With schools on Thanksgiving break, many families are looking for ways to spend quality time together. However, instead of using the downtime to gather around the television, you might consider these fun outings that help foster family bonding:
NEW YORK
Summer is over and the fall foliage has faded, but that doesn’t mean you should cross the Adirondacks off your travel list. Many hotels, lodges and other area attractions stay open year-round in places like Lake George, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.
In fact, to attract more families to the area, Lake George is hosting a “Lite Up the Village” party with caroling, a visit from Santa and tree lighting in Shepard Park on November 28th. In addition, on December 5th, Melody Lodge in the village of Speculator will be kick-starting the holiday season with the Great Adirondack Snowdance complete with a bonfire, buffet, fireworks and tons of kid-friendly activities.
In Lake Placid, the Holiday Village Stroll gets underway on December 11th with a free ice skating party at the Olympic Center. Other event highlights include Santa’s arrival by fire truck, free classic holiday movies playing at the local theater, shopping promotions, strolling carolers and a tree lighting ceremony. In addition, several area hotels are offering Village Stroll packages, including the High Peaks Resort, the Golden Arrow, The Pines Hotel and The Mirror Lake Inn.
LAS VEGAS
Across the country in Sin City there’s a new high-flying family activity that’s attracting hundreds of hot air balloon enthusiasts.
The Cloud Nine Balloon ride provides a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip during the day and night. Fortunately, for those with weak stomachs, the 20-minute attraction doesn’t include floating for miles across the Nevada skyline. Rather, Cloud Nine remains tethered to the ground at the south end of the Strip near the Mandalay Bay resort. You still go up in the air (about 500 feet), but there’s no free floating involved.
The balloon ride offers views of the entire Strip as well as the vast CityCenter complex, which is due to open in December. The cost of a flight is $22.50 for adults in the daytime; $27.50 at sunset and later at night. Children 12 and under soar for $17.50 during the day; $22.50 at sunset and later. Kids 4 and under fly free. There is a $5 discount for locals, military and teachers with ID.
In addition, the balloon can be booked for groups and special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and family reunions.
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