New Jersey State Library

Walking through Lower Manhattan's quietest corners, you'll find two sprawling reflecting pools set into the exact ground where the Twin Towers rose. Nearly an acre each, these basins hold the continent's most impressive manmade waterfalls, their cascading waters creating a meditative soundscape even on winter's coldest days. The chill air and bare trees somehow intensify the gravity of what you're standing within. Every single name—nearly 3,000 lives lost during the 2001 attacks, plus the six who died in the 1993 bombing—has been etched into bronze edging the pools. Running your fingers along these inscriptions in the winter frost connects you directly to the scale of loss that unfolded here and at the Pentagon, as well as in Shanksville. Michael Arad and Peter Walker's design emerged from over 5,200 submissions worldwide to create something that honors both the civilians and rescue workers whose courage defined that day.

Walk through the halls of this contemplative space nestled at the World Trade Center site, where the September 11th Families' Association has created a meaningful hub for anyone touched by the events of that day. The center draws together families, survivors, neighbors, rescue workers, and volunteers in quiet remembrance and shared experience. Inside, you'll encounter personal stories of the 2,973 lives lost, alongside accounts of the extraordinary rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Exhibits and artifacts chronicle both the tragedy and the wave of compassion that emerged from it. Winter visits bring a particular stillness to the space—fewer crowds, softer light filtering through—that invites deeper reflection and connection with the historical record. The mission here centers on gathering together information, testimony, and objects that illuminate what happened, who was affected, and how a city rebuilt itself through collective resolve. Whether you're retracing family history, educating yourself about this pivotal moment, or simply honoring the courage of first responders, this resource offers a dignified setting for those conversations. The center preserves not just tragedy, but the enduring strength that emerged in its wake.

Wake up before the crowds roll in and experience the Zoo when the animals are most active and the grounds feel like your own private wildlife sanctuary. Members get exclusive access to a breakfast spread set up throughout the park while you watch giraffes, big cats, and other residents enjoying their own morning feast. Winter mornings here have a crisp, peaceful quality that makes the whole experience feel especially intimate. Roam at your own pace with a warm meal in hand, then stick around for close encounters with animals and behind-the-scenes insights shared by the Zoo's dedicated volunteer team. These sunrise sessions fill up fast for good reason.

Chat with Mario - live at Nintendo World! Take a break from your holiday shopping to stop by and chat with Mario until January 6th. Ask Mario what his life is like in the Mushroom Kingdom. Check the calendar for dates and times of Mario's appearance in the store.<br/> In the heart of Manhattan, right in Rockefeller Plaza, people flock from all over the globe to visit, play, and shop at this one of a kind Nintendo World Store, a 10,000 square foot gaming paradise. Guests have a compelling in-store experience when they take a tour conducted by one of their Ambassadors, who are very enthusiastic Nintendo fans, always happy to share their knowledge with the visitors. The store staff can guide you through each of the interactive gaming areas, provide hands-on gaming demonstrations, show you their selection of Pokémon merchandise, help you find the right sized Nintendo-themed t-shirts and provide a bit of history by explaining the items in the store, absolutely free of charge. Come talk to Mario about Life in the Mushroom Kingdom; ask an Ambassador to demonstrate how AR Cards work; meet Sean, the resident Pokémon Trainer; bring your Nintendo 3DS and join up to six players in local or online multi-player battles when you participate in the Kid Icarus Tournament; take a picture with a life-sized Mario; take a look at the store selection of exclusive youth, ladies and men’s apparel, featuring your favorite Nintendo characters. Check out their schedule in advance to participate in the activities listed above to experience endless entertainment. By Ruth Cohen.

Perched right on the Santa Monica Pier, this waterfront amusement park delivers the thrills you'd find at a full-sized venue but with the salty air and crashing waves as your backdrop. It's a uniquely Californian experience—the only amusement park of its kind built directly over the ocean on the West Coast. Year-round crowds flock here to spin through a dozen different rides, test their skills at midway games, grab food from oceanfront vendors, and browse seaside shops. Winter brings a quieter, more intimate atmosphere to the pier, with cooler breezes and fewer crowds making it an ideal time to experience the park's charm without the summer crush. Even during challenging times, the park remains a cherished gathering spot where families come together for classic seaside fun and unforgettable views.

