Fairy-Tale Places in the U.S. to Visit with the Kids
By Sophia LaMonica
When it’s time to escape the everyday grind for a spell, start by seeking out these family-friendly attractions taken straight from the pages of fairy tales. From the stark expanses of the Four Corners region in the Southwest to the lush, dreamy locales of the Pacific Northwest, these U.S. destinations hold enchantments for all ages.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park (Photo: Diana Robinson/Flickr)
Beguiling as it is beautiful, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is home to a haunting vista of hoodoos, totem-shaped formations formed by erosion of volcanic and sedimentary rock. Native American Paiutes call the hoodoos Anka-ku-was-a-wits, or “red painted faces,” believing them to be evil people turned to stone by a powerful coyote spirit. Theses crimson, orange, and white hoodoos, nicknamed fairy chimneys by the French, are best seen at sunup and sundown. Stay at the plush Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Lodge, a family-friendly hotel safely a mile from the nearest hoodoo. 30 N 100 E, Bryce Canyon, UT; (435) 834-5700
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park (Photo: David Fulmer/Flickr)
Mesa Verde in Colorado is the biggest archaeological preserve in the U.S. and full of kid-friendly attractions. Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and look out for Kokopelli, the hunchbacked, flute-playing fertility deity of Hopi legend that appears in rock art created by the Basketmaker II people. Take the free, self-guided tour at Mesa Top Loop Road to see the mysterious Sun Temple, then go relax in a sweet room at the Retro Inn at Mesa Verde, where impeccable vintage style awaits just a stone’s throw from Mesa Verde National Park. 2040 E Main St, Cortez, CO; (970) 565-3738
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Skagit Valley, Wash.
Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley. (Photo Amit Chattopadhyay/Flickr)
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a family-friendly annual affair bursting with millions of blooming tulips. Every April 1-30, thousands of people from near and far descend on this northwest corner of Washington to celebrate spring, snap selfies with tulips, and wonder in awe at these widely treasured flowers. Take the scenic route that snakes its way along the Skagit River through tulip fields, and book a room at the quaint and kid-friendly Tulip Inn. 2200 Freeway Dr, Mt Vernon, WA; 800-599-5969
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Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen State Park (Photo David Beyer/Flickr)
Mesmerizing Watkins Glen in New York is a 1,000-acre park overflowing with family-friendly attractions that will leave you and even the kids breathless with amazement. There are 19 rushing waterfalls and three hiking trails to tackle, so it’s best to be in good shape to take it all in. Gorge Trail, the most gasp-inducing, runs under and along the falls by way of stone bridges and more than 800 stone steps. Fill up on a big (free) breakfast and enjoy all the comforts of home at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson. Big Flats (Elmira); (800) 830-5222
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well (Photo: Bill Young/Flickr)
Part of Cape Perpetua, surrounded by water on three sides, Thor’s Well in Oregon is also known as the Spouting Horn, and it is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions of the Pacific Northwest. A saltwater fountain powered by the pull of the ocean, Thor’s Well is at its most dramatic the hour before and the hour after high tide. When Thor’s Well’s spell is finally broken, unwind with whale watching and an interactive children’s center at the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Center. Sleep soundly at family-friendly Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge. 7365 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498 (541) 547-3321
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