OK, so the kids loved Bigfoot Country in Willow Creek, and now they're all pumped up for the paranormal. The Bermuda Triangle is too dangerous and Loch Ness is too far away. But you're in luck because the truth is not out there; it's in Roswell, New Mexico. You and the spouse don't have to be Mulder or Scully to have a fine time exposing your kids, who may at times seem like aliens to you, Close Encounters of the Buzzword Kind. Let's be honest about Roswell, New Mexico. It is a destination spot your kids won't forget, not because of what they may learn about UFOs, but more for what they will learn about the ability of America to market literally anything. Roswell at times seems like literally stepping back into that innocent era of tourist traps where it was the cheesy quality that made them special. You know, like alligator farms and mermaid shows?

Just how much cheesy fun is the UFO capital of the world? Even the local Wal-Mart sports a sign that says "Aliens Welcome." Roswell is a company town, and the company headquarters is that big face on Mars. Everywhere you look in Roswell there are flying saucers and little gray aliens. There isn't a kid in American whose face won't light up the first time he sees one of the many saucers that appear to have crashed into the façade of one of Roswell's many alien-themed diners. Once the kids eat a hamburger made from an actual alien, (OK, that part was totally made up) round them up and head them over to witness a recreation of an actual alien autopsy being performed at the Area 51 Museum, and that part wasn't made up. There are exactly two places in Roswell that you and your kids will leave saying you believe. The Area 51 Museum not only offers an alien autopsy, but an upside down room and the ability for the kids to pose with an alien.

Once you finish with the fun it's time for the education. The International UFO and Research Center is the place to take the kids to learn about the actual history of the alleged Roswell crash, which gave birth the Roswell obsession with UFOs and aliens.