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Wonders of the world! BY Janet Groene
Anyone with a search engine knows the world is filled with Wonders: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the New Seven Wonders (2007) and many more. Here’s just a start of world-class “Wonders” where you and your children will form lasting memories.
The Dunes
The dunes of northwest Florida are high. But when it comes to skyscrapersize sand dunes, consider Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (OregonsAdventureCoast.com). Edging the Pacific Ocean are 40 miles of dunes up to 600 feet high, where families can sand-board, ride ATV’s, hike, photograph and bird watch. On the freshwater shores of Lake Michigan is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore (sleepingbeardunes.com). Boat, hike, swim, explore historic lighthouses, learn about Great Lakes history at Fishtown and attend performances at Interlochen, 30 minutes away. Details: Fly into Traverse City, Michigan, 28 miles from the Seashore. To fly to the Oregon Dunes connect via SFO or Portland into Southwest Oregon Regional (OTH).
Stonehenge, England
There isn’t much razzmatazz here for rambunctious children, but kids do love ancient mysteries. Get them thinking about how the stones were placed here almost 5,000 years ago when there were no cranes or helicopters. The average visitor stays about one hour. Details: Trains leave London every half hour for Salisbury. In season, they’re met by buses for the nine-mile trip to Stonehenge. The site is flat and walking easy; some paths are suitable for (preferably fat tire) strollers and wheelchairs. There are toilets and a year-round kitchen, but this is an outdoors activity. Bring rain gear. Go to VisitBritain.com Pre-trip: Many adult and children’s books are available on Stonehenge and on Britain in the Bronze Age.
Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa
Here’s another puzzler for young engineers and architects. What keeps this storybook tower from falling down? The 700-year-old bell tower is just one structure in the Field of Miracles, a grassy greenspace where kids love to gambol. Ornate medieval buildings form backgrounds for family photos.
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Details: Pisa is served nonstop from New York in season; connecting flights come from major European hubs. Walking tours are best for older children and for adults who carry toddlers in backpacks. Independent travelers like the hop-on, hop-off bus. See the cathedral, city squares with sidewalk cafes, and take a boat ride on the Arno River. Pisa has hotels and restaurants for all budgets. Pre-Trip: Learn some Italian phrases and read up on Galileo, who lived and worked here.
The Dead Sea
In a current competition for the Seven Wonders of Nature, the Dead Sea is a definite contender. Jagged mountains surround the lowest spot on earth, nearly 1,400 feet below sea level. Children get a science lessons while swimming in water where they have super buoyancy because of the high salt content. History hunting doesn’t get much better than this. Even small children will relate to Jewish and Christian sites. Visit Masada, the ancient fortress in the hills, and countless points of interest in the Plain of Sodom area. Discover local spas and clinics too. Cleopatra was said to have had her eye on these healing waters and minerals. Enjoy local arts and crafts, a bicycle jaunt, a Jeep safari and Israeli cuisine. Details: Go to (www.goisrael.com). Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport is 25 minutes from Tel Aviv and 35 from Jerusalem. Non-stops are available from U.S. cities including Atlanta and Miami. It’s best to have a travel agent arrange a seamless trip including sightseeing tours. Pre-trip: Read nature, history and Bible books.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
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A dad, whose children were ages 2 and 5 when the family went to the Great Pyramids, says the trip paid years of dividends. “Kids are pretty portable at that age, much easier to take along than teenagers,” he observes. “They were oblivious to the pyramids but fascinated by camels. However, my daughter, who was five at the time started remembering the trip when she studied Egypt and related topics in school.” Details: You’ll fly into Cairo. Both Cairo and Giza are modern cities with good hospitals, hotels and many American fast food signs. Visit Egypt.travel for information. Pre-trip: Learn some Arabic phrases and get library books on ancient Egypt, mummies and pharaohs. Egyptian history is also tied to Bible study.
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Photos courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Stonehenge photo by Laurel Housden Photography, Pyramid photo by Verve Studio
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If the tower is open for climbing, kids must be age eight or older. Make a game of taking sights to see how many other tall buildings are leaning. They’re called “The Other Leaning Towers.” Go to ItalianTourism.com.