It's all Greek in Nashville

If you’re looking for one more trip before summer is officially over, why not explore the architecture of ancient Greece? There's no need to travel half way around the world though. The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the Athenian original. Built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the replica is made of brick, stone, and concrete (instead of Greece’s marble). Restored from 1921-1931, the ground floor houses a small art gallery while the top floor is a recreation of the ancient Greek temple. The centerpiece of the Nashville site is the replica of the 42-foot gold statue of Athena that once stood in the Greek Parthenon but was subsequently lost around 400 AD. This is the only place in the world to see this pinnacle of classic architecture the way the ancient Greeks intended.

Admission:
Adults - $5
Children 4-17 - $2.50
Under 4 – Free

Hours:
9am - 4:30pm Tue – Sat
12:30pm - 4:30pm Sun
June, July and August

http://www.nashville.gov/parthenon/

Learning is child's play in Rochester

The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY has a very serious ambition: to facilitate learning and human development through play. Adults and kids alike love this newly expanded museum that’s so full of interactive activities, you could easily spend two days here. Pilot a helicopter, explore the set of Sesame Street, produce your own TV commercials and cooking shows, or ride a historic carousel. Experience life in the 19th century as you learn to pump water, churn butter, and scrub clothes on a washboard. There are also special summer parades, concerts, storytelling, and activities in the events calendar. Check out the 1000-gallon coral reef aquarium and the outdoor Discovery Garden where there are plenty of winding paths to explore. The popular Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden requires an extra admission fee and advanced tickets are recommended. No visit is complete without walking through the National Toy Hall of Fame that features dozens of America’s favorite toys from the past including that most versatile of playthings – the cardboard box.

Admission:
Adults - $9
Children (2-17) - $7
Children (under 2) – Free

Hours:
(through Labor Day)
10am-6pm Mon-Thur & Sat
10am-8pm Fri
Noon-6pm Sun

http://www.strongmuseum.org/index.html

Lights, Camera, Action! in the Big Apple

If you and your family love movies and you’ve always been curious about how they get from original idea to the big screen, stop by the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, NY. Focusing on how movies are made, marketed, and shown, this museum is filled with costumes, props, and technical gadgets. There are also interactive exhibits where you can try editing sound effects and create animated shorts. Included in the admission price are different film screenings every weekend as well as fascinating demos of film editing, sound editing, animation, and creating video games. On weekends at 2:30pm, the Motion Workshop allows your kids to make a Thaumatrope - a 19th century optical toy - and learn what makes moving images “move.”

Admission:
Adults - $10
Children (5-18) - $5
Children under 5 - Free
Free on Fridays after 4pm

Hours:
11am – 5pm Wed & Thurs
11am – 8pm Fri
11am – 6:30pm Sat & Sun

http://www.movingimage.us/site/site.php

Get up-close with creepy crawlies in Phoenix

In a little stripmall outside of Phoenix is the unique Katydid Insect Museum. Opened in 2000 by Nedra Solomon, an exterminator and bug expert, this museum (associated with Heritage Pest Control) is definitely not for the squeamish. With an impressive collection of over 20,000 live and mounted specimens you can get hands-on with beetles, tarantulas, roaches, scorpions, and millipedes. Besides the usual “pests” is also an assortment of reptiles, including turtles, boa constrictors, and salamanders. The lizards and bearded dragons can even be taken for walks on their leashes if it’s not too crowded. Just don’t be surprised if your kids want to take one home.

Admission:
Adults - $4
Kids (7-11) - $2
Kids (3-6) - $1
Kids (under 3) – free

Hours:
11am-4pm Mon-Fri

5060 W. Bethany Home Rd., Glendale, AZ
623-931-8718

A revolutionary family experience in Virginia

With Independence Day nearly upon us, what better way to celebrate our country’s freedom than a visit to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia? Featuring hundreds of restored and reconstructed buildings, this 18th century colonial city is the world’s largest living history museum. Wander through the Governor’s palace or watch a silversmith at work. Help work in the gardens or see the militia prepare for battle. Costumed interpreters tell the stories of the people living and working in colonial times and encourage you to ask questions. It's not unusual to see many of these people wandering around the town. You can even rent period costumes at the Visitor Center to get your children in the colonial spirit. Besides the guided tours through the different buildings, there is also “Revolutionary City” - daily re-enactments of our country during the fight for our freedom. Be sure to check out the official website which contains a lot of valuable information for planning your trip. There is also a great Kids section that has a Summer Program Calendar with family activities for each day of the week. Prior to visiting Williamsburg, your kids can meet the various people living during that time period and click through an interactive map of the town.

