The Montclair Art Museum is a great place to introduce kids to visual arts. Its education department offers various programs that help children learn about and enjoy the art in the museum's collections and exhibits. These programs include guided tours, themed art projects, storytimes, films, and other activities.
The Family Learning Lab, in the third-floor lobby, is a place where kids and families can hang out and do interactive projects during museum hours. CREATEabilities, on the second Wednesday of each month, offers pre-K and early elementary-aged kids a guided tour of the museum, storytelling, art projects, and more. The Drop-In Studio, held each Sunday, is another way to explore the materials and processes used in current exhibitions in a hands-on way. Both are great ways to get creative with your kids and meet other families. Various special events include art activities, live music, and more.
On the Potomac River waterfront and named a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2021by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, Alexandria, VA is the perfect place for a family fun vacation. With dozens of kids activities at museums and historic sites to plenty of outdoor fun and free things to do, kids of all ages will love staying in George Washington's hometown. Tiny tots and kids up to 10 will love Scramble, a European-style play center offering indoor play and age-specific activities. Adventurous groups of all ages visit Shadowland for ultimate laser tag or Cameron Run Regional Park for mini golf, a water park, batting cages and more. Vacation or enjoying a weekend getaway, families find plenty to do in Alexandria, from bike tours to boat rides. This place stands out as a veritable beacon, being well-known as one of the best museums for kids in Washington, D.C. The museum brings to life the nation's past in a way no history book ever could.
One of the most famous displays is the flag which was raised above Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It was this flag that would become the inspiration behind America's national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Guests will also see the actual pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Another favorite exhibit showcases the gowns of multiple First Ladies of the past.
There are also plenty of interactive displays, as well as daily activities that allow your child to experience activities like using a printing press. For younger children, Wegman Wonderplace is a true delight, as they can play while they learn. Here, your kid can let loose as the captain of a tugboat, experience life on a farm, or pretend to cook in a professional kitchen. There's a specific area dedicated to nursing, and a display designed specifically for babies who are just learning how to walk. The living history community tells the story of Naperville in its early settlement days. Historic buildings can be toured in the summer months and the visitor's center is open year round for revolving exhibits.
Kids will be charmed by costumed villagers and special events include a summer outdoor concert series. Outdoor walking tours are available with a guided app, and masks are required inside buildings and when social distancing isn't possible outdoors. The Morris Museumis perhaps best known for its extensive collection of 19th-century musical dolls and machines. Viewing this ongoing exhibition, Musical Machines and Living Dolls, feels a bit like walking around inside a music box.
It's magical and slightly creepy (there are some sinister-looking clowns and monkeys), and we can't get enough of it. It's but one of many kid-friendly exhibits at this beloved museum, which is small enough to see in its entirety in one visit. There are many special programs and events, including Family Fun Days, Tot Tours for ages 2–5, and art classes and workshops for older kids and teens. The museum is also home to the Bickford Theatre, which presents programming for kids and adults. If you have a young train lover in your life, the museum'sMega Model Trainsexhibit is a must-see. Discovery Museum for Children caters to preschool-age and young schoolchildren.
Kids learn through experiences based on play and discovery, including an arts and crafts area, a music room, and a mini dance studio with mirrors and a barre. There's a soft playscape where younger kids can climb and explore; bigger kids can jump aboard the refurbished fire truck. Several themed areas invite kids to play pretend, including a kitchen, grocery store, diner, and new baby-doll nursery. An Alexandria tradition for more than a quarter-century, Art Safari returns for an in-person day of activities for kids and families. Join fellow lovers of art and learning for outdoor Waterfront art activities and select projects in the Grand Hall of the building.
Great for kids ages 5+, younger children may need some extra help, but will still have a lot of fun! Masks are required for all visitors over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status. Many of Baltimore's museums offer special programming for children.
TheBaltimore Museum of ArtandThe Walters Art Museumboth offer free admission as well as drop-in art activities for kids so they can create their own masterpieces. The BMA's Family Audio Tour—narrated by Henri Matisse's dog, Raodi, and his friends—is available via iTunes and is the perfect way to help little ones understand the art. At "weekend walk-ins," theAmerican Visionary Art Museumprovides everything you need to create your own replica of the art on display. At theCreative Alliance, you'll find music performances, art shows and free family drop-in art programs for kids and adults of all ages.