Water World, one of America's largest family waterparks, is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver, Colorado, on 64 beautifully landscaped acres. Water World is celebrating it's 26th year of operation.<br> We feature the biggest variety of attractions (42) in America, from Wally World for the tots, to Voyage to the Center of the Earth for the entire family. Water World has more family tube rides than any other park in America. Thrill rides are in abundance also, like the Red Line speed slide. Plenty of picnic areas are available, from covered pavilions to beautifully landscaped grass areas.<br> Picnics are welcome at Water World and the parking is free. Please see our Pricing/Guidelines page for what picnic items are allowable to bring in to the park. <br> Water World offers a wide variety of food and beverage choices, and at a very reasonable cost, along with a gift shop ,with everything you need to enjoy your visit! Our operating season is generally from the last weekend in May through Labor Day, with some school days excepted.

Location: Take I-25 to Jefferson, go north on frontage road to Osuna, turn right. Or follow San Mateo to Osuna, turn west on Osuna.

"The Moondog gift shop, located in the center of the park carries souvenir T-shirts(including T-shirts with our mascot), suntan lotion, and a variety of sun and gift items."

Western Playland Amusement Park, a tradition for family fun.

Splash into a summer full of action at Iowa's favorite amusement park, where over 100 rides and attractions deliver thrills for everyone—scream-worthy roller coasters, classic family rides, and refreshing water attractions to beat the heat. Catch live entertainment and shows throughout the day, then grab a bite and make memories that'll last long after Labor Day.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has four primary objectives: conservation, research, recreation, and education. In promoting these objectives on a local, regional, national, and global scale, the Zoo provides exciting recreational opportunities that simultaneously enhance our visitors' knowledge of the natural world.

Escape the Minnesota winter and step into seven acres of pure indoor fun at America's largest indoor theme park. With over 30 thrilling rides, arcade games, live entertainment, and plenty of dining options, there's something to keep every family member entertained all day long. Bundle up your crew and head inside for the ultimate winter adventure!

From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, Bahama Beach offers the best family waterpark value in the metroplex. Conveniently located only ten minutes south of downtown Dallas, you can get away from it all without ever leaving town. We have everything from 45 foot tall slides for the big kids and adults who are young at heart, to an interactive water playground with a 1000 gallon dumping bucket for the little ones. And for those who want to kick back and relax, grab a tube, wade into one of two zero depth entry beaches, and take a float down the lazy river. Plenty of shade, reservable private cabanas, and a concession stand to satisfy all of your summertime cravings tops it all off. So bring the whole family and make a day of it at Bahama Beach Waterpark!

Escape the cold and test your strength at Austin's premier indoor climbing destination. With expert instructors, top-notch equipment, and routes for every skill level, you'll find the perfect challenge to conquer—no experience necessary.

The purpose of the David Traylor Zoo is the creation of an environment which provides an opportunity of cultural enrichment for the community and surrounding area while fulfilling the Zoo's obligations to conservation, education and recreation.

Located on 80 acres at I-10 and Highland Road in Baton Rouge, LA right next to Blue Bayou Water Park, Dixie Landin' is an Amusement Park designed for the entire family! <br> Dixie Landin' contains 26 rides, 10 games and much, much more. We have retail shops for you to pick up souvenir t-shirts, hats, cups and many more items to bring home. Dixie also has a large variety of food items.

KIDDIELAND has over 30 rides and attractions. Founded in 1929, it is Chicagoland's oldest amusement park and has the reputation of being one of the finest traditional parks in the country. You can visit our History Page to see a brief outline of how we came to be and our Memories Page to see what some guests have sent us about their visits. It is with great pride that at the end of its seventy-sixth season in 2005, KIDDIELAND continues to provide memorable family fun to children of all ages, in a clean, safe, happy environment.

