These locals enjoy shooting the breeze and watching the passersby

It’s fun to stop and sit a while with the locals. These men are old-timers here and have stories to tell if you can listen with your imagination…

The School House at Knott’s Berry Farm

Did you know that teachers were not allowed to marry? No siree, they sure weren’t. That was grounds for dismissal! Neither were they allowed to smoke, drink or gamble. These vices were “good reason to suspect [the teacher's] worth, intention, integrity and honesty” (Rules for Teachers, 1872). If you wanted to be a teacher, you better walk the straight and narrow!

Ghost Town Laundromat

Every town needs a good laundromat, especially with all the dust and dirt being kicked around by the horses, wagons and carts. If you could peek inside this one you’d see a Chinese man tending to clothing. This little shack was where he would have slept also. Life was very different in those days.

Men gambling at Ghost Town in Knott’s Berry Farm

You can bet your last dollar that these fine gentlemen were certainly NOT teachers. From the looks of it they are breaking at least three of the Rules for Teachers: drinking, smoking and gambling… Wouldn’t you like to listen in on their conversation, though? Or at least their thoughts? I can imagine one is thinking about his next bank heist. Another is looking to hire a deputy to the sheriff’s office. A third is thinking about running for town mayor. And the last man is plotting how he can walk out of there with all their money.

The Gun Shop at Ghost Town

Every town needed a gun shop. This was the Wild West, folks, and being well-armed was just plain common sense. A man had to own at least one rifle, a brace of pistols, several knives and daggers, and plenty of ammunition. And while you’re at it, pick up some good tobacco too.

Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm

Entertainment was a must at a small town. There’s little to do otherwise, notwithstanding saloons and bawdy houses. What was a good upstanding citizen to do? How about the theater! This theater boasts plenty of shows with music and dancing to get you stomping your feet and clapping your hands.

Ghost Town, Knott’s Berry Farm

More authentic-looking views of Ghost Town to make you feel like you’ve really stepped back in time. Just imagine the folks dressed in denim, cotton shirts, hats and leather boots, maybe even with a pipe or cigar in their teeth…

Town Jail at Ghost Town

Every town had their fair share of bandits and bandidos. Men (and women too) looking to steal, swipe or swindle something from someone else. The Town Jail was a must to keeping unsavory characters locked up until they could be reformed or reestablished elsewhere.

Pony Express Outpost at Ghost Town

The Pony Express Outpost is a fun, interactive place for kids and adults to get friendly with the local critters. There are creepy, crawly creatures galore such as lizards, worms, tarantulas, phasmids and more. There are even plenty of preserved critters too like butterflies, beetles, bats and snakes.

A phasmid at Pony Express Outpost in Ghost Town

Making friends with a phasmid at Pony Express Outpost in Ghost Town. The art of camouflage was perfected by these critters!

Boothill Cemetery at Ghost Town

No town would be complete without a place of residence for its deceased residents.  The Boothill Cemetery gives visitors an idea of what graveyards might have looked like back in the Wild West. There is even a coffin on display for people to stand inside and have their picture taken–if you’re brave enough…

That would be Elmer Long’s amazing art installation – Bottle Tree Ranch. He created this folk art masterpiece from hundreds of empty bottles found in the desert that he inherited from his late father. Not wanting to discard the collection, he began to utilize it, by turning it into the leaves on “trees” created from recycled scrap metal poles, railroad ties and more.

Kids will be enchanted and adults will love the artistry of Bottle Tree Ranch just off Rte. 66 in the Mojave

Usually on site, Elmer is friendly to a fault, and took us on a tour of his forest of folk art, pointing out his most recent pieces and explaining the elements that went into its creation. Along with the bottle trees, you’ll find quirky trinkets and toys and signs throughout; 1950′s era upbeat rock and roll plays on speakers, and Elmer offers water to visitors parched in the desert heat. At two acres plus, Elmer’s ranch includes his workshop, where he’s happy to smooth out pieces of colored glass and give them to kids who request them.

We easily spent over an hour strolling among the bottle trees, sunlight making rainbows through this magical world. Along with the bottles, kids will love playing a game of “I Spy” for a merry-go-round horse, old rifles, even a traffic signal. From sun bleached bones to a model train that was once Elmer’s as a child, Elmer finds castaway objects and creates a home for them. His elaborate creation is reminiscent of the elaborate sculptures of Watts Towers in LA or the whimsical architecture of Nit Wit Ridge in Cambria – hit all three to thoroughly show your child folk art at its finest.

Unlike the itinerant creators of these other artistic finds, Elmer was an aviation engineer and his attention to detail and planning gleaned from his long career shows. He shared his love of the desert with his dad who started his collection by cleaning man made trash from the desert he cherished. Although thousands of visitors a year show up, when we were there about ten others shared the charming space, allowing us plenty of leisure to chat with this awesome artist and let the kids wander the roadside attraction.

Planes in Mojave

On the way back from Bottle Tree, we swung a half hour out of our way to the town of Mojave and the Mojave Airport, to take a van tour of the facility where space rockets are now being built and derelict aircraft are used for film and television shoots before being sold, piece by piece, or destined for the scrap heap. We’ve long seen the planes from the road on our way to Death Valley or Bakersfield, the plane parking lot is sometimes crowded with aircraft, other times less busy.

Tour the planes and watch small craft land at Mojave airport

This trip it was at about medium capacity, and the short tour is well worth the time. It’s sad but wonderful to see some of these planes, with logos and colors long forgotten or faded in the desert sun. Security reasons forbid the taking of photos on this forty minute tour, but the vision of these aircraft stoically awaiting their fate will stay with you nonetheless. The current Mojave Air and Space Port site says tours are only available on “Plane Crazy Saturdays” at present, so be sure and check before you go. When we went this summer, tours were daily except Sunday at 3 pm and the price was a reasonable $8 per person, with small children free.

By now you must be hungry, and the place for a generous breakfast or lunch is right there at the airport, where you can sit in a booth and watch small planes soar in and out of the airport. The Voyager restaurant has great views and a menu that’s flight-inspired. We enjoyed an order of “The Hangar Queen”omelet and “Joudis Crash Landing,” a poached egg take on Huevos Rancheros.

