How do you get to Sesame Street? Head straight for Langhorne, just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. This lively, colorful park, based on the TV show and open each year beginning in May, is a preschooler's dream: Where else can you rub shoulders with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster and, of course, Elmo, while splashing through water play areas and twirling on rides? Be sure to join the daily Rock Around the Block Parade with all the characters at this ideal first theme park for your kids. What's new: Opening this year at the center of the park is the much-anticipated Sunny Day Carousel, on which visitors can ride a Horse of a Different Color in the heart of Sesame Place. Also get set to shake hands with Abby Caddaby, Sesame Place's newest Muppet character. This "fairy-in-training" has her own show, Abby Caddaby's Treasure Hunt, with a bunch of the Street gang joining her in the singing and dancing. Bargains: Get an Elmo Two Day ticket for $47.50, the same price as a one-day park pass. Children under age 2 always enter free. 215-752-7070, sesameplace.com. Where to stay: A half mile from the park is the Residence Inn by Marriott in Langhorne, an all-suite hotel with kitchens, complimentary buffet breakfast and free shuttles to Sesame Place—perfect for Elmo-lovin' families (suites from $259 a night). 215-946-6500, marriott.com.