If you’ve ever asked your kids “How was your day?” and received what sounds like a grunt or the ever-popular “OK,” you’re not alone. Instead of letting family chats fall to the wayside, consider using conversation starters for kids during your next family dinner. Sure, gathering everyone for a meal might seem impossible, but it’s more important than ever; studies have shown that families that eat together often have healthier diets, increased communication, and overall emotional stability.
And, engaging your kids in conversation has other huge benefits. It helps them learn important social skills, boosts vocabulary, raises self-esteem (especially when you listen to their responses), and could lead to them opening up about things that might be bothering them. So, if you’ve come this far, congrats! The next step? Figuring out what to talk about at the table. That’s where our fun conversation starters for kids come in handy.
How to Use Conversation Starters
Time your questions.
If your kid is hungry, tired, or both, it might not be the best time to engage in elaborate table talk. Use conversation starters with kids when you aren’t rushing to get to practice, there isn’t homework to be finished, and everyone is in a good mood.
Listen to their answers.
So, their curiosity is piqued, and they’re thinking hard about what to say. You need to be present in the moment and listen. Kids’ self-esteem gets a boost when they know their parents are listening.
Don’t forget to ask open-ended questions.
Consider using conversation starters for kids that require more than yes or no answers. If kids (or anyone) have a chance to elaborate on their answers, that can open the door to more interesting conversations.
47 Conversation Starters for Kids
1. Can you guess the ingredients in the meal tonight?
2. What do you like better: waking up in the morning or going to bed at night?
3. Would you rather be a giant rodent or a tiny elephant?
4. What would you do if you had a million dollars?
5. If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?
6. What is a weird habit that you have?
7. If you had this week to do over again, what would you do differently?
8. Would you rather go without television or junk food for the rest of your life?
9. If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?
10. If money were no object, where would you like to go on vacation?
iStock
11. Where is the most interesting place you have ever been to?
12. Would you rather swim with stingrays or explore the jungle?
13. If you could make any vegetable against the law, which would it be?
14. Would you rather not hear or not see?
15. Would you rather wrestle a lion or fight a shark?
16. If you were sent to live on a space station for three months and were only allowed to bring three personal items, what would they be?
17. If you had your human body but the head of an animal, what animal would you pick?
18. What is one favorite thing you do by yourself?
19. If you could read one person’s mind, whose would it be?
20. What two things do you consider yourself to be very good at?
iStock
21. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets?
22. What is your favorite smell? What memory does it remind you of?
23. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
24. If you could be one character from a book for a day, who would it be and why?
25. What's the last thing that made you laugh?
26. Tell me about something that made you happy today.
27. What does a perfect day look like to you?
28. If you could have any animal for a pet, what would it be?
29. If you could be in the movie of your choice, what movie would you choose and what character would you play?
30. Would you rather wear your pants backward or shoes on the wrong feet?
iStock
31. What did you do to help someone else today?
32. What makes our family special?
33. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
34. What is your favorite song?
35. Would you rather be able to talk to animals or know how to speak every language?
36. If you could be a sound, what would it be?
37. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
38. Who is your favorite movie character?
39. If you had to make dinner tomorrow night, what would you make?
40. If you were a parent, what rules would you have? Are they different from ours?
41. What is your earliest memory?
42. If you could only have three toys, which three would they be?
43. If you could pick your name, what would it be?
We searched from the top of skyscrapers to the lowest desert in the U.S. to put together this list of amazing family trips. Whether your kids are interested in history, baseball, or chocolate, there’s gonna be something that’s right up their alley. We recommend visiting these destinations before the high school years (when let’s face it, they are less interested in traveling with you). We’ve included lots of outdoor spaces, like some of our favorite national parks, along with must-visit spots in more metropolitan areas. How many of these can your family check off?
Don’t let your kids’ only sight of Lady Liberty be on TV or in the movies. Let them experience a sense of freedom at Liberty Island, where they can climb the stairs through the statue’s pedestal, explore the crown, or visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn a badge when they complete the educational activities inside the information center and around the island. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Bean is the main attraction in Millennium Park that reflects Chicago’s famous skyline and the puffy clouds above. Officially called “Cloud Gate,” this public sculpture is a little kid favorite as they can see themselves from all sides thanks to the stainless steel coating of the bean-shaped sculpture. While you’re in the hood, head to Maggie Daley Park or splash around in the Crown Fountain if the temps are warm.
Civil Rights history comes alive for your school-age children at this thought-provoking museum. Through eight galleries, you can explore interactive exhibits and engaging artifacts, and hear stories from people who fought for civil rights in Mississippi. The galleries encircle a reflective space entitled, “This Little Light of Mine” with a dramatic sculpture that glows brighter as visitors gather. Follow the rich history of civil rights together, and learn how it changed the nation.
Do your kiddos dream of going to the moon? The Space Center Houston is their ticket to ride! Inspire their curiosity at this exciting learning center that uses space exploration to create an interest in science and math. Check out the more than 400 space artifacts, exhibits, and experiences related to America’s human space-flight program. Known as the home of NASA Mission Control and the International Space Station, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. space program. One of your most memorable experiences is sure to be the epic Apollo 17 Command Module. To the moon!
