While you might be on the edge of your seat visiting the home of Jane Austen or the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, your kids … maybe not so much. Thankfully, there are a few fun literary sites bookworms of any age can appreciate (and they might even convert some of the non-readers in your family).
Harry Potter Platform © Craig Russell | Dreamstime.com
While this short little stop might not be worth an entire trip all on its own, it’s well worth it to add to your itinerary if you happen to be in London. The Kings Cross Station tribute to the ever-popular Harry Potter franchise is free for photos throughout the day, and you can even pick your own scarf and wand to complete your ensemble as you pose with the luggage cart mysteriously disappearing through the brick wall, headed to Hogwarts.
Another London site, Shakespeare’s Globe likely won’t interest the toddler- and elementary-aged travelers, but the staff does such a wonderful job putting together the tours pre-teens and teenagers are sure to enjoy the experience just as much as their Shakespeare-loving parents. The tour is short, affordable and filled with humorous details regarding the Globe’s use. No prior knowledge of Shakespeare or the theater is required to have a great time.
Small fans of Eloise (and big fans, too) will love a trip to or stay at The Plaza to live out their favorite scenes from the iconic children’s book and movie. Don’t miss The Plaza around Christmastime especially, when it’s decked out in its wintery finest. Be sure to stop in the Eloise Shop during your visit.
Whether you’ve trudged your way through the lengthy Lord of the Rings books or just enjoyed the possibly equally lengthy movies, everyone in the family can enjoy a trip to Hobbiton in New Zealand. Used for filming both The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit, it’s become a Tolkien tourism destination. You can enjoy guided tours, a trip to the visitor’s center and even second breakfast in the cafe.
If you have a teenager old enough to have jumped on the YA vampire lit train, you may find they’re just as enthralled with the previous generation’s Twilight — Interview with the Vampire
. The French Quarter offers all kinds of Anne Rice spots to explore, from the spooky St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to Gallier House.
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