready With The Best Holiday Destinations With Kids? Our list of family road trip destinations has been quite diverse. It’s time you plan your adventure! If you ask me, it’s a difficult task to choose among these destinations. I liked all the suggestions from my daughter and son. And I can’t take a side as I don’t want to deal with a sulking face for the next two days.  Nevertheless, from the list here, my favorite would be Chicago. Though kids see it in a different way, I always find it so culturally enriching to be in Chicago.  Also, being from India, Chicago always reminds me of how once a monk from India came and offered a lecture on the inclusiveness of Sanatana Dharma! Very pertinent in the days of wars and violent geopolitical stunts today. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

In India, I have seen the Godavari Arch Bridge in Andhra Pradesh and the Coronation Bridge on the Teesta River in West Bengal. In Sri Lanka, I found their equivalent in the Nine Arch Bridge.  This colonial-era bridge stands across a massive green gorge. Also, the tea plantations and a dense jungle flank this stone bridge. So, it’s beautiful, and it is located in the iconic Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway between the Ella and Demodara railway stations. From Lonely Planet to the BBC, everyone has hailed this route, also known as the Ella Odyssey, for its unmatched scenic appeal. Also, on a misty day, when the clouds kiss the valley and the blue trains arrive, tearing the veils of the mist, it feels surreal and like a painting by Dali or a movie scene by Andrei Tarkovsky. So naturally, a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge will be the most beautiful frame from my Sri Lanka trip.  How To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge? After a visit to Kandy, I took a train to Ella. The journey was beautiful, as expected. From Ella Town, I took a Tuk-Tuk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Then, I walked for around 5-10 minutes to the bridge. The Tuk-Tuk cost me around LKR 300. However, if you want some more adventure, you can take a walk along the Ella-Passara Road and turn left near the Sri Kanaser Temple to reach the beach. I found many local food stalls near the temple. Moreover, if you want to go back to your childhood days, you can follow the train tracks to reach the bridge from Ella Town.  What Is The History Of The Nine Arch Bridge? The Nine Arch Bridge is a prominent example of colonial-era construction, and it shows architectural excellence. The British built this bridge in 1921, and it played an important role in the war efforts of the British during World War I. Even today, this stone and concrete bridge stands strong without any steel structure. It is 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?  Sunrise on the Nine Arch Bridge is the best time you can think of. Also, if you want a picture-perfect frame, wait for the trains to arrive. You will love the quiet ambiance if you make it really early. The crowd starts gathering here as early as 7 AM, and by 10 AM, you will hardly find a place for yourself. Also, trains usually pass through this at the following hours. 9:30 AM  11:30 AM  3:30 PM  4:30 PM  5:30 PM  The Best Months To Visit The Nine-Arch Bridge January to May is the best time to visit the Nine-Arch Bridge. Modest temperatures and fewer chances of rainfall make these months great for enjoying a clear view of the bridge and the train.  It is also the peak tourist season in the Western Region of Sri Lanka. However, if you want to experience mysticism, you can plan a trip in July. Having said that, the wet season, from September to December, is not suitable for a visit to this bridge. What Are The Best Viewpoints Of The Nine Arch Bridge? The misty slopes on both sides of the bridge or the hills offer amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge. However, you can explore the following viewpoints to get the most amazing perspectives of the bridge.  1. The Nine-Arch Bridge Itself  The Nine-Arch Bridge offers an amazing view of the railway track. However, you have to be careful while taking photographs from the bridge. Keep the train timings in mind. 2. The Tea Plantations Toward Demodara  My Jaffna food tour was about spicy Tamil food. However, in the Western region, especially in areas such as Demodara, tea reigned supreme. I walked toward the northern side of the bridge. There, I found some tea plantations below the bridge, a little far away from the tunnel. You will get amazing views of the bridge from these plantations. However, these are usually muddy, and there can be leech attacks. Also, as they are private lands. So, seek permission before entering the tea plantation. 3. The Beautiful Hills Toward Ella Station  As you get down from the Tuk-Tuk or walk from Ella Town to the bridge, you will find the tunnel. Now, take the left and follow the winding path to the verdant hills. These offer the best viewpoints, especially if you want to take photographs of the bridge. 4. The Viewpoint From Asanka Cafe Asanka Cafe is at the northern end of the Nine Arch Bridge. As the cafe is perched above, it offers amazing views of the entire track and a clear view whenever a train visits. Also, if you are visiting the bridge in the wet season or there is a sudden rainfall, this cafe will be your refuge. Spend some hours there. They make amazing sweet tea. Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Nine Arch Bridge As mentioned before, you have to be very alert when you are on the bridge. Furthermore, you have to be a responsible traveler. You cannot litter or leave waste on the railway track or bridge. Moreover, the bridge does not have safety barriers. So, you have to be very careful while taking photographs. 