Chances are, your kids have never seen trees as tall as the California Redwoods. With 31 National and State parks to choose from, you can explore these majestic giants all over California. You’ll even find three trees you can drive through! For the easiest access, head to Muir Woods National Monument, near San Francisco. As a part of the National Park System, kids can join the Junior Rangers, letting them care for the national parks and learn new ways to experience the environment. Walk among old-growth coast redwoods, explore the interpretive displays, and hike the numerous hiking trails.
Hit a home run when you visit this museum devoted to our Nation’s pastime. Head to the Hall of Fame gallery to see plaques devoted to baseball greats and then check out uniforms that date back to the inception of the sport.
If you ever wanted to be in four places at once, then the Four Corners Monument is a place you need to visit. This unique spot where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah intersect is a kid and Instagram favorite. The surrounding area has hiking and a visitor center where you can learn all about the area’s Navajo history.
The town of Gettysburg is full of history and a great spot for a family visit. You can view living history demonstrations, dine in a period tea parlor, and even experience the area aboard a steam-powered replica train. Head to the Gettysburg History Center to view a diorama of the 6,000-acre Battle of Gettysburg.
Whether you drive or hike to see the sign up close, or you find the perfect selfie spot from a distance, the Hollywood sign is a must-visit for families when they come to Los Angeles. Many families choose Griffith Park as their viewing location as you’ll get some epic views of downtown as well as train rides and hiking trails perfect for kids.
Immerse yourself in history when you visit Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the blacksmith shop to learn what this important trade created for those fighting in the Revolutionary War. Kids will love taking a carriage ride down Main Street and dining on colonial-inspired favorites at the tavern.
The fourth-most-visited National Park in the United States, Zion National Park is now part of Greater Zion, which also includes St. George, Springdale, Hurricane, Washington, and other towns. Take in the breathtaking scenery and surrounding red rock canyons as you head up to the mountains. Bring the kids for year-round outdoor recreation like mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and more. Show them the open road and historic petroglyphs with exhilarating ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours, or a view from an aerial tour. Enjoy a musical performance at the magnificent Tuacahn Center for the Arts with its 2,000-seat amphitheater.
This historic dam just outside of Las Vegas is a road trip must-see when visiting this area of the country. Built in the 1930s to produce hydroelectric power, kids will be awed by its massive size. Make sure you stop at the visitor center to learn all about how it was built. A small number of tickets are available on-site to take an elevator down to see the inner workings of the dam.
The National Civil Rights Museum seeks to open a dialogue about the story of Black Americans who experienced and resisted discrimination—a history that spans slavery through the modern Civil Rights Movement, nonviolent protests to armed self-defense. The museum offers 260 artifacts, more than 40 new films, oral histories, interactive media, and external listening posts that guide visitors through five centuries of history.
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this Chicago skyline landmark offers an epic view from its Skydeck that you won’t want to miss. Daredevils can walk out on The Ledge, a glass-enclosed platform where you are fully suspended above the street from 103 floors above.
The thing about a visit to the Smithsonian Museums in D.C. is that there is literally something for everyone. From historical aircraft to exhibits about narwhals, the kids will definitely have their curiosity engaged on a visit to our nation’s capital.
This sweet stop on the road trip circuit is one that is certain to please even the grumpiest of toddlers. Learn how chocolate is made and sample the wares as you go.
This rugged and beautiful canyon and mesa country was home to humans as far back as 11,000 years ago. Check out cave dwellings, petroglyphs, and other evidence about how people once lived.
18. National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum | Rochester, NY
Learn all about Susan B. Anthony with a visit to her former home. The famous civil rights leader was arrested here when she voted in 1872, and it was the home of the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association while she was president. Take a tour of the house, learn the story behind her legendary life, and be inspired by her “Failure is Impossible” speech.
From October to March, this is the very first place in the country to see the sunrise, so visiting in winter is well worth it, weather withstanding. In summer, summiting Cadillac Mountain is guaranteed to be as easy as the drive to the top, where kids can explore the granite rocks (a result of volcanic activity over 350 million years ago!), paved paths, and the overall majesty of Acadia National Park.
It’s not every day you can see another country from where you stand! There are several ways to experience the famous falls up close. From the poncho get-up to venturing close enough to get soaked, Cave of the Winds’ 175-foot descent into Niagara Gorge is a child’s delight. If your little captain would prefer a boat-deck view, Maid of the Mist also promises powerful proximity to the thunder of the falls.
Hiking is one of the major draws for visitors to El Yunque, located on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. The new Visitor’s Center has exhibits where you can learn about the plants and animals (and HUGE bugs!) that make up the rainforest and what you can do to protect this essential natural resource.
If thrill seekers are curious to know what it feels like to be suspended 1,200 feet above the ground, one of Royal Gorge’s six aerial gondolas offers an exhilarating way to find out. If anyone prefers to walk, its suspension bridge also straddles the 2,200-foot span of the Arkansas River.
