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If you're taking a family trip to paradise, you'll want to line up some adventures that will leave you with keep-sake memories. Here are some kid-friendly excursions your family will remember for years to come after visiting the beautiful island of Oahu:

Ala Moana Center 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 955-9517

The Ala Moana Center is more than just Hawaii's largest shopping mall, it's become a "not to miss" tourist destination. Kids of any age will enjoy it. Besides, it's your vacation too!

Atlantis Submarines 1600 Kapiolani Blvd., # 1630 Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 973-9811

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, for sure! You'll descend to a depth of 100 feet in a 48-passenger submarine. See many species of marine life up close, learn about coral reefs, and visit sunken shipwrecks. Children must be at least 36" tall.

Children's Discovery Center 111 Ohe St. Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 524-5437

Your kids will have tons of fun at the Center, where they'll be encouraged to use all their senses to interact with the world around them. You'll find the Children's Discovery Center across from the Kakaako Waterfront Park in downtown Honolulu.

Diamond Head Crater Diamond Head Rd. at 18th Ave. Honolulu, HI 96816 (808) 587-0400

Diamond Head is one of the island's most visible landmarks, readily seen from Honolulu and Waikiki. A 30-minute ride by bus or car gets you to the .8 mile trail to the top of the world. Take along a flashlight (dark tunnels), water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. Not recommended for pre-schoolers.

Dole Pineapple Plantation 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy. Wahiawa, HI 96786 (808) 621-8408

Race your kids through the world's largest maze or ride the Pineapple Express. Enjoy a cold pineapple treat before you leave! Just 40 minutes from Waikiki. Perfect for any age.

Foster Botanical Garden 50 North Vineyard Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 522-7060

In the heart of Honolulu, this oasis is the perfect spot to appreciate the rare and beautiful plant life the islands have to offer. Children of any age should enjoy.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park 400 Farrington Hwy. Kapolei, HI 96707 (808) 674-9283

You'll find river rafting, water slides, an activity pool, children's playground, and miniature golf at Oahu's only water park, just 35 minutes west of Waikiki. Public transportation is available from the Ala Moana Center. Perfect for all ages.

Hoku Nai'a Dolphin Watch & Lunch 85-371 Farrington Hwy. Waianae, HI 96792 (800) 334-6191

This newly built 149 passenger, 2-deck catamaran is perfect for dolphin and whale watching. The Hoku Nai'a departs 6 days a week from West Oahu, with transportation provided from Waikiki. A fabulous gourmet burger lunch is included. Kids under 3 sail for free.

Honolulu Academy of Arts 900 South Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 532-8700

This museum really caters to kids, even pre-schoolers, offering tote bags with items to make the visit more enjoyable.

Honolulu Zoo 151 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 971-7171

What do a ring-tailed Lemur and a Chimpanzee have in common? They both make their home at the Honolulu Zoo! Visit birds, mammals, reptiles, and a children's zoo. A snack bar is available or bring your own food for a picnic. After lunch, head over to the Zootique Gift Shop.

Ice Palace 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., # B6 Honolulu, HI 96818 (808) 487-9921

Who'd have thought you could ice skate in Hawaii? Lessons are available, including for those as young as 3.

Jungle River Mini Golf 98-1101 Moanalua Rd. Aiea, HI 96701 (808) 488-8808

This outdoor 18-hole adventure course has rich landscaping that makes you feel like you're in a tropical rainforest. Kids will also enjoy the Keiki (kid) rides and video games.

Manoa Falls 3860 Manoa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 988-4747

Discover a tropical rainforest just 20 minutes from town. If you're a family of hikers, you'll enjoy the .8 mile trek to the base of the 150' falls. Take along water and bug spray. Not recommended for preschoolers.

Moana Beach Park 1201 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu HI 96814 (808) 768-3027

If your family is up for snorkeling, the shallow waters of the park's Magic Island is the perfect place! A favorite of families with young children, the beach is protected by a shallow outer reef and is often less crowded than Waikiki. Shaded picnic tables are available. The park is across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Polynesian Cultural Center 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy Laie, HI 96762 (800) 367-7060

Learn about the lives of early Polynesian people in awesome surroundings. There are a lot of hands-on activities for kids, such as learning the Maori stick game, or playing an ancient form of bowling. Attend a luau or enjoy their lunch and dinner buffets. All ages will find something of interest.

Sea Life Park 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, #7 Waimanalo, HI 96795 (808) 259-2500

An experience your family will never forget! Just minutes from Waikiki, you'll get up close and personal with exciting marine life. Catch a sea lion or penguin show, or take in the Dolphin Encounter (ages 1 & up). Visit the Sea Lion Cafe or gift shops while you're there.

Waikiki Aquarium 2777 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 923-9741

The aquarium is built next to a living coral reef and is home to an abundance of marine life, with many interactive and educational exhibits. Kids and adults will enjoy.

Waikiki Beach Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI, 96815 (888) 904-4088 (Tourist Info.) You can't visit Oahu without experiencing Waikiki Beach! The beach fronts Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. The waves are gentle and the beach is family friendly.

Kids and adults alike will have fun exploring, learning and doing while visiting Oahu. These attractions will give your family plenty to do in paradise, come rain or shine!

Learn more about this author, Barbara Mitchell.
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