If long drives and sitting for hours in traffic is not your idea of family fun, a visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, won't disappoint. Here, the nearest amusement park is only a nine- to 12-minute drive, or about 6 miles, from the city center. Adventure Landing on Capital Boulevard, north of Interstate 440, is open 364 days of the year, and can accommodate the adventurous wishes of family members young and old.
Whether you're a thrill seeker or love games and sports, there's an Adventure Landing attraction sure to put a smile on your face. Try your hand at miniature golf on the specially designed 18-hole course that features mountains, tunnels and waterfalls. If this isn't challenging enough, see if you can beat your friends in a game of laser tag or go-kart racing. You'll also find prize-redemption games in the arcade area, and for baseball players in the making there are nine batting cages where you can practice your hitting skills.
When you work up an appetite from all the activities, you won't need to leave the property. Adventure Landing's on-site snack bar sells a variety of food and drinks. In addition to hot dogs, pizza and French fries, snacks such as pretzels and popcorn can help keep hunger at bay. Healthier food options are also available. After an ice cream dessert, quench your thirst with soda or water, before swiftly returning to the activities.
For birthday celebrations, Adventure Landing has two packages available. Both require that you make reservations at least 72 hours beforehand, provide a nonrefundable deposit, and invite minimum of eight guests, which includes the birthday boy or girl. Depending on the package, party guests can expect to receive 20 to 30 tokens for the arcade; one or two activity passes for go-kart racing or laser tag; and pizza, popcorn and drinks. A host is assigned to your party, and tables are decorated with balloons and festive plates, napkins, cups and utensils.
When you visit Adventure Landing, keep in mind that youngsters have to be at least 56 inches tall to race go-karts on their own. Younger kids at least 36 inches tall or 3 years old won't have to feel excluded, because they can ride along with a licensed driver. Pricing is based on individual attractions, although specials include combo packages to play arcade games, laser tag and miniature golf, and packages that include food for the entire family. You get a discount for tickets purchased online, and kids can bring their report cards -- the park rewards As and Bs with arcade tokens.