Teach the kids more about America’s fight for independence from Britain in Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty. In 1776, it was here that the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government—the United States Constitution. A visit to Independence Hall (don’t forget to check out the Liberty Bell!) will allow you to share a historic moment. Tickets are free, but you must join one of their tours.
While Disney definitely has lifelong super fans, the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth is strongest in childhood. Even if you do it once, it will be worth the look on their faces when they meet their favorite character, take that first ride down Splash Mountain, or otherwise delight in the fairy tales and fireworks.
Whether you’re heading there in the heart of winter or the full glory of a wildflower spring, there issomething to be said for seeing the tallest mountain in North America with your own eyes. And clocking in at 20,000 feet and change, Mt. Denali has the honors. This is an ideal spot to teach little explorers just how mighty our planet is.
A first trip to the Big Apple is one to remember, as is that ride to the top of the Empire State Building. Nothing beats its 360-degree view of our largest U.S. city—you can see for 80 miles. The grandeur won’t be lost on kids—they’ll feel on top of the world from the 86th-floor observation deck—the highest open-air observatory in the city.
27. Kīlauea Volcano—Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, HI
If you find yourself on the Big Island, you’ll absolutely want to visit the most active volcano in the world! Because of that, be sure to check conditions before you summit Kīlauea, but when the coast is clear, you’ll have a choice of hiking trails. You can also stay close to the action at Volcano House, camp nearby, or easily reach the park during a day trip from wherever you’re staying (it’s less than an hour from Hilo and two-three hours from Kailua-Kona). Aloha!
While several of our national parks made this list, Yellowstone is arguably our country’s most storied (and its first), thanks in no small part to the legendary status of Old Faithful, a geyser so cool it has its own webcam. And did you know you can see it under the stars? Visibility is best around a full moon.
A true wonder of Mother Nature, Homestead Crater and its geothermal spring can be found 55 feet down a limestone rock that’s shaped like a beehive and only took 10,000 years to form. And while you have to be at least 10 to learn to scuba dive, this is the only place in the U.S. where you can do so in warm water—it’s 90-96 degrees year-round.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial may be more of a somber activity to do with your kids, but it’s an important piece of the city’s history and one that can help you discuss the events that happened there.
31. LEGOLAND Resort—Carlsbad, CA, Winter Haven, FL, & Goshen, NY
If you really want epic fun, consider going big with a VIP Experience—you’ll get priority access to all attractions, a VIP Host who will let you in on some LEGOLAND secrets, an exclusive tour of the Model Shop, along with a personalized building activity, as well as parent perks like valet parking and a photo package.
No need to venture down to the Amazon in order to experience a rainforest. While Hoh’s major hiking trail doesn’t mess around at 17 miles, your kids may prefer two shorter loops, the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail that both clock in at right around a mile. You can camp by the river in the old-growth forest or stay in the town of Forks, which is only an hour away.
33. Valley Forge National Historical Park, Philadelphia
Imagine what George Washington and his Continental Army had to endure in the freezing cold winter of 1777. March on over to Valley Forge, where you can tour the park from your car, which features nine audio stops easily accessible from your phone. See Washington’s headquarters, encampments, and barracks that will shed light on important colonial history in this beautiful park setting. When it’s warmer, take a hike or bike through the rolling hills.
When we talk epic, it's the Grand Canyon, or go home, baby. Jaw-dropping views, impressive hiking and camping, and riding a mule to the canyon floor are all must-do activities.
Rocket fans literally can’t get any closer than this without applying to NASA. At a few miles away, spectators can see and feel the rumble of the spacecraft as it reaches Earth’s orbit. But it’s well worth noting that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has more to offer than rockets and launch pads. As part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you may just spot otters and dolphins swimming around and bald eagles sharing the skies with those rockets.
Did you know that the world’s most famous ice age fossil excavation site is in the middle of Los Angeles? Yup! Long before the Hollywood sign went up (some 11,000 years before), greater L.A. was home to a mecca of mammals. After checking out the observation pit that’s filled with fossils and watching paleontologists in action, the family can walk over to LACMA, another cultural gem in the heart of L.A.
Standing 630 feet tall, this catenary arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Head to the top and spy riverboats cruising along the Mississippi River below, or at night to see the city lights.
The story of the Alamo dates back to 1700, but much of its history is tied to the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Known as one of the most pivotal battles in world history, it signifies Texan identity, the fight for liberty and bravery in the face of impossible odds.
The hottest, driest, and lowest of our National Parks, Death Valley is like visiting another planet. Summer temps reach well above 100 degrees and winter often sees snow-dusted mountain peaks. Kids will be amazed to visit the vast salt flats and see all the stars that this dark sky park brings to the naked eye.
Follow the red line on the pavement around Boston, and you’ll get a 2.5-mile walking tour of 16 historical sites. The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
So much more than a shopping mall, the Mall of America houses an aquarium, roller coaster, flight simulation ride, and loads of other family entertainment favorites under one massive roof.
For a peek at one of the most pristine and beautiful national parks, head to Glacier National Park. Huge glaciers in the last ice age carved out the valleys and lakes there today.
