Disneyland and LEGOLAND will no doubt be on the vacation wish list, but we’re here to tell you the following museums are giving amusement parks a serious run for their money. From tiny towns to giant locomotives, your kiddos will be begging to stay another day. Click through the gallery below to learn about our favorite spots from across the country.

Exploratorium, San Francisco

If you're looking for some mental stimulation in addition to a little physical change of pace, the Exploratorium at Pier 15 on the San Francisco waterfront is a 330,000 square foot tribute to hands-on interactive experiences for ages 4-12. Originally the brainchild of Frank Oppenheimer—professor, high school teacher, cattle rancher, and experimental physicist—the Exploratorium began in 1969 with a "library of experiments" that Frank hoped would help visitors learn about natural phenomena and gain confidence in their ability to understand the world around them. Since then, the Exploratorium has stayed true to its mission and provides visitors with the tools to explore, understand, and expand. Oh. And it's really fun. Don't forget to check out the tactile dome or the tinkering studio while you're there.

Embarcadero at Green Street
San Francisco, Ca 94111
415-528-4444
Online: Exploratorium.edu

Photo: Kathleen Franklin via flickr

Do you have an incredible museum to take kids to near you? Tell us about it in the comments section, below!

—Shelley Massey

 

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