Mag Park

Archive for January, 2010

Magpark.com – With its moderate temperatures year round, if you travel to San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world in which to go outside and play. No matter what time of year it is, there is probably something you can find to do outside that is a lot of fun. Even if it is just “Singing in the Rain”. Beyond singing of course, there are plenty of activities that are best enjoyed out of doors. And there are few places in the world better to enjoy these outdoor activities than Golden Gate Park.

If you like wheels, there are plenty of places in the park where you can either rent biking and skating equipment. Of course if you plan on skating, it is quite easy to bring your own equipment along on your vacation. If you have children and are looking for fun activities that you can enjoy together, these are among the top on my list. Of course there are several more that you will find at Golden Gate Park as well.

I can keep my kids occupied for hours with one little Frisbee tossed between the three of them. And there are plenty of open spaces in this great park where Frisbee tossing is quite possible. In addition to Frisbee there are several other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by you or your family.

If you love the water as I do, you will be delighted to find that in addition to beaches which offer surfing and sea animal watching, there is a huge lake in the park which offers paddleboat and row boat rentals. This is good fun and clean living if you ask me. Of course, I’m a water baby so I’m a little biased.

If water isn’t your thing, have you ever tried swing dancing? If not, it’s time you considered Lindy in the Park. Every Sunday, weather permitting, there is swing dancing from 11:00 am -2:00 pm with free lessons offered at 12:30 pm. Young and old children alike get a real thrill out of this and it’s a great way to trick yourself into exercising. Lindy in the Park is completely free and a lot of fun. If you are planning to include a trip to Golden Gate Park in your San Francisco visit, I strongly urge you to plan it for Sunday and plan to attend Lindy in the Park.

There is an archery field and a shop where you can rent all the equipment you will need. In addition to equipment, which can be purchased or rented, you can also buy lessons for that equipment as well. If this is something you’ve never tried before, you should at least stop by and take a look. I think it’s a great sport that is incredibly fun for young and old alike. It’s also something that isn’t as commonly found as it should be so may actually be a real treat for your children.

In addition to these activities there are handball tables both indoors and outdoors that can be used for a quick game. If this is something that you find interesting you might want to stake out a spot close by because there are only a few tables and a great deal of interest. Other interesting activities in Golden Gate Park include lawn bowling, tennis, dog runs, basketball, and disc golf.  .

If all of that isn’t enough there are several other sites and activities available throughout the park that should spark your interest. Among those is a favorite for young and old children alike–The 1912 Herschel-Spillman carousel. This is very popular among children and seconded closely by the nearby playground. If you think about it, a day at Golden Gate Park isn’t your typical day at the park. With so much to do and see, it is hard to imagine that a day at this park isn’t a vacation in and of itself.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Magpark.com – Dear readers, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located near Keystone, South Dakota.  Originally commissioned as a way of encouraging more visitors to an area where the local economy needs tourists, the 18m sculpture was started in 1927 and completed in 1947. The memorial depicts facial likenesses of past Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, and is responsible for bringing around 2 million visitors to the Dakota area each year.

We must know, although there doesn’t outwardly appear to be much to keep visitors at the area for a day,  be prepared to spend a while there as Mount Rushmore is more than just a historical carving in the face of a mountain.  During the day, take advantage of the beautiful area to do some hiking or biking.  There’s plenty of wildlife in the Black Hills area to provide photograph opportunities and excite younger members of the family.  If it’s a hot day, cool off a little in the Lincoln Borglum Museum which shows a 13 minute movie about Mount Rushmore.

We recommended you to take a stroll along the Presidential Trail which begins at the Grandview Terrace (above the theatre), which is one of the best viewing areas of the memorial, and ends at the Sculptor’s Studio.  Here you can learn more about the process involved with creating a memorial on such a huge scale.  If you have children in your party, there’s also a children’s program led by a ranger which lasts about a half an hour, but they must be accompanied by parents.

Once dusk falls the rangers lead a evening lighting ceremony.  This is held in the amphitheatre and is more information about how the sculpture was created.  Immediately following the presentation, Mount Rushmore is illuminated and remains lit for two hours.

If you only have a few hours to spend, then try to organize your visit so that you not only enjoy the memorial in sunlight, but also can experience the magic of seeing the huge sculpture illuminated against the dark evening sky.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Magpark.com – Everybody in the world must be know about this Park. The Grand Canyon National Park was one of America’s first National Parks, and it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations with visitors from across the world being inspired by its breathtaking beauty every day.  The Canyon, which the Colorado River has cut through the gorge, is approximately 275 miles long and between a quarter of a mile to 15 miles wide (average is approximately 10 miles), depending on where you are standing.  It’s also about a mile deep which means that it’s a challenge that many people enjoy to hike (or ride) down into the gorge.