Spread across 216 acres of manicured gardens just twelve miles from Chicago's downtown core, this sprawling animal sanctuary feels like an entirely different world the moment you step through the gates. Winter visits reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the grounds—the crisp air carries sound differently, and you'll often find yourself alone with the animals in ways the busier seasons don't allow. Navigation is straightforward thanks to the map handed out at entry, though browsing the interactive version beforehand helps you plot which animals matter most to your group. The Motor Safari rolls through regularly if your legs need a break or you're worried about missing key exhibits along the way. Both entrance points have rental stations for strollers, wagons, and motorized vehicles, with dedicated support services for visitors with mobility needs. Everything's positioned to make your day flow smoothly, whether you're planning every stop or wandering where curiosity takes you.

Experience the quiet majesty of the world's longest cave system blanketed in winter stillness. Underground passages stay a comfortable 54 degrees year-round, offering a perfect escape from cold weather while you explore thousands of years of human history and pristine ecosystems. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site where adventure meets natural wonder, no matter the season.

Discover the wonders of wildlife at this beloved Michigan zoo, where passionate educators and dedicated staff work to protect animals while inspiring visitors of all ages. Through immersive exhibits and engaging programs, Potter Park Zoo connects you with nature and demonstrates why conservation matters—creating unforgettable memories that foster a deeper respect for our planet's incredible creatures.

Since the move to Grassmere in 1996, Nashville Zoo has created many new exhibits, hosted exciting community events and designed a variety of children's programs. Our Jungle Gym playground is the largest community-built playground in the United States and includes over 66,000 square feet for sliding, swinging, climbing, crawling and exploring. From African elephants to Bengal tigers and red pandas, Nashville Zoo provides a home to animals found all over the world. These beautiful creatures can be found in equally beautiful habitats like the new Giraffe Savannah, Alligator Cove, Red River Hog Habitat and many more. Other exciting additions include the Wild Animal Carousel and an interactive Lorikeet Landing exhibit where you can enter an aviary and be surrounded by more than 50 Australian parrots. The Grassmere Historic House and Farm still stand, providing a glimpse into farm life during the 1880s.

In 1743, the son of Major John Boone planted live oak trees, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows. This spectacular approach to his home symbolizes southern heritage and will take root in your memory for many years to come. It would take two centuries for the massive, moss-draped branches to meet overhead, forming today's natural corridor and a scene that NBC Daytime television says is "a must see stop on any trip to Charleston, S.C."

Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo and yet much more than a walk-through zoo. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable institution also features a full day of fun activities. The paved path winds nearly a mile past rare and beautiful animals residing within a historic tropical garden of exotic plants first planted in 1919 with a fascinating history. <br> In this tropical setting, you can take delight at seeing many of your favorite animals like lions, kangaroos, and monkeys. In addition, you'll also discover feature exhibits and an array of more rarely seen creatures like the African wild dogs or an Asian deer that barks and eats meat.

Discover nearly five decades of aquatic wonder at Mississippi's premier family destination. With interactive exhibits, live shows, and harbor tours all sheltered from the elements, Marine Life Oceanarium is the perfect winter escape—especially with its convenient Gulfport location near beaches, restaurants, and casinos. Open year-round, it's an ideal way to beat the cold and create unforgettable memories.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center has 12,000 square feet of exhibition area. Fossils and life forms from earliest geologic time periods are displayed in a chronological perspective. There are over 200 displays throughout the museum. The central hall houses dozens of full-size mounted skeletons, including over 20 dinosaurs.

This iconic 605-foot tower has defined Seattle's skyline since 1962 and remains the Pacific Northwest's most recognizable landmark. Ride the high-speed elevators to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, mountains, and Puget Sound, then explore Seattle Center's vibrant attractions right below. Built to withstand earthquakes and extreme winds, the Space Needle combines engineering marvel with unforgettable vistas.

Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act.

Get ready to scream your lungs out at Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach, where Tremors—a world-class wooden coaster hitting 60 mph—plunges you 100 feet straight down before rocketing through pitch-black underground tunnels. Between the white-knuckle rides in Coaster Alley and cooling off at Boulder Beach water park, you'll find the perfect blend of summer thrills and splashing good times that'll have you planning your next visit before you even leave.