Sweep the clouds away and hang with Elmo, Oscar and the gang at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, the only amusement park in the U.S. devoted to the popular children’s television show. Designed for slightly smaller thrill seekers — but certainly fun for nostalgic fans all ages — the park has more than 14 acres of rides and slides, plus live shows and character cameos that make this one happening street.
Make a splash at the Rubber Duckie pond, a small slide that’s perfect for kids under 5, or take a ride on the wild side on Bert & Ernie’s Slip & Slide, another of the park’s dozen-plus water attractions. Meanwhile, Elmo’s World is packed with high-flying fun on dry land — not to mention more likenesses of the little red monster than you can count.
When you’re ready for a rest, kids can sing and dance along with their favorite characters at one of three live stage shows. Afterward, head over to the Sesame Neighborhood, where big kids can take a stroll down memory lane in this life-sized, outdoor re-creation of the friendliest neighborhood on TV. There are plenty of restaurants and snack stands when you need to refuel, but furry monster fans can schedule a special breakfast, lunch or dinner with Cookie Monster and friends. Just make sure you’re back on the main drag for the Rock Around the Block Parade, when all the characters convene for the biggest party of the day.
(This getaway was brought to you by the letters F, U and N.)