Generations of Fun!

It was a different trip to Dallas.

No fine dining. No Cowboys game. No opera. No conference. No symphony. No shopping. Instead, I recently journeyed to Big D for a family-friendly weekend, a cool adventure with educational elements that would keep three generations entertained, exercised, and amazed.

Call it a modern-day minireunion. As empty nesters, my husband and I want to keep family bonds strong, so, at least once a year, we organize a weekend road trip with our older son, his wife, and their two little boys, and together, we visit the other son, who’s single and lives in Dallas. None of this sitting around and shelling peas and just talking, like our ancestors did during family visits, though. Today’s multitasking families—mine included—want action. So we research our destination each year, seeking out activities that everyone will enjoy.

For instance, have you ever walked through a sunlit tunnel of live sharks? It was a highlight for our young grandsons, ages four and six, at the Dallas World Aquarium. Have you ever ridden a mile-long monorail over acres of African animals? It was a thrill for my daughter-in-law, a nature-loving former schoolteacher, at the Dallas Zoo.

Can you remember the first handheld calculators? A collection dating to the late 1960s at the Museum of Nature & Science sparked memories for my husband, the electrical engineer in our group.

Mixed in with these finds were interactive exhibits for all ages and great photo ops (dare you to stick your head in the mouth of a life-size gator statue!), not to mention an indoor dino dig. Air-conditioned spaces and places are a bonus during Texas summers, and we found them.

Kids—and adults—need some down time, so we usually plan one enlightening activity a day, arriving at the opening hour when places tend to be less crowded and it’s easier to maneuver a stroller or keep your party together. We also make sure we choose a hotel with a swimming pool. Balance pool time with something educational, and everyone wins.

We’ll spare you our vacation videos, but here’s a snapshot of what you might see on one of these family-friendly outings.

See the full article in the June 2008 issue.

Subscribe

Order back issues