Top 5 Must-Do’s with Family in California

Conventional wisdom holds that California is for the young-and who are we to argue? The state is chock-full of attractions for kids of all ages, especially the under-18 set. From Disneyland, the granddaddy of all theme parks, to world-class aquariums, zoos, historical museums, and outdoor activities, California will keep your family engaged and hopping.
 
When talking theme parks, everybody starts with Walt’s creation, Disneyland, which launched a worldwide phenomenon. Almost no one bypasses the Magic Kingdom, and this iconic theme park has added even more reasons to visit. This theme park is a place where imagination is the destination. For young and old, big and small — it’s the happiest place on earth! Come build memories with your family that last a lifetime as you discover the wonder of this magical, fantastical world. When you enter one of the Lands that comprise Disneyland Park, stories come to life around you, immersing you in tales from some of your favorite Disney films. When you visit Disneyland don’t miss these:

• Main Street, U.S.A. – Main Street, U.S.A. is the entrance to Disneyland Park. Stroll down the street where turn-of-the-century architecture and transportation recreate a long-gone era.
• Fantasyland – Located beyond Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland is where you can meet the heroes and villains of your favorite Disney stories. Encounter princesses from the royal realms of Disney films such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella .
• Tomorrowland – Ready your rockets as you blast into the twin orbits of innovation and exploration at Tomorrowland! Rocket into the outer reaches of darkest space on Space Mountain and battle galactic bad guys in Buzz Light year Astro Blasters. To infinity and beyond!
• Mickey’s Toontown – Mickey’s Toontown is a miniature interactive metropolis full of topsy turvy architecture and screwy sculptures. Visit the charming houses of Mickey, Minnie and other classic Disney characters. It’s where some of your favorite Toons call home.
• Frontierland – Frontierland celebrates the trailblazers, settlers and other heroes of the Old West. For big adventure, rumble over the mountain on a runaway railroad car when you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

If your family is into adventure, now in Disneyland you can find the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, a fabulous overhaul of the park’s classic submarine ride. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride has also gotten a fun new twist. Now, as you ride on the boats through the watery adventure, you see a dreadlocked Captain Jack Sparrow (keep your hand on your wallet and your wife) popping up unexpectedly throughout the ride. In Star Tours, you get a chance to learn light-saber moves from a Jedi Master. It’s all meant to make your day a little more magic.