Observation deck facts for kids
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An observation deck is a special place, usually high up, where people can go to get amazing views of the area around them. Imagine standing on top of a tall building or a mountain and seeing everything spread out below! These decks are designed for sightseeing and enjoying wide, open views.
Sometimes, observation decks are enclosed, meaning they have walls and a roof to protect visitors from the weather. Some even have coin-operated telescopes. These telescopes help you see faraway things up close, like famous landmarks or distant mountains.
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Where Can You Find Observation Decks?
Observation decks are built in many different places. You can find them on:
- Tall Buildings: Many of the world's tallest skyscrapers have observation decks near their top. These offer incredible city views, letting you see streets, other buildings, and even far-off neighborhoods.
- Mountains and Hills: Some observation decks are built on natural high points, like mountain peaks or cliffs. From these spots, you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes, forests, rivers, or coastlines.
- Towers and Structures: Besides buildings, some special towers, bridges, or monuments also have observation decks. These are often built just for the purpose of giving people a great view.
What Can You See from an Observation Deck?
The views from an observation deck can be very different depending on where it is.
- City Views: From a city observation deck, you might see busy streets, famous landmarks, parks, and the entire city skyline. At night, the city lights sparkle like a carpet of jewels.
- Natural Landscapes: If the deck is on a mountain, you could see vast forests, winding rivers, lakes, or even other mountain ranges. Some decks overlook famous natural wonders like waterfalls or canyons.
- Historical Sites: Some observation decks are near historical places. They can give you a new perspective on old castles, ancient ruins, or important battlefields.
Why Do People Visit Observation Decks?
People visit observation decks for many reasons:
- Sightseeing: They are a great way to see a lot of a city or natural area all at once.
- Photography: The high vantage point offers amazing opportunities for taking unique photos.
- Learning: Many decks have signs or exhibits that teach you about the history or geography of the area you are seeing.
- Fun: It's exciting to be so high up and see the world from a different perspective!
Some observation decks are very famous. For example, the One World Observatory in New York City gives amazing views of the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge. The Shanghai Tower in China also has a very high observation deck with incredible views of Shanghai's huge city. The Edge in New York is known for its outdoor deck with a glass floor, letting you look straight down!
Images for kids
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The Edge at 30 Hudson Yards in Midtown Manhattan, the highest outdoor deck containing optically transparent flooring in the world, looking toward Lower Manhattan, opened in 2020.
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View from the Shanghai Tower observation deck.
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The observation deck from the TK Elevator Test Tower, which overlooks Germany's Black Forest and the Alps
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Glass balconies attached to the St Eusebius Church in Arnhem, Netherlands.
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The 10 m observation deck of Ronda, Spain, overlooks the Depression of Ronda plain over 100 m below.
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A multi-level tree house in Cape Town, South Africa, with an observation deck on top
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An observation deck place in Rokko Garden Terrace, Mount Rokkō, Kobe, Japan
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An observation deck in West Berlin with a view of Potsdamer Platz on the other side of the Berlin Wall, 1977. At the bottom of the steps a placard shows what the square looked like in 1929.
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Brooklyn Bridge as viewed from the One World Observatory in New York City
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Night View of the Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong from sky100
See also
In Spanish: Plataforma de observación para niños