BY  Ankita May 23, 2024

Are you and your family looking for different kinds of fun? If yes, then Ventura Amusement Park can be the best choice for you.  This amusement park in Cancun offers a unique experience with activities for all ages. You can experience different kinds of adventure in this place. As Ziplines, thrilling slides to high altitudes, everything is present here.  You can spend some memorable days of your life once you visit this place. Additionally, you just have to make sure that you do not make things too complex from your end. Top 5 Amusement Parks In Cancun  There are several Amusement parks Cancun in Mexico, but among them, you have to select the best amusement park that can meet your needs. Some of the popular Amusement parks in Cancun are as follows:-  1. Xcaret Theme Park The Xcaret theme park is one of the best amusement parks that you must visit once in your life to remove your boredom. This amusement park is present in Playa del Carmen. There are certain features of this amusement park that make it the best place to visit here:-  It comprises underground rivers.  You will get a beach area and lagoon to roam about.  Enjoying the coral reef Aquarium can make this place the perfect place for a hotspot.  You will also get the privilege to enjoy the dance shows.  Caves & cultural entertainment adventure is one of the best things about this place.  The best time to visit this place is Monday to Sunday between 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.  2. Xelha Water Park  The Xelha Water Park is another one of the best Amusement parks Cancun in Mexico that can make your holiday memorable. Riviera Maya is the place where Xelha Water park is located. There are certain features present in this waterpark that allow visitors to enjoy this amusement park. Some of its core features are as follows:-  Scenic Light house.  Cliff of courage.  River tour Xela.  Enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico with fun-filled activities.  The opening hours of this amusement park are between 9:00 am to 6 pm, Monday to Sunday.  3. Xplor Adventure Park  The Xplor Adventure Park is one of the best amusement parks that you can explore in Cancun. You should ensure that you follow the correct process from your end while reaching your traveling goals. Some of the key features of this amusement park are as follows:- It forms a part of Xcaret.  You can witness the highest Zip lines of river Maya.  Explore the Zipline circuits.  Enjoy the Hammock ride.  Spend some time on amphibious vehicles.  Witness the spectacular view of the jungle adventure. The opening hours of this amusement park are between 9:00 am To 5:00 pm Monday to Sunday, and 5:30 pm to 12:00 am.  4. Xenotes Fun Park Xenotes Fun Park is one of the best Amusement parks Cancun in Mexico that can make your holiday memorable. There are certain factors about this park that make this park worth memorable all year round. Features of this park are as follows:-  Its location is in the Yucatan peninsula.  Kayaking is one of the best activities you can enjoy in this place.  Rappelling into cenotes is another best option that you can maintain here.  All the adventure and tranquility are combined here.  The opening hours of this adventure amusement park are between 9 am to 6 pm.  5. Xoximilco Party Park  Xoximilco Party Park is one of the best amusement parks that can boost the scope of your adventure all day long. Some of key places and features of this amusement park that you must not miss at your end are as follows:-  Traditional and lively Mexican fiesta.  You can enjoy the cultural experience of this place like music, dance, and food.  Opening hours of this place vary from time to time. So, you have to check the opening hours from your end.  Ventura Park Main Attractions Every corner of this amusement park in Cancun is full of adventure.  As it has numerous attractions for the visitors who will visit here. You should visit this place once to experience the best attractions of this place.  Explore the main attractions and get ready for an unforgettable day full of laughter, adrenaline, and special moments. Wet'n Wild This water park is an oasis of fun under the Cancun sun. It offers a variety of water slides that guarantee exciting adventures for all ages. Wet'n Wild is the ideal place to cool off and experience moments of pure adrenaline. This is because it has fast descents and also gentler rides for the little ones, Aaah! Ventura For the adventurous at heart, this amusement park in Cancun features Aaah! Ventura. Most of the time, this Zipline offers an exciting zip line circuit. This will make you fly over the park. The suspension bridge will help you to challenge your fear of heights. You just have to experience the thrill of this place.  