This beacon in the Seattle skyline is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. At the 500-foot level, you can get a moving 360-degree view of the city below.
For a trip to Angel Island, the adventure begins with a ferry ride from San Francisco, the East Bay, or Tiburon. While you take in stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and that other famous bay island, Alcatraz, the kids can run wild where the Coast Miwok roamed 2,000 years ago. Get more tips about Angel Island here.
Year-round water temps of 72 degrees? Check. Swim, snorkel or kayak with manatees in their home river? Check again (as long as little splashers are three and up). Learn all about the peaceful, grazing “sea cow” of Florida’s nature coast? Check once more. River Ventures offers the perfect way to introduce younger kids to the thrill of water life without contending with ocean swells or surprise sea creatures.
Expose your kids to classic, world-renowned art like Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”, Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and Wood’s “American Gothic.” Then find their inner child in the Art Institute’s family-friendly programming. With free admission for kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18, you can make your own work of art in the Family Room or create your own customized family museum tour with JourneyMaker. Check their website for art projects, storytelling, and other activities.
At over 2,500 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest in the country. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a paved trail accessible to all ages and takes all of about 30 minutes to stroll so even the newest walkers can hear the power of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.
48. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum—Washington, D.C.
With the rise of anti-Semitism across the globe, it is important to educate your children about past genocides as well as current events. The USHMM is an interactive museum that confronts hatred, works to prevent genocide, and promotes human dignity. For young people and their families, “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story” features one family’s experiences during the Holocaust from the perspective of a boy growing up in Nazi Germany.
Take an evening at home to learn about stargazing with the kids
Summer is the perfect time of year for stargazing, especially after school is out and the kids can stay up late. The key to stargazing is to pick a clear night and find a spot that’s away from the city lights and clear of trees. Want to leave the astronomy lesson to the experts? Plan a visit to a dark sky national park for their seasonal stargazing programs. Then check out our gear and tips to get the kids really jazzed about this outdoor activity!
Sure, any kid will jump at the chance to stay up past bedtime with the family, but it's best to get your kids interested—or at least familiar with—the stars before heading out for a night of skywatching. Luckily, there are tons of books, games and gadgets out there to get them excited:
Bring the Stars Inside - Stick constellation stickers on your child’s ceiling to get her used to looking up and seeing those familiar shapes.
Make a Star Wheel - This activity works best for older kids (8 and up), but once they make it, kids will love being able to use this homemade tool to navigate the night sky.
Make Crafts - If you're the crafty type, your kids can get some planetary know-how with this cute space mobile from Honeybear Lane.
Play Space-Themed Games - Planet-themed Bingo, anyone? Play Dough to Plato has free BINGO cards that even preschoolers can enjoy. (Note: You'll have to submit your e-mail address, but the download appears immediately).
Have Smart Screen Time - At NASA's Space Place, kids can find some fun games that'll help kids explore the solar system as well as comets, black holes, and weather systems.
Watch Storytime From Space- This may be the coolest thing ever: Astronauts read stories from the International Space Station. Sure, your kiddo may be too preoccupied with watching the astronaut's hair floating in the no-gravity environment, but that's OK; They'll be space-crazed by the story's end.
It might seem like plopping down on the grass and simply looking up would be enough—and it is if all you want is a few minutes of stargazing—but rounding up the right supplies for a night of sky-watching is essential to making your evening easy and fun. Little stargazers can get hungry, antsy, and uncomfortable, so it's best to be prepared! Here is what you'll need:
A large (preferably waterproof) blanket - Sitting directly on the ground may be scratchy and uncomfortable (not to mention you're exposing yourself to any creepy-crawlies that might be lingering below), so make sure to bring a comfy surface for the littles to lay on. Waterproof blankets help, in case the grass is wet.
Folding chairs - If you'd rather lounge than lay on a blanket, folding chairs make for comfy outdoor digs. Try to find chairs that recline, so you're not left with a stiff neck afterward.
Pillows - Lying down is, after all, the best way to get a full view of the sky, so bring along pillows to make things extra cozy!
Snacks - Little bellies need constant attention! Bring finger foods and snacks that the kids (and you!) can munch on while gazing skyward. It's best to stick to dry snacks so you won't get sticky fingers on that brand-new set of binoculars.
A Flashlight - If you're in a particularly dark spot (which is better for seeing stars), you should bring a flashlight in case you need to read a sky map, find the snacks or get your bearings. Of course, a phone works just fine, too.
Bug Spray - When the sun goes down, the bugs come out—so be prepared. For bug protection that will last the longest, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids over age two use an insect repellent containing (a maximum of 10%) Deet. For younger children and babies, use products containing Picardin, an odorless chemical safe for babies as young as two months; or natural products containing citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and cedarwood (note: these usually need to be applied more frequently to be effective).
Star Apps - Easy apps like Night Sky or Skyview are great for finding the constellations, even when the sky conditions aren't ideal. Just hold your phone up and you'll get an AR, up-close look the constellations, satellites and planets in real-time.
S'mores - A strong recommendation from our writer's eight-year-old. Here's where you can find our favorite s'mores recipes.
