THRIVE IN THE THRILLS A FAMILY GUIDE TO THEME PARK FUN
Going to a theme park is one of the most memorable ways to spend a family vacation. Theme parks are full of excitement, but they can also be overwhelming — especially with young kids in tow. The right game plan can turn a day of long lines and potential meltdowns into a fun, memorable adventure. PLAN SMART, PLAY HARD. Rather than simply packing up and heading to the park, take some time to research and plan your trip. Look into show schedules and ride restrictions, such as height limits, ahead of time so you can plan your day. Many parks also have mobile apps to track wait times and order food. Visit the most popular
reusable water bottles to keep the family hydrated without breaking the bank on expensive bottled water.
If visiting a park during summer, don’t forget the sun protection. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and breathable clothing are a must when walking all day in the heat. Taking a few minutes for a midday break in a shaded area or at an indoor show will help the family recharge for the rest of the visit. KEEP EXPECTATIONS FLEXIBLE AND FUN. Even with careful planning, things won’t always work out like you hope — expect ride closures, long lines, and cranky kids. Creating a list of backup attractions or activities can help you easily pivot if Plan A doesn’t work out. And don’t try to see everything in one visit. Trying to hit every ride can backfire and make the trip miserable. Often, the best memories happen in unexpected moments. A little structure mixed with flexibility can lead to a lot of fun and ensure your family’s theme park adventure is about making memories rather than managing stress.
attractions early before the crowds swell. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak seasons also helps avoid long lines to maximize your family’s fun.
REMEMBER SNACKS, DRINKS, AND SUN PROTECTION.
Theme park restaurants can be expensive and busy. If you plan to dine in the park, make reservations to avoid wasting precious time in long lines. If allowed, pack your own lunch to save time and money. It’s also wise to carry
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Teriyaki Beef Skewers
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE HOLIDAY HOURS Our office will be closed July 2 and 3, with normal business hours resuming on Monday, July 7. WHERE DID THE PHRASE ‘MAD AS A HATTER’ COME FROM? The phrase and the basis of the eccentric Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” originated from the fact that mercury was once used to make the felt hats so popular in his time! Mercury poisoning had become an endemic for decades prior, leading to side effects such as mood swings and erratic behavior. HOW MANY WORDS DID SHAKESPEARE INVENT? The Bard didn’t just create the most iconic stories in history but also 1,700 common words we still use today! By transforming nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, and creatively adding suffixes and prefixes, he invented words like “besmirched,” “dwindle,” “fashionable,” and “radiance.” HOW WAS KERMIT THE FROG CREATED? The Muppets mastermind Jim Henson first made the iconic amphibian using just his mother’s old coat and two halves of a ping-pong ball!
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup soy sauce
3 large garlic cloves, chopped 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)
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1/2 cup water
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Bamboo skewers soaked in water
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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