Escape to the Palisades

A quest to satisfy the Lego hunger that drives my six year old led us to seek out this weekend's destination. A 45-minute journey north to the Palisades Center in West Nyack, N.Y., became our target for a Lego store experience. What we ended up with was a destination designed to fill a full day of family fun.

Our initial reason for the sojourn was to explore a little more of what the Lego world has to offer our budding Lego master. The store is designed to be an experience. First there are the museum like displays of the more elaborate and complex sets to view. Then there is the center workstation where patrons can play with physical Legos as well as go on line into the brands virtual world.

For our children, a favorite station was the mini Lego maker where you can pick and choose different components to create your own Lego figurines for purchase. The entire back wall of the store looks like a candy store hosting floor to ceiling containers of various size, shape and color Legos. The store offers a wide variety of sets for the youngest enthusiasts to the more skilled aficionado.

And that is just how we spent our first hour at the mall. In addition to the requisite shopping that makes the center a mall, the many attractions make it a destination. With all the amenities offered a full day can easily be made of the trip. Among those available for your amusements are a movie theater featuring first run, 3D and IMAX selections, a Lucky Strike Lanes bowling alley and a Dave & Busters franchise.

What our children liked the best though were the two tier Carousel and Ferris Wheel rides which are each located on opposite sides of the third floor food eatery. The four level mall is architecturally spatial and sprawling by design. Against the backdrop of large window walls the Ferris Wheel stands out as an impressive attraction. The whole family rode together and the kids really loved the uniqueness of being up so high inside. The rides cost $2 per rider.

Usually the idea of a weekend mall trip sounds boring and the last place I want to be with my family during our together time. This mall, with all its outlets and activities is the exception to that rule. Families with children of all ages will have plenty to do. The bonus is you can share your favorite experience of the day with them on the ride home.