Fun World Specially designed for the little ones, Fun World offers a children's roller coaster perfect for children's first experience with this type of attraction. In addition, they can enjoy a classic carousel, mechanical games and play areas that will provide them with hours of safe entertainment adapted to their size. Grand Prix Step on the gas at the Grand Prix go-kart track, where you can compete against family and friends in a thrilling race. With double go-kart options, even the little ones can join in the fun, always safely alongside an adult. This attraction at Cancun amusement park in Cancun is an excellent way to instill a spirit of healthy competition in a controlled and safe environment. These attractions make Ventura Park a fun-filled and adventurous destination for the whole family, ensuring that everyone from the youngest to the oldest will find something exciting to do. Unique Experiences In Ventura Park Do you want to live unique experiences in this amusement park in Cancun? We tell you what options you have: Underworld: If you like technology, you can enter the world of Underworld, where virtual reality transforms the way you play and explore. Go on immersive adventures with the Star Wars Battle Pod experience or navigate the challenges of a laser maze. This area of the park is ideal for those looking for a cutting-edge, interactive experience. Hurricane: For adrenaline seekers, Hurricane offers a roller coaster with thrilling climbs and dizzying descents. The tight curves and intense speed make it a thrilling place to test your courage. It is a perfect choice for those who want to experience vertigo and excitement in a safe and controlled environment. The unique experiences at this Cancun amusement park offer exciting opportunities for those looking for more than traditional attractions. Promotions And Special Passes In this amusement park in Cancun, you will find several types of passes: Fun Pass: gives you access to multiple attractions including Wet'n Wild, where you can enjoy water slides and pools, and Fun World, perfect for the little ones with its children's roller coaster and carousel. Ideal for a day of family fun. Platinum Pass: In addition to all the advantages of the Fun Pass, the Platinum Pass includes access to Aaah! Ventura, with its thrilling zip lines and aerial adventures, and additional benefits such as unlimited soft serve ice cream and access to the buffet and national open bar. It's perfect for those looking for a full day of adventure and unlimited convenience. VIP Pass: the most exclusive level of access, which includes all the features of the Platinum Pass plus premium experiences such as Swim with Dolphins and access to virtual reality in Underworld. This pass is the ultimate option for those who want the most complete and luxurious experience in Ventura Park. On the other hand, this amusement park in Cancun offers significant discounts for buying online. This allows you to save on your passes by planning ahead. Plan Your Visit To Ventura Park When planning your visit to Ventura Park, it is important to consider a few things to ensure that your day is as pleasant and smooth as possible. What to bring? Swimsuit: don't forget your swimsuit to enjoy Wet'n Wild's aquatic attractions. Sunscreen: essential to protect you from the sun while enjoying outdoor activities. Towel: although the park offers towel rentals, you can bring your own for convenience. Waterproof camera: to capture the fun moments without worrying about water. Comfortable shoes: ideal for walking around the park and participating in attractions such as Aaah! Ventura. How To Get To The Park Ventura Park is located on Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25, Hotel Zone, Cancun, Mexico. It is conveniently located near other tourist attractions. You can use your favorite map app to get precise directions to the park.  Here, you will get the opportunity to park the car. You can drive directly to the park. You cannot make your selection and choices in grey.  Final Take Away  Planning ahead will help you maximize your time and make the most of your visit to this Cancun amusement park. I think you will enjoy reading this article and if you want to experience the best of this park, then you must visit here.  You can share your views and opinions with us in this regard. This will help us to know your take on this matter. Enjoy your holiday by visiting the best amusement park Cancun in, Mexico. Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas Tips For Planning The Most Amazing Texas Trip Ever! Top 7 Ethiopian Restaurants In Los Angeles – Complete Guide