Arizona can easily be considered nature’s playground with its remarkable canyons, colorful geologic formations, picturesque rivers, towering cacti and vast deserts. With so many sights to immerse yourself in, it’s only right to explore the region through epic outdoor excursions.
As you begin planning your family adventure, we’ve rounded up seven nature-filled activities that won’t disappoint. From kayaking down Arizona’s rivers and hiking through its numerous state parks to spotting wildlife and unique plants, your wild bunch will never grow tired of the Grand Canyon State.
Run, don’t walk to these incredible experiences that only Arizona can provide!
1. Hike Arizona’s Breathtaking State Parks
When one thinks of Arizona, the first thought that comes to many travelers’ minds is the Grand Canyon, but the state’s beauty extends far beyond the natural wonder its nicknamed for. Home to lush forests, cacti-lined deserts, sprawling canyons and caverns, sandstone water chutes (a.k.a nature’s water slide) and, unexpectedly, snow-capped mountains (yep, certain areas of the state see snow.)
While there are 34 state parks and over 22 awe-inspiring national parks and monuments to explore, you won’t go wrong with starting at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Located in Cochise County, the living limestone cave includes 2.4 miles of passages to feast your eyes on massive mineral formations, like the impressive 21-foot-long soda straw stalactite. For additional guidance during your Arizonian adventure, download the free AZ Parks Passport app.
2. Take a Driving Tour Through Bearizona Wildlife Park
Nestled within three miles’ worth of Ponderosa Pine forests, Bearizona Wildlife Park is a one-of-a-kind experience for seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Wander through the animal sanctuary on foot, by car or by shuttled bus—especially if you want to avoid carrying a tired tot—and count the different species you spot.
As a member of both the Zoological Association of America and the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Bearizona is committed to education, conservation and preservation efforts of North American animals, including bears, bison, wolves and deer. This has led way to the park’s fun and interactive animal encounter sessions, where an animal ambassador or keeper provides an up-close view at one of the many animals or reptiles to teach your family more about the environment they live in.
3. Explore the World of Botany at Ramsey Canyon Preserve
In Sierra Vista, your budding botanists will appreciate all of the different plants that have set roots in the local nature conservancy, Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Thanks to the area’s various ecoregions, you can snap Instagram-worthy photos of cacti, maples, pines sycamores and desert wildflowers throughout your guided walk.
When in the Hummingbird capital of the World, don’t forget to keep a close eye out for speedy hummingbirds. The preserve is home to 15 different species of the tiny avians as well as a variety of other birds, such as woodpeckers, owls, flycatchers, thrashers and more.
4. Dive Deep into Nature at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
At the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, your child can do more than just read traditional, static displays. The all-encompassing attraction features a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, natural history museum and art gallery for an immersive, educational experience.
Your little learners can explore 98 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits to see hundreds of animals and plant species up close, from live-animal demonstrations and an indoor playhouse to free-flying bird zones and a stingray petting space. Your family will be entertained for hours.
5. Visit Biosphere 2 For Sights of Earth’s Ecosystems
Calling all young environmentalists and scientists, Biosphere 2 is for you. Based in Oracle, Arizona, the scientific research facility is a striking see-through structure dedicated to climate research. It was initially constructed as part of a large study, in which two small groups of scientists lived in the completely-sealed environment, replicating potential off-planet habitation, for two years during the 90s.
Today, Biosphere 2 houses six of nature’s wonders all under one glass roof, which you can see firsthand during a 75 minute-tour. Plan a field trip during your Arizona stay, which is great for adolescents in your family, to see six ecosystems at once, including a rainforest, miniature ocean, savanna grassland, swamp and desert.
6. Hunt for Dinosaur Fossils at Petrified Forest National Park
If there’s one word to perk up the mood of any child it’s dinosaurs. At Petrified Forest National Park, your tiny paleontologists can hunt for fossils dating back to the Triassic period. These awe-inspiring relics of reptiles and early dinosaurs have been preserved within the park’s petrified wood, perfect for a fusion lesson of science, archeology and history.
Hike any of Petrified Forest’s designated trails that are three miles long and under, making it a doable trek with children in tow. Enjoy stunning views of desert terrain, vibrant rock formations, petrified logs and purple- and blue-colored badlands.
7. Kayak Down Verde River & Take a Ride on the Railroad
Trade in your hiking boots and backpacks for a kayak and paddle to absorb Arizona’s alluring scenery along the Verde River. Choose a gentle paddle tour down the river to safely take your little ones on an adventure that being on foot can’t provide. Try to spot wild horses along the banks!
After an afternoon on the waters, head to Verde Canyon Railroad for a relaxing ride through the state’s backcountry that’s only accessible by train. Your wild bunch will appreciate the exclusive views of Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes, unique rock formations, bright red canyons, and desert flora and fauna—all from their seat. You’ll be transported to the past as you make your through a hundred-year-old tunnel that spans 734 feet.
Try to Spot All of These Sights
As you and your wild bunch explore the great outdoors—and revel in its breathtaking landscapes—be sure to look out for one-of-a-kind sights. We’ve created a fun checklist to help you get started!
Now that you’re ready to pack your suitcase, it’s time to start planning your Arizona excursion. Head to visitarizona.com/family-fun for additional recommendations on outdoor activities that your wild bunch will want to immediately experience.
Everything you need to know about the best places to eat, play, and stay in the Palm Springs with kids
Palm Springs is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing getaway from Los Angeles—whether it’s just for the weekend or during a school break. With its year-round sunshine and its unique desert landscape, outdoor activities and cultural attractions, there’s something for all ages to enjoy in Palm Springs. For outdoor fun, families can explore the many hiking trails and bike paths that line the valley. For a break from the sun, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a scenic ride up to the top of Mount San Jacinto. From there, you can explore miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and panoramic views. If your family prefers a more leisurely pace, there are a variety of kid-friendly pools and water parks throughout the city. Families with younger children will appreciate the numerous attractions and activities for kids in Palm Springs. From the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Palm Springs Air Museum. From glamping destinations and luxury resort hotels, to fun adventures and where to grab the best bbq, here are our favorite places to eat, play, and stay when we head to Palm Springs with kids.
The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids
1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
For an up-close look at some real desert critters, this zoo plus botanical garden focuses on wildlife from North America and Africa. You can tour exhibits like a replica of a Northeast African village and get personal with some Nigerian dwarf goats. The new Rhino Safari is a spot you'll definitely want to visit and it's right near the giraffes (pay $8 for a chance to feed them!).
Catch some knowledgeable animal chats, feed the giraffes, ride the endangered animal carousel, and explore the vast array of trails that loop through the Sonoran Desert (FYI: the trails are closed in the summer). And finally, plan to spend at least 30 minutes checking out one of the best outdoor G-scale model train exhibits we've ever seen.
Good to Know: Arrive early, when it’s still cool out, you’re likely to catch more animals in action (they prefer to lounge around when the sun’s high in the sky) except for nocturnal animals like the big cats, who tend to come out closer to sunset. When it gets hot, head to the air-conditioned Discovery Center.
47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA Online: livingdesert.org
Related: Animal Encounters near LA for Kids Wild about Animals
This roadside attraction is impossible to miss on your way into Palm Springs, but we recommend reserving this stop for when you are on your way out of town, headed back to Los Angeles. Touted as the world’s biggest dinosaur museum, you can check out giant robotic dinosaurs (don’t worry, they’re more kitschy than terrifying) for a fee. Let the little ones climb into the mouth of a huge model T-Rex (now in themed paint-suits!), ride the animatronic Brontosaurus, and then search through the sand at the Dino Dig to win a prize.
Good to Know: Stop by on a Sat. or Sun. between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., to score a dinosaur-themed ice cream treat from The Wafflesaurus Truck.
50770 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, CA Online: cabazondinosaurs.com
Related: Dinosaur Bucket List for Kids Who Love These Ancient Beasts
The twisty tree shapes, Cholla cactus forests and blobby boulders in Joshua Tree make wonderful Dr. Suess-style memories for your kids. For a quick day trip, stick to the exhibitions along the main roads. We recommend entering via the south entrance and exiting via the west entrance (or vice versa). This way you can hit up all the hot spots and stop for some hiking along the way. We especially love stopping at the White Tank Campground and hiking to Arch Rock. It is a super easy hike and there were tons of boulders for climbing.
Good to Know: You'll want to make sure you have gassed up your car before you head to the park as gas stations are few and far between near the park entrances. Bring food, water and sunscreen with you, check the weather before you go and do yourself a favor and pay your entrance fee online in advance. You'll save yourself a major headache and avoid the line at the park entrance. If you're looking for the quintessential Joshua Tree photo opp, you'll want to know that most of the official Joshua trees are located near the west entrance (side note: they aren't even trees at all, just a tree-like version of the yucca plant).
Check out their "Current Conditions" page for closures as well as their calendar page where you can catch a "Ranger Chat" for an in-depth expert view of what happens in this national park.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center 6554 Park Blvd. Joshua Tree, CA Online: nps.org
Related: More National Parks to Visit near Los Angeles
4. Footgolf
That's not a typo—footgolf is a thing and almost any age can play making this a must-do for a family-friendly activity in Palm Springs. Rather than swing a club, you kick around a soccer ball and try and make it into the 21"-sized holes. It's golf crossed with soccer if you will. You can rent soccer balls on site (no need to bring your own) as well as a golf cart—which let's face it, is half the fun for the little ones.