Vasquez Rocks

Cruising on down Highway 14 back into the LA basin, be sure to add in a stop at nature’s own Star Trek set, Vasquez Rocks, just outside of Santa Clarita. These red rocks are easy to access and climb, even for small children – parents, hold their hands – with simple sandy trails to stretch everyone’s legs before hitting the traffic jam back into LA proper. These stunning, other-wordly rock formations were created from San Andreas Fault action, and are named for Tiburcio Vásquez, a California bandits, who hid out among them to avoid capture for his crimes.

Vasquez Rocks are highway close and easy to climb.

We love strolling up the ribbed rock face of an angular horizontal rock offering a gaze across the desert at cacti and Joshua Trees and the highway beyond. Kids feel like they’re climbing a great distance, when actually it’s an easy, long rock ramp up from the sandy parking lot. Nature trails are flat, simple loops which will take you close to those cacti and other desert growth.

Bottle Trees, derelict planes, and a bandit’s outer-space-worthy rock hideout – a pretty cool day trip for everyone in the family.

The Riviera’s pool was large, warm, and shallow – family friendly.

My kids have always talked about the California desert as if it was a place even more exotic than it is – as if it were the sands of Arabia, and Aladin would soon be sailing a magic carpet over their heads. So a recent trip to the Rat Pack meets fairy tale wonders of the Riviera resort in Palm Springs seemed only to confirm the illusion of exotic magic, close to Los Angeles.

The Riviera was once a true Rat Pack escape, with Frank Sinatra hanging out by the pool drink in hand. While he might recognize the wheel-and-spokes design of the hotel’s twenty four acres, he’d be surprised by the cool changes a recent seventy million spent on hotel restyling and updating has wrought.

While the resort certainly caters to couples, girls weekends, and adults intent on relaxation, it’s also a surprisingly family friendly resort. Nestled in the quieter north end of town, with towering palm trees and shady gardens, the exotic decor is a real lure for adults and kids alike.

The rooms are large and sleek, and many have either balconies or patios. Sure, the kids will enjoy the big flat screen plasma TV, but even more they’ll like the pop art decorating the walls in bright primary colors – Warhol abounds – and light fixtures that look like “popcorn on top of tiaras.”

The kids loved the fantastic design elements throughout the Riviera resort in Palm Springs – lots of amazing light fixtures as art.

Best of all are the public spaces: the moment you walk into the lobby your inner child and children will be captivated by bright tangerine walls and intricate white scrolling; glittering chandeliers line a hall way that leads to the comfortable, casual yet lovely main dining room, Circa 59, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s in the restaurant that the wow factor really kicks in: a giant red octopus of a chandelier that could’ve been created by glass designer Dale Chihuly. There’s also a great looking outdoor corridor whose walls are covered with fake greenery – it feels like you’ve entered something out of Alice in Wonderland.

Of course your kids may be most interested in the pool offerings at the hotel. We found a smaller pool furthest from the center of the hotel was filled with families, and the pool was commodious, the hot tub not-too-hot. We also saw a number of families besides our own at the main pool, which is surrounded by large palms and also has the benefit of friendly, fast pool side food and beverage service. Morning egg and cheese burritos, veggies and hummus, fruit plates all make good, healthy snacks and truly serve two. The pool itself is shallow, topping out at four feet, making it child-ideal, and at night, story telling by a glossy fire pit pool side – with perhaps a desert order from Circa 59 to accompany the tale – is a sure hit. Besides loungers and luxurious rental cabanas, the hotel offers an inbetween-option: day beds big enough for a family of four and with overhead shade.

Maybe best of all: attentive service. The kids seem thirsty? Here’s a chilled Fiji water on the house. Need more towels in your room? Coming right up.

Parents can take turns booking a surprisingly reasonably priced massage at the poolside SpaTerre.

Our family loved the relaxing but luxurious vibe, as well as the op and pop art giving a ‘60′s era swagger to the walls, the friendly staff, and the illusion that we were indeed in an exotic place, self-contained and too comfortable to want to hurry away from. The hotel was able to accommodate our desire to linger with an extended check out, too.

Twenty-six feet tall and thirty-four thousand pounds. That’s Marilyn Monroe in Palm Springs through June 2013

We did leave the resort in order to take a look at the giant Marilyn Monroe residing in downtown Palm Springs just behind the mall. Sculptor Seward Johnson crafted Marilyn to be three stories and twenty six feet tall. She’s in town until June 2013, to celebrate what would be the icon’s 85th birthday and the fact that she was discovered and photographed in Palm Springs over fifty years back.

Previously residing in Chicago, the “Forever Marilyn” is even more impressive with palms and blue hills behind her.

We joined the small line of people waiting to pose for a picture op beneath her billowing skirt. Definitely a tourist draw, the sculpture weighs over thirty-four thousand pounds and had to be reassembled after her journey from the mid-west.

After some posing and mugging, we walked a few warm blocks to the new Lulu’s restaurant, where a three course, delicious Sunday brunch under a massive space-ship of a chandelier – cool lighting seems to be the norm in Palm Springs these days – is available for just under twenty dollars. Kid friendly? Yes indeed. The kids menu included tasty waffles for the under-twelve set for the bargain price of $5.99. Indoor/outdoor dining in what feels like a pastel colored space ship
includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. We loved people watching as the sun sank below the purple and honey colored hills.

Like everything else magical about the Palm Springs desert – nights almost as warm as days, welcoming staff at a super-cool hotel, our kids were enchanted, and your family will be too.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A highly-ranked Atlantic beachfront resort, Coral Beach Resort & Suites is a haven for families with kids of all ages. It boasts activities galore including water sports, an on-site recreation center with arcade, foosball, pool tables, an 8 AMF land bowling alley, 10 pool attractions including a water park with interactive play elements, lazy river, heated indoor pool, two children’s pools, a fitness center, saunas, children’s activity center, karaoke, family magic show, comedians, several dining options, a marketplace, and more.

