Entertain the children
If you take your kids to see the eclipse, they’ll need distractions. What’s better than an indoor water park, like the one at Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio? Near the center line of the eclipse’s path, it is beautifully situated, and the watching party will be offering free wolf ears for kids and moon pies for everyone. A family suite that includes unlimited park access averages about $330 per night. You’ll also find children’s activities if you’re up for a trip back in time. Kinmundy Log Cabin Village in Kinmundy, Ill., will open its grounds to visitors from April 6 to 8, and while you won’t be able to stay in one of its 19th-century log cabins, you can explore them, some of which is once again occupied by volunteers. affirming pioneer life. There will be bonfires each night, and food trucks will be on site April 7 and 8. Camping and parking for all three days is $150. In Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, NY, the third largest living museum in the United States, experience life as it was in New York State from the 1790s to 1900. From April 5 to 7, you can attend a magic-lantern show, write a celestially themed poetry, and a sample of 19th-century eclipse-themed treats for $17. On the day of the eclipse, $250 will get you and a carload of friends to the viewing area; individual tickets start at $55.
Treat yourself
Add some aahs to your oohs with Moon Shadow Pack at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, which includes an opening-night reception, complimentary bottle of bubbly and a viewing party, starting at $3,500 for a three-night stay for two. Or how about a 15-day Panama Canal cruise — with a chance to witness the eclipse at sea near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico? Interior rooms are still available for $1,199 at Emerald Princessleaving Los Angeles on April 5. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to roll down the highway in a luxury RV, which becomes an asset when the weather turns and clearer skies are just a few hours’ drive away. Spot2Nite.com offers packages starting at $625 per night that combine RV rentals at campground sites from Texas to Ohio.
Fly through the dark sky
The best thing about viewing an eclipse from an airplane? “You don’t have to worry about the clouds because you are above them. And at 35,000 to 40,000 feet, you see the eclipse against a clearer, more transparent sky compared to being at ground level,” said Joseph Rao, an associate and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium and an avid eclipse chaser who has seen 13 total — five aboard one aircraft. Delta Air Lines has advertised path-of-totality flights from Austin (sold out) and Dallas-Fort Worth to Detroit. Southwest Airlines (which operates a sweepstakes to win a seat) also offers scheduled flights along the way. The downsides of an air-clipse? “You’re experiencing the event in a kind of sterile environment,” Mr. Rao. Also, the angle of the sun in the sky at the time of totality may not be consistent with the view from a typical airplane window, which may limit the ability of some passengers to see it unless the pilots take off or set a special course. — as it is said that few did during the total eclipse in 2017.
Know Before You Go
Think of the centerline: When choosing a place to view the eclipse, remember that the closer you are to the center of the path, the longer the eclipse will last. As you plan your trip, consult a eclipse map for prime spots.
Traffic factors: In the United States, about 32 million people live in the path of the eclipse, and tons more will be there. Give yourself more time.