38995 Desert Willow Dr. Palm Desert, CA Online: desertwillow.com
You've seen that giant windmill farm in the Coachella Valley, en route to Palm Springs plenty of times, but how much do you really know about the iconic site? For $49 per car (up to five people) you can take a self-guided driving tour and learn how windmills work, why there are so many in the desert, and how much electricity they produce. The tour consists of 10 stops, with two additional (optional) stops off property.
62950 20th Ave. Palm Springs, CA Online: windmilltours.com
6. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Even pool-obsessed kids can sometimes have enough sunny splash time. Try a favorite, midday break with a change of scenery and climate. This tramway, built in the 60s, will take you and yours 2.5 miles above the desert floor into the San Jacinto mountains and the snowy wilderness awaiting at the top. Kids will love the rotating tram, which guarantees spectacular views no matter where you’re seated. There are dining options at the top so don't worry if your brood gets hungry.
If there is snow, you can have a snowball fight, go sledding, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing before descending back to the balmy poolside oasis of your hotel. (Check out our aerial tram guide for the tricks of a perfect trip). Even when it's not snowy, it's a lot cooler at the top, and fun for kids to explore the hiking and walking trails, and take in the jaw-dropping views.
Altitude sickness can occur so pay attention to your body, drink lots of water and if you or your kids are afraid of heights, this may not be the experience for you. It's not for the faint of heart but totally worth it once you get to the top.
If your kids get tired of the hotel pool or you've rented a place without a spot to splash, head over to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center where non-residents can take advantage of the various pools, multiple slides, diving boards, and a variety of play features on site that are designed to delight water lovers of all ages.
73751 Magnesia Falls Dr. Palm Desert, CA Online: pdpool.com
Expected to Reopen 2023: Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
While the museum has been forced to close due to the pandemic-related challenges, the plan is to reopen the museum in 2022 through community support and fundraising efforts. Keep your eye on the developments as this is a gem of a spot for kids, especially when it's too hot to stay outside. If you'd like to donate and support this valley institution, visit cdmod.org
Nestled on 45 acres of lush landscape with epic mountain views, splash-loving kids will go gaga over HyTides, the Hyatt Regency’s brand new water park with 30-foot dueling water slides, lazy river and splash pad. For kids that don’t meet the water slide requirement, there’s another water slide just for them! With plenty of dining options, a spa and tennis courts for the parents, this spot has the foundation for an epic weekend (or even longer) stay.
See what a weekend looks like when you stay at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
44600 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA Online: hyatt.com
2. JW Marriott in Palm Desert
This sprawling resort is the kind of spot that is perfect for multi-generational stays thanks to fantastic amenities that appeal to everyone in the family. Of course there’s the well-known spa and golf courses, but kids will love the recent addition of California’s largest indoor “Entertainment Zone” full of arcade games and a bowling alley—a must-go option when the heat gets to be a bit much.
Don’t miss feeding the flamingos on the front lawn (look for the babies!) or swing by the free-to-enter aviary where parrots and other tropical birds happily chirp (and sometimes talk). Reserve a gondola ride around the property and then disembark at Mikado—a Japanese steakhouse that serves mouth-watering food along with a side of fun and flying shrimp. At night, you can hang out in the lobby for cocktails and listen to live music. And, do not, we repeat, do not miss out on night swimming. The whole family will love splashing around under the night sky full of stars. There’s so much happening on site, that there’s really no reason to leave the property if you don’t want to—delivering a perfect family vacation whether it’s just for the weekend or for a bit longer.
Insider Tip: Ask for a major suite—you can connect additional rooms which makes it convenient if coming with a larger group.
74-855 Country Club Dr.
Palm Desert, CA Online: marriott.com
Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
3. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
The hotel chain's first west coast location, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs marries the mid-century Palm Springs aesthetic with Margaritaville’s casual-luxe island feel. There are two pools on the property, two restaurants and it boasts the area's largest resort spa (when you are ready for some kid-free time). It's also located within minutes of downtown, placing you and your family in the middle of the town's action. Read more all about our visit to Margaritaville Resort with kids.
1600 North Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs Online: tinybeans.com
Located just south of Indian Wells, this is one of the biggest and most family-friendly resorts around with cabanas, poolside food, and beverage service. Everyone will love the 41 pools and 53 hot spas, as well as the 5 resort golf courses designed by PGA biggies like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman. This secluded resort is not only family-friendly but it’s also pet-friendly with activities to enhance your pet’s stay as well. Want to know more?
PS: We’ve got the inside scoop on why kids and adults love La Quinta Resort & Club.
49-499 Eisenhower Dr.
La Quinta, CA Online: laquintaresort.com
With the largest pool in the Palm Springs area, this resort has families in mind. The zero-entry pool and sandy beach is awesome for the little ones while the wide expanse of the rest of the pool means the bigger kids have the freedom to swim until they are exhausted.
Prepare for great eats at Sirocco Pizza Company, making fireside s’mores treats by the outdoor fire pits, lots of ping pong tournaments and of course, comfy and generously-sized accommodations. Plus there’s a kid’s club for some parental downtime. Check out more reasons to stay at this family-friendly resort near Palm Springs.
44-400 Indian Wells Ln.
Indian Wells, CA Online: renhotels.com
7. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage
One word: Splashtopia. Sounds awesome, right? And it is. This knock-your-socks-off water feature, nearly two acres big, has two 100-foot water slides, a 425-foot lazy river, a jacuzzi with cliff views and a sandy beach. You can spend all day, every day here—just order food from Splash Grill and you’re good to go.
If little eaters would prefer something more familiar, check out the River complex shopping and dining complex across the street that has restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. Also, there’s a movie theater in case you want to catch a flick after a day of fun in the sun.
Come for the mountain views or the fantastic golf courses, or just to unwind with your family (pets included!). Enjoy three pools, including a 75-foot water slide, play some tennis (they offer kids lessons), rent a bike or de-stress with a relaxing spa treatment.
For an ultra-hip stay, this resort is both boho-chic and kid-friendly, in that artsy, "I woke up like this" sort of way. Bring some marshmallows to roast on the outdoor fireplaces, play with your pooch in the dog park out back, or take the kids for a short bike ride downtown for some vintage clothes shopping and plan to rock your retro finds poolside.
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:acehotel.com
Want to avoid hotels? Palm Springs has plenty of short-term rentals and this is home one of favorites. The fully renovated 1960s pad has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and room enough for 10 guests. The decor is modern, yet warm with a whimsical bedroom featuring two twin beds for kids. There's also a pool and fire pit for outside fun.
Another Airbnb option, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is a bright and cheery retreat with a large pool, BBQ area and bocce ball court. Added bonus: There's an indoor rec room featuring a ping pong table and gaming console that kids will love.
Go here first thing in the morning for an authentic diner that delivers a fantastic breakfast. The coffee is strong and the pancakes are fluffy (the kid's Cub Cake is too cute!). Go early since lines can form out the door but lollipops are handed out with a smile for all. If you can stand the wait, get the German Pancake. There’s a reason everyone raves about them.
1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:eatatelmers.com
2. Sherman’s Deli
Big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, both kosher (and not) can be found at both Sherman’s Deli locations. Try the hot corned beef (it's famous for a reason). And save room for one of the beautiful desserts in the display case.
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA Online:shermansdeli.com
3. Cheeky’s
A spot to see and be seen. The mouth-watering, seasonal, made from scratch menu changes weekly as this restaurant strives to use the freshest, locally grown, organic ingredients. FYI: Expect long waits if you get there late (but totally worth it).
622 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:cheekysps.com
A simple burger might be the best bet in the middle or at the end of a long day, so try Tyler’s Burger stand. It’s popular, so go well before your crew gets hangry.
For a uniquely Palm Springs experience, consider a stop at The Shields Date Garden (just look for the larger-than-life knight in shining armor) and The Walk at Shields—where, for $5 a person (kids under 12 are free), you can stroll along a garden path that meanders through a 17-acre date farm. After, hit the gift shop to peruse offerings like locally grown dates, date crystals (like sugar), date granola, and must-try date shakes (we’re sensing a theme). Feeling hungrier thanks to the walk? Grab breakfast or lunch at The Cafe at Shields, open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
A sweet treat in downtown Palm Springs, not only is it the best toffee you’ll ever taste—no joke—the whole business was started by two teen friends who wanted to make money for a class trip. Great life lesson for kids, unbelievable toffee for everyone: it’s a win-win. If you want, catch the factory tour in Rancho Mirage.
Good to Know: Craving the toffee treat but not heading to the desert anytime soon? They have a retail location at the Century City Mall.
Your whole family can benefit from a visit to one of these museums and historic sites that teach about the Black experience in America
Make every month Black History Month by visiting one of these important spots: from museums of African-American history to historic sites that represent important Black people and events in our nation’s history, you can teach your children about Black history and culture while having a memorable family vacation.
Showcasing the life of free Black Massachusetts residents in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Museum of African American History consists of four original African American buildings built before the founding of the United States. Exhibits include documentation on the first slave ship to dock in Boston Harbor before slavery was outlawed in the state, photographs, papers, and other pieces of culture. A school, meeting houses, and home are all part of the museum, which has locations in both Boston and Nantucket.