Coral Beach Resort & Suites has activities galore for the whole family

Families will feel right at home with the spacious accommodations selections that include private balconies, free wireless internet, and suites with fully-equipped kitchens down to the dinnerware service for 4-6 people. Learn more about the Coral Beach Resort in one of our site reviews Best Family Vacation Spot on the US East Coast.

Myrtle Beach Attractions 

While visiting, take advantage of the wonderful offsite attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer as well. From Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Oceanfront Water Park, to Ripleys Aquarium, Children’s Museum of South Carolina, IMAX 3D Theater, and a host of shopping, theaters, and restaurants, there is plenty to see and do at this lovely destination. For more information on Coral Beach Resort & Suites, visit their website at www.coralbeachmyrtlebeachresort.com

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu – Big Island, Hawaii

Good for a tropical getaway any time of the year, Hawaii offers one of nature’s perfect family retreats:  balmy weather, sandy beaches, warm waters, lush vegetation, and good old fashioned Hawaiian hospitality that makes you say “ahhh” the moment you step off the plane.

The aerial view above the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is stunning (courtesy of Peter French)

Resting on the beautiful shores of a white sandy beach, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu is a wonderful choice for families with children. It offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, lanais (porches), and dining and living rooms, all beautifully decorated with luxury and comfort in mind. The resort features seven swimming pools including a children’s pool with water toys to keep tots happily entertained. There is tennis, golf, a spa and fitness center, a rock-climbing wall, shops, onsite restaurants and lounges for delicious dining, and much more. There are plenty of amenities for children as well, including toddler activities and babysitting services for parents who want a little time to themselves.

Some of the resort’s complimentary activities include basketball, foosball, ping-pong, a playground, Hawaiian arts & crafts, flower lei making, movies, puzzles, games and treasure hunts. Kids ages 5 to 12 will enjoy the supervised program with its exciting activities planned just for them. Older children and adults can hang out in the game and activity center which includes six video game stations, big-screen television and outdoor grassy game area.

Island Activities

The Big Island of Hawaii has wonderful attractions that allow families to explore this paradise together. There are helicopter tours, zipline canopy tours, beautiful state parks and beaches, tide pools and hiking trails, botanical gardens, dolphin encounters, fishing, an astronomy center, and more. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Families can also visit the 12-acre Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo with its 80 resident species including monkeys, birds, sloths, a white Bengal tiger, a giant anteater, tortoises and more. For more information on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa – San Diego, California

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is indeed a piece of island-themed paradise found in beautiful Southern California.  Set on a private 44-acre island on the sapphire waters of Mission Bay, this nirvana offers a variety of family activities, while being close to the many popular attractions of San Diego.  Its bungalow-style guest rooms are tucked among tropical gardens, lagoons and the tranquil sandy shores of the bay.

One of the five pools at Paradise Point Resort & Spa

The resort features 5 pools, a spa, salon and fitness center, several restaurants, and an island market. Guests can take surf lessons, play golf, basketball, tennis, rent bicycles, Segways, quadracycles, and enjoy the blazing warmth of a bonfire at sunset, right on the beach in one of the 14 bonfire pits. The marina also has a variety of rentals for water sports including kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, speed boats, and paddleboards.

Offsite Family Attractions 

Some of the wonderful attractions in the area include the San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, Legoland, Birch Aquarium, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The resort offers packages and family deals at special pricing as well. Paradise Point Resort & Spa was also featured in our Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast.  For more information visit their website at www.paradisepoint.com

Pearl South Padre – South Padre Island, Texas 

South Padre Island in Texas’s beautiful Gulf Coast is home to Pearl South Padre hotel. This idyllic getaway boasts luxurious accommodations with private balconies commanding gorgeous views. Their hotel guestrooms and beachside condominiums are nestled on the shores of this Texas barrier island bathed in gentle ocean breezes and the warmth of the southern sun. All of the condos have spacious living rooms and fully-equipped kitchens, with one or two bedroom options to serve your family needs.

The beaches in South Padre Island are beautiful

Pearl South Padre hotel features a 6,000-square-foot swimming pool with waterfall and swim-up bar, an oversized whirlpool, children’s pool, beach volleyball, parasailing, horseback riding, banana boat rides, wave runners, spa, fitness center, and nearby golf club. Onsite dining and a gift shop are also at the hotel.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island boasts many watersports in addition to those offered by the hotel. There are boat rentals, kiteboarding, ecological tours, and dolphin watches, to name a few. The tranquil shores of South Padre island dotted with seagulls and natural beauty await. For more information on this hotel visit their website at www.pearlsouthpadre.com

South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island, Florida 

It is no surprise to learn that pirates once claimed the shores of the beautiful Captiva Island just off the southwest coast of Florida. With so much natural splendor, this island is known for its lovely shells, white sandy beaches, and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Captiva Island’s glorious sunset

South Seas Island Resort is one of the best ways to explore the natural treasures of Captiva Island. It has a vast array of accommodations to suit today’s diverse family needs. From hotel rooms, villas and cottages, to private homes and condos, there is something here for everyone. What is most attractive about this resort is the endless range of activities including special things like the swim school with programs for kids and toddlers. Stunning beaches, turquoise pools, a host of dining options, shops, water sports, cruises, fishing, golf, tennis, a spa, fitness center and so much more await to rejuvenate the senses. The resort pool complex also boasts a family water park with two water slides, and poolside cabana rentals with stocked mini-refrigerators, cable television, internet access and poolside dining.

A family interactive center on the island provides recreational fun for all ages from tiny tots to kids and teens. Arts and crafts, games, competitions, an arcade and more are sure to keep kids happy. There is even a kids’ night out for children ages 4-11 that includes dinner, crafts and games, so that parents can enjoy a little time on their own as well. Resort specials and packages help make this oasis affordable. For more information on South Seas Island Resort visit their website at www.southseas.com

Amusement parks have long been a preferred venue for families in search of exciting entertainment. From favorite roller coasters, to high-speed thrillers, traditional family and children’s rides, live entertainment, shops and dining, these alphabetically listed parks have something for everyone in the family.