Get Set Up with an Easy-to-Use Telescope or Binoculars
Kate Loweth
Seeing the constellations with the naked eye is fun—but it's always cooler if your kids can get a closer look. Telescopes (and binoculars, which can surprisingly offer just as good a view) are a perfect accessory to any stargazing outing.
Telescopes: There's nothing that dampens the excitement of a stargazing night than an overly complicated telescope that you're worried about the kids destroying. For stargazing with kids, we like the Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for its ease of assembly, ease of use, and integration with your cellphone. Bonus, its $140 price tag is not too shabby. This video shows all the steps needed to get your telescope set up. When we tried it out, we found that older kids could set it up easily including focusing and attaching their cellphones so they could take photos. The telescope can also be used in the daytime for birdwatching and other activities.
Binoculars: For binoculars, look for a pair that's 7x50 (the most popular size for skywatching). These will not only get you a view of the moon's craters but may also snag you a glimpse of Saturn's rings and Jupiter's belts.
The darker the sky, the more you'll see—so it's best to get out of busy towns and cities if possible. Consider yourself lucky if you live near one of dark sky national parks, but really, any spot away from light pollution will work. State parks are usually good, safe spots to visit.
Of course, if you can't get out of your backyard, that's fine; you can usually see a scattering of stars (and the moon)—and that's a start.
Note: Wherever you go, make sure to give it time. Stargazing experts say it takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to completely adjust to the dark.
Check the Sky Forecast - While most kids are keen to get outside on any given night, not all evenings are ideal for stargazing. Check your local forecast to see when the skies will be clear. If you want to be uber-informed, you can check out Cleardarksky.com, which publishes "astronomers forecasts" to help people find the clearest, darkest sky reports for locations all around the country (It's a bit tough to read, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to find the best location near you to go, plus the best time to do it.).
Pick Your Night - To find specific space events in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, check out SpaceWeather.com, which has up-to-date forecasts. Heavens-above.com will tell you when you'll be able to spot the International Space Station—as well as other bright satellites—at your location. You can download a super-cool free map of this month's night sky at Skymaps.com (Even if your kids don't understand it, the fact that it's an actual MAP OF SPACE should make it extra-cool.).
If You Can ... Look for a Meteor Shower - There's something about those sudden streaks of light ... they make you feel lucky just for seeing them. So try to schedule your stargazing outing for a night when shooting stars are in the forecast. The Perseids Meteor Shower, which takes place every year from Jul. 24 - Aug. 24, is the best night show of the year, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour during the shower's peak, Aug. 11-13. Be sure to explain to your little astronomers that meteors aren't really "stars" at all—they're big chunks of space debris (bits of broken comets and asteroids) colliding with our Earth's atmosphere. For a list of other notable meteor showers, check out Space.com.
So, you're outside. It's dark. You're looking up. Now what?
For New Stargazers
The first thing to explore is the moon. After all, it's Earth's best celestial buddy, and it's big enough to see without binoculars. Ask your kids if they can see the lighter splotches on the moon—then explain to them that those are the moon's mountain ranges and highlands, which are filled with humongous, city-sized craters.
For Intermediate Astronomers
Then, find the visible planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. To tell them apart, look at the colors: Jupiter is the brightest, Saturn is usually golden-yellow, and Mars is light orange-red. For a more detailed guide on finding what's visible in the sky week-to-week (because it changes!), check out Skyandtelescope.org.
For Future Astronauts
After that, start looking for the constellations, which can vary in visibility depending on the season. For help finding these, NPR published an easy, animated how-to guide. The simplest ones to find are:
The Big Dipper (Ursa Major)- This is usually the easiest to find, as it looks like a giant ladle in the sky.
Polaris (a.k.a. The North Star) - If you follow the invisible line formed by the two farthest stars in the Big Dipper's saucer, it will point to the North Star.
The Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) - The North Star is the top star in the handle of the Little Dipper. Just follow the stars down to see the curved handle and cup.
Scorpius
Keep an eye out for man-made space inhabitants like the International Space Station and large satellites, both of which appear as small, moving stars.
Don't know what to talk about with your kids while you're watching the stars? How about some of these amazing facts about space?
Since the light from stars takes millions of years to reach Earth, seeing a star means you are looking millions of years back in time.
There are approximately 200-400 billion stars in our Milky Way Galaxy alone.
Each galaxy—and there are estimated to be more than 100 billion of them—contains hundreds of billions of stars In all, the total number of stars in the universe is possibly as high as 300 sextillion, or 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000!
Stars do not actually "twinkle." The twinkling appearance is only the Earth's atmosphere deflecting the light that reaches our eyes.
When you're looking at a star, you're seeing something that's about 20 quadrillion miles away.
There is no sound in space.
Venus rotates so slowly that one day there is about a year on Earth time.
There may be a planet made out of diamonds. According to research from Yale University, a rocky planet about 40 light-years away from us may have a surface made of graphite and diamond.
Some scientists believe the moon may once have been a piece of Earth that tore off when an object smashed into our planet long, long ago.