National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen | Detroit, MI
The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted to become America’s first Black military airmen at a time when there were many people who thought that Black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. Learn about their significant contributions at the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen which is now a part of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Whitney Plantation | Wallace, LA
A former sugar and indigo plantation, Whitney Plantation is dedicated to telling the story of the enslaved residents alongside that of their owners. Through on-site tours and education from employees, visitors will learn the history of the transatlantic slave trade along with slavery in the area. The Whitney also has rotating exhibits on various subjects related to slavery.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture | Harlem, New York City, NY
Part of the New York City Public Library system, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a world-renowned research library preserving African American and African descent cultures. Named for an African-Puerto Rican scholar, the library has some of the rarest artifacts of Black history in the United States, including an original book of poetry written by Phillis Wheatley in the 18th century and works by Malcolm X and Booker T. Washington. It is also the final resting place for famed Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, whose ashes are interred in the floor of the main entryway. While many items are only accessible by researchers, the building is open to the public, as are two rotating exhibits and the presentations held at the center.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights | Atlanta, GA
Dedicated to telling the stories of civil rights struggles worldwide, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers exhibits, educational programs, and memorabilia to explore. Home to the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, visitors can view Dr. King's papers and photographs in the Voice to the Voiceless Gallery. At the lunch counter sit-in, experience a simulation of sitting with those who non-violently protested being able to eat anywhere they chose. And in the U.S. civil rights exhibit, read of heroes who put their lives on the line to protest Jim Crow segregation laws.
The next time you visit Galveston Island, be sure to find the historical marker that represents "Juneteenth," June 19th, 1865, the day that enslaved people in Texas discovered they had been freed by President Lincoln over two years prior. It wasn't until Union troops, along with Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger landed on the island and announced that enslaved people were now free that Texas reconstruction began. As early as 1866, formerly enslaved people were celebrating "Emancipation Day" in Galveston, which has continued to grow and is now a worldwide celebration of freedom.
Explore Richmond's Legacy | Richmond, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Richmond is steeped in important Black history and here are just a few of the ways you can experience it with your kids.
Visit the home of Maggie Lena Walker, a newspaper editor, bank president, and champion of civil rights for African Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century. There's also a Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza.
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich culture and history of African Americans people in Virginia and has permanent exhibits that explore Jim Crow, Reconstruction, Emancipation, and more.
You can also explore Richmond’s monuments: Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds, Slavery Reconciliation Statue, actor and dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument, and the tennis icon Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Ave. There's also a self-guided Richmond Slave Trail: Walk along and discover seventeen different markers that display the somber truth about slavery in Richmond.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts entrance along historic Arthur Ashe Boulevard, you'll find Rumors of War, a powerful sculpture by Black artist Kehinde Wiley.
The museum depicts the history of Black people in the United States, beginning with slavery, through Jim Crow laws and segregation, to current issues of mass incarceration. The memorial, a quick walk away, honors 4,000 victims of lynching and racial violence. By filling in the gaps in the history that many Americans learn in school, the content presented may help families initiate discussions related to race and inequality in the United States
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Cincinnati, OH
Located just a short walk from the beautiful Ohio River, this museum's mission is to "reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times." From permanent exhibits to new and rotating exhibitions, the museum illuminates the concepts of freedom, what it means to be free, and issues of both historic and modern-day slavery. Read the letters home from a Black soldier in WWII, what the pen of an enslaved person really looked like, and the journey from being enslaved by a family to emancipation, in pictures and letters. You'll find an array of online learning resources including exhibits, lesson plans, and videos.
Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black History any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson.
A visit to Chattanooga, TN is full of opportunities to learn about Black history.
Founded in 1983 as the Chattanooga African American Museum, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates the African Diaspora and pays tribute to Chattanooga’s African American culture with an emphasis on Bessie Smith, “The Empress of the Blues.”
The Soul of MLK mural project has begun and is beginning work on its third side to help bring revitalization of the MLK District. Across town at the southern entrance of the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Ed Johnson Memorial is a permanent public site that strives to promote racial healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the lynching of Ed Johnson, honoring the courageous work of his attorneys, and recognizing the resulting U.S. Supreme Court case that established federal oversight of state-level civil rights issues.
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center | Niagara Falls, NY
Opened in 2018, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center tells the stories of freedom seekers who risked their lives to escape slavery and oppression by journeying north to Niagara Falls as one of their final stops and border crossing. Captured in various exhibits, this important history is documented and shared with visitors from around the country. Virtual tours are also available for those who aren't able to visit in person.
Walk in Frederick Douglass' Footsteps | Baltimore, MD
Born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey came to Baltimore as a child where he lived as an enslaved person in the Auld family home on Aliceanna St. (known as Happy Alley). It was here that he learned to read; Hugh Auld's wife Sophia taught Frederick the alphabet (in spite of her husband's disapproval). See the Fell's Point shipyards where Douglass worked and the place where he purchased his first-ever book (28 Thames St.). In 1838, disguised as a sailor, he escaped north to freedom on the train; it is thought he passed through Baltimore's President Street Station, (where you can now find a Civil War Museum). Douglass went on to change the course of history by fighting tirelessly for freedom and equality. (Fun fact: When he married, he took the name Douglass after the hero clan in Sir Walter Scott's famous poem, Lady of the Lake.)
Later in life, Douglass returned to Baltimore to build a row of houses for African-American renters. You can visit the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum in Fell's Point, on the site of the first African American-owned shipyard in the United States, and see a large sculpture of Douglass at Maritime Park. Sign up for the Frederick Douglass Path to Freedom Walking Tour which will take you on a route that both teaches Douglass' experience in Baltimore as well as the history of the Underground Railroad, immigration, and shipbuilding.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site | Atlanta, GA
ampueroleonardo via iStock
Take your kids back to where this leader of the Civil Rights Movement was once a kid. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, you can visit his birth home, play where MLK played as a child, and learn all about his early years in the movement. Get inspired to fight inequality in your neck of the woods.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site | Little Rock, AR
The Little Rock Central High School was the most prominent example of the desegregation of public schools in 1954 when nine African-American students attended school here for the first time in history. You have to arrange a tour to enter the school, now designated a National Historic Site, but it’s relatively easy to do and a great way to help kids understand the significance of this school as well as the history of desegregation in the U.S.
Belle Meade Plantation | Nashville, TN
Amber Guetebier
You’d think the last thing you’d want to do to understand race in America is to visit the grounds of a plantation that once used enslaved people to make its wealth. But after a recent visit to Belle Meade Plantation in the Nashville area, we can report first-hand that this historic property is at the forefront of talking with the public in a truthful way about the horrors of slavery while honoring the African-American history of the property.
The Journey to Jubilee tour follows the story of the African-Americans who were brought to the plantation in 1807, but who stayed on the plantation through the early 1900s. It shows their vital presence on the property and their story of enslavement to freedom, and provides visitors with an understanding of the times from the African-American viewpoint. This tour is not recommended for kids under 12 due to the graphic reality of slavery, however, the general tour of Belle Meade also incorporates the story of the African-Americans who came as slaves but stayed on as hired workers after the abolishment of slavery. The property itself is very kid-friendly and an excellent respite from the bustle of the city.
Learn About the Underground Railroad | Auburn, NY
National Park Service
Auburn is a charming town in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and has an incredibly rich history. Teach your children what it really means to stand up to tyranny by immersing them in the world of Harriet Tubman. The national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become Underground Railroad Junior Rangers to learn about the system of secret houses and waystations that helped slaves find freedom. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby. The town of Auburn also boasts several other history museums and collections, a memorable public theater, and year-round events and festivals.
Established in 1873, Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ oldest cultural hubs and has deep ties to the Black community. Starting as a Black farming community, by the 1920s, according to Wikipedia, “the neighborhood had become a hotbed for early jazz and blues musicians, hosting the likes of Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, and Bessie Smith in Deep Ellum clubs such as The Harlem and The Palace.” Now a popular spot for clubs, you can still sense the history here, especially through the street art, which can be found in murals that depict the rich culture and history of the area.
Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”
In Greensboro, NC, your kids can visit the site of the first Civil Rights sit-in and learn about the A&T Four—four young African-American students who sat at a “Whites Only” counter inside the Woolworth restaurant on Feb. 1, 1960, and refused to move. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, a guided tour helps your family learn and relearn important facts about America’s history before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement. The Greensboro Cultural Arts Center houses the African America Atelier where you will find moving exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. And you'll want to visit the Guilford College Underground Railroad trail, which simulates how fugitives seeking freedom navigated in the woods on the Guilford College community with assistance from free and enslaved African-Americans and European-American Allies.
Museum of African Diaspora | San Francisco, CA
Museum of African Diaspora
Celebrating the universal connection of all people through their association with Africa, this must-visit museum showcases exhibitions aimed at representing work that may be under-represented in other U.S. museums. For example, as soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a three-story mural comprised of 2,100 photographs submitted by people of the Diaspora.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture | Washington, D.C.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture
The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family. See our in-depth guide here.
You'll want to make note of this museum that's dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created or inspired by African Americans. The 56,000-square-foot museum can be found in the heart of Nashville and includes artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing, and state-of-the-art technology to showcase different narratives and genres. Learn more at nmaam.org
National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum | Chicago, IL
Located in the Historic Pullman District in Chicago, IL, this museum was opened in 1995 to pay homage to Asa Philip Randolph and Pullman Porters, the men who made up the membership of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) union. Randolph was the chief organizer and co-founder of the BSCP, the first African-American labor union in the country to win a collective bargaining agreement. Under Randolph’s leadership, the Pullman Porters fought a valiant battle for employment equality with the corporate giant, the Pullman Rail Car Company.
