Inspiration • February 2015
Five of the coolest kids holidays
So that you can be sure your savvy little travellers have something to show off when they go back to school, The Club has tracked down some of the extra cool things they can learn while on holiday, from gladiator weekends to space camp
Camp Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Your kids will say: “I experienced space like an astronaut!”
The Kennedy Space Center takes mini astronauts to infinity and beyond with a week-long course covering simulated shuttle missions and hands-on experience of space travel science. This year’s theme is ‘Space Shuttle Atlantis: From Sketch Pad to Launch Pad’, focusing on the historical impact of the shuttle’s 33 missions into space – which in total orbited the Earth 4,848 times and travelled more than 525 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. All campers receive a certificate after graduation.
Cool rating: 4.5/5
Gladiator Weekends, Rome
Your kids will say: “I fought like a gladiator!”
When in Rome, do as the gladiators did at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria. The hotel has launched a course in its 15-acre private park, where instructors teach ancient combat techniques and educate youngsters about gladiators. Tunics, Roman sandals and wooden training swords are included. After the course, participants are given a medal and declared a ‘Tiro’ (or first-level gladiator), before having a tour of the Coliseum.
Cool rating: 4/5
KidZania London, UK
Your kids will say: “I got a grown-up job!”
British Airways has teamed up with KidZania in west London’s Westfield to let children experience being a pilot. From March, kids can become ‘mini flyers’, dress up in uniforms and be welcomed through an authentic-looking check-in area, before boarding a real 16-tonne British Airways A319 aeroplane. There are more than 60 real-life role-play experiences kids can take part in, including being a doctor (above), a firefighter, radio DJ and a dentist.
Cool rating: 5/5
Harlequin Soccer Academy, St Vincent
Your kids will say: “I trained with professional footballers!”
At Buccament Bay, in St Vincent, your kids don’t just play football with resort reps: they learn from pros. Last year’s coaches included former England players Gareth Southgate and John Barnes. They not only teach ball skills, but also the technical, tactical, physical and mental elements of the game.
Cool rating: 4/5
Cowboy College, Arizona
Your kids will say: “I rode a horse like a cowboy/cowgirl!”
If your kids want to experience the Wild West, the pros at Arizona Cowboy College in Scottsdale will show them the ropes. The Lorill Summer Horse Camp teaches riding techniques, while the one- and three-day sessions with instructor Rocco (for groups of up to 12) can be customised to fit your family’s interests, from roping to penning animals.
Cool rating: 4/5
This article has been tagged Adventure, Destination