Get inspired to reach for the stars by these rocket launches you can view in-person
Got an aspiring astronaut or space enthusiast who would give anything to see a real, live rocket blast into space? Get ready to count down and feel the rumble of the engines! Whether you’re headed west to California or south to Florida—or somewhere in between—pack your bags and head to one of these amazing U.S. spaceports to see a rocket launch, up close and personal.
Note: Not all rockets are deemed “go for launch.” Space flights may be called off even as close to seconds before liftoff. So be flexible, and try to make your plans to allow a few days of a window to see a launch if it is delayed due to weather or mechanical failure.
Kennedy Space Center | Merritt Island, FL
NASA/ Ben Cooper
The "It" spot for rocket launches, Kennedy Space Center not only has prestigious crewed and unmanned launches every few weeks from its Florida "Space Coast" complex—but it's also one of the world's best space museums in the country! That means, even if your coveted rocket launch is canceled or delayed (which happens frequently), your space cadets will have a blast learning about aerospace through a ton of hands-on, immersive experiences, including a simulated Space Shuttle launch and scheduled meetups with astronauts.
That said, if you're lucky enough to catch a launch (the launch schedule is listed on the Kennedy Space Center website), the Center offers several exclusive Launch Viewing Packages to get you as close as you're allowed to be when the countdown begins. Packages include admission/transportation to spectator areas as well as live commentary from experts leading up to and during the launch. To reserve your spot, check the Kennedy Space Center website.
Of course, you don't have to be at the Kennedy Center to see the space capsule soaring toward the heavens. If you'd rather not pay to see the launch—or if seats have already sold out (which they will!)—there are many great spots along the coast that'll still give you a great view of the action. Finding a prime spot sometimes takes a little research, as you'll want to find a place that offers the best view for whatever rocket you're hoping to see. (As a rule of thumb, find a viewing spot closest to the launch pad the rocket is taking off from—Kennedy lists its launch sites on the website.)
For a complete list of viewing spots—including a map of Kennedy and Cape Canaveral launch pads—check out Visitspacecoast.com.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station | Cape Canaveral, FL
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is just a few miles from Kennedy Space Center, so launches from both locations can be seen from Kennedy's viewing areas. If you've already done Kennedy (or if it's sold out) and you want to find your own spot along the seashore to watch the rockets fly, public spots include:
Playalinda Beach (1000 Playalinda Beach Rd., Canaveral National Seashore): This 4-mile stretch of the Canaveral National Seashore offers straight-shot views of Cape Canaveral launches. Note: This location is closed for launches from Complex 39A (it's that close!).
Space View Park (17 Orange St., Titusville, FL): This spot is especially good for launches from Complex 39A, with free parking and panoramic views across the water (See what it's like with this Youtube video). This location also features various space monuments and the U.S. Space Walk of Fame, which takes visitors through the history of space exploration.
Sand Point Park (10 E Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville, FL): Make it a beach day! This coastal spot offers free parking, restrooms, BBQ grills, and picnic tables—plus a playground and splash pad for the littles.
Jetty Park (400 Jetty Park Rd., Cape Canaveral, FL): This beach offers great views for most launches—especially from Complex 46—and offers umbrella rentals, kayak and paddleboat rentals, and a full-service restaurant.
Also known as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), this busy space launch facility on the eastern shore of Virginia hosts large and small rocket launches that can be seen for miles down the coast. For the best views, take your little skywatchers to the Wallops Visitor's Center, which offers a free launch viewing area that's one of the only public sites with a clear view of the launch pads. Note: You can only watch a launch from the Visitor's Center if the launch happens during its regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Large-scale launches, including the liftoff of the Antares rocket that goes to the International Space Station, are super-popular and spots at the Visitor's Center fill up quickly—so get there early. (You can watch a Youtube video of an Antares launch here.) Launches of smaller-scale rockets, known as "sounding rockets" (these contain research tools that take measurements from space) aren't as popular, so you can usually get a spot. These rockets apparently take off so fast you might miss them as they dart up into the sky, so keep your eyes open! (Or watch a video of a sounding rocket launch here).
If the Visitor's Center is closed—or full—viewing locations on the nearby Chincoteague Island include Robert Reed Park on Main Street or Beach Road spanning the area between Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. The Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Atlantic beaches also provide good viewing locations, though you'll only see the rocket streaking through the sky from a distance. Want to make a beach vacation out of it? Book a seaside room at Chincoteague, where reportedly every balcony will give you a view of rockets soaring (if you're lucky enough to catch a launch, of course).
If a West Coast launch is more convenient for your space-loving brood, Vandenberg Air Force base is a drivable 2 1/2 hours from LA and 4 1/2 hours from San Francisco and has frequent enough rocket launches that you'll likely find one that works for your space-loving tykes. The active base is closed to visitors, but there are plenty of spots around town and on the seashore where you can get a great view of the rockets launching into the sky—some of them so close you'll feel the vibration of the engines and have to cover your ears to muffle the boom. (Check this super-informative Youtube video to see what it's like to watch a Vandenberg launch).