African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all-African-American Army units. These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds including formerly enslaved people and Civil War veterans. Once the westward movement had begun, prominent among those blazing treacherous trails of the Wild West were the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army. Learn about their history at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
Established in a one-room office in 1990, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its profound impact on the social advancement of America. Now you can visit the museum's 10,000 sq. ft. home to learn how "Jim Crow" laws forced Black baseball players to form their own teams, “barnstorming” around the country to play anyone who would challenge them.
In 1920, an organized league structure was formed under the guidance of Andrew “Rube” Foster—a former player, manager, and owner of the Chicago American Giants. In a meeting held at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Mo., Foster and a few other Midwestern team owners joined to form the Negro National League. Soon, rival leagues formed in Eastern and Southern states, bringing the thrills and innovative play of Black baseball to major urban centers and rural countryside in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The Leagues maintained a high level of professional skill and became centerpieces for economic development in many Black communities.
What started as an homage to Black cowboys, the Black American West Museum is now dedicated to collecting, preserving, and disseminating the contributions of Blacks in the Old West including miners, soldiers, homesteaders, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen, and other important professions.
Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Grave Site | Daytona Beach, FL
Educator and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was a fixture in Daytona Beach for 50 years. The founder of Bethune-Cookman University, a historical Black college, Bethune was a national advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt and the only African American woman to be part of the United States delegation that helped form the United Nations charter. Open to the public, her home is on the university's campus and contains artifacts from Dr. Bethune's life. Her gravesite, also on campus, is located nearby.
Additional reporting by Amber Guetebier, Kate Loweth & Ayren Jackson-Cannady
We found lots of drive-worthy places to go on a family road trip from NYC this winter
Lots of people try to get away at this time of year (sometimes jetting off to someplace warm), but hitting the road is an increasingly popular option for families. No airplane or airports involved, and more flexibility and control, and sometimes even more affordable. Read on for our top winter road trip destinations from NYC for families! (If you’re looking for a cozy cabin to “chill” in, check out these Airbnbs near NYC perfect for a winter family getaway.)
Other winter fun includes hiking (for all levels), snowshoeing, skating, and hockey on Mirror Lake.
For even more winter fun, head to the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a 15-minute drive away. A tradition since 1897, this celebration of the season includes sports, performances, two parades, and three sets of spectacular fireworks. The 2023 festival is Feb. 3-12.
What to do: Philadelphia has something for everyone this winter, including big museum exhibits, multiple winter fests, and of course, celebrating history.
An evergreen and must-see for families is the Please Touch Museum, an interactive museum for kids of all ages, which recently unveiled its expanded Market experience (an awesome mini supermarket.) It's open Wednesday through Sunday.
Check out this schedule of fun art events in partnership with local cultural organizations to see what's going on when you visit.
Where to Stay: Recently renovated, the Independence Park Hotel is centrally located steps away from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and dozens of popular Philadelphia restaurants and shops.
Rochester is home to one of the finest children's museums in the country, the Strong National Museum of Play, centrally located downtown. Exhibits are dedicated to superheroes, video games (the Video Game Hall of Fame is here), Sesame Street, and much, much more.
Like nature walks? At the Cumming Nature Center, they have groomed trails for affordable cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Also, check out the Birdsong Fairy Trail in Mendon Ponds Park. This easy walk is home to adorable fairy houses of all kinds, and at its end, visitors are often able to have birds eat seed right out of their hands.
Need more nature? Make your way to the Lazy Acre Alpaca Farm in Bloomfield, to meet the fuzzy residents, take a tour, and then stock up on cozy alpaca merch!
For food, good kid-friendly choices include Jine's Restaurant and The Gatehouse, and this is, of course, the home of Wegman's where you can get all kinds of pre-prepared, affordable food to go.
Where to Stay: For a funky and fun option, consider School 31 Lofts, located close to downtown in a former public school—the blackboards and coat cubbies are still there! (It's also across the street from the art museum, the Memorial Art Gallery.)
More traditional lodging that's also family-friendly can be found at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, which is in nearby Fairport.
What to do: Known as the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster hosts indoor and outdoor fun in the winter months.
Families with train-crazy kids should catch a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road—America’s oldest continuously operating railroad. Take in views of Amish Country on an authentic steam train, and choose from closed, or open-air cars, as well as fun theme rides like a bingo train.
Shop with the locals at the Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction in Ephrata. It's a flea market, a farmer's market, and live auctions for hay, feed, and more. For a more curated shopping experience, try The Old Country Store, for quilting supplies, Amish crafts, toys, and collectibles. The Lancaster Central Market, established in 1730, is an institution where local fresh food and produce are sold.
Head to Shady Maple Smorgasbord, the largest all-inclusive buffet in the country serving PA Dutch country favorites and lots more.
The town of Lilitz holds an annual Fire & Ice Festival. Now running from February 17-26, the fest features wow-worthy ice sculptures, eats from local restaurants and food trucks, shopping, and a day just for kids, Winterfuderland. (February 20)
Where to stay:
For Adventure Time, Gumball and Powerpuff Girls fans, the only choice is the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster. (If you come in the warmer months, it's right next to the amusement park Dutch Wonderland.) Slated for early February are special Amazing Weekends of Gumball.
For a local, quirky experience stop off at the Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant, where you can sleep in one of 38 genuine, train cars retro-fitted for staying the night!
Calling all baseball fans! Head to the temple to America's favorite pastime, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY to get primed for spring training! (This is one of those places where you do need to book tickets in advance.)
Don't miss the museum's "Starting Nine," a scavenger hunt built for hard-core fans that challenges visitors to find their favorite team’s Starting Nine, a lineup of must-sees from the museum's vast collection.
Unfortunately, Cooperstown's popular Farmer's Museum, one of the oldest rural life museums in the country, is closed until April, as is the area art museum, the Fenimore Art Museum.
Part of Coopertown's charm is its picturesque Main Street, which you'll definitely want to stroll down, and where you'll find shops specializing in baseball souvenirs and collectibles.
Where to stay: The Otesaga is the stately luxury hotel if you're looking for a grand experience, and several bed and breakfasts are located right in the center of town (the Inn at Cooperstown and the Landmark Inn are popular.) If you need something a bit more kid-friendly, you can find chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express just outside of town.)
What to do: Step back in time at the Mystic Seaport Museum, which covers 19 acres along the Connecticut shore. This leading maritime museum features play areas just for kids, historical reenactors that bring history to life, and four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence!
You can also explore what's under the water in Mystic at the Mystic Aquarium. The celebrated aquarium offers exhibits both indoors and out and is home to penguins, seals, sharks, beluga whales, rays, and many more sea-dwellers. For an extra special visit, book an animal encounter.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of town on the water, The Whaler's Inn is a classic choice. The main inn offers rooms with a junior bunk area for kids, while the Noank House has family-friendly rooms with two queens beds conveniently located on the first floor. For a chain, the Mystic Hilton is a good choice (located across the street from the aquarium), or you can settle into your own cottage suite at The Carriage House.
There's something for every kind of family in western Massachusetts. If you're looking for a family-friendly ski getaway, Butternut in Great Barrington is a great, affordable, spot for little ones learning to ski, and it also offers snow tubing.
The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in nearby Stockbridge. In addition to showcasing much of the artist's iconic work, the museum mounts exhibitions dedicated to illustration and new perspectives on Rockwell's work. Additionally, you can visit the small workshop where he did much of his painting.
If you like your art with more edge, head to Mass MOCA in North Adams, the largest contemporary art center in the country. (It is huge, with lots of wide open spaces, making it a place where it's easy to social distance.) Kids can really roam free here, too. The center houses several works by light artist James Turrell, and its three floors of Sol Lewitt galleries are impressive. Mass MoCA also has a Kidspace with rotating exhibits and programming, allowing kids to get in on the art-making action.
Where to Stay:The Briarcliff Motel is fun and casual, a 1960s motel that's been upgraded for today. In Stockbridge, its sister property, the Red Lion Inn (est. 1773) can offer you a bed in the historic main inn. With kids, it's probably best to stay in the roomier and more modern accommodations of Maple Glen, also on the grounds.
In North Adams, The Porches is a boutique inn with retro-industrial architecture (revamped mill workers' homes) and modern comforts located right across the street from the Mass MoCA. The Williams Inn in nearby Williamstown, MA is a good choice for a relaxed yet refined stay, with the added bonus of elevated comfort food on site at the property's restaurant and bar, The Barn.
Mix fantasy and reality (and a place to sleep) at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark in the Catskills. Enjoy the resort's indoor waterpark, heated to 84 degrees year-round, with more than 10 slides and water adventures, a lazy river, and indoor/outdoor pools. Take advantage of seven restaurants and bars on-site, as well as hiking trails, free daily activities, and an indoor entertainment center to keep the kids busy—ropes course, rock climbing, arcade, mini bowling, laser tag, and virtual reality.
