Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley region in France, known for its famed wine industry, has more for kids than you might expect. With abundant gardens, fairytale castles and mysterious caves, it's impossible to cross everything off your list of things to see, do and taste!

Located in the middle stretch of the Loire River in central France, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is called the "Garden of France." During the 15th and 16th centuries, French kings were drawn to the valley for its beauty and built extravagant country retreats amid the area's woodlands and rivers.

Puy du Fou is a historical theme park, where visitors watch live shows designed to feel like you've stepped into a movie. Jeanne d'Arc, a Viking attack and the legend of King Arthur are just some of the stories brought to life with dramatic music, pyrotechnics, equestrian stunts and other special effects. In a replica Ancient Roman stadium, guests can experience the electric atmosphere of the Circus Games, complete with gladiator battles and chariot races. With 26 shows, each running about 30-40 minutes, you can arrive when it opens and stay until closing and still wonder where the day went.

Le Jardin des Kangourous is another unexpected treat. The animal park in a small wooded valley is home to more than 100 "kangaroos" -- actually, they're wallabies -- frolicking in freedom. Visitors can walk right up to the docile creatures and feed them what else but baguette, of course.

A gastronomic haven, the Loire Valley is rife with culinary adventures to broaden even the pickiest eaters' palettes. From sampling fouée bread made in the famous caves of the region to browsing the hundreds of yogurt varieties in a typical grocery store aisle, each experience is an opportunity to learn how food intertwines with culture, history and a different way of life.