Showing posts with label enterteinment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label enterteinment. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Easter 2024 in Amsterdam with children

Amsterdam with children

Easter is also a holiday period. As Rembrandt and Van Gogh are always boring to children and young people, here are some tips on what to do with young visitors to the city for a change.

► The Zoo – Also called ARTIS for short – is of course a classic for children. A zoo definitely worth seeing in Amsterdam, Plantation Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam. Tickets are available here.

► Nemo – Nemo Science Museum is a fantastic playground, as you can participate in all the experiments from the world of biology, technology, physics and chemistry. Like a boat, the museum is clearly visible about a 15-minute walk from the central station. Nemo Science Museum Tickets.

► Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s best-known and most popular park Perfect for a break for adults and a bit of relaxation for children. There is also inexpensive accommodation for families. Hostel StayOkay Vondelpark.

► Canals – Canal tours are very popular with young and old. With a travel time of 60 to 75 minutes, even children and young people will not be bored. My tip for children is to take a ride in the pancake boat, Pannenkoekenboot. It is also broadcast at Easter.

► AMAZE – Maybe not for toddlers, but young people will certainly get excited about this audiovisual experience. AMAZE – open until late evening. Located between the central station and the maritime museum.

► Minigolf in the Dark – 3D black light minigolf is an exciting variation on classic minigolf. Lots of fun for the whole family, for example when you don't know what to do in bad weather. Tickets for Powerzone are already available here, De Ruijterkade 153, 1011 AC Amsterdam. Alternatively, play at Glowgolf Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 194 1011 AC Amsterdam – Entrance via Noah’s Arq restaurant. Opposite the Maritime Museum.

Easter in Amsterdam and Keukenhof

Dutch holidaymakers in particular like to use the offer around Easter to celebrate a traditional Passover according to the Dutch model, in the immediate vicinity of the flowers. Even more colorful than the specially organized Easter markets, nature turns out to be even more colorful at the start of spring. Every year, tulip fields in Holland bloom around Easter. However, the variety of flowers is not limited to tulips. Daffodils, imperial crowns and hyacinths perfectly complement the flower fields.

Dutch tulip growers like to present their most beautiful flowers and floral creations in their own pavilions. The best place to admire the whole variety of flowers with your own eyes is the famous Keukenhof near Amsterdam. This year, Easter is the peak of tulip bloom, making it an ideal time for an excursion to the unique Lisse Flower Park.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Chicago (Illinois): Chicago Northwest metropolitan area - very dynamic urban place (II)

(follow-up of a previous post)

The exceptional boutiques of Woodfield Mall

Woodfield Mall is the largest shopping center in Illinois. Located in Schaumburg, a city northwest of Chicago served by the Milwaukee West Line of the Metra commuter train network, it has no fewer than 300 stores spread over approximately 5 square kilometers. However, it remains very airy and elegant, with natural vertical lighting, green spaces and diagonal paths between the different levels. You will find big brands like J. Crew, H&M, Microsoft, Apple, Coach and many others. You can even end your evening at Woodfield: there you will find a comedy improvisation circle which offers hilarious shows.

If you have any energy left, the Streets of Woodfield area directly across from the mall is full of restaurants and stores for even more shopping and delicious food. There you will also find an entertainment complex. Not far away, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ideal attraction for young and old, with rides, a 4D cinema and numerous LEGO activities. On-site dining options include Mexican specialties at Chipotle, Italian fare at Maggiano’s Little Italy, and seafood at Shaw’s Crab Shack. Finally, stop by Whole Foods to buy tasty healthy products, not forgetting Starbucks and its famous coffees.

The largest IKEA store in the United States

Chicago Northwest is also home to the largest IKEA store in the country, very close to Woodfield Mall. If this is your first visit to IKEA, allow several hours to take the time to discover their world. IKEA stores are huge and shopping there at peak times can be overwhelming. If you want to take a break, stop by the store's café to order Swedish meatballs, the menu's most popular item, which pays homage to the brand's Scandinavian origins.