Take some time to learn about another race and you just might learn something about yourself as well
Raising kids in one of the biggest melting pots in the world comes with a responsibility to acknowledge and celebrate all of our differences. From talking about the civil rights movement to exploring cultural traditions, it’s important we help kids learn about their own identities while also developing respect for those from other backgrounds. As a first step, visit one of these amazing historical sites and museums that help kids understand the complex realities of race and cultural appreciation.
Hibulb Cultural Center | Tulalip, WA
Kate Loweth
Driving north from Seattle you will notice all the cities and businesses named after the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and that tells you that the indigenous history is powerful in this area of the country. Head to the Hibulb Cultural Center where you can learn all about the history, traditional cultural values, and spiritual beliefs of the Tulalip Tribes (who are the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish tribes and other tribes and bands signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott). Start your visit in the longhouse where you can hear stories told by Tulalip’s storytellers before heading to the main gallery for interactive exhibits the kids will enjoy.
National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.
National Museum of American Indian
ImagiNATIONS Activity Center at the National Museum of the American Indian was designed for kids to not only tucker themselves out but to also organically explore native culture and lifestyle. Little ones can weave a huge basket, surf a virtual river in a tippy kayak, or hunker down inside a real teepee. A library and kiddie craft center will keep bookworms engaged. The Mitsitam Cafe downstairs in the museum—serving native foods from around the Americas like fry bread and succotash—is well known and worth a visit.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati, OH
Courtesy of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Located just a short walk from the beautiful Ohio River, this museum's mission is to "reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times." From permanent exhibits to new and rotating exhibitions, the museum illuminates the concepts of freedom, what it means to be free, and issues of both historic and current slavery. Read the letters home from a Black soldier in WWII, see what a slave pen really looked like, and learn about the journey from being enslaved by a family to emancipation, in pictures and letters. You'll find an array of online learning resources including exhibits, lesson plans, and videos.
Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black history any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson.
At El Museo del Barrio, kids can learn the history of stickball, talk about Mexican social issues, celebrate Carnival, and view the artwork of everyday life in Puerto Rico. Plus, special ArteXplorers Activity Cards from the Museum help families identify and learn about the artworks in the galleries. Super Sabado (Free Third Saturdays) teaches the vibrancy and diversity of Latino Culture through free art-making workshops, storytelling, concerts, and more.
This highly-anticipated museum is the only museum dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created or inspired by African Americans. The 56,000-square-foot museum is in the heart of Nashville, and includes artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing, and state-of-the-art technology to showcase different narratives and genres.
On your way to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills, be sure to take a detour to the Wounded Knee Museum in Wall South. There you'll find exhibits and pictures that vividly present the massacre of over 300 men, women, and children from the Lakota nation by the 7th Calvary of the United States Army on December 29th, 1890. Your kids will see firsthand the tragic events that are, sadly, a common narrative in Native American history. You can also visit the actual historical site, geared up with information from the museum. The museum is also home to "Lakota Ways: A Cultural Experience," which celebrates the Lakota Nation, which is still active in the area today.
Belle Meade Plantation- Nashville, TN
You’d think the last thing you’d want to do to understand race in America is to visit the grounds of a plantation that once used enslaved people to make its wealth. But after a recent visit to Belle Meade Plantation in the Nashville area, we can report first-hand that this historic property is at the forefront of talking with the public in a truthful way about the horrors of slavery while honoring the African-American history of the property. The Journey to Jubilee tour follows the story of the African-Americans who were brought to the plantation in 1807, but who stayed on the plantation through the early 1900s. It shows their vital presence on the property, their story of enslavement and provides visitors with an understanding of the times from the African-American viewpoint. This tour is not recommended for kids under 12 due to the graphic reality of slavery, however, the general tour of Belle Meade also incorporates the story of the African-Americans who came as enslaved people but stayed on as hired workers after the abolishment of slavery. The property itself is very kid-friendly and an excellent respite from the bustle of the city.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - Little Rock, AR
The Little Rock Central High School was the most prominent example of the desegregation of public schools in 1954 when nine African-American students attended school here for the first time in history. You have to arrange a tour to enter the school, now designated a National Historic Site, but it’s relatively easy to do and a great way to help kids understand the significance of this school as well as the history of desegregation in the U.S.
Ellis Island - New York, NY
Ellis Island
A quick boat ride from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (now known as the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration) is where 12 million immigrants were processed before moving on to New York City and beyond to make a new life between 1892 and 1954. The museum's showpiece is the Great Hall, where all of the immigrants were processed. The museum shows how the hall changed over the years, in addition to a slew of artifacts, photographs, prints, videos, and interactive displays. One of the coolest things about this museum is that thanks to the American Immigration History Center, you and the kids can try to trace your own heritage back to Ellis Island and a relative who may have been processed there.
Now a state park, Angel Island boasts some of the best views of San Francisco and Marin counties around, but don't just go for the photo opps. In 1905 an Immigration Station was constructed, which began operating in 1910. Because of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, a law passed limiting the number of Chinese immigrants into the US, anti-Chinese sentiment, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, was rampant. While the station at Angel Island was meant to be a processing center, many immigrants primarily from Asia (and most from China) were held for interrogation. While they were supposed to be held for just a few days, in some cases they were held for nearly two years. Detainees expressed their feelings in poetry carved into the wooden walls of the detention barracks, still legible today. The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation is an excellent resource to learn more. Find our guide to Angel Island here.
Learn and connect with First American History at this center for arts and culture. Performances, reenactments, classes, demonstrations, collections, and interactive exhibits all work together beautifully to educate and inform visitors of the story of the Chickasaw people. This is one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States and is operated entirely by the Chickasaw Nation. Located on 184 acres, you'll find not only the exhibit center but The Center for the Study of Chickasaw History and Culture, a theater, the Inchokka' Traditional Village as well as First-American foods and goods for purchase.
The museum depicts the history of black people in the United States, beginning with slavery, through Jim Crow laws and segregation, to current issues of mass incarceration. The memorial, a quick walk away, honors 4,000 victims of lynching and racial violence. By filling in the gaps in the history that many Americans learn in school, the content presented may help families initiate discussions related to race and inequality in the United States
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - Atlanta, GA
Take your kids back to where this leader of the Civil Rights Movement was once a kid. At the Martin Luther King Jr. site, you can visit his birth home, play where MLK played as a child, and learn all about his early years in the movement. Get inspired to fight inequality in your neck of the woods.
Get a recount of daily life from more than a hundred years ago in America in a preserved tenement building at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Tour the preserved building that housed 7,000 working-class Irish and Jewish immigrants from 1863 until 1935.
Museum of African Diaspora - San Francisco, CA
Museum of African Diaspora
Celebrating the universal connection of all people through their association with Africa, this must-visit museum showcases exhibitions aimed at representing work that may be under-represented in other U.S. museums. For example, as soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a three-story mural comprised of 2,100 photographs submitted by people of the Diaspora.
A visit to Chattanooga, TN is full of opportunities to learn about Black history.
Founded in 1983 as the Chattanooga African American Museum, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates the African Diaspora and pays tribute to Chattanooga’s African American culture with an emphasis on Bessie Smith, “The Empress of the Blues.” While there, you can also visit the Ed Johnson Memorial, a permanent public site that strives to promote racial healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the lynching of Ed Johnson, honoring the courageous work of his attorneys, and recognizing the resulting U.S. Supreme Court case that established federal oversight of state-level civil rights issues.
National Museum of American Jewish History - Philadelphia, PA
National Museum of American Jewish History
Located on historic Independence Mall, this museum brings to life the 360-year history of Jews in America. Through more than 1,200 artifacts, films, and interactive exhibitions, this family-friendly museum tells the struggles of an immigrant population that ultimately flourished in a foreign land.
In Greensboro, NC , your kids can visit the site of the first Civil Rights sit-in and learn about the A&T Four—four young Black students who sat at a “Whites Only” counter inside the Woolworth restaurant on Feb. 1, 1960, and refused to move. At the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, a guided tour helps your family learn and relearn important facts about America’s history before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement. The Greensboro Cultural Arts Center houses the African America Atelier where you will find moving exhibits that the whole family will enjoy. And you'll want to visit the Guilford College Underground Railroad trail, which simulates how fugitives seeking freedom navigated in the woods of the Guilford College community with assistance from free and enslaved Black Americans and European-American Allies.
Richmond is steeped in important Black history and here are just a few of the ways you can experience it with your kids.
Visit the home of Maggie Lena Walker, a newspaper editor, bank president, and champion of civil rights for Black Americans and women. Join a tour of her home and an exhibit hall, watch a short film about her life and walk in the footsteps of a great activist of the early 20th century. There's also a Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza.
You can also explore Richmond’s monuments: Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the Capitol grounds, Slavery Reconciliation Statue, Henry Box Brown, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument, and the Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Ave. There's also a self-guided Richmond Slave Trail: Walk along and discover seventeen different markers that display the somber truth about slavery in Richmond.
At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts entrance along historic Arthur Ashe boulevard, you'll find Rumors of War, a powerful sculpture by Black artist Kehinde Wiley.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture- Washington, D.C.
National Museum of African-American History and Culture
The stunning building, inspired by Yoruba art and filigree ironwork, is filled with presentations and artifacts that give visitors a glimpse at all aspects—the good and the gut-wrenching—of the African American experience. It’s a must-visit for the entire family. See our in-depth guide here.
