SANTA MONICA, Calif., (DECEMBER 05, 2019) — Today, TIME For Kids reveals the first-ever list of the World’s 50 Coolest Places of 2019, spotlighting mix of educational, innovative, and fun destinations that are tailored to the interests of kids.
To assemble the list, TIME for Kids gathered nominations from its network of TFK Kid Reporters and from young readers around the world. Each nomination was then evaluated on several factors, including quality, originality, sustainability, and accessibility.
The result: a list of 50 exciting, innovative, and iconic destinations around the world—from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore with a gourmet kids’ menu to America’s tallest sand dunes, which are perfect for sledding.
See the full list here: http://time.com/kid-places
The TIME For Kids citation reads: “Santa Monica Pier is a well-known destination. ‘It has been featured in more than a thousand different movies, TV shows, and music videos,’ says Nathan Smithson, who works at the pier. The Pacific Park amusement complex features classic rides and games. But the park’s centerpiece has a futuristic twist: It’s the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. The eco-friendly attraction uses LED lighting. It’s more energy-efficient than the bulbs used on traditional wheels. And the structure itself is powered by the sun. That means the ride—which carries you up nine stories, until you’re hanging some 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean—comes with minimal environmental impact.”
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza and beachside shopping. In addition to the Pacific Wheel solar-powered Ferris wheel, Pacific Park’s signature rides include The West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay; and Inkie’s Air Lift Balloon Ride, the high-flying, family-sharing kids’ ride. For additional information and hours of operation, call 310-260-8744, visit www.pacpark.com/hours, follow on Instagram and Twitter: @pacpark and Like at Facebook: facebook.com/pacificpark.
Feature image courtesy of @imagexwill.