Three Ways To Get to Sesame Street This Summer

JeanneSager — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:02:00 GMT

The pressure's on to plan the big family vacation? Two words. Sesame Street.

And Babble's telling you how to get, how to get there. We've checked in with Elmo and Abby Cadabby and come up with our list of the best bets for Sesame-style summering with your tot.

1. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. It's an old family standby, but the Forest of Fun at the popular theme park is all new and all Sesame. Gates opened in April, adding the country of characters to the park's traditional tour of Europe set-up. We let our pre-school tester loose in the park, and "let's ride it again!" was the phrase of the day. Topping her list were a nice and easy (for mom) Ernie and Bert adventure in the "lochs" of Scotland - it left her soaking wet and squealing with fun; and a mini roller-coaster courtesy of Super Grover that gave her a taste of the belly-dropping fun of the big coasters without the fear factor. Located near the entrance to the park, the Forest of Fun is just right - a great intro to the day, and something for them to look forward to getting back to when they're off with the rest of the family checking out the rest of the "gardens."

Why You Should Go: The price of a ticket affords a family admission to the whole park, making Busch Gardens the go-to for families with kids whose ages range. Sesame characters put on impromptu shows that get the whole family moving (no extra charge), and there's something for even the tiniest toddlers to do.

Good to Know: There are water attractions, but clothes are required on most rides, so throw some shorts on over their suits. Dining with the characters does not require advance reservations - price of food is not included in the ticket - but you need to check for specific meal times when you enter the park. A picture station with the characters is set up on site, and they will allow you to take your own pictures (just ask) or you can buy one of theirs. Take a stroller - even if your kid is busting out of it, it's not for them but for the cameras, bottles of water and stuffed animals won at the games along the way.

2. Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA. Owned by the same company that runs Busch Gardens (yes, the beer company), this is all Sesame, all summer long. Our little tester recommends you stop in for an in-theatre showing of Elmo's World, followed by a chance to climb around on stage where they can play Elmo's song on the piano and say "hello" to Dorothy.

Why You Should Go: This is the place for hard-core Sesame fans, but additions of a few extra roller-coasters also allow the older set to have their fun. The park is all Sesame, which means the crowd is all families and so is the staff's focus.

Good to Know: A two-day ticket costs the same as a one-day fee, so break up the day to make it easier on your kids (and hit the nearby outlets to save on kids clothes). Breakfast with the characters requires an advance reservation, but it gives your family a chance to be the first ones into the park - no lines, and the food isn't bad for theme park fare (even our daddy tester had a hankering for the little French toast sticks). The characters wander throughout the park during the day, so chances are you'll get to meet everyone. Again, you can take your own pictures (just ask) or buy the park's. Bring a swimsuit - there's plenty of water.

3. Sesame Street Live, a city near you. For families who are skipping the week-long or even extended weekend's vacation this year, a day trip to see a show can lift your kid's spirits, get you out of the house and save you a bundle. And if that show happens to offer them a chance to see their furry friend? That's just a bonus for mom or dad.

Why You Should Go: The show is always educational, and your tot will be in awe at the size of their favorite friends on-stage. Even kids who aren't ready to be taken to the movie theater yet are OK in a theater when the show is made for kids.

Good to Know: Regardless of where the show is being performed, there will be kiosks with Sesame goodies, so if you've opted for the show to save on the big vacation, you might want to make a deal with your kids BEFORE you go in. Whether it's "no extras today" or "you may pick out one toy," have a game plan because they're unavoidable, and plenty of kids will be brandishing their Sesame binoculars or Elmo balloons. The show does include an intermission for potty breaks, so your kids don't have to miss out Grover galumphing because they've got to go.

Image: Sager Scenes

Staycations: 5 Ways To Go Nowhere -- For Fun!

Madeline Holler — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:39:00 GMT

Listen, family vacations are soooo 2005-6. Homes were cash machines, a recession seemed impossible. Gas was ... well, it wasn't $4 a gallon. Airlines didn't charge for checked luggage! Back then, vacations weren't a choice, they were a right ... no, a duty!

So I hope you took plenty of pictures. Since this summer is all about the housing crisis, recessions, expensive food and unimaginably high gas, you'll likely be vacationing -- or, as the travel world is calling it, "staycationing" -- in familiar surroundings this summer. Sure, it's a bad thing, but we have some ideas.

A "staycation" (or lame-cation, call it what you want) comes in many forms. The key is it takes place at or near your home -- no driving or restaurant meals needed.

1. Stores are counting on the staycation, selling backyard games, outdoor furniture and grills grills, grills (a filet-cation?)

2. For those who don't want to shell out for a weekend room at the downtown Courtyard Marriott, there are daycations to local museums, pools, beaches or the zoo.

3. The divine and thrifty could always go on a praycation -- sign up for a church retreat (just hide out in the cabin reading all weekend if devotions aren't your thing) or pack on the church bus and enjoy the group discount on theme park tickets.

4. Also an option are laycations -- beg grandma to babysit for the weekend and do something you never, ever get to -- your spouse!

5. Here are some staycation ideas for New Yorkers from last year's Timeout. This is what they're doing in Cleveland.

What are you doing at home this summer?

Photo: slickrock.com

Strollerderby : staycation

Three Ways To Get to Sesame Street This Summer

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Don't Let Your Kid Call Me Missus

When Mommy Becomes Mom

Staycations: 5 Ways To Go Nowhere -- For Fun!