Wing Luke Museum - Seattle, WA
Grace S. via yelp
"The Wing," as it is affectionately called by locals showcases the history, art, and culture of Asian Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Check out KidPlace, the Museum’s dedicated gallery to kids and families that is always open and filled with colorful and playful interactive exhibits.
Rosa Parks Memorial - Montgomery, AL
Rosa Parks Memorial
Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”
Japanese American National Museum - Los Angeles, CA
Japanese American National Museum
Whether your kids know very little about Japanese American culture or they have a budding interest in the country that invented sushi, this is a perfect place to begin their journey. JANM hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as Free Family Fun days to bring to life the interesting, fun, and sometimes grounding aspects of Japanese American history and culture.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park - Auburn, NY
If your kids don’t already know who Harriet Tubman is, the national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and way stations that helped enslaved people find freedom in terms they can understand. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby.
—additional reporting by Kate Loweth & Amber Guetebier
Autumn is truly showing off at our favorite places to find fall colors in Portland
Summer is waning, school has started, and its Pumpkin Spice Latte season again. While summer hikes make fond memories, fall means piles and piles of colorful leaves to gather, collect, throw, jump in, and admire. Soon the colors will be popping, and we’re ready to celebrate nature’s fireworks. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places to view fall foliage in Portland. It’s time to get outside, enjoy the show, and play with the kids. Don’t forget your camera for the best shots.
Originally built in 1909, the Pittock mansion is perched on top of a Forest Park hill, just waiting to burst into fall color. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the indoor mansion tour, but strolling through the grounds to find a prime picnic spot makes a fine day, too. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood. For a more active day under the trees, hike down through Forest Park to the Stone House, or combine a driving tour with a visit to the Audubon Society.
Portland’s biggest arboretum is a clear choice to watch the fiesta of fall colors explode across the trees. Over 12 miles of hiking trails span 190 acres, and 6,000 trees like the color-changing birches, maples, oaks and magnolias. A stop at the visitor center will help direct you to which trail offers the most colors, whether you want red hawthorn berries or fiery yellow maples. They offer miles of stroller-friendly paths, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and plenty of great views.
Hidden away in Washington Park, this garden is perfectly coiffed and bursts into color every year. Japanese maples and other fall show-offs were planted to expertly frame certain areas, like a pond, waterfall, or statue. Leave the stroller at home, as many areas use steps. Strap the little ones into a carrier and let older kids pick the path—it’s not too big to get lost in, but big enough that they’ll have fun exploring. Afterward, stop in the teahouse for a meal or a mochi ice cream treat. Get your tickets online for timed entry before you head out.
Fun is a main attraction every fall on this farming island! Besides pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes, you’ll also be able to soak in some beautiful fall color from all the oaks blanketing the land. For a perfect picnic spot, head to Howell Territorial Park and spread your feast under the oaks. In the apple orchard behind the house you’ll find trees that were planted from cuttings carried by wagon over the Oregon Trail.
Tucked near the forested hills of Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem of Southeast Portland. A collection of over 1,000 native and non-native plants is spread over 16 acres. In 2021, the Upper Garden expansion was completed, with a new canopy tree walk, a pollinator meadow, new pathways and many more plantings. It’s a beautiful place to wander, letting kids lead the way—see if they can find the maple trees for some fall glory. Reserve tickets in advance online before heading over.
The views from this park anytime of year are nothing short of stunning. Add a blaze of red and yellow and roll in some fog over the river and you’ve got yourself a fairyland to play in for hours. Bring a picnic blanket and a thermos of hot cider and let the kids go wild! A frisbee, a pile of leaves to jump in, or even some games of tag are perfect against such a beautiful backdrop.
For bonus colors an hour outside of Portland, hop in the car and head to Silver Falls State Park near Salem and Silverton. This enchanted forest offers a myriad of waterfalls along with fiery colorful trees set amidst green pines. The Trail of Ten Falls is an 8.6 mile trek that has, you guessed it, 10 waterfalls, and is easily cut up into smaller sections for little hikers. After hiking, enjoy a picnic by the river or check out the nature playground at the North Falls Group Camp parking lot.
Signs of spring are popping up all over Seattle, but the surest one of all is the return of the popular Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This month-long celebration has miles of tulip farms to explore, and with events running throughout the season, it’s not only fun, it’s totally kid-friendly. So load up the car, get your tickets and make your way to Skagit Valley’s fields of dreams. Read on to make your plans.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
When to Go
The festival officially kicks off on April 1 and runs through April 30, when the flower fields in the Skagit Valley will be in full bloom. You should see color in the fields by the first week of April, and fields fully blooming by the second week, give or take. Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn will open on April 1, and RoozenGaarde, open year-round, will start charging for admission March 25. Since blooms can change in a short amount of time, check the bloom status or bloom map so you know what to expect, or call the bloom hotline at 360-428-5959.
Just like last year, families will need timed tickets to visit the tulip fields in 2022. All three growers are encouraging folks to purchase them in advance, but Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde have confirmed they will be selling tickets at the gate, if space is available. Bottom line, it’s best to plan ahead, especially if a weekend visit is part of your flower gazing plan.
Good to know: Saturdays are the busiest days to visit the gardens, followed by Sundays, Fridays and Mondays. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and traffic, and you’ve got flexibility for your visit, a mid-week plan is best.
photo: courtesy Tulip Town
Where to Find the Flowers
Tulip Town will be open everyday from April 1 to May 1, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a few different ticketed experiences. For families with young kids, the General Admission tickets should do the trick. It includes parking, entry to the fields and indoor exhibits and a ride on the tulip trolley, weather permitting. It’s all you need to get the kids in the field for those Insta-worthy photos on a beautiful spring day. General admission tickets are $15 for anyone over the age of 12, $6 for kids ages 6-11 and free for kiddos 5 and under. If spontaneity is your family jam, consider purchasing the Anytime ticket for $25 (ages 6 & up). You get the same perks as the General Admission without being tied to a specific time frame. To get your tickets, simply choose your date and a three-hour window (arrive anytime in between). Sorry, no pets.
Good to know: Due to last year’s regional flooding, there may not be as much color in the fields this year, but Tulip Town will strive to provide an amazing experience for visitors.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
RoozenGaarde has a colorful five-acre display garden (including a 25-acre tulip field and a 22-acre daffodil field) with over one million bulbs and an authentic Dutch windmill. Stroll the garden and see your favorite flowers, including over 150 varieties of tulips. Each year, RoozenGaarde redesigns and replants its garden with a new layout featuring brilliant color combinations, spectacular floral designs and flowering rivers of deep blue muscari. This year they’ll be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.on the weekends. Advance tickets are highly encouraged. It’s $15 per person and kids two and under are free. Sorry, no pets permitted in the garden.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Garden Rosalyn is Skagit Valley’s newest tulip farm, and it’s the only one that welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs. Playful designs are part of what makes visiting this field fun for kids, but so are the geese and ducks that call the little lake on the property home. They plan to host food trucks on site this year and have picnic benches out to enjoy your meal. The farm will be welcoming visitors daily, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. starting April 1. Tickets are $12 per person and kids 5 and under are free.
Good to know: If driving isn’t in your plan, Shutter Tours offers a motor coach tour that departs from the Downtown Seattle Sheraton with stops at the big tulip farms and downtown La Conner. The tours run April 2-24, 2022 and have limited availability.
photo: Kylie Kirkland
Possible Lunch Spots
The waterfront town of La Conner is a charming small town that’s bustling with activity during tulip season. It’s also a great spot to stop and eat once you’ve had your fill of flowers. There are lots of restaurants to check out, including the very popular Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery, a from-scratch cafe that serves all-day breakfast, hearty lunches and some of the largest cinnamon rolls this side of the Cascades. La Conner Brewing Company is another family-friendly spot, as is Waterfront Cafe, where you can watch the boats go by when you dine dockside.
You’ll also find plenty of options in Mt. Vernon, no matter what you’re in the mood for. Check out the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce site for some ideas. Calico Cupboard Cafe & Bakery also has a Mt. Vernon location, and a local favorite, Whidbey Island Bagel Factory, serves New York style bagels that are some of the best in the state. For an extra special treat, stop by Snow Goose Produce for a scoop of specialty ice cream from Lopez Island Creamery. Served in a homemade waffle cone, these generous scoops will fill the kids up for the car ride home. Note: Remember to bring cash if you plan to stop at Snow Goose Produce; they do not accept debit, credit or checks for ice cream.
We’re glad to report the popular Kiwanis Salmon BBQ at Hillcrest Park Lodge is back this year. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it’s the spot to get a plate of delicious grilled salmon ($20-$23/plate) and support local and global Kiwanis projects. Note: Online tickets are not available this year.
photo: Eric Riddle
How to Dress
It’s best to dress in layers, and wear waterproof clothing in case there are April showers. Bring a change of shoes, socks and pants (especially if it’s a muddy weekend), and sun hats and sunscreen if it’s sunny. Depending on the rainfall, the fields may be mucky and uneven making even experienced toddlers a little wobbly on their feet.
What to Bring
You will definitely want to pack some snacks and items to keep the Littles busy in the car. Since the photo ops are endless, you’ll also want to bring along your fully charged smartphone (and maybe a backup). If traveling with babies or just-walkers, we recommend bringing a backpack rather than a stroller, and if a stroller is how you roll, make sure it’s got rubber tires. Older kids can walk the paths around some of the fields and put those cute rain boots to use!