BUSCH GARDENS  WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg, Virginia

Verbolten is one of the many exciting rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

One of the most visited parks in the United States, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia has an exciting array of European-themed rides, shows, tours, and animal exhibits committed to conservation including gray wolves, lorikeets, red foxes and bald eagles. The park itself is very beautiful and divided into 10 hamlets inspired by Europe. Guests can take behind-the-scenes tours, watch entertaining shows, indulge in mellow to thrill-seeking rides, and shop and dine in the many venues themed after European countries including Italy, France, Germany and Ireland. There are also plenty of attractions for kids, making it perfect for the whole family. For more information visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/buschgardens-williamsburg

CEDAR POINT – Sandusky, Ohio 

This animatronic T-Rex is a roaring sight in Cedar Point’s Dinosaurs Alive! attraction

Dating back to 1870, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio is the second oldest amusement park in North America. This highly acclaimed theme park has drawn people to its pleasure grounds on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie time and again. Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is a sprawling 364 acres with 15 roller coasters and everything from brain-scrambling thrill rides, to family rides, areas for children like Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy with their own exciting rides and attractions, to live entertainment, shops and great dining. It also features the prehistoric-themed attraction Dinosaurs Alive! (nominal fee required) with 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. For more information visit www.cedarpoint.com

DISNEY - Florida & California    

Cinderella’s Castle rising in the midst of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park

Disney has enchanted children for decades, and both Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, are wonderful places to spark their imaginations with their rides, attractions and entertainment. The parks are divided into themed lands (varies by park) including Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, with favorite attractions like “it’s a small world,” the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beautiful fairytale castles. Activities for all ages abound, from shopping, dining, games, rides galore, dazzling entertainment, a host of favorite Disney characters, and so much more. For more information on Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida visit Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Visit our Disney World and our Disneyland Articles for a more in-depth look into the theme parks complete with reviews and family tips.

DOLLYWOOD – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Dollywood Express affords gorgeous views of the Great Smokey Mountain foothills (Courtesy of Jeff Hunsaker)

With the Great Smokey Mountains rising majestically in the background, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee blends an invigorating country flavor into its gorgeous natural setting. This award-winning theme park has spectacular rides, attractions, live entertainment and craft shops that combine the southern tradition and history of Tennessee into an authentic and unforgettable experience. There are rides for all ages from white-knuckle thrillers like its newest wing coaster Wild Eagle, to kiddie rides, playgrounds for children, rides that make the most of the spectacular views and scenery of the mountain foothills like the Dollywood Express steam engine, plenty of shops, delicious dining, and more. For more information visit www.dollywood.com

HERSHEYPARK – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hersheypark is like three parks in one with its dry rides, water park rides in The Boardwalk, and its 11-acre zoo called ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Hersheypark has been entertaining people since its original founding in 1907 by Milton S. Hershey as a place of enjoyment for his employees. With over 65 rides and attractions including 12 coasters and a whole slew of rides for children, exciting live entertainment, games, shops and food, this outstanding 110-acre theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania has built a highly respected reputation in its industry. One admission price also includes access to the water park style rides and attractions of The Boardwalk, as well as to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park – an 11-acre zoo with over 200 animals from more than 60 species representative of North America, making it a world of delight for all ages. For more information visit www.hersheypark.com

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN’ SAFARI – Santa Claus, Indiana

The flying carousel ride HallowSwings at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offers panoramic views (Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari thrills guests with its dynamic duo of an amusement park and water park. With free parking, free unlimited soft drinks, free sunscreen, free Wi-Fi, rides for all levels, exciting attractions, shows, shops and dining, this theme park makes for an outstanding time for the whole family. This Santa Claus, Indiana park is themed after traditional holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and 4th of July. It is also home to the world’s longest water coaster Mammoth, and has a wonderful play area for kids that includes the interactive climbing structure Holidog’s Treehouse, and Magic Waters with its geysers for splashing fun. Holiday World was previously featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA article, while Splashin’ Safari was included in our Top 10 Best Waterparks in the United States article. For more information visit www.holidayworld.com

KINGS ISLAND – Mason, Ohio

Kids can ride on The Great Pumpkin Coaster at Kings Island Planet Snoopy

The largest amusement park in the Midwest also features the water park Soak City with more than 50 splashing attractions, so guests can have twice the fun for one admission price. Over 80 rides, attractions and shows at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio await to entertain families with kids of all ages. There are family rides like bumper cars, coasters, and flying swings, to thrill rides like the coasters Diamondback and The Beast, to special kids’ attractions like Planet Snoopy with its own rides, shows and favorite Peanuts characters, to live entertainment, plenty of dining options and more. Visitors can also meander through the fascinating Dinosaurs Alive! attraction with 60 life-size dinosaurs in a lush Jurassic setting (requires an additional nominal fee). For more information visit www.visitkingsisland.com

LEGOLAND– Carlsbad, California

Legoland’s Pirate Reef ride is great for sailors and landlubbers alike!

Where else can you see famous sites like the Las Vegas Strip, New York’s Central Park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, New Orleans’ French Quarter, Washington D.C.’s monuments, and more reproduced on a miniature scale of 1:20 entirely from Lego bricks?  Legoland of course! This fabulous park is an absolute delight for families with children and features rides, shows, hand-on free play areas for young children to explore, attractions, shops, dining, and an exciting water park and aquarium (requires upgrade fee). The park is divided into themed areas including Dino Island, Pirate Shores and Castle Hill that captivate visitor’s imaginations and are strewn with life-sized models of characters made from Lego bricks. For more information visit Legoland, Carlsbad California or visit their official website at: http://california.legoland.com/en. Carlsbad’s Legoland was also featured in our 20 Best Small Amusement Parks for Families in the USA.