Also of note is the nearby Jamestown settlement. Celebrating its 400th anniversary this year, it’s definitely worth a side trip.

Admission:
$29-$79 adult
$15-$39 youth
(various packages available from 1-Day Passes to Full Year)

Hours:
9am-5pm daily
(see website for specific building/museum hours)

http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/

Finding great bike trails in the Northeast

Ah, summer…the days are longer, the kids are out of school, and it’s a great time of year to grab your helmets and hit the bike trails. But if you want a trail that’s suitable for the whole family, it pays to do your research first.

One great resource is BikeKinetix. Founded by Barbara and Peter Lynn, a couple of avid mountain bikers, their site provides a comprehensive guide to bike trails in the Northeastern US. Their reviews are divided into different categories – romantic, historic, wildlife, covered bridges, beaches, and family – but a lot of the trails fall under multiple ones. The family section features trails that are easy to moderate difficulty. By selecting a specific trail you can find plenty of helpful information including maps (most are drawn by Peter Lynn), directions, path length, terrain description, elevation changes, and trail use. Their reviews offer detailed descriptions of their journeys along the paths as well as historical notes on the surrounding area.

From Maryland to Maine, you’re sure to find a trail perfect for your whole family!

http://www.bikekinetix.com

Making art fun (and free!) for all in Baltimore

Think most art museums go right over the heads of your kids? The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore wants to change that by making art accessible to visitors of all ages. Not content with merely a program or two, this museum features more activities and resources than a lot of “children’s museums.” On selected Saturdays at 1pm, you can take a guided 45-minute Family Tour through the museum’s collection of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th century Europe. Drop-in art activities on Saturdays from 11am-3pm let your children create artful projects related to the current collections or special exhibits. On weekends there are free interactive gallery materials located throughout the museum. These Artcarts, Discovery quilts, and Art sacks are filled with activities related to different collections – Greek, Renaissance, 19th century, and Asian. In addition, there are also Family Guides and Wondrous Journeys Passports that lead your kids to different pieces of artwork with fun facts about each. Check out their website for information on their Family Festivals and Family Flicks as well as tips to make the most out of your family’s visit.

Admission:
Free!

Hours:
11am – 5pm Wed – Sun
11am – 8pm Fri
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day

http://www.thewalters.org/programs_art_museums/programs_family.aspx

Explore the (indoor) forests of the Pacific Northwest

Nestled in Portland’s Washington Park, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum focuses on the role that forests play in providing benefits such as habitats, water, recreation, and wood. The museum features many interactive exhibits where you can learn how to plant a tree or practice being a smokejumper or a logger. Highlights include the whitewater rapids simulator and the Take Me to the Top canopy lift which takes you 60 feet into the treetops (extra cost & height requirement). While much of the museum centers on the Pacific Northwest, there is also a virtual tour of other forest types - boreal, temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical – and how the people and animals of the world depend on them. And if you’re craving a trip into the great outdoors afterwards, there are miles of trails for exploring just outside the museum.

Admission:
Adults - $7
Seniors - $6
Children (3-18) - $5
Children (2 & under) – free

Hours:
10am-5pm daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day

http://www.worldforestrycenter.org/museum/dm_discover.php

Exploring life in the desert

Spring is a great time of year to visit The Living Desert in Palm Springs, CA. Not easily categorized, it’s described on their website as a zoo and endangered species conservation center – botanical garden – natural history museum – wilderness park – nature preserve – education center. Here you can explore the desert animals of Africa (like camels, gazelles, and the endangered oryx) as well as ones native to North America. It’s best to get an early start to your visit since most of the animals are at their peak activity in the cool morning hours. (This is also convenient if you have jet-lagged kids who are awake much earlier than you’d like.) As the temperature starts to rise, head inside to the Wildlife Hospital to see how they take care of all the animals. With so much to do and see here, your kids will probably have lots of questions. Fortunately, the helpful staff in the Discovery Room is there to help answer anything you want to know about desert life. So grab your comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water and get ready for an unforgettable visit!