Garden Etiquette
The fields are generally not for “picking,” just admiring and taking pictures. Often there are paths around the fields, but generally they don’t want you walking in the rows of flowers, as the bulbs are fragile. Tulips are usually for sale at the entrances, so you can take some home.
photo: Tanya Hayes
Special Events
There are all kinds of special events in honor of the festival happening throughout April. On April 9, the 35th Annual Kiwanis Club of La Conner Not So Impromptu Tulip Parade will begin at 2 p.m., starting at the Port of Skagit complex in LaConer. Grab a curbside seat and expect to see lots of wacky, impromptu participants—from farm animals and mascots to your favorite pets.
The 37th Annual Street Fair in Downtown Mt. Vernon is scheduled for April 15-17. Arts, gourmet foods, kid’s toys—you’ll find lots of goodies at this masked, outdoor event that’s fun for everyone.
If your kids are older or they just love being fancy, consider attending the English Tea at Willowbrook Manor. Reservations are available every Friday and Saturday in April, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for $40 per person.
Bonus Activity
Because children’s museums are always a hit with kids, plan to check out the Children’s Museum of Skagit County. It’s located inside the Cascade Mall in Burlington and has lots of fun exhibits to explore. The Museum is open with limited hours Tuesday through Saturday, with ticked, two-hour long sessions starting at 10 a.m. (although this may change come April.) Reservations are recommended. Admission is only $8 for kids and adults and $7 for military and seniors; babes under 12 months are free.
photo: Anika Blake
Travel Time & Getting There
Depending on traffic, it should take you 60 minutes from Seattle. If possible, try to go during the week. The traffic can be a bit of a zoo on the weekends, although that may not be the case because visiting the fields is now a ticketed experience. Whenever you travel, bring along some car activities and a dose of patience for the adventure.
It’s easy to get to the Skagit Valley. Travel north on I-5 for approximately 60 miles. The tulips are generally grown in a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit River and the Swinomish River Channel. Note: The festival is designed as a driving tour as many events and attractions are miles apart, scattered throughout the lower Skagit Valley.
There’s no denying that travel can broaden a kid’s horizons and enrich their lives with new experiences and points of view. But you don’t have to travel to exotic locations to find kids trips that can change their lives—we’ve found 18 spots right here in the USA that will offer kids a chance to learn about history, science, culture and more. Keep reading to get inspired.
Important Lessons in Nashville, TN
Amber Guetebier
You probably think of music when you think of Nashville—and rightfully so. This haven for musical artists of all genres is dubbed Music City for a reason. But what you might not realize is that Nashville offers families a ton of unique educational opportunities, too. Gawk at a 42-ft. replica of Athena at the Parthenon while you learn all about Greek mythology and the history of early 20th century Nashville. The Nashville Zoo’s recently opened, state-of-the-art animal hospital includes a public viewing area so kids can learn all about veterinary procedures (sometimes right before their very eyes. Visit the historically black Fisk University to learn about the award-winning Jubilee singers. Venture to the Belle Meade Plantation to learn about the race in America along with the history of horse-breeding, as well as the historic battlefield at Franklin. This powerful site which includes the Carter House and surrounding buildings, including one that is still riddled with bullet holes. This battle was a turning point in the Civil War and allows families the opportunity to discuss slavery, race relations and the Civil War. The bookshop alone is worth a visit.
Discovery History and Culture in Chickasaw Country, OK
In central Oklahoma, you'll find 7,648 square miles that comprise the Chickasaw Nation. This diverse landscape is the perfect destination for a family looking for an educational and interesting vacation. Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States. The quaint town of Tishomingo is a beautiful, historic gem rich in old western character, history, natural beauty and southern hospitality. The town, named in honor of the heroic Chickasaw Chief, Tishomingo, preserves and cherishes its native roots. Here you can visit the Chickasaw National Capitol and other historic sites.
Jackson, Mississippi, is famously known for the renowned Civil Rights Museum, But Jackson is also home to many lesser-known Civil Rights sites you can visit and more than one iconic walking trail, making it a great place to experience Black History any time of the year. You'll find the Mississippi Freedom Trail with ten important sites as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail which highlights the history and significance of the Blues in Jackson. There's also a Civil Rights Driving Tour.
D.C. is an awesome place to teach children about history and government. Take time to visit The National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington to give your family a new perspective on early American history. Part of the Smithsonian Institution, it opened its doors in 2004 as a place to advance the understanding of Native cultures from the past, present and future. Current exhibitions include Native Americans in the Armed Forces, the Inka Road, the history of Treaties and more. The building itself was designed by Métis and Blackfoot Indian architect Douglas Cardinal and is unlike most contemporary structures. Even the gardens offer the Native perspective: the plants of great importance to different North American cultures are not labeled, allowing visitors to experience them in a more natural way.
Nobody thought much of Mount St. Helens until she blew her top in 1980. It’s been a few years, but she’s still a big deal and a must-see for curious kids. The Mount. St. Helens Forest Learning Center is not only the star of the show because admission is free, but also because it features an eruption chamber, a helicopter to climb in, a great playground and a killer gift shop. Other places to check out include the Johnston Ridge Observatory (which features an awesome view of the mountain), the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Sequest and the Castle Rock Exhibit Hall which isn’t as spectacular as the others, but displays a collection of home pictures from some of the survivors of the blast.
While it’s not as impressive as the fictional Jurassic Park, the 1,587-acre Dinosaur Valley State Park is still pretty dyno-o-mite. Many years ago, the dinos left their mark in the form of footprints in the soft mud that once covered central Texas and they are still there today. Guests are greeted by 70-foot-tall Apatosaurus and the and 45-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex which were models used during the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. In the riverbed, you can find several footprints left from Sauropods and three-toed Theropods. In addition to visiting the interpretive center, the park is also a great place to hike, mountain bike, fish, horseback riding, etc.
Follow in our country’s forefathers footsteps by exploring the 7.6 mile-long Freedom Trail. Beginning at Boston Common, the trail leads through Downtown, the Government Center, the North End and finishes at Charlestown. The National Park Service offers a free 90-minute tour, but for the biggest impact, consider taking the Lessons on Liberty Tour—a 90-minute tour guided by classically trained historians dressed in authentic clothing. Check out the USS Constitution Museum and Ship as well but plan to come early as it is operated on a first come, first-serve basis.
Whether you have a space lover or you just want to explore American history and science, there are few places where you can get the real deal like Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Give yourself at least a full day to tour the complex. Learn about heroes and legends of space travel, get a behind-the-scenes peek at historic launch sites and working spaceflight areas, strap in for a Shuttle Launch Experience and check out the history of 30 years of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program (plus see an actual shuttle).
Auburn is a charming town in the Finger Lakes region of New York State and has an incredibly rich history. Teach your children what it really means to stand up to tyranny by immersing them in the world of Harriet Tubman. The national park that bears her name is the perfect place to learn all about this incredible woman who emancipated herself from slavery at the age of just 27 and went on to help dozens of slaves find freedom. Before you go, the kids can become an Underground Railroad Junior Ranger to learn about the system of secret houses and waystations that helped slaves find freedom. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park includes her home, a visitor’s center, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, and the church she raised funds to build. Her burial site is also nearby. A new visitor center is planned for 2018. The town of Auburn also boasts several other history museums and collections, a memorable public theater and year-round events and festivals.
Do you know the way to San Jose? Silicon Valley is known for being a hotbed of invention and innovation, especially in the tech world, and there is no better way to connect that to your kids than a visit to the hands-on Tech Museum. If you think it’s going to be all binary code on the wall and screen time, think again: you’ll find robots, earthquakes, space and so much more in a 132,000-foot building in the heart of downtown San Jose. Kids will learn about sound, shadows, movement, coding and more. Why yes, honey, you can design your own roller coaster. And then ride it. Click here to discover even more about this amazing place.
In what is now Iowa the Mound Builders created one of the most incredible sites on Earth—the Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry. The mounds, many of which are in the shape of animals like bear, deer, lynx and turtle, were formed between 1400 and 750 B.P. Although once a much larger area (it is thought close to 15,000 mounds have been destroyed due to farming, road expansion and similar) the National Park in Iowa preserves about 200. This is a sacred site—currently, the Monument has 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes—and a testimony to the early Mississippian and Mound Builder culture.
While many of the mounds are associated as effigy or burial sites, others remain a mystery. A visit here will change your view of what you think you know about early American history and can help give children perspective on first peoples, indigenous rights and how to move forward with respect to those rights. The park itself is teeming with year-round natural beauty and wildlife and natural beauty.
If you’re interested in “everyday encounters with science” in an environment that makes the ordinary extraordinary, then add the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to your bucket list. Want to know what a Black Hole really is? Or maybe you’d like to tour a real submarine? From physics to chemistry to space and beyond, your kids will learn new concepts and discover phenomena without even trying (there’s a 7,000-square-foot Science Playground!). Plus, it’s location along the Willamette River in Portland ain’t too shabby either.
In the charming mid-sized city of Springfield, Illinois, you’ll find more sites dedicated to the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, than anywhere else in the world. Explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library as well as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Depot and the Lincoln Tomb, his final resting place. You can also check out Lincoln’s New Salem, a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln lived as a young man. Experience life from two centuries ago and imagine you work alongside Lincoln at the post office, chopping wood and more. Discover the early influences of Lincoln’s life that helped form his principals, including the belief in the abolishment of slavery. Also home to the University of Illinois at Springfield, the college campus is well worth a romp around.