Ithaca area attractions, lodging, and restaurants have responded to COVID-19 with the utmost professionalism. Here's a list of recommended activities to do with kids, often free or budget-friendly for families, that will provide a fun experience for exploring and learning through summer and fall. Depending on who's in your pandemic pod, you'll find something for family members of all ages and all abilities to enjoy.
For anyone planning a visit, please consider that many of our independently-owned businesses and small non-profit organizations are continuing to adjust offerings and protocol on a weekly basis. Looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids? Virginia has some of the best interactive experiences for children to learn in a fun and hands-on environment. All weekend long, you can enjoy this festival that showcases the best of Americana music, offers up a fun camping experience, an arts and crafts market, and plenty of kids activities. Located in Tilmon, TX, just southeast of Lockhart, you can opt for a day pass or camping. Having been established in 1820, this place is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the entire country.
While it might not be a museum in the strictest sense of the word, it does provide a large area for your child to explore and burn off some energy. Likewise, it's one of the best museums for kids in Washington, D.C. As children can not only experience nature and learn about different plants by viewing them up close, they're also kept completely entertained the entire time. Yes, it might sound like a recipe for disaster to think about taking the kids to a garden for the day to look at the flowers. Don't be fooled; this is a perfect spot for kids of all ages to let their imaginations run wild as they explore different ecological habitats. There's even a garden area that is specifically dedicated to children, where you can stop and let them burn off some energy by digging in the dirt and helping museum staff attend to the plants.
It's virtually impossible to experience everything theLiberty Science Center has to offer in just one day. This interactive learning museum, located in Liberty State Park, boasts four floors of exhibits and experiences. A kids' lab allows budding scientists to conduct experiments. The Infinity Climber is a one-of-a-kind suspended play space.
Inside I Explore, 2–5-year-olds can send balls whooshing through pneumatic tubes, build and test race cars, play with a giant light wall, and scoop and pour rice to their hearts' content. See a movie or laser show in LSC's IMAX and 3D theaters, visit the planetarium, and check out rotating exhibits. Grab a bite at Cafe Skylines, or visit one of the family-friendly restaurants nearby. This historic home, built in 1772, was home to New Jersey's first elected governor, William Livingston. The Victorian mansion now houses 50 rooms full of antique furniture, toys, tools, textiles, and ceramics.
It's a living history museum, meaning you can stroll through the bedrooms, dining room, garage, etc., to see what it was like to live in its era. There are also various tours you can take, with topics ranging from the landscaped gardens to the family's luxury travel. While the museum is closed for regular visits in January and February, there are some fun special programs available, such as a Doctor Seuss' birthday party and a Valentine's Day party for mothers and sons. The hands-on museum is recommended for birth to age 8 and is all located on one floor. Kids can play dress-up, sort groceries, visit the "fire house," ride in kid-sized vehicles, make art and one of the five "experience zones" includes an outdoor organic garden.
Weekly and monthly specials include story times, art, sewing, nature and science, transportation, the senses and more. Knowing children learn best through play, this special museum offers a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits on its three floors packed with fun. Be sure to ask the Welcome Center about the museum's programs that day, which may include activities like peeking through a stereoscope, using a printing press or handling a cotton gin. Our historical sites offer a variety of learning opportunities that transport you to a different time. TheB&O Railroad Museum is perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages.
In addition to letting you climb aboard and play conductor, the museum has a dedicated indoor play space featuring toy trains and books. Thomas the Tank Engine regularly visits to take families on a special ride. The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Parkrecounts the history of Frederick Douglass, Isaac Myers and the first black-owned shipyard in the United States. Experience what boat building was like during that time with a hands-on demonstration. As the capital city of the United States, it's no surprise that Washington, D.C.
While you want to be sure you and your kids see major landmarks like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, you should also set time aside to visit one of the city's many impressive museums. While it might seem as though your kids will be bored during these visits, nothing could be further from the truth. For kids filled with impressive displays and exhibits, but many also have an interactive aspect, so your children can play an active, fun role in their own education.
As a bonus, most of these museums don't charge admission. This means you can pay whatever you're comfortable with, which is a huge bonus for budget-minded travelers. This expansive recreation space features butterfly and dragonfly gardens, wildlife exhibits, Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, and children's activities. While visiting the Louisville Nature Center, you can explore the outdoor nature preserves and wildlife exhibits, or you can engage in learning activities in the indoor museum area.
