Velocity 2 in North Wales is a zip line at Zip World, in Penrhyn Slate Quarry, billed as the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. (Zip World)
As DODEA students eagerly anticipate their upcoming spring breaks, parents may be scrambling for ideas as to how to provide them with adventure-packed outings or overnight getaways. With a number of family-friendly attractions opening their doors for a new season around this time of year, options for a range of ages and interests abound.
Theme parks
Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, England, opens for its summer season on March 18. The country’s largest theme park, offering a spa, water park, mini golf course, hotel complex and more will be one attraction the richer with the opening of The Curse at Alton Manor, a dark ride offering multiple twists and turns. The advance purchase of single-day entry passes can lead to significant savings off the standard 68 UK pound ($80.50) entry fee, with pass prices starting at 36 pounds. The cost of adding a visit for a second consecutive day starts at just 12 pounds. Online: altontowers.com
Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, will be open for its summer season March 25-Nov. 5 in 2023. The country’s largest theme park consistently garners top marks from the public and amusement trade press alike for its mix of rides and inspired architecture. The park’s latest attractions include a boat ride through a castle garden, a trip on a Danube steamer and a water fountain show, all found in the Austrian themed area. Rulantica, Europa-Park’s adjacent water world, offers both adrenalin-inducing rides for thrill seekers and spa experiences for those in search of pampering. Single-day tickets can be booked online for either facility. Theme park entry costs this season start at 57.50 euros ($60.70) for adults and 49 euros for those ages 4-11; alternately, consider various packages consisting of overnight stays in one of six themed hotels combined with park entry tickets. Online: europapark.de
LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Günzburg, Germany, keeps its gates for the summer season March 25-Nov. 5. The park, geared to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, offers young ones the chance to engage in role play and enjoy activities they’re accustomed to seeing adults carry out. The park’s newest offerings include a themed area inhabited by mythical creatures and a spectacular wing coaster. The advance online purchase of date-specific tickets can offer significant savings off regular admission prices; for example, tickets which normally cost 64 euros for adults and 58 euros for children were available for 39 euros at the time of this writing. Online: legoland.de
Velocity 2 in North Wales is a zip line at Zip World, in Penrhyn Slate Quarry, billed as the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. (Zip World)
Zip lines
The Hirschgrund Zipline Area in Schiltach, Germany’s Black Forest region reopens for its new season on March 17. The zipline parcour consists of seven ziplines weaving a loop through the scenic Kinzig Valley. For most visitors, the day’s highlight will be a turn on the “Gründle.” Coming in at over a third of a mile long and 272 feet high, it’s billed as the country’s longest nature zipline. The cost of using the parcour is 56 euros per adult and 47 euros per child aged between 12 and 16 on weekdays and 59/52 euros respectively on weekends and holidays. Children under 12 years of age or weighing less than 88 pounds are not allowed on the parcour. Advance reservations are essential. Online: hirschgrund-zipline.de
Zip World in Penrhyn Slate Quarry, near Bethesda in North Wales, is home to Velocity 2, billed as the fastest zip line in the world and the longest in Europe. Riders travel at speeds up to and over 100 mph while taking in unbeatable views of Snowdonia, a rugged, mountainous region regarded as a thrill seeker’s paradise. Two parallel lines accomodating four riders each allow friends and family to enjoy the experience simultaneously. Weight and height restrictions apply, and the line is shut down in the case of inclement weather. Prices begin at 92.50 pounds. Online: zipworld.co.uk
Safari park
Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen, Germany, a safari park in Lower Saxony some 40 miles north of Hanover, is open March 25-Nov. 5 in 2023. Europe’s largest safari park, home to more than 1,500 freely roaming animals, can be experienced from the comfort of one’s own vehicle or as part of a bus tour. The park also offers speedboat tours, rides down raging rapids and a roller coaster. Entry frees are 45.50 euros adults and 35.50 euros for ages 3-12. Ages two and under enter free. Online: serengeti-park.de
Alpine Coaster
The Kolbensattel Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau, Germany, will open for the summer season, weather permitting, on March 31. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 25 mph as they cruise down its steep and curvy 8,530 foot-long track built into a mountainside. The attraction is easily reached by means of the Kolben chairlift. A chairlift ascent and ride down on the Alpine Coaster goes for 15.50 euros adults, 12 euros for ages 8-15 and 6 euros for ages 3-7. Children under the age of eight must ride with an adult, while those age two or younger are not allowed on the ride. Online: kolbensattel.de/en/alpine-coaster
