It's an all-too-familiar scenario: You've been trying to get your kids interested in something other than video games; meanwhile, the kids have been trying to convince you to let them stay up late. Rather than counting the minutes until you shuffle junior off to bed, consider counting the stars instead.
It's an all-too-familiar scenario: You've been trying to get your kids interested in something other than video games; meanwhile, the kids have been trying to convince you to let them stay up late. Rather than counting the minutes until you shuffle junior off to bed, consider counting the stars instead.
Stargazing is a great family activity, sure to engage even the most jaded of kids (or parents). Countless constellations and several planets are visible to the naked eye or with the aid of a simple telescope , though a truly dark sky is what's required if you want to enjoy the vast starscape. Unfortunately, total darkness is an increasingly hard-to-find commodity, no thanks to suburban sprawl and urban light pollution. So, where do you go if your backyard or rooftop just doesn't cut it?
Many U.S. national parks, especially those west of the Mississippi, have public astronomy programs. But why not take your hobby one step further and treat your family to a nice holiday to boot? In addition to locating some of the prime stargazing spots in the country, we've tracked down hotels that cater to star-struck families with complimentary stargazing sessions, on-site astronomers and out-of-this-world amenities. With the exception of Hawai'i, which is one of the best locations in the world for stargazing, all of our selections are located within the continental U.S. and ripe for a road trip. — Melanie Mize Renzulli
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Maybe the hot, dry desert isn't the first place that comes to mind when planning a family vacation. But despite the inevitable chore of refilling juice cups, the desert, particularly the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, AZ, is a good choice if your family needs some "space." While the biggest star is the attraction for most visitors to the Valley of the Sun, amateur astronomers put this area at the top of their list for its optimal stargazing environment.
Maybe the hot, dry desert isn't the first place that comes to mind when planning a family vacation. But aside from the inevitable chore of refilling juice cups, the desert, particularly the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, AZ, is a good choice if your family needs some "space." While most visitors come to the Valley of the Sun to bask under the biggest star, amateur astronomers put this area at the top of their list for its optimal stargazing environment.
Many resorts in Scottsdale play up this pastime with special dark-sky themes, but none do it better than the Four Seasons. Among their celestial services and amenities are high-powered telescopes en suite, constellation charts as part of the turndown service, and free guided stargazing on Fridays. If you really want to impress, then the concierge can also arrange for a nighttime Hummer expedition of the Sonoran Desert, during which tour leaders point out the constellations and desert wildlife.
And for parents who want to enjoy the Four Seasons's spa or the Scottsdale area's numerous golf courses? The resort's complimentary "Kids for All Seasons" program keeps children busy all day with movies, craft lessons and games.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, standard casita from $195
Places in the U.S. to Stargaze: Runners-Up
If you're really serious about astronomy, then you should go to where the professionals go: Hawai'i.
The Perseid Meteor Shower, which happens every year around mid-August, provides that wow factor your kids may be seeking.
With its scenic mountains, crystal clear lakes and reputation as a nature lover's paradise, Oregon is the epitome of an unplugged vacation.
The Catskill Mountains, located about ninety miles north of celebrity-mad Manhattan, has long been known as a place that attracts stars.