SEAWORLD – California, Texas & Florida

See exciting dolphin shows and more at SeaWorld (Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego)

SeaWorld combines the thrills of an amusement park, with the wonder of the animal world. With three exciting locations to choose from (San Diego, CA, San Antonio, TX, and Orlando, FL), guests can learn all about the intriguing animals at these parks while having a roaring good time on the rides, attractions, shows, shops and dining. There are exciting rides for all levels of thrill seekers, like the flume coaster Journey to Atlantis, Sky Tower with its spectacular views, splashing raft rides, and gentler rides for younger children. The exhibits feature fascinating animals like penguins, playful otters, tropical fish aquariums, sleek sharks, and lots more.  All three parks have fantastic shows including dolphins, killer whales, sea lions and acrobatic stunts. There are lots of touch/feed pools, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal encounters for viewers to learn more about the amazing animals up close. For more information about their Southern California location please visit Sea World San Diego California Family Review, or you can also visit their official site at  http://seaworldparks.com

SESAME PLACE – Langhorne, Pennsylvania 

See Elmo and other lovable furry characters at Sesame Place (Photo contributed by Sesame Place)

This fantastic amusement park is the only one of its kind in the country, and perfect for families with younger children. See the Sesame Street Neighborhood come to life complete with its beloved furry characters like Elmo, Big Bird, the Cookie Monster, as well as the Furry Arms Hotel, Oscar’s trash can, Mr. Hooper’s store, Bert and Ernie’s house, and more. This Langhorne, Pennsylvania park offers games and plenty of wet and dry attractions for kids to ride, play, climb and explore including Big Bird’s Court, the Cookie Mountain, an interactive water play castle, slides, wave pool and more. Exciting shows and the popular Neighborhood Street Party Parade with all the favorite furry friends makes a visit to this outstanding theme park a memorable experience. For more information visit www.sesameplace.com

SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA – Gurnee, Illinois

The dazzling Columbia Carousel stands 10 stories with two decks for a nostalgic ride (Courtesy of Six Flags Great America)

Located in Gurnee, Illinois, Six Flags Great America is also home to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor where guests can get their fill of dry and wet thrills, and best of all, the water park is free with park admission. There are countless rides including the thrilling coasters Raging Bull and Viper, Jester’s Wild Ride rocking tugboat ride, Big Easy Balloons, Little Dipper family coaster, the resplendent Columbia Carousel, lots of shops, dining options, and shows with live entertainment including the Glow in the Park Parade. Three areas dedicated just for kids ensure that even the youngest guests are thoroughly entertained and include Skull Island, Kidzopolis, and Camp Cartoon with rides, attractions and play areas. The water park boasts slides, raft rides, a wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and more. For more information visit www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS – Orlando, Florida 

The iconic globe of Universal Studios Orlando

The world of film and television has a marvelous element of fantasy that is lots of fun to explore at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  From behind-the-scenes shows, to real working movie sets, and exciting rides and attractions, a visit to this park is unforgettable. There are 3-D and 4-D interactive experiences like Shrek 4-D and Terminator 2 3-D, play areas for kids like Curious George Goes to Town and Fievel’s Playground, shows like A Day in the Park with Barney, Fear Factor Live with lots of audience participation, the Horror Make-up Show, a variety of shops, and a delicious array of dining including cafes and restaurants. For more information visit Universal Orlando: Not Just for Thrill-Seeking Teens.

Desert Springs Marriott Villas 2 along the Valley Golf Course

Palm Desert, California is a very popular destination for snowbirds looking to escape the cold weather during the winter months. With hundreds of golf courses within minutes driving time, a wide range of accommodations from budget motels to five star resorts, plentiful recreational attractions, abundant shopping and dining, and stunning natural beauty, this desert oasis is a great place to visit anytime of the year.

This is the amazing view from our Villa patio looking out towards a lake on the Valley Golf Course

Our family chose the Marriott Vacation Club’s Desert Springs Marriott Villas 2 in Palm Desert for our summer vacation in July of 2012. Conveniently located only 2 hours from the heart of Los Angeles, or 2 hours and 20 minutes from San Diego, it’s no wonder so many Southern California residents make the Desert Springs Marriott Villas in this small town gem their respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. With Palm Springs International Airport a short 10 to 15 minutes driving distance, and the Ontario International Airport one hour away, there is no shortage of travel options for far-away visitors.

The Palmeras Pool pool area – 3 full size pools, children’s wading pool and splash fountains, and 2 large hot tubs

Between two and three weeks prior to your arrival, we recommend contacting the Pre-Arrivals department of the Desert Springs Marriott Villas with any special requests. We were traveling with three families, each with their own villa, so it was very important for us to be in close proximity to each other. We are a high maintenance group, so our requests did not stop there! In addition, we asked to be on the ground floor level, facing the golf course, and walking distance to the Palmeras Pool. Although they offer no guarantee, their friendly staff will do everything possible to accommodate their guests.

Villa Options and Descriptions

Entertaining the family in our villa living room

There are three accommodation options available at the Marriott Villas. The smallest and most economical option is the standard guest room also referred to as a studio villa. These rooms come with either a king size bed, or two double size beds depending on your requirements. A small kitchenette is available with a mini refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker, as well as a limited number of dishes and silverware. It comes with a full bathroom including shower and separate tub. Each studio villa has an attached private patio with patio furniture. We highly recommend securing one of these villas facing the golf course which will expand your patio into a sprawling scenic landscape of green fairways, palm trees and lakes.

The next step up in accommodations is the one bedroom one bathroom villa. This spacious villa comes with all the conveniences of home, including a full kitchen, living room, laundry room, and separate bedroom. The kitchen is equipped with a full size refrigerator, microwave oven, range oven with stove, toaster, coffee maker, garbage disposal, cabinets with a full set of dishes, glasses, pots and pans, and drawers with a full set of silverware and other basic necessities like spatulas, bottle openers, and a set of sharp knives.

Our kids playing in a small inflatable pool steps from our Villa patio

Book a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom villa like we did, and your family can stretch out and relax in comfort with separate quarters available for your kids during sleep time. Our two kids are both toddlers and still take long naps during the day, so that separate bedroom was a key feature for us. The bedroom walls are very well insulated, and with the blackout drapes, we had no problem entertaining guests in our living room while the kids were sound asleep during the day or night. If you are fortunate enough to have a villa facing the golf course like we did, you can slide open your drapes in the living room and both bedrooms and enjoy marvelous vistas visible through the large windows. My wife and I like our bedroom to be extra cold while we sleep, so the separate air conditioning thermostat in the kids bedroom was a key feature for our maximum comfort.