You should know that there are two different sides of the Grand Canyon, the more tourist orientated South Rim which is open year around, and the more secluded North Rim which is closed during the winter season.  On the South Rim, there are many opportunities for learning about the Canyon, and ways of experiencing it first hand – whether a bus tour around the rim stopping at observation points to for photo opportunities, hiking down the trails, rafting along the river, or even taking a flight through the gorge.  On the North Rim however, you will find the Grand Canyon more fiercely guarded against the trapping of commercialism, with most of the thrills coming from the light patterns on the Canyon walls as day turns into night.

As you know, accommodation is limited in the Grand Canyon, especially on the North Rim so if you intend to stay overnight in the park to experience both a sunset and a sunrise be sure to make a reservation far in advance of your vacation period.

Maybe this Rim you should come, the South Rim has wheelchairs available for visitors, and many of the areas/facilities – although not the shuttle buses (anyone requiring a shuttle bus with wheelchair access should call the day before they visit the Grand Canyon to ensure one will be running the next day as these are operated on an “on demand” basis) – are wheelchair/mobility impaired accessible although assistance may be required.

Come and visit the great Grand Canyon. Whether you prefer the South Rim with its array of opportunities and challenges for experiencing the Canyon, or the more solitary and intimate “back to nature” atmosphere of the North Rim, the magnitude of the Grand Canyon is an forgettable experience.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Magpark.com – Everglades National Park, Florida is the 3^rd largest national park in America, area 1.6 million square miles of the Everglades National Park is teeming with natural beauty.  Its swamplands are as familiar a sight as the alligators and airboats used to promote the area. The ecosystem of the park is what draws many of the visitors here.  Although there’s plenty of waterways, swimming isn’t an option because of the unfriendly wildlife who live there, but canoeing is one way of enjoying the water from the relative safety of a vessel.

You can find some guided tours around the park by staff who will talk about the wildlife of the park, and the various sites to see within it.  These tours can be on foot, or by a regular tram, or even by boat – obviously one of the best ways to see the Everglades which are noted for their grasses which grow up through the shallow waters in much of the park.

You must remember as with most nature reserve/national parks personal safety must be your priority in the Everglades.  This isn’t a superficial theme park.  The wildlife here is real, the teeth are real, and they do bite!  If you take children, especially younger children, make sure that they are aware of the dangers and that they must listen to what people tell them.  This is even more important if you take them out on a boat tour where they must sit still and not trail their hands in the water.

Now, you must believe that the Everglades is one of the most outstanding national parks in the US, one which is unrivalled as far as it’s particular brand of natural wildlife and scenery is concerned, but it’s also a place where safety is vital – so please read the warnings carefully, keep to the rules of the park as told to you by the park staff, and you’ll have an unforgettable time for all the right reasons – oh and don’t forget the mosquito spray!

Popularity: 10% [?]

Magpark.com – Dear Readers, maybe you don’t know that Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida are the place where America welcome Africa. Situated about 75 miles west of Orlando is the home of the Busch Gardens.  Located in Tampa, Florida, this theme part is inspired by the sights and sounds of Africa, and provides an aesthetic contrast to the sugar/sweet images of Orland’s Disney parks.

You should know that the Busch Gardens are set around 10 different themed areas that include savannahs, jungle and even pyramid features, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy here.   Although animals are a great focal point in the park, it is home to one of America’s top zoos, there are rollercoasters for those who want a little more excitement in their day, or areas for those who prefer a bit of calm to take a gentle stroll in the afternoon.  For those who aren’t quite up to the daring rollercoaster rides, there’s the Seregenti Express railroad that will take you through some areas of the park, and an 8 minute land rover experience that will leave you exhilarated but not shaking!  If you aren’t afraid of heights, the Sky Ride Cable Car will give you a wonderful overview of the park below you.

Younger members of the family will love the Animal Nursery located in the Nairobi sector of the Busch Gardens.  Here they’ll find baby birds, and other animals plus a petting zoo – there are primates in this area also with apes and chimps vying for visitor attention.  For anyone who wants a closer experience with the animals, check out the daily schedule for visitor participation feeding and training encounters.  Another must do for those who like to get off the main beaten track is a behind the scenes tour – these take approximately 4-5 hours and you’ll find information about times and locations in the park, or ring the park in advance for more details.

You know, as with all theme parks, entrance isn’t cheap, nor is refreshment once you get inside, but it’s a great day out with a very authentic feel and if you intend going to other parks such as SeaWorld and/or Universal in Orlando, then you could considering buying a pass that will allow you multi-park entry at a reduced cost then paying for all entrance fees separately.

Popularity: 16% [?]