Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

sweet shops give you the needed energy to keep on shop- ping for fine bone china, tartan kilts, cashmere cardigans and coats. and if you've never experienced bed- and-breakfast hospitality, this is the place to try it with more than 125 properties represented by the Niagara- on-the-lake Bed & Breakfast association. shawfest.com; niagarabedandbreakfasts.com ExPEriENCE Paris LiGHTs: The singular allure of Paris is defined by emotion. Right away visitors are swept up by the city's pretty setting on the banks of the river seine. people stroll night and day motivated by the elegance of its art, music, gardens, architecture, historic sites and medieval villages—and are equally galvanized by the book shops, cafés, fine dining or simply by a riverside picnic bas- ket filled with bread, cheese and wine. Paris has long been a meeting place for poets, philosophers, painters, filmmakers, famous designers and world-renowned chefs, so with emo- tion filling the air, this experience can be just as rewarding for a parent-and-child getaway as it is for romantic couples. en.parisinfo.com TIME oFF WITh dad GET AwAy To THE BAHAMAS: Many say they always dream about a trip to the mega-sized atlantis resort in Nassau. This one all-inclusive property delivers a sea of aquatic adventures complete with 20 swimming areas, plus the world's largest open-air marine habitat, and a 57-hectare water park with both extreme slides and a lazy river ride. The atlantis resort playground also includes a state-of-the-art climbing centre and a dolphin interaction program. Nearby in the crystal blue waters of the atlantic ocean, there are opportunities to charter a boat to try your luck at catching sailfish, swordfish, shark, tuna, grouper and more. For accommodation especially suited to families, book either The Reef atlantis or the harborside Resort, where your child is sure to meet like-minded pals night and day. atlantis.com ZIP ACroSS CoSTA rICA: This Central american haven is known for its peaceful history, energized culture, tourism hos- pitality, as well as its tropical wildlife and 10,000 different species of exotic plants and trees. Costa Rica is also the birthplace of zip lining. If you and your child are into thrills and chills, sign yourselves up, don your helmets and take a 15-minute lesson. Yes, indeed, from a hilltop ledge strap your- self into a harness that dangles from a 900-metre cable, dare to look down at the forest, can- yons, cliffs and waterfalls. Then let go to zip across the dense jungle for a kilometre or so, finally landing on another remote ledge to wait for your offspring before proceeding to the next much longer, much higher cable. stay at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo (gateway Liberia), where you share this luxurious 18-hectare property with resident howler monkeys, rare sea turtles and exotic birds as you surf, snorkel, sea kayak, golf, hike, horseback ride or simply relax by one of three shimmering pools. visitcostarica.com ridE HOrsEBaCk aLONG THE CaLiFOrNia MENDoCINo CoAST: specializing in horseback riding vacations in many parts of the world, tour operator Far & Ride Horse Riding Holidays teams you up with a qualified guide for a canter along the deserted Ten Mile Beach through vast cattle ranches and into the towering redwood forests. Novice to advanced riders are welcome. The remarkable redwood ecosystem is also ideal for hiking, pho- tography and nature walks. Kayak on the rivers, cycle along trails, visit galleries, taste authentic California cuisine and fine wines. Then, every evening, relax in this sweet spot to enjoy the performing arts. accommodation for six nights is arranged at the hill house Inn Mendocino, known for its sweeping views of the Pacific coastline, spa treatments and massages, and fresh cuisine featured daily, especially in your picnic lunch. farandride.com EsCaPE TO WONdErLaNd: Just north of Toronto, walk through the gates of the three-season theme park, Canada's Wonderland, and let your imagination guide the way in a fantasyland of family fun. Individual tickets or a season pass gives you a wondrous break from routine and brings magic to children ranging in age from toddlers to teens. Together you are treated to more than 200 attrac- tions and 69 rides including 16 white-knuckle roller coasters plus an eight-hectare water park called splash Works. little ones quickly flock to Planet Snoopy to meet their favourite character and become pals with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang and fly, whirl and swoop in their very own wonderland of thrill rides. It might be different at dinosaurs alive, however. dad's hand may be needed much more by his little princess or prince as you stroll together among 40 life- sized Jurassic-age creatures, many of which flourished in Canada some 200 million years ago. canadaswonderland.com if your faMily iS unconventional, tHe ideal MotHer'S day or fatHer'S day Gift MiGHt be an aGe-appropriate Getaway witH JuSt your prince or princeSS. opposite: Experience the California Mendocino coast on horseback. Far & Ride horse Riding holidays left: Myrtle Beach offers unlimited options for family members of all ages. VisitMyrtleBeach.com S p r i n g 2 0 1 4 37

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