Our daughter enjoying one of the pools at the Palmeras in her comfortable shaded floaty

The Desert Springs Marriott Villas and the adjacent JW Marriott Desert Springs Hotel have invested millions of dollars in renovations over the past few years. Our three families stayed in villas that were completely remodeled with brand new carpeting, new tile floors, kitchen appliances, flat screen TVs, furniture, cabinets and granite counters throughout. We are a tough family to please, and from the moment we arrived, every one of us was thrilled with the clean, bright and modern upgrades. There was also free and ample covered parking for guests throughout the complex. Guests looking for a cardio or weight lifting work-out have free 24 hour access to the on-site gym located next to the main lobby.  Another bonus that cannot go unmentioned is the free WIFI broadband Internet service accessible from anywhere in your villa or the pool areas.

On-Site Recreation, Shopping and Dining

The one foot deep Palmeras children’s wading pool perfect for toddlers

With 7 enclosed pool areas strategically located throughout the resort grounds, a refreshing swim or soothing hot tub is always walking distance away. The Palmeras pool area is our favorite, with three large pools (one with a volleyball net), a 1 foot deep children’s wading pool, splashing water fountains, two hot tubs, and an outdoor bar and grill called the Water’s Edge just steps away. There are always plenty of lawn chairs available for you and your family to stake your claim. We recommend arriving to the pool before 11am to secure one of the many the umbrellas for shade.

Children running and playing in the water spray fountains at the Palmeras pool

Guests of the Villas can enjoy deep discounts at the two golf courses that meander their way throughout the resort connecting all of the villas and the adjacent JW Marriott Desert Springs Hotel. These two challenging golf courses, the Valley Course and Palms Course, lure golfers of all skill levels with their well maintained verdant greens and fairways, numerous white sand bunkers and picturesque lakes.

Our kids running free on the golf course outside our Villa in 89 degree weather and high humidity. It felt like we were in Hawaii!

Villa guests looking for spa, dining and shopping options within walking or free shuttle distance have full access to the Desert Springs JW Marriott Hotel. Our family favorite is the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse where you can enjoy good steak and seafood dishes prepared table side by skilled and entertaining chefs on their teppan grill. Mikado also has a sushi bar, and fresh sushi is available for order anywhere in the restaurant. Guests of the Villas can also enjoy a discount of up to 20% on dining at the Hotel as well as certain other restaurants in the Palm Desert area. Look for the discount card in your welcome package which also includes a list of the participating restaurants and attractions.

Nearby Shopping, Dining and Attractions

The Market Place shopping center with a Ralph’s supermarket, Rite-Aid, and several restaurants and other small shops are located less than 5 minutes drive from the Desert Springs Marriott Villas. Drive 10 minutes away to The River at Rancho Mirage, a fashionable center with a wide variety of food choices like P.F. Changs, Flemings and Babe’s Bar-B-Que, and plentiful boutique shopping outfits and entertainment including the Century Theaters at The River with over a dozen movie theaters.

Palm Springs Tramway rising 8,500 feet

For families with kids, we recommend a visit to the Children’s Discovery Museum Rancho Mirage less than 10 minutes drive from the resort. The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Garden Palm Desert is also a great family attraction minutes from the resort with 1,200 acres of natural desert beauty, plants, and animals from all over the world. Another family favorite is the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, climbing 8,500 feet to the San Jacinto Peak. This scenic and unforgettable ride up the mountain is just the beginning. There are both Winter and Summer activities including hiking, camping, guided nature walks and even cross country skiing! Nourish both your body and soul at the Peaks Restaurant, with a good variety of food choices and breathtaking views of the valley below.

Family Tips

Celebrity Sitters is a wonderful on call babysitting service for in-room childcare in Palm Desert and other nearby cities. They are CPR and First Aid certified, but best of all, they are all very reliable, friendly, loving and experienced child care specialists. For reservations call (760)251-4567.

Families traveling with very young children and staying in a 2 bedroom 2 bath villa should bring along a baby monitor for the spare bedroom so parents can hear/see the kids when they wake.

Although there are high chairs and pack and plays available free at the resort, it’s always a good idea to request these items ahead of time to insure availability. Families with toddlers too big for a pack-and-play can request a villa with a trundle pull-out bed. Not all villas are equipped with one, so make sure to arrange this in advance. The Pre-Arrivals department is very accommodating and can handle this along with all of your other requests.

It’s not uncommon for Summer temperatures in Palm Desert to rise above 110 degrees. Make sure to bring sunscreen, hats and mosquito repellant. Mosquitoes are not usually a problem throughout the day, but they do come out for a short time around dusk and can be a nuisance. A convenience store is also available on-site next to the lobby.

There are no screen doors at the villas, so we recommend always closing the patio door immediately after use to avoid attracting crickets, flies, mosquitoes and other unwanted desert creatures.

The Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas 1 and the Marriott Desert Springs Villas 2 are located at 1092 Pinehurst Lane, Palm Desert, California 92260.  Their phone number for reservations, or to reach the Pre-Arrivals department is: (760)779-1200.

Located on the breathtaking Pacific Ocean cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula lies the idyllic Terranea Resort and Golf Course. This Mediterranean style resort is perched along the Rancho Palos Verdes coast on over 100 acres of unobstructed views of the ocean and Catalina Island. Conveniently located just 25 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, this magnificent luxury resort makes a wonderful getaway for visitors and local residents alike.

The hotel is made up of a variety of well appointed accommodations including guest rooms, suites, villas, bungalows and Casitas, making it a wonderful choice for families of all sizes. All the guests we have interviewed agree that the rooms are fantastic and the beds very comfortable.

Terranea Resort Pool and Ocean View

There are a total of 3 pools on the property, and families especially will enjoy the main resort pool with giant water slide. The hotel appeals to adults as well as families. The Spa at Terranea was built with wellness and comfort as its main objective and is located in one of the most picturesque oceanfront settings in California. With an excellent gym, a peaceful outdoor pool facing the ocean, and a full service Spa and Wellness Center, this 50,000 square foot oasis is sure to nurture both body and mind.

