In today’s world, when infinite knowledge is available at your fingertips, it can be challenging to plan a trip that will impress the kids. They’ve either seen it before or don’t want to leave the comfort of free Wi-Fi.
With winter weather approaching, you can plan a vacation to remember. Whether you’ve got tots or teens, consider some record-breaking family fun events that are worth a road trip.
- The World’s Biggest Playdate
For families with little kids, there’s the World’s Biggest Playdate. Sponsored by Little Tikes — a brand you’re probably familiar with — this event takes place in three cities each year. In 2019, planners chose towns in California, Ohio and Ontario.
The World’s Biggest Playdate features interactive games, giveaways, bounce houses, live music and other entertainment. Watch or participate in the Cozy Coupe race, or take in a cooking demo in a Little Tikes Kitchen. The event is different each year, and 2020 is no exception. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Playdate, which typically takes place in May.
If you can’t get out of the house — May can be a finicky time of year, weather-wise — you can find a vast collection of printable activities on the Tikes website. Your little one is sure to stay entertained.
2.The Big Bounce
Who doesn’t love a bounce house? The whole family can jump together in the world’s biggest. The Big Bounce offers more than 3,500 square feet of inflatable obstacles and mazes. Plus, it may come to a city near you. This traveling event moves from place to place, with late 2019 dates in Texas and Florida. You can also sign up for alerts when the event is near you.
The Big Bounce is a great way to get everyone off the couch and out of the house. It’s impossible to get bored as you navigate mazes, jump through obstacles, attempt airborne tricks and fly down slides. You can customize inflatables into almost any shape — you might see giant teddy bears or inflatable donuts. No matter when you visit, you’ll find something for everyone.
3. The World’s Largest Gingerbread Village
If you’re in Prescot, Arizona, during the holiday season, stop by the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village. This event focuses on the art of baked goods. Plus, you’ll smell the scent of cookies as soon as you step in the door. Discover more than a thousand handcrafted gingerbread homes in the Prescott Resort and Conference center.
You won’t get bored in Prescott, even if a gingerbread village doesn’t tickle your fancy. In fact, locals call this area Arizona’s Christmas City. Stop by the Heritage Park Zoo or the Valley of Lights while in town.
4. The Art of the Brick
If you want to look for plastic brick art, you might buy tickets to Legoland. However, you’d be missing out on the phenomenal brick artwork at the New York Hall of Science. The Art of the Brick exhibit opened on September 28, 2019, and runs through January 26 of the next year. You’ve still got plenty of time to see the world’s largest Lego art display.
Visit the 20-foot tall T-Rex, made from more than 80,000 Lego pieces. Check out recreations of famous paintings, like Starry Night and Mona Lisa. You’ll even find interactive exhibits for your kids to enjoy.
5. The Atlanta Science Festival
This annual event, ideal for all ages, is a celebration of science and technology. This two-week festival features tours, performances and hands-on activities. The festival closes with the Exploration Expo, the biggest interactive family science celebration in the city. During the Expo, you’ll find hundreds of activities and a free carnival of science.
Each year, this event draws around 50,000 visitors, including adults and children. The next Science Festival will start on March 6, 2020. Before your trip, plan for other sightseeing stops in the area, like the Botanical Garden and the Georgia Aquarium.
6. Artsplosure
This month-long arts festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, features more than 500 artists and 58 performance groups. Check out large-scale interactive art installations. Watch aerial performances and other unique acts. You can also listen to musical exhibitions from rising stars in jazz, blues and alternative genres.
The event also hosts Kidsplosure performances, explicitly designed for children. Relax during storytime or help your child develop writing and illustration skills. After, catch a performance from a master puppeteer, a show that will delight and amaze. Kids can also create a variety of crafts, including watercolor art, a flower crown and a flying frog launcher.
Record-Breaking Events — Which Are On Your List?
Which record-breaking event is on your bucket list? Perhaps you want to rush to Florida to jump in the world’s largest bounce house. Maybe you want to stop in New York to experience Lego art culture. Plus, with the holiday season gearing up, there’s no better time to get your gingerbread on. The possibilities are endless.
It’s not about buying toys or souvenirs. Instead, these events are a place to have fun and build memories. A great time is worth more than any t-shirt or trinket. Focus on your family and find ways to give the gift of experience.
Hello! I am Camille, a wife, mother of four, Disney obsessed, certified teacher, and believer in creating your best momlife the way you see fit. Motherhood comes with its ups and downs, my hope is you’ll find something here to make your life a little better/easier. Let’s be friends on social!