The pressure’s on to plan the big family vacation? Two
words. Sesame Street.

And Babble’s telling you how to get, how to get there. We’ve
checked in with Elmo and Abby Cadabby and come up with our list of the best
bets for Sesame-style summering with your tot.

1. Busch
Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. It’s an old family standby, but the Forest of
Fun at the popular theme park is all new and all Sesame. Gates opened in
April, adding the country of characters to the park’s traditional tour of
Europe set-up. We let our pre-school tester loose in the park, and “let’s
ride it again!” was the phrase of the day. Topping her list were a nice
and easy (for mom) Ernie and Bert adventure in the “lochs” of Scotland -
it left her soaking wet and squealing with fun; and a mini roller-coaster
courtesy of Super Grover that gave her a taste of the belly-dropping fun
of the big coasters without the fear factor. Located near the entrance to
the park, the Forest of Fun is just right – a great intro to the day, and
something for them to look forward to getting back to when they’re off
with the rest of the family checking out the rest of the “gardens.”

Why You Should Go: The price of a ticket affords a family
admission to the whole park, making Busch Gardens the go-to for families with
kids whose ages range. Sesame characters put on impromptu shows that get the
whole family moving (no extra charge), and there’s something for even the tiniest toddlers to do.

Good to Know: There are water attractions, but clothes are
required on most rides, so throw some shorts on over their suits. Dining with
the characters does not require advance reservations – price of food is not
included in the ticket – but you need to check for specific meal times when you
enter the park. A picture station with the characters is set up on site, and they
will allow you to take your own pictures (just ask) or you can buy one of
theirs. Take a stroller – even if your kid is busting out of it, it’s not for
them but for the cameras, bottles of water and stuffed animals won at the games
along the way.

2. Sesame
Place, Langhorne, PA. Owned by the same company that runs Busch Gardens (yes, the beer
company), this is all Sesame, all summer long. Our little tester
recommends you stop in for an in-theatre showing of Elmo’s World, followed
by a chance to climb around on stage where they can play Elmo’s song on
the piano and say “hello” to Dorothy.

Why You Should Go: This is the place for hard-core Sesame
fans, but additions of a few extra roller-coasters also allow the older set to
have their fun. The park is all Sesame, which means the crowd is all families
and so is the staff’s focus.

Good to Know: A two-day ticket costs the same as a one-day fee, so break up the day to make it easier on your kids (and hit the nearby outlets to save on kids clothes). Breakfast with the characters requires an
advance reservation, but it gives your family a chance to be the first ones
into the park – no lines, and the food isn’t bad for theme park fare (even our
daddy tester had a hankering for the little French toast sticks). The
characters wander throughout the park during the day, so chances are you’ll get
to meet everyone. Again, you can take your own pictures (just ask) or buy the
park’s. Bring a swimsuit – there’s plenty of water.

3. Sesame Street Live, a city near you. For families who
are skipping the week-long or even extended weekend’s vacation this year, a day
trip to see a show can lift your kid’s spirits, get you out of the house and save
you a bundle. And if that show happens to offer them a chance to see their
furry friend? That’s just a bonus for mom or dad.

Why You Should Go: The show is always educational, and your
tot will be in awe at the size of their favorite friends on-stage. Even kids
who aren’t ready to be taken to the movie theater yet are OK in a theater when
the show is made for kids. 

Good to Know: Regardless of where the show is being
performed, there will be kiosks with Sesame goodies, so if you’ve opted for the
show to save on the big vacation, you might want to make a deal with your kids
BEFORE you go in. Whether it’s “no extras today” or “you may pick out one toy,”
have a game plan because they’re unavoidable, and plenty of kids will be
brandishing their Sesame binoculars or Elmo balloons. The show does include an
intermission for potty breaks, so your kids don’t have to miss out Grover
galumphing because they’ve got to go.

Image: Sager Scenes

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