The best thing about family vacations is not just the bonding time, but the opportunity to expose your children to new experiences and learning possibilities. On anyone’s vacation itinerary, especially when traveling with children you should try to visit a children’s museum. Don’t let the word “museum” be misleading – today’s museums are much different from the dusty, ancient exhibits you may have visited when you were a child. The museums of today offer a wide array of activities and fascinating exhibits that will not only entertain and teach your child, but involve the adults as well. The following children’s museums are fabulous destinations for families and are not just for the kids, but also for kids at heart.
Glazer’s Children’s Museum – Tampa, Florida: Sometimes you just don’t want to fight the crowds at Disney, and the Glazer’s Children’s Museum provides 170 “interactivities” in 12 themed areas, just for kids.
Children’s Museum, Inc. – Boca Raton, Florida: This museum highlights the arts, sciences and humanities through creative play for kids 1-12.
Randall Museum – San Francisco, California: If your kids are into animals, this is the museum for you. It has live performances and hands-on workshops with a wide array of interesting creatures.
Cachuma Lake Nature Center – Santa Barbara, California: This children’s museum focuses on anthropology and biology, but they make it fun and entertaining for the entire family.
Magic House – St. Louis, Missouri: A museum that captures the magic of childhood and is as much fun for adults as it is for children.
Railroad Historical Museum Inc. – Springfield, Missouri: For the child (and adult) who loves trains! The museum is located inside actual rail cars and has many fun exhibits.
Good Night Magic Castle and Museum – Washington, DC: Another magical experience for the whole family, enjoy magic shows and a number of interactive activities.
Heritage Canyon – Fulton, Illinois: A chance to take children back in time to the 1800s, with a 12-acre nature trail walk dotted with historical buildings.
Boston Children’s Museum – Boston, Massachusetts: Founded by teachers in 1913, this museum introduces kids to the wonders of art and science in innovative ways.
The Enchanted Mansion – Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A life-sized Victorian doll house, this museum encourages the imagination of children and offers a memorable experience.
These museums may be off the beaten path, but they all offer a unique and exciting experience to children of all ages. Adults, too, can enjoy the afternoon at the children’s museum, and may be surprised to discover just how much fun is to be had. Since a family vacation is really all about enjoying each other’s company and new experiences, these children’s museums fit the bill nicely. Next time you’re on the road and looking for something for the whole family to do, check out any one of the museums above for a day of family entertainment.
J. Sample is a writer, blogger, and road trip extraordinaire.
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