There are ample dining choices at the Terranea Resort itself with 8 different options. Among these are casual settings like the Lobby Bar and Lounge open noon until about midnight, or more formal dining options like Bashi for both lunch and dinner (open 11am through 10pm daily). Order food from the full service poolside menu at the main pool or the Spa Cafe, or enjoy a private meal indoors with 24 hours in-room dining service.

Terranea Resort Spa Pool

Surrounding the hotel and weaving its way throughout the Terranea Resort is a challenging nine hole Par-3 golf course with spectacular views of the ocean from every hole. The Links at Terranea is a highly recommended course for golfers of any skill level simply because of it’s beauty, challenging design, and well maintained grounds. Pull carts and golf club rentals are available at the pro-shop. There are also two putting greens, and chipping green, and private lessons are available for anyone wishing to fine tune their swing. Anyone wishing to play on a full size world class course can also drive just a few minutes south to Trump National for the same experience, but on a larger scale.

Terranea Resort Ninth Hole Golf

There is plenty of shopping and outdoor activities to satisfy every craving. Activities include nature sunset walks along their many ocean trails, tennis, yoga, as well as scheduled events like “Friday Family Fun Night” with S’mores and hot chocolate by the fire pit, a drive-in “Movie Night”, lawn games like Bocce Ball and Croquet, and much more.

The Resort at Terranea is located at 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275. It is an exquisite resort and a must-see even if you live close by and would like to visit for the day.

One of more than 60 food trucks at the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival

The City of Angels has become synonymous with the food truck. Spend any amount of time in our fair city and you’re sure to spot them rolling down the street, restaurants-on-wheels catering to as many different types and taste-buds as there are people in our city of 12 million.

No longer simply humble “taco trucks” hawking their wares on street corners, the modern, 21st-century food truck can be found dishing up everything from gourmet grilled cheese and burgers to seafood and sushi, and everything in between. The entrepreneurial spirit that drives millions to make Los Angeles their adopted home has given birth to proprietors who have found the food truck more economical and flexible than a traditional restaurant location. These restaurateurs are able to bring exotic food from their homelands (and a taste of home, for many) to businesses all over the city.

My three boys chow down on pizza and Asian food

With their ability to move all over L.A., many of these trucks have developed a following of pretty obsessive types (myself included), who will stalk them via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to find out where in the city they will pop up next. I have to be honest, it’s an exhausting and time-consuming task for a foodie like myself.

Well, luckily for me there is an L.A. event that takes all the legwork out of tracking down my favorite food trucks. My family and I recently combined a gastronomic delight with a family fun day when we attended the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California. More than 60 different food trucks congregated at the park to hawk more varieties of food than my taste-buds could possibly handle at once. But I fully intended to try my best.

Delicious shrimp ceviche lettuce wraps from the Shrimp Pimp truck

No matter where you hail from in the world, you were sure to find something to please your palate from the infinite variety of foods available–from Indian to Cajun, from German to Greek, from vegan to meat-and-potatoes only. When we first arrived, we were so overwhelmed by the diversity of menus that we had to take a couple of laps around the park to take it all in (which was no small feat!). This whetted our appetites even more, but made it possibly even more difficult to choose. I’m one of those people who even finds it impossible to choose from a diner menu.

Ultimately, my husband and I opted to start at the Shrimp Pimp, where we sampled some delicious (if rather pricey) shrimp tacos and lettuce wraps. These were merely the appetizer for us. We moved on to one of my personal favorite trucks around Burbank, the Grilled Cheese Truck, but found the line so incredibly long at this VERY popular truck that we got discouraged and decided to move on. A couple of our boys found the fare at Valentino’s Pizza and the Meet N’ Potatoes trucks to their liking. We also devoured delicious chicken tikka masala from the Bollywood Bites truck, and would have liked to try the Lobsta Truck as well–but alas, the long queue struck again, and deterred us from eating more seafood (which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing).

We finished our international culinary journey the Italian way–at Palazzolo’s Gelato Truck, where we were delighted by the chocolate and hazelnut gelatos–absolutely perfect on this very hot day. Our three boys opted for more “American” ice cream, buying cones from Longboard’s Ice Cream.

View from the grandstand at Santa Anita Racetrack, where we played the horses

I also simply got a big kick out of walking around and looking at all the great creative names people have come up with for their trucks: the Nom Nom Truck, Baby’s Badass Burgers, The Munch Box, and perhaps my favorite of all, Truck Norris (the truck is black with a large fist painted on each side of the truck. Pretty intimidating).

Once we had eaten waaaay more than our fill, we checked out the other activities. In addition to the food truck fiesta, the day featured live music from The Polyester Players and The M-80′s, and kids’ amusements including an inflatable giant slide, carnival games, pony rides, a bounce house, and face painting.

Since we were at a race track, and also since neither I nor my boys had ever seen a “live” horse race before, we decided to head up into the grandstands and check out a few of the races for fun. It was also getting almost unbearably hot and we thought a few seats in the shade with a cool drink might be just the thing. Never a betting person by nature, I thought it might be fun to wager just a small amount of money on one of the horses to make it more exciting. My husband agreed, and the family was all soon cheering on a beautiful black thoroughbred named “Ruler of Dubai.” Amazingly enough, our horse pulled out in front for the majority of the race, but he ultimately disappointed us by coming in fourth. Still, it was an exciting experience, and one I’d definitely like to try again.

The Food Truck Fest is held periodically throughout the year at Santa Anita Park (normally spring and fall). For more information go to: www.santaanitalive.com.

An impressive aerial view of the USS Iowa firing a full broadside during target exercises in 1984 near Puerto Rico (photo by Phan J. Alan Elliott)

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” This certainly applies to the USS Iowa, the battleship hailed as the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship,” serving our country for over 50 years, from World War II, to the Korean Conflict, during the Cold War, and the post-Cold War Era.

This “Battleship of Presidents” has hosted Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush during its five decades of distinctive service, at one time transporting President Roosevelt to and from the Tehran Conference during World War II where he met with Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and subsequently decided to open a second front against Nazi Germany.

