State

If you've ever dreamed of standing face-to-face with a T. rex or testing your courage on a swaying rope bridge above dinosaur tracks, then you’re in for a Jurassic-sized treat. Tucked away in the scenic hills near Cañon City, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is where science meets wild, roaring fun—with a side of Rocky Mountain air.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about gliding down powdery slopes with bluebird skies overhead or sipping a crisp IPA while gazing at snow-draped peaks, Palisades Tahoe is calling your name. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada just north of Lake Tahoe, this all-seasons resort dishes out old-school Olympic charm, epic outdoor adventures, and more fresh-air fun than your lungs can handle.

Tucked away just minutes from downtown Greenville, there’s a place where Saturn rings twinkle overhead, prehistoric beasts lurk in the woods, and butterflies glide through the South Carolina sunshine like floating confetti. It’s not a theme park or a movie set—it’s Roper Mountain Science Center, and it’s just waiting to spark your sense of wonder.

Perched above the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort isn’t just a ski hill — it’s a full-blown alpine adventure that lives up to its celestial name. Whether you're carving powder in winter or chasing sunsets in flip-flops come summer, this South Lake Tahoe gem has something that makes every visit feel like a high-altitude dream.

Castlewood Canyon State Park isn’t your typical “big mountains, big crowds” Colorado experience. Just 45 minutes from Denver, this hidden gem near Franktown delivers winding trails, canyon-carved views, and even a crumbling old dam that nature is slowly reclaiming. It’s wild in the best way—and the kind of place that makes you feel like an explorer, not just a hiker.

If you're craving an adrenaline rush that doesn’t involve ski boots or snowmobiles, this icy Ohio ride might just be your new favorite winter ritual. Hidden among the wooded trails and gentle hills of Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation, the Toboggan Run at The Chalet isn’t just any slide—it’s a 700-foot twin chute of pure, slick excitement.

If you think you need to hop on a plane to the Rockies for real winter fun, think again. Tucked in the rolling hills just south of Mansfield, Snow Trails is Ohio’s best-kept secret for frosty adventure and après-ski charm. Whether you're shredding the slopes or sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fire, this spot brings all the alpine feels—without ever leaving the Midwest.

Tucked beside a mineral spring in quirky, candy-colored Manitou Springs, you’ll find a time machine disguised as a penny arcade. Arcade Amusements isn’t just a collection of games—it’s a retro wonderland that smells like funnel cake, sounds like clinking quarters, and feels like stepping into your childhood Saturday.

Picture yourself cruising with the windows down, the salty breeze tangling your hair as turquoise waters stretch endlessly on both sides. Welcome to the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile marvel of U.S. Route 1 that leaps across 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West, Florida, often called the “Highway that Goes to Sea.” This isn’t just a road—it’s a sun-soaked adventure through the Florida Keys, where every mile marker unveils coral reefs, quirky pit stops, and views that make your heart skip a beat. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or dreaming of snorkeling in an underwater paradise, this iconic drive delivers a slice of tropical magic you won’t soon forget.

Ever wondered what it’s like to lock eyes with a giraffe as it gently snags lettuce from your palm? At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, you’re in for a wild ride that blends animal magic with botanical bliss. Spanning 170 acres along the Saluda River, this award-winning spot—home to over 3,000 animals and a 70-acre garden—offers a day of wonder that’s equal parts thrilling and serene. Whether you’re dodging lorikeets landing on your shoulder or strolling through lush gardens, this is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.