To find the best spot for whatever launch is happening while you're there, check out this City of Lompoc guide to local viewing spots. In general, you'll want to pick a spot that's got the most direct view of the launch pad (there are several launch areas within Vandenberg, but this rocket launch calendar usually lists the specific launch pads for each launch).
Of course, like all flights (space-bound or otherwise!), delays and cancellations are common—so be prepared to entertain your space travelers with, maybe, a trip to nearby Santa Barbara.
Spaceport America bills itself as the "first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world" and its behemoth welcome building—a flying saucer-esque structure perched in the middle of the desert like a bona fide spaceship—looks like something straight out of Star Wars. And even though its middle-of-nowhere location doesn't host public viewings of its rocket launches (yet), a visit to this 18,000-square-foot spaceport is a must for any space buff.
Located 45 miles north of Las Cruces and 20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Spaceport's main tenant is Virgin Galactic, whose goal (if Sir Richard Branson has his way) is to make "cosmic tourism" within reach for everyone. Launches aren't open to the public (unless you've bought a Virgin Galactic ticket to the stars), but tours of the facility are available—and sound like a dream-come-true for kids (and adults) who want to get an inside look at the elusive location.
Tours include:
Pictures by the replica Virgin Galactic Space Ship
A visit to the Spaceport Operations Center, Mission Control, and dedicated fire & rescue department.
Q and A session
If available, a short drive down the "space-way" (runway)
Pictures in front of the Gate Way to Space (Virgin Galactic's) building.
A visit to the 4K Gallery to learn more about Spaceport America and some its tenants—as well as a chance to try the G-Shock Simulator, a ride that simulates what astronauts feel during rapid acceleration.
There was talk of building a public viewing area at Spaceport for the space-loving sort to gaze skyward, but nothing has been finalized. Until then, the tours are your best bet to get a glimpse of the future of space travel. For more information about Spaceport America, check out Spaceportamerica.com.
If Elon Musk has any say in the matter, Boca Chica, Texas, a desolate swath of land on the southeastern border of Texas and Mexico, will become the next great portal to the stars. The up-and-coming spaceport known as "Starbase" is Musk's grand venture into galactic travel; it being the launch pad for his "Starship" rocket, a colossal capsule that he hopes will eventually shuttle earthlings to and from Mars. Orbital test flights of the rocket may come as early as this fall, so if you'd like to see the monster rocket lifting up, keep an eye on this calendar.
In the meantime, the rocket stands ready on the launch pad, proudly pointed skyward—and aspiring space travelers can get up close to (but not inside) the facility to check it out (the nearby road gets you close enough to snap Insta-worthy photos). When the rocket does launch, nearby South Padre Island makes a great stakeout point (with warm waters and sandy beaches, it makes a great vacation spot, too!). Want something even more unique? This quirky "Rocket Ranch" Airbnb is banking on space tourists, with space-themed rooms and launch viewing spots from its Rio Grande River location just down the road from Starbase.
If you can't make it to southeast Texas, the Starship launch promises to be a big deal, so you'll be able to count down with Mission Control by watching the launch online at Space.com. No plans to head to the border? The non-NASA-affiliated website NASASpaceflight.com has live feeds of the spaceport on its Youtube channel If you want to take a peek at what's happening right now.
Launch Site One (Blue Origin's Launch Pad) | Van Horn, TX
If you happen to be on the dusty stretch of the I-10 freeway headed to or from El Paso near the small Texas town of Van Horn—look up. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of a Blue Origin rocket barreling intrepid earthlings into a weightless wonderland. Blue Origin is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space tourism company, and its launch pad sits inside a 165,000-acre middle-of-nowhere spaceport owned by the billionaire himself. Launches don't happen often (check the Blue Origin website to learn about upcoming journeys), and they're not open to the public. That said, many a space buff has staked a spot on nearby roads to see the sight from afar—here's one spectator's account of watching a Blue Origin launch from a nearby road.
West Texas not in your future? You can watch past and future launches —and learn all about Blue Origin space tourism—on Blue Origin's Youtube channel.
Fun Apps That Bring the Launches to You
Melissa Heckscher
Want the option to see every major rocket launch that happens, whenever they happen? There's an app for that! Download Space Launch Now or T-Minus apps to be notified of every rocket launch out there and get live feeds of the rockets as they lift off. Nothing like stepping away from the PTA meeting to watch a space launch!
Even cooler? Put the rocket in your backyard! The Backyard Apollo app uses augmented reality to launch a rocket from wherever you point your camera. You'll be able to plant a rocket in your backyard, school parking lot, or kitchen floor—then walk around and under it to explore what it looks like, up close. The app also includes live audio to narrate the launch—as well as on-screen labeling of all the rocket parts as your camera goes over them, so your little Mission Controllers can understand the flight operation in real-time.
Every kid loves getting something addressed to them in the mail, but what if they received correspondence from a real astronaut? Thanks to NASA’s pen pal program, they can write and receive answers from real, live astronauts. It’s a great way to keep kids interested in science, and if a letter does come back, it’s a pretty cool item for the family “brag board.”
