New York

New York is one of the most amazing cities in the world, and is (in my mind) the best holiday destination in the United States. The city is probably the most metropolitan in the world, but it has so much to do that it is truly fantastic. If your thing is restaurants, there is no restaurant better than the Jekyll and Hyde restaurant. Not only is the food great, the atmosphere is excellent and you do get the odd scare there too. If you're more into sight-seeing, there's so much to see. The Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and so much more.

California

Opposed to New York, California actually has a lot more to do. Probably because it is a full state, while NYC is just a city (though that is often forgotten by foreign tourists). If your thing is cinema, heading to Los Angeles and Hollywood is a must, where you can see the glitz and the glamour of the movie industry. If you're into history and a laid back city, San Francisco is the place to go. San Jose is also worth visiting if you can find the time.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas truly is a gambler's paradise, but that isn't all it is. Sure, Vegas is heaven to most gamblers, but it also has a lot to offer the everyday tourist. While they might get dragged into the casinos, there is a lot more to do. There are dozens of golf courses littered around the city, and the fact that such a thriving city could be built in the middle of a desert is a testament to human ingenuity. But, if you're just looking for gambling, this is the place to go.

Boston

I remember travelling to Boston about 6 or 7 years ago. I was going to visit a friend, and when I arrived, I was astounded. It was my first time in the US, and the buildings were the first thing to amaze me. The sheer height, we didn't have anything like that back home in Ireland. There is a lot to do in Boston though besides staring at tall buildings and drinking lemonade, such as visiting the Prudential Centre or the Institute of Contemporary Art. Something else which I enjoyed was the DUCK tour, which gave me an amazing insight into the city.

Chicago

Home of the Cubs, deep dish pizza and the Sears Tower, Chicago is the place to be. Well, visit. Chicago is just a great place to be. Like New York and Boston, Chicago has real seasons, so it is also great for snow in the winter if you're from an area where it doesn't snow (cough, Ireland, cough). Chicago also has a great theatre district, so it's perfect for theatre buffs too.

We've planned this trip for a while now, and it was already time to make the move. My cousins' Ford Fusion, was perfect to go such distance. It was his brand-new car, red, and very sophisticated. We also had a police radar, because if we were getting there on scheduled time, we had to speed every now and then to make up for the awfully inevitable traffics that I-95 was famous for.

Now that we were ready, suitcases thrown in the trunk, and blankets and pillows in the back seats, my cousin flew in head first inside in the passenger seat. Delilah and Kate, the two women in my life, my girlfriend and my best friend were finally ready to jump in. Obviously, everyone was sleepy. But the driver, that would be me, had a very enormous disadvantage. I had to stay awake the whole time, or all of us would put an end to the press' silly season.

It was time to go now, but not quite in the direction we were supposed to. Feeling as drowsy as I was, I drove to Dunkin Donuts and got two cups of coffee so I'd keep awake. Looking in the rear-view mirror, the only thing I saw of those girls was their heads. They were all covered up in their blankets, sleeping as soundless. It was late winter, and still chilly in Florida. I looked over and so was George, his head cocked, leaning against he window, and was sleeping, but not as soundless as the girls. However, we had a schedule to keep, and I was ready to hit the road.

11:13AM

After making a couple of restroom stops, we finally made it to Georgia. Florida is not as scenic as the other states, nevertheless, some interesting things had caught our eyes here and there. For instance, it was kind of like tradition to count up all the accidents we'd see, and how many cars are pulled over by the cops. So far, the score was 4:7. Another things that caught our attention was the Fuller Warren Bridge, since we went over the Acosta bridge instead which was more parallel than perpendicular to the Fuller Warren. This is where we had stopped for our second bathroom break, in the heart of Jacksonville.

Chicago Children's Museum

Call or visit the web site for hours and events. The price for adults and children is $8, senior is $7. On the first Monday of every month, the museum is free of charge for children 15 years of age and under. Thursday night is designated to Kraft Free Family Night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and it is free for everyone. Current event features Curious George, and offer many activities for your youngsters.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of natural Science has an IMAX theatre, butterfly center, planetarium, observatory, and insect zoo. Call or visit the web site for hours and prices since there are different prices for different parts of the museum. You can also order your tickets online. A current exhibit of frogs has been extended through January 6 since it is so popular.

Museum of Science, Boston

The Boston Museum offers planetarium, 3-D theatre, IMAX theatre, butterfly garden, laser shows, and special exhibits. You can buy tickets online or over the phone or at the museum. Call or visit the web site for hours. The museum also offers a special camp-in program through Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, where children stay overnight for an entertaining, educational, and interactive way. You can go online to see many virtual exhibits.

Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium

Visit the museum online or call for special events. The price is $20 for adults, $13 for children from 3 to 12 years of age, $18 for seniors and students with identifications. This price includes admission to all museum galleries, planetarium shows, and wildlife center. The Dinosaurs of China is currently on the special exhibit. The Miami Museum also offers Camp-Ins for group to stay overnight, and immerse yourself in science activities. Make sure you check for special time and day through out each month.

Exploratorium, San Francisco

General tickets are $14 for adults, $9 for children 4 to 12 years of age, $11 for seniors and students with identifications. Current exhibit is Glowing worms. The Exploratorium of San Francisco offers tools for teaching, resources, and archives. The Tactile Dorm is an interactive excursion where your sense of touch is your only guide. The ticket for Tactile Dorm is $17 for 7 years of age and up; this includes general admission. Call or check web site for hours.

If you don't see your local museum in this article, please find it in your city. There is always something to do or marvel at the museum large collections. Your little ones will enjoy, learn, and amaze at different cultures and the wide world around them.

Many museums offer activities day, or special presentations. Call your local museum for special events before you go.