Admission:
(Season/Summer)
General - $11.95/$8.75
Children (3-12yrs) - $7.50/$4.75
Children (under 3) - Free

Hours:
Season - 9/1 – 6/15
9am-5pm daily
(closed Christmas Day)

Summer - 6/16 – 8/31
8am-1:30pm daily

http://www.livingdesert.org/default.asp

Food and a high-flying show

This week I was inspired by an article I read in the Sunday Source section of the Washington Post. So instead of reviewing a particular place, I’d like to focus on a type of restaurant that most likely gets overlooked when looking for somewhere fun to take your family for a bite to eat.

Many small local airports have inexpensive cafes that allow for some great entertainment. Not many kids (or adults) can resist being enthralled by the sight of planes racing down the runway. Some airport cafes also have outdoor seating for an upclose view of the action. With the warmer months upon us, nothing beats a free show and cheap food. You and your kids might even get to chat with a pilot or two.

San Francisco's 3-alarm tour

Visitors and locals alike rave about the Fire Engine Tours & Adventures in San Francisco. What better way to see the city than to zoom around in a classic red 1955 Mack fire engine? Run by a husband and wife team, the 75-minute tour starts from Fisherman’s Wharf and includes Sausalito, Ft. Point, the Presidio, Union St. and a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Although you get fire jackets to wear (which makes for a great photo-op), it’s best to dress warmly since the engine is open air and it can get quite chilly going across the bridge. Riders of all ages are welcome aboard however the drivers’ comedy is geared more towards young kids. Reservations are highly recommended as the seating is limited.

Admission:
Adults - $45
Teens (13-17) - $30
Children (12 & under) - $25

Hours:
1pm daily (except Tuesday)
Tours at 11am, 3pm & 5pm are added certain days – call for details

http://www.fireenginetours.com

Learn through play in Philly

Let your children be your guides at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. Specifically geared towards young children, this museum encourages learning through play. With lots of different interactive exhibits, your children will have fun while developing their creativity and problem-solving skills. Follow Alice into Wonderland, help build a treehouse, or explore the world of “Where the Wild Things Are.” For the youngest set (under 3) there’s a special Barnyard Babies exhibit where they can work on a farm and play in the vegetable garden. And when you want to wind down after running around all day, settle in at the Story Garden or catch an ongoing interactive show at the theater. The museum recommends visiting in the afternoons or on Mondays, which are generally the quietest. Sunny days are also a good choice since rain seems to bring out the crowds.

Admission:
Children & Adults - $9.95
Children (under 1 yr old) – Free
Members – Free

Hours:
9am – 4:30pm daily
9am – 5pm daily (July 1 – Labor Day)
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day

http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/

Endless (free!) museum choices in DC

A trip to Washington DC wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of the many museums comprising the Smithsonian Institution. The largest museum complex in the world, the Smithsonian has 17 museums and a zoo - all free to the public. Some popular choices to visit with kids are the Museum of Natural History, the National Zoological Park, and the Air and Space Museum (a personal favorite of mine). Many of the museums are clustered around the National Mall – a one mile stretch of land that offers great views of the Capitol building at one end and the Washington Monument at the other. It’s also a great place to take a break from museum hopping and enjoy a game of Frisbee, grab a frozen treat from a vendor, or simply people watch.

Admission:
FREE!

Hours:
10am-5:30pm daily (except Dec 25)
check website for specific museums

http://www.si.edu/

Upscale Chicago dining with the American Girls

If you have a young daughter (or granddaughter) chances are you’re familiar with the wildly popular line of American Girl dolls. With additional locations in LA and NYC, the American Girl Café in Chicago gives girls the chance to dine with their favorite dolls. Special mini booster seats are provided at the tables. Forgot to bring a doll with you? No need to feel left out: simply borrow one. There are other special touches, such as napkin rings that double as hair scrunchies you can take home with you. While the café is geared towards the younger set, the menu is definitely adult-friendly. It’s not just chicken fingers and pizza here…there’s also quiche, baked tilapia, scones with Devonshire cream and their signature cinnamon buns. Pricing is per person and includes the cinnamon buns, one or two courses (depending on the meal), drinks, and dessert. The café is popular for birthday parties so reservations are highly recommended.

