Elf Sternberg

I really like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. It's the oldest theme park on the planet -- and an eclectic collection of things, that don't really go together. And it's great for young children.

They do have some awesome stuff too. In the water park, there's a ride called the "Zinga." It's *very* scary...an enormous half-pipe that launches from 80 feet up and lets you out into a giant funnel at the bottom. Like getting flushed in a giant toilet.

Then there's The Raven -- rated as the #1 wooden roller coaster out there. It seems pretty innocuous at first. You can only see one big hill through the trees. It's also a short ride. Plenty of corners. Very fast and wild. There's a fifth drop that scares the crap outta you, because you can't see it coming.

Holiday World is pretty unique as far as theme parks go. All the free Pepsi products and ice water you can drink, dispensed in self-serve huts all over the park. Plus, free sunscreen in giant gallon dispenser bottles placed everywhere. Apparently, the owners do not want dehydraded, sunburned guests.

They offer some lazy, fun rides for the old folks too -- innertubing on the calm river, antique cars, etc.

Very customer-service oriented, and price of entry isn't too bad either.