Posted by Carol Nichols on January 13, 2011 at 2:26 PM
I would like to make sure my grandchildren see the very best places in the United States. If you could only take your grandchildren or children (under age 16) to 2 places in the United States, where are the 2 places you absolutely would not want them to miss?
You'll have to filter, because I can't narrow it down to two. But those two would among Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Denali, Yosemite, Escalante and Bryce.
Posted by Luke Ormand on January 13, 2011 at 4:52 PM
NYC (and surrounding area, like Montauk)
SoCal and all it has to offer (San Diego, Coastline, Interior Mountains)
Posted by dan elster on January 13, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Oregon coast.
Posted by Glenn Starr on January 13, 2011 at 7:09 PM
If it is for the children?
Disney World and Discovery Cove (Swim with the Dolphins) both in Orlando.
Posted by Brad Mangas on January 13, 2011 at 7:31 PM
There would have to be a dozen questions asked for me to know what "you" think is the best and I guarantee it will not be what I think is the best.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 13, 2011 at 8:02 PM
How far under age 16? I'd agree with Hank that Denali is one; as long as you are here, do Seward and Kenai Fjords, too.
Posted by Carol Nichols on January 13, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Brad, I realize that everyone will have a different idea of what's best. That's why I want the opinions of others so that I can broaden my viewpoint.
And I don't mean just national parks or just photography locations, but anywhere!
Posted by Danny Laureys on January 13, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Columbia River Gorge, Or & Disney World
Posted by Troy White on January 13, 2011 at 10:55 PM
The Black Hills(Custer State Park, Wind Cave, Spearfish Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Bear Butte & the Badlands all in one area) and Glacier National Park.
Our daughter and her family live in the DC area now, and we made 4 trips to the Smithsonian with our 11-year old granddaughter. I'm not saying she has dreams of flight, but she spent two long afternoons in the Air and Space museum. It was all about the interactive displays, and we virtually had to drag her away, even to get something to eat or drink. To the degree that locations have "interactive" programs, they'll virtually rank themselves with kids.
And speaking of interactive, make sure the kid has his/her own camera in hand, even if you have to buy one. Last Christmas I bought our granddaughter an inexpensive pocket digital purely out of self-defense. That was the only way I could get a turn with my own!! And she's used it constantly in the year since. I'm not forecasting that she'll be a photographer either, but it's great fun to have a regular stream of email photos from her to help keep tabs on her view of life. Another big for that opportunity to connect with a grandkid.
There are a lot of places mentioned I have not been to. But for the places I know, it's hard to beat Yosemite! There is so much there packed into a relatively small place. So if time is a factor, you can see and do a lot in only one day if that's all you have. I agree with Yellowstone as well, and D.C. is a good suggestion too.
Discussion
14 repliesMy 2 choices would be:
Disney World
Yellowstone National Park
I'm looking forward to finding out your places!
SoCal and all it has to offer (San Diego, Coastline, Interior Mountains)
Disney World and Discovery Cove (Swim with the Dolphins) both in Orlando.
And I don't mean just national parks or just photography locations, but anywhere!
Our daughter and her family live in the DC area now, and we made 4 trips to the Smithsonian with our 11-year old granddaughter. I'm not saying she has dreams of flight, but she spent two long afternoons in the Air and Space museum. It was all about the interactive displays, and we virtually had to drag her away, even to get something to eat or drink. To the degree that locations have "interactive" programs, they'll virtually rank themselves with kids.
And speaking of interactive, make sure the kid has his/her own camera in hand, even if you have to buy one. Last Christmas I bought our granddaughter an inexpensive pocket digital purely out of self-defense. That was the only way I could get a turn with my own!!
Chris