Lincoln, Nebraska
Youth groups visiting Lincoln, Nebraska, will find a surprising diversity of attractions that cover subject matter from animals to ice cream to roller-skating.
Among the most popular attractions for young visitors to Lincoln is the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
“It has been rated among the nation’s best zoos for both children and adults, and is home to over 400 animals and 40 endangered species,” said Kelsey Bousquet, sales development manager at the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It provides a unique experience by offering an overnight program, which allows visitors to spend the night behind the scenes at the zoo.”
There are more animals to see at the Elephant Hall, part of the University of Nebraska State Museum. The gallery contains the world’s largest mounted mammoth, as well as a collection of elephant fossils.
Bousquet suggests that while youth groups are on the university campus, they visit the University of Nebraska Dairy Store.
“It’s been a Lincoln tradition for over 90 years,” she said. “It includes a full tour of the university dairy and education on how ice cream and cheeses are made.”
At the city’s National Museum of Roller Skating, visitors can learn about the history of a favorite childhood activity. The museum features the world’s largest collection of roller-skating memorabilia, with displays and exhibits that trace the history of skating back to 1819.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
It’s never difficult to recruit students to go to the beach — especially if it’s Myrtle Beach. That South Carolina destination is packed with attractions, activities and entertainment that will keep young travelers going from dawn to dusk and beyond.
Youths visiting Myrtle Beach will want to spend some time in the ocean, of course. But you can also pack in some education at places such as the five Ripley’s attractions around the city. They include Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Motion Master, a “5D” theater.
“You’re strapped into seats that are in motion,” said Sandy Haines, group tour sales manager at the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It feels like you’re riding a roller coaster or skiing. They splash water in your face and blow air at you. It’s a lot of fun.”
The Myrtle Beach boardwalk is always buzzing with arcades, restaurants, gift shops and other activities. Its centerpiece is the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a giant Ferris wheel that towers 187 feet above the beach. Riders go up in fully enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas for a comfortable and beautiful experience.
“It’s one of the greatest views in the area,” Haines said. “You can see all the way down the coastline in both directions once you’re at the top. And there’s a VIP car with a glass bottom. At night, the lights are absolutely fabulous.”
Many student groups visit WonderWorks, an innovative science museum designed specifically for young minds. The museum recently installed a zip line that sends riders soaring over Lake Broadway.
To end the day, Haines suggests that youth groups visit one of the numerous shows in the area. Two favorites are Medieval Times and Pirates Voyage, both of which feature dinner and interactive elements. And a new show at the Palace Theatre, “Illusions of Magic,” has large-scale illusions, live animals and stunt archery.