The Big Stick

Another awesome demonstration of this formidable battleship (photo by Jeff Hilton)

With its fast speed of 33 knots, large caliber guns, heavy armor and survivability, it is no wonder the USS Iowa battleship was also known as the “Big Stick.” At 887 feet, this sleek warship stretches close to three football fields long, with a thickness of about 12 inches at its sides, and a maximum conning tower thickness of about 17 inches.

The battleship’s guns are at least as impressive as its armor. It boasts three 16″/50 triple main gun turrets with a total of 9 guns whose barrels are about 66 feet long. There are 16 secondary 5″/38 twin gun mounts and four Phalanx 20mm close-in weapons systems as well. Additionally, it has eight Tomahawk Armored Box launchers (32 long-range cruise missiles), and sixteen Harpoon launchers (16 anti-ship missiles).

Turret Explosion

Memorial Plaque

In 1989, an accidental powder explosion within Turret Two killed 47 crew members aboard the ship during a gunnery exercise. The quick action taken by another crewman to flood the #2 powder magazine prevented what could have been a far greater disaster.

Although this was the USS Iowa’s only loss of life ever experienced in the battleship’s history, it is one of the worst incurred during the Navy’s peacetime operations, and a reminder of the fragility of life.

A memorial plaque dedicated to those crewmen who lost their lives in the explosion remains on the ship today.

Floating Memorial & Museum

The sheer power of the battleship commands respect

In July 2012, the USS Iowa was opened to the public at the Port of Los Angeles. The self-guided tours of this impressive battleship are a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn about our country’s naval history up close. Roam the expansive teak wood decks with commanding views of the port; visit the officers’ wardroom where they would enjoy some leisurely time; see the gun battery Turrets 1 and 2 on the main deck of the bows of the ship; view the captain’s wardroom where the only bathtub on a U.S. Navy warship was installed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt; walk through the crew’s mess and galley on the second deck, and more.

This map shows guests where the battleship has traveled

Many informative displays feature interesting facts, photographs, and statistics about the ship, its commissions and service, where it has been, and the prominent figures and dignitaries who have graced its decks. Several short complimentary videos also provide fascinating insight on the history of the USS Iowa. One could almost imagine the crew in action during wartime commissions, climbing the steep narrow staircases and running through the decks in an atmosphere charged with adrenaline.

The tour comes to an end by the crew’s mess and galley where a large gift shop on the battleship sells souvenirs, books, videos, toys, collectibles, clothing, snacks and more. Guests leave the ship by way of the helicopter landing deck, and exit on the starboard gangway.

Location

Our flag proudly waving aboard the USS Iowa

The USS IOWA is located at Berth 87 at the Port of Los Angeles at 250 South Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro, California.

A war veteran itself, the USS Iowa makes an impressive sight where it finally rests after five decades of unwavering service. And as the eye sweeps over its awesome form, its steel-grey hull gleaming, it comes to rest on Old Glory, waving proudly from the stern under a brilliant Southern California sun.

Cleopatra was Queen of Egypt in 51 B.C.

Imagine a life of exquisite opulence. One that donned the finest of everything, from sumptuous feasting with an endless flow of the best wine served in plates and goblets of gold, to the most luxurious silks and fabrics, to glittering jewels and artifacts that adorned the body and palace. A life of unbridled pleasure where music and merry-making blended with the intrigues of power and the ruling of an empire bent on worshiping their kings as gods. Such was the life of Cleopatra VII: Queen of Egypt in 51 B.C.

Jewels fit for a queen in radiant gold encrusted with gemstones have withstood the test of time

The mystery surrounding this legendary queen has only served to enhance her appeal over time. She was a woman of tremendous passion, ambition and intelligence. A queen who brought the Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to their knees, seduced by her charms and cunning. A ruler whose ways were criticized by the Romans – themselves given to a life of decadence and debauchery.

Cleopatra has been immortalized by artists, in books, and in Hollywood where myths and mysteries have been explored, depicted, debated and displayed time and again.

Special Exhibit at the California Science Center

Standing over 16 feet tall, these towering statues have a aura of power and mystery

Open to the public now through December 31, 2012, the California Science Center in Los Angeles is showcasing Cleopatra: The Exhibition. This 13,000-square-foot exhibit features a wonderful assortment of artifacts, gold, jewels, coins, statues and other objects that have withstood the test of time. Many of these relics were discovered buried in the sand and sea, and can now be viewed up close. The exhibition also features a complimentary audio tour of Cleopatra and her life that awakens the imagination with its fascinating narration of the woman who lived like a goddess.

A carved sphinx continues to gaze at onlookers as he did thousands of years ago

This is an excellent opportunity for adults and school-aged children to glimpse the objects of an ancient ruler who remains forever an object of fascination herself.  See sphinxes and other statues of many sizes carved from granite, bronze or other metals in their graceful enduring poses. Marvel at the many coins, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and other jewels fashioned in intricate gold and gemstones that were once worn by the ancient Egyptians, perhaps even the legendary queen herself. Study some of the ammunition used in battles, like spearheads, slingshot bullets, axe-heads, arrowheads and a helmet. There are many informative displays with photographs of the objects in the exhibition as they were originally found in the sea by Alexandria.

Ancient coins glitter, catching the eye and imagination

Cleopatra’s legacy remains strong in the artifacts, history, and imaginations fueled by her life and the relics left behind from her dynasty. Alluring and somewhat elusive, she is like the shimmering trail of a shooting star across the night sky. Stardust that continues to sparkle long after the star itself is gone. Do not miss the chance to explore some of the gleaming remnants of her reign.

California Science Center

The statues are remarkably well preserved, a testament to the Egyptians’ enduring craftsmanship

While at the California Science Center, take advantage of their permanent exhibition galleries which are FREE. There is a separate charge for special exhibits (including the Cleopatra exhibit), several attractions and the IMAX theater. This is a wonderful museum for people of all ages, and especially captivating and appropriate for children with its many hands-on and interactive exciting exhibits.

The California Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles, CA 90037.