This place makes me wish it were around back when I had my "Molly" doll.

Prices
Brunch - $18
Lunch - $20
Afternoon tea - $17
Dinner - $22

Hours
Call for seating times 1-877-AG PLACE

http://www.americangirlplace.com/agp_chi_cafe.php

A walk through Revolutionary War-era Boston

With warmer days upon us, it's a great time to get outside and enjoy a guided tour by Boston by Little Feet. Operated by Boston by Foot, this 60-minute tour is geared especially for 6 to 12 year olds. Knowledgable guides lead children (and their families) on a walking tour of Boston's Freedom Trail...a collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, and historical markers that tell the story of the Revolutionary War. Learn about the architecture and stories behind some of the country's most historically significant sites.

Admission:
General - $8
(Children must be accompanied by adult)

Hours:
Mon & Sat - 10am
Sun - 2pm
May 1-Oct 31

http://www.bostonbyfoot.com/

Free science fun in St. Louis

With over 700 hands-on exhibits, OMNIMAX films, a planetarium, a flight simulator, and a sports & fitness exhibit, the St. Louis Science Center has enough activities to fill an entire weekend or more! Play a laser harp, see how DNA is used to solve crimes, work with real dinosaur fossils, or try your hand at suturing a "patient's" leg. Don't miss the live 10-minute science demonstrations that run twice an hour every day. These fun and interactive shows have a different theme each hour. And when you get hungry, there's no need to leave the center...there's a food court right inside with enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Admission:
FREE!
Additional charge for special exhibits and movies

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Check website for summer hours and planetarium hours

http://www.slsc.org/

Cure your family's spring training fever

Celebrate the countdown to opening day by taking a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, KY. Here you can swing replica bats of famous baseball greats and learn about the history of America’s favorite pastime. The highlight is a guided tour to see how the famous wood baseball bats are made from start to finish and everyone gets a miniature bat at the end of the 30-minute tour. Not only do professional players get their custom bats made here, but you can also purchase your own personalized bat to bring home with you!

Admission:
$9 Adults (13-59)
$8 Seniors (60+)
$4 Kids (6-12)
Kids 5 and younger are free

Hours:
Please check the website for seasonal information regarding hours and bat production.

http://www.sluggermuseum.org

A swashbuckling tour for the whole family

When you think of Salem, you typically think of witches and the notorious trials from early American history. In this Massachusetts town there is no shortage of witchy attractions and museums, however one of the best tours in town is actually at the New England Pirate Museum. During the 30-minute indoor tour, the lively tourguides regale visitors with tales of notorious swashbucklers who frequented the waters around Boston's North Shore in the 17th and 18th centuries. Explore a pirate ship and look for hidden treasure as the pirates of yore come to life in this entertaining look at a little-known piece of history.

Admission:
Adult - $6
Children (4-13) - $4

Hours:
10am - 5pm daily (May - Oct & weekends in Nov)
also open some nights during Haunted Happenings

http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.htm

Travel Cat hits the web

Although I was never one to get excited about going to see Mickey Mouse, I have many fond memories from my childhood of cross-country family car trips as well as daytrips to museums and the like. As an adult I've traveled all over the US as well as abroad and I love to find interesting activities every place I visit. So I guess it was inevitable that I blog about fun family travel activities.

I hope you find my entries helpful in planning your own trips. Enjoy...

The "other" water attraction in San Diego

For my first post, I want to focus on a favorite of mine: the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

A short drive north of San Diego in La Jolla, CA, the Birch Aquarium has a small but worthwhile collection. Due to its location, it tends to be less crowded (and cheaper) than Sea World. Highlights include dive shows and animal feedings in the 2-story 70,000 gallon tank. Don't miss the tide pools outside (along with a great view of the coast) where you can touch sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers and more with help from the aquarium's knowledgable staff.

Admission:
Adult - $11
Youth (3-17) - $7.50
2 yrs. & under - Free

Hours:
9am-5pm daily
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/