Popular Spots

Get a birds-eye view of Southern California with a helium balloon ride at Great Park. Flights are dependent upon wind and weather, but rides are free and on a first-come, first-serve basis. You only have to pay for parking. And, you don’t have to worry about safety; the balloon’s cage is constructed of sturdy steel with enclosed sides and mesh netting above the rail, so you can have peace of mind while your family enjoys this this sky high adventure! To get there, plug the address into your GPS; otherwise, visit the website for directions.

Rev up your sex life by going sensual at Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity at New York-New York. Explore the many sides of sexuality through imagery, aerialists, comedic vignettes and sultry dancing. While this show has no storyline, it is a highly erotic cabaret of characters that tackle different elements of sexuality in their own ways. Colorful characters such as the Botero twins, two voluptuous sisters decked in French maid uniforms, squeeze their way through the aisles, while show’s Emcee, Edie, known as "the Mistress of Sensuality," is played by a flawless looking drag queen who guides you through the many facets of lust, passion and sensuality. Tickets start at $69, of course.

For over 35 years, Prestonwood Forest residents have been going all out when it comes to Christmas lights. Houston locals and visitors alike come out in droves to see one of the best neighborhood light displays in the country. These dazzling holiday lights have been featured in local newspapers, on Houston television, and even nationally on Fox News. About 750 homes participate in the Nite of Lites festival in Prestonwood Forest each year. It's a competition by home, culdesac and block in a variety of categories so the participants really get into it. Check out their website for times, maps and other details.

North Avenue Beach offers a lot of outdoor exercise options, especially during the summer months. Run, bike or skate along the lake shore path. Or grab some pals and play volleyball on one of over 50 courts. With the recent addition of the North Avenue Beach House there are also outdoor showers and bike, chair and volleyball equipment rentals available.

Dinosaurs still roam the earth, at least in one of the largest scientific institutions in the country. Spend your day with a T-Rex, one of the most prominent displays at Manhattan’s American Museum of Natural History, the place to see hundreds of dinosaur fossils and learn all about them. Witness a gigantic blue whale hanging from the ceiling as you visit the majestic Ocean Life or get an up-close look at ancient civilizations from Africa and Asia. You can also enter a tropical forest filled with over 100 live butterflies at The Butterfly Conservatory. No matter what it is you’re seeking at the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll never get bored or tired from learning something new.

Park of the allure of Atlanta Skate Park is that the location is ever changing. One day you might meet on a street in Buckhead, the next it might be an overpass in Cabage Town, you have to check the website to find out where you'll be. And that's only half the fun. Free skate lessons with Atlanta's oldest and best club for inline skating ("rollerblading") and outdoor road skating since 1979, Atlanta Peachtree RoadRollers Skate Club. Sunday afternoon and Monday nights are beginner paced, (under 10mph) Tuesday evenings a bit faster (more than 12mph). It's recommended that you bring pads and a helmet but you can certainly skate at your own risk.

Agriculturally, Florida is on a reversed season from most of the rest of the country. Our growing starts when the harvest moon wanes for everyone else. Thus, deep winter is the perfect time to get your hands on some fresh fruit. Just up the road from Orlando is Pappy's Patch, a real down-home experience bursting with friendly characters and charm. And once you get over how cute you look in your overalls, you'll see the berries are even more of a draw. Delicious, sweet and right off the vine, it's a flavor and sunny-day outing that can't be beat.

Though Keystone is about 14 miles from Breckenridge, two restaurants atop its mountain make it well worth the drive. Be sure to dress warm for the two night-time gondola rides (a total of 40 minutes), which soar above night skiing and closed runs, through a quiet forest and to the top of North Peak at 11,444 feet. Der Fondue Chessel is a family-friendly dinner fondue experience that covers the entire span of fondue, from savory cheese (with apples, bread and more), meat and seafood entrees, and, of course, the mouth-watering, endorphin-producing melted chocolate, with strawberries, bananas, pound cake and other goodies to swirl. Alpenglow Stube offers a sophisticated dining experience. The Old-World culinary masterpieces include a six-course meal, complete with a caviar course, a sorbet palette cleanser, appetizers such as pheasant confit or ragout of blue crab, main courses of fish, lamb, duck and beef and rich deserts like custard with berries or pear tartlets.

If you're looking for a day adventure with your dog, head just outside of Portland, about 30-minutes, to Sandy River Delta. The Delta isn't really a park or designated hiking area, but offers 1400-acres of undisturbed land to explore and discover. With the exception of the Confluence Trail, between the parking lot and bird watching area, the entire area is off-leash and dogs can wander freely. If you have the time, hike down to the banks of either the Columbia or Sandy River so your dog can swim -- it is a couple of miles from the parking lot and most trails lead there. Remember to bring water for you and your dog -- there is no running water at the park.