Dan's Papers - May 6, 2008 - Err, A Parent - Raising children, learning lessons

Theme parks are a strange phenomena. Considering the throngs of people who clamor to these places every year, they're also extremely popular. But after spending five days at DisneyWorld last spring, I can't be counted among its fans.

Part of the problem, I think, was that we stayed "on campus" at one of the Disney hotels. Everything was Disney - the TV programming, the food, the uniforms. Extreme branding. Who knows why I found that surprising, considering I was in DisneyWorld. But I didn't think it would be so cultish. After the first day of shock and resistance, we gradually resigned ourselves to the mind controlling experience, refilling Disney mugs with Disney soda at Disney cafes. By the third day I was convinced there was "something in it" - not quite Jonestown Kool-Aid, but something that contributed to our Stepford Wives demeanor.

We robotically pushed the Disney stroller through three Disney parks, but avoided Epcott. I can't have that be my son's point of reference on travel. I imagiined being in Paris, hearing him say, "But I saw the Eiffel Tower at Epcott. Can I watch Chip 'N' Dale?"

There are so many real experiences for children. The East End is packed with real places, not fabrications, with real history. One of those is a bit of a secret garden: LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, a 16-acre marvel filled with works by great sculptors, outrageouse fountains and pools, and plantings from around the world. According to the mission statement, LongHouse "brings together art and nature, aesthetics and spirit [with programs that] encourage a broad concept of learning."

Most people don't know that LongHouse isn't just for garden ladies. Kids are constantly astounded by amazing discoveries. They can whack Toshiko Takaezu's bronze bells with giant mallets, run into a huge grassy crater, experience what it's like to see like a fly from within Buckminster Fuller's 33-foot "Fly's Eye Dome," all while learning about the greatest modern artists of our time. LongHouse isn't the 'push' learning method - it's an interactive playground where children make their own discoveries and use their own imaginations. It's open to the public every Wednesday and Saturday, 2-5. Bring your own drinks. Give it a try. www.longhouse.org