The Lowell Observatory has been a private, non-profit research institution since 1894, founded by Percival Lowell. One of the oldest in the U.S., they are credited with the discovery of Pluto in 1930, co-discovering the rings of Uranus in 1977, accurate orbits of Pluto’s two new moons, variation in brightness of Halley’s Comet, among many other exciting and important astronomical discoveries. They offer daily guided tours, a junior astronomer program and even summertime Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids, for ages pre K to middle school.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame in Alexandria, Virginia makes a perfect destination for curious kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll learn about the inventors of everything from internet technology to the Hubble telescope, plus how things are invented, patented and more. Little creators will love Camp Invention in the summer months, but the museum offers year-round invention programs for pre K to adult. Click here to read more about the museum.
There’s no shortage of fossil beds throughout the United States, but Fossil Butte takes it to another level. Known as “America’s aquarium in stone” some of the fossils here are so well preserved you almost don't need to imagine what these plants and animals once looked like. Fossils here are from the Cenozoic Period—between 2.6 and 65 million years ago. Kids can get hands-on with a rubbing table to make their own impression of a fossil, along with ranger-led programs and hikes.
The new Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Tour has changed the way visitors see the legendary monument. For $8, visitors can rent a special device that presents a multi-media experience incorporating narration, music, interviews, sound effects, photos, videos and historic recording all along the way through 29 tour stops. You can pick and choose the places you want to see and learn more about and skip the ones that you don’t. Also included is the Junior Ranger Quest game that allows kids to participate in up to 16 challenges at different tour stops around the park. Once they complete challenges, they receive a Junior Ranger badge from a ranger desk. Read our insider's guide here.
Learn About the Man Behind the Mouse in Marceline, MO
Sure, your kids know all about the animation that Walt Disney created in Hollywood, but they might be interested to learn that he was once a kid himself. In Marcelin, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum features a number of interpretive exhibits telling about Disney’s early life: You'll find movie footage, personal letters, photographs, Mickey Mouse memorabilia, an actual Midget Autopia car from Disneyland and more. See the Disney family farm, visit Walt’s “dreaming tree,” the Disney Farm Arboretum, the Walt Disney U.S. Post Office (the only federal building named after the artist), the Walt Disney Elementary School (where Walt had his studio produce a unique mural for the school interior) and the Walt Disney Complex at Santa Fe Lake.
From spelunking, canyoneering and canoeing to stargazing, fossil hunting and fly-fishing, America’s national parks offer up a ton of exhilarating activities for your tiny explorers. Whether it’s a program led by park rangers or by national parks-approved concessionaires, each one is a spine-tingling good time. Bonus: Find out how to help them become Junior Civil War Historians! See our favorite national parks for families here!
Summer is waning, school is starting, and it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season again. While summer hikes make fond memories, fall means piles and piles of colorful leaves to gather, collect, throw, jump in, and admire. Soon around Portland fall colors will be popping. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Portland to get back outside, enjoy the show, and play with the kids. Don’t forget your camera for the best shots.
Fun is a main attraction every fall on this farming island where Portland fall colors are the big draw in autumn. Besides pumpkins, apple cider, and corn mazes, you’ll also be able to soak in some beautiful fall color from all the oaks blanketing the land. For a perfect picnic spot, head to Howell Territorial Park and spread your feast under the oaks. In the apple orchard behind the house, you’ll find trees that were planted from cuttings carried by wagon over the Oregon Trail.
Tucked near the forested hills of Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a hidden gem of Southeast Portland. A collection of over 1,000 native and non-native plants is spread over 16 acres. In 2021, the Upper Garden expansion was completed, with a new canopy tree walk, a pollinator meadow, new pathways and many more plantings. It’s a beautiful place to wander, letting kids lead the way—see if they can find the maple trees for some fall glory. Reserve tickets in advance online before heading over.
Originally built in 1909, the Pittock mansion is perched on top of a Forest Park hill, just waiting to burst into fall color. If you’re a history buff you’ll enjoy the indoor mansion tour, but strolling through the grounds to find a prime picnic spot makes a fine day, too. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Hood. For a more active day under the trees, hike down through Forest Park to the Stone House, or combine a driving tour with a visit to the Audubon Society.
The views from this park anytime of year are nothing short of stunning. Add a blaze of red and yellow and roll in some fog over the river and you’ve got yourself a fairyland to play in for hours. Bring a picnic blanket and a thermos of hot cider and let the kids go wild, A frisbee, a pile of leaves to jump in, or even some games of tag are perfect against such a beautiful backdrop.
If you’ve got time to venture north, consider the Columbia Children’s Arboretum in North Portland’s industrial area. Tucked away from the noise, it’s a quiet and underused wooded park centered around a large meadow and former orchards, with loads of fall color from the sugar maples and American sweet gums. Acquired by Portland Parks and Recreation in 1999, there’s a plan in place for eventual development into a more extensive educational park. For now, it’s a great place to take in the turning leaves.
Portland’s biggest arboretum is a clear choice to watch the fiesta of fall colors explode across the trees. Over 12 miles of hiking trails span 190 acres, and 6,000 trees like the color-changing birches, maples, oaks and magnolias. A stop at the visitor center will help direct you to which trail offers the most colors, whether you want red hawthorn berries or fiery yellow maples. They offer miles of stroller-friendly paths, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and plenty of great views.
Tucked away in Washington Park, this garden is perfectly coiffed and bursts into color every year. Japanese maples and other fall show-offs were planted to expertly frame certain areas, like a pond, waterfall, or statue. Leave the stroller at home, as many areas use steps. Strap the little ones into a carrier and let older kids pick the path—it’s not too big to get lost in, but big enough that they’ll have fun exploring. Afterward, stop in the teahouse for a meal or a mochi ice cream treat. Get your tickets online for timed entry before you head out.
Ready to head a bit further? Hop on the Historic Columbia River Highway for one of the most scenic drives this time of year. It begins in Corbett, 20 miles outside of Portland, and winds along the Columbia through a wide range of both evergreen and deciduous trees. Pack a lunch and make a day of it-- and don’t forget to try out some of the short hikes along the way, just perfect for little adventurers. Latourell Falls is doable at just under 2.5 miles, while Horsetail Falls is another great option. Of course, no one can forget Multnomah Falls, which tends to be slightly less crowded than summer, but no less stunning.
Getting there: From Portland, take I-84 east to Corbett. Take exit 22 and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway/Highway 30 east toward Multnomah Falls.
D.C. and its suburban surroundings can be a concrete jungle. However, nestled between highways and pavements lay the homes of thousands of animal species. So, take out those binoculars and witness a few furry (or slimy) friends in their natural habitats.
See frogs, birds, and turtles at…Huntley Meadows Park Fifteen-hundred acres of history, beauty, and nature tucked in Northern Virginia, Huntley Meadows Park won’t disappoint. There is a reason this historical park is a favorite among photographers looking for wildlife. Its half-mile wetland boardwalk allows you to get a better peek at the frogs, herons, geese, turtles, beavers, and 200+ identifiedbird species that call it home. If you need a more aerial view, then climb up their observation tower and watch the birds there.
See salamaders, otters and minks at…Kenwilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens This unique site offers visitors aquatic gardens and a wetland area. As you paddle up the Anacostia River or walk around the historical ponds, you may be serenaded by the five species of frogs or two species of toads. As you walk the boardwalk, you’ll spot birds, salamanders, turtles, and water fowl. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of an otter, fox, minks, or skinks.
1550 Anacostia Ave., NE (Anacostia)
Online: nps.gov
See bass, geese, and groundhogs at…Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary This wildlife sanctuary is 1670 acres of land that includes four hiking trails, a 4.3 mile Critical Area Driving Tour, and five fishing ponds. Your mini Moby Dick may catch a large mouth bass or blue gill in the ponds. Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary is also great for birdwatching. It’s the most visited hub by Canadian geese on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. You may also spy a red fox or groundhog.
See owls, beavers, and snakes at…Great Falls Park You won’t only hear the cascading sounds of the Potomac River at this popular Northern Virginia park. The beautiful views of the river and the 15 miles of hiking trails provide many opportunities to observe wildlife. You may catch the hoot of an owl or the chomping of a beaver. Other animals you may spy include butterflies, moths, deer, and snakes.
9200 Old Dominion Dr. (McLean, Va)
Online: nps.gov
See bats, deer, and mussels at…C&O Canal This 184.5 mile towpath is a historical landmark that played an important role for many Washingtonians in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This long path, running parallel to the Potomac River, provides nature lovers the opportunity to see bats, turtles, snakes, insects, and deer due to the woodland and rock formations. Whether by foot, bike, canal boat ride, or horseback ride, you will undoubtedly spot a few animals. And one animal you may find that you don’t usually see is freshwater mussels! If seashell-looking objects are found on the shoreline, then you located these tasty mollusks.
The park has multiple access points. There are visitor centers in D.C. and Maryland.
Online: nps.gov
See beavers, lizards, and a slew of bugs…Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve The Preserve is 725 acres bordered by Goose Creek to its south and consisting of fields, hardwood forests, ponds, and streams. There are over 20 miles of trails winding through these wetlands and forests; housing foxes, beavers, deer, bats, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.