Littles will enjoy the gallery story time on the first Thursday of the month, as well as the drop-in family arts programs. There is also a gallery of artwork made by children, families and teens, as well as the chance to visit the gallery's permanent and rotating exhibits. The Long Island Children's Museum offers 14 interactive exhibits plus live theater, art spaces and daily activities to provide hours of discovery for children of all ages.
Special events and in-gallery activities are a great way to enjoy the MFA with your family. Extend your experience with at-home art activities inspired by the MFA's collection and special exhibitions. The birthplace of Los Angeles is full of activities for the whole family. Take a stroll down colorful Olvera Street ; take a step back in time at LA's oldest home, the Avila Adobe; visit the old Plaza Firehouse.
Conveniently located across the street from Union Station, the historic site also hosts frequent kid-friendly events, from live music to dance performances to the annual Las Posadas festival every December. This interactive children's science museum has reopened with modifications to their offerings, inclusion and safety remain core values. The outdoor mini golf is included free with all admission, and fun for the whole family. TheShenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, located in Winchester, offers hands on experiences for exploring natural history, paleontology, simple math, and the arts. TheChildren's Museum of Richmondis for ages 2-8 and was voted 11th Best Children's Museum in America by Child magazine!
Kids can explore interactive exhibits including a living tree house, garden, cave, and can climb to an eagle's nest, tinker in an inventor's lab or art studio, and so much more. The museum also has satellite locations inShort Pump,Chesterfield, andFredericksburg. Formerly a fixture in DC's Downtown neighborhood, theInternational Spy Museumhas moved to a new, purpose-built facility in L'Enfant Plaza, located in the Southwest Waterfront. The state-of-the-art museum offers enough spy-related intrigue and interactive family fun to fill an entire day.
Not only is there lots and lots of new stuff to see, but you can take part in an Undercover Mission and discover numerous interactive elements at the museum. Potomac Overlook Regional Park is turning 50 and the public is invited to help celebrate! Drop in to explore the garden, meet live animals, learn how you can support our park and get involved, and more.
This event is free for all, and no reservations are required. No matter what age you are, this museum is truly awe-inspiring from the moment you walk in the door. Here, you're greeted by "Henry," a replica of an African Bush Elephant that weighs over 11 tons. Henry has been a favorite among all the museum's visitors for over 60 years. This is one of the best museums for kids in Washington, D.C., as there is simply so much to look at and experience.
No matter what age your children may be, there's something here that's sure to keep them engaged, happy and even fascinated while they're learning. What was once a private ranch and garden has been made into a stunning public botanic garden, located in La Cañada. Descanso Gardens is known for their outstanding collection of Camellias, as well as an enormous Rose garden and collection. But what may be the biggest hit with families is their 1/8th scale Enchanted Railroad Train, which many LA families have ridden over the years. Admission will require advance purchase of times tickets online, so please check with their website for details, including whether the train is currently running.
Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes. The museum hosts family day workshops monthly and includes interactive exhibits in its rotating exhibition schedule. The McCormick House, a Mies van der Rohe-designed structure, is on the museum campus, and interactive programs and exhibits are often held there. In addition to in-person exhibits, families can enjoy the museum "At Home," which includes artist discussions, behind-the-scenes looks at exhibits and more.
Daily drop-in events include story time, music and movement, and time in the studio. Rotating exhibitions add to permanent hands-on exhibits about energy, architecture, physics and art, and there's even a spot designed just for kids under 2. Exhibits for ages up to tweens include a planetarium, sports dress-up, sound waves, electricity, an outdoor discovery park, a tot spot, health and body, weather, bubbles and more. Monthly activities rotate and highlight science, nature and agriculture among others, helping kids discover their passions.
Step aboard Europe's largest preserved WW2 warship and experience the legend of HMS Belfast. The ship has nine decks steeped in history, from the Captain's Bridge to the sailor's mess, and offers hands-on activities for children. Located in one of the oldest buildings in Hoboken, this museum is historic inside and out. It focuses on various aspects of Hoboken history and features works by local and regional artists. The 2,000-square-foot space also has interactive displays and various family programs. A short drive down the road leads to the affiliated Fire Department Museum.