Step One: Pick an astronaut
Have your kids look through the list of astronauts on at NASA’s website and read through their bios to see what each one does. Maybe your kids want to know what it’s like to live on the Space Station. Maybe they are more interested in the engineering and problem-solving that goes into making a rocket fly. Picking an astronaut who deals with exactly your kid’s interests makes the NASA pen pal program process even more fun.
Step Two: Decide what to ask their astronaut of choice
Once you’ve picked your lucky astronaut, you should help your kids compose their letter (or have them write it on their own if they’re old enough). The best bet is to ask a specific question that an astronaut can answer. (Check out this amazing two-page letter one four-year-old received after her dad helped her write a letter to NASA scientist Dr. David Williams with a question about a probe headed to Jupiter’s moons.) Kids can think about what they’ve learned in school to help draft their questions. You can also make a request for an autographed photo from current astronauts who are in training or are assigned to an upcoming flight.
Step Three: Address and mail the letter to the NASA office
Any mail and photo requests can be sent to:
NASA Johnson Space Center
CB/Astronaut Office
Houston, TX 77058
You can make it easier on the astronauts by including a self-addressed and stamped return envelope.
Seattle is home to some of the finest museums in the country. But you know what makes them even better? When you can find free or cheap museum days. With summer days in full swing, now’s a great time to get the kids out of the house and save money, too. From Free First Thursdays and Third Thursdays to special deals and discounts, we’ve compiled a list of affordable (read: free or cheap) museum days you’ll want to put on your calendar. Read on to make your next playdate plan at one of our favorite local museums.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue) Children ages 1 and younger always get in free. Active military members (with ID) receive 20 percent off of general admission from Armed Forces Day to Memorial Day. Admission is always free for Gold Star military families.
Within this awesome museum you'll find a water gallery with a toddler specific splash zone, an "On the Go" gallery with a big rig semi-truck cab, a "Sticks and Stones" outdoor gallery, a story tree gallery, a two-story climber, an art studio and a special place for kids up to age 3 to explore, complete with a quiet nursing area. We apologize if you have to drag your kids away at closing time, and remember timed ticket entry is still SOP here.
Seattle Children's Museum (Seattle) Children ages 1 and younger always get in free. Show your qualifying military ID for a $2 discount. The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the following programs: EBT, CHIP, Provider One or WIC.
Located in the shadow of the Space Needle, the Seattle Children's Museum boasts more than 18,000 square feet of play space for kids ages 10 months to 10 years. There you can find plenty of hands-on exhibits to explore as well as daily educational programs, story times and art activities that are free with the cost of admission.
Kids Discovery Museum (Bainbridge Island) Free first Friday Art Walk from 3-7 p.m. Children ages 1 and younger always get in free. The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the following programs: EBT, CHIP, Provider One or WIC or foster families. KiDiMu also offers a special Museums for All membership for just $30 annually.
This small but mighty kids’ museum rocks a giant Lite Brite, Mission to Moon, Rigamajig, Nature Microscope, and all the around-the-town exhibits kids can't seem to get enough of like a grocery store, bank and and vet clinic. Plus it's fun to get there by taking a ferry from Seattle. Downtown Bainbridge is also just steps away, as well as the always free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, so you can easily make a day of it.
Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett) Editor's note: This museum is closed for renovations through August. Keep an eye on the website for the reopening date.
Children ages 1 and younger always get in free. Receive free admission every third Friday of the month from 5:30-9 p.m. The Museums for All rate is $3 per person with proof of participation in the EBT program. Military families receive free admission on various dates throughout the year.
Come to the Imagine Children's Museum where your kids can find fun activities like Art Rocks, i-engineers and Cartoon Corner to keep them busy. If that's not enough, send them exploring throughout Imagine's two floors that come complete with a rooftop playground and a treehouse. It's totally tops.
Hands On Children’s Museum (Olympia) Children ages 17 months and younger always get in free. Pay just $1 to play on the first Friday night of the month. The Museums for All rate allows the first two guests in free (pay $2 for each additional guest) with proof of participation in the EBT program. For qualifying families who want the benefits of Annual Membership, Hands On offers an Access Membership Program for $25.
With more than 150 hands-on exhibits spread over two floors and an Outdoor Discovery Center, you can’t really go wrong at this Olympia museum. Little museum-goers might never want to leave once they spot the Built It! center, Fabulous Forest and the Tides to Trees Climber. And if that's the case, here's how to make a weekend out of it in Olympia.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma Take advantage of pay-as-you-will admission that's always offered when the museum is open to the public (10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.) Member-only hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m on Mondays and from from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
In a space along Tacoma's museum district, this bright and cheery museum boasts a large (and very clean) water table, a fantastically fun art studio, a climbable vessel reminiscent of an airplane-treehouse-fort with a total steam punch vibe and a new arty climber that's challenging for older kids. Check out their low-sensory hours on Fridays, from 1:30-4 p.m. for a quieter playtime if you've got kids with sensory sensitivities.
Burke Museum (University of Washington) 3 & under are always free. Free every first Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Do you dig fossils? Then you've gotta check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. First of all, you'll see scientists at work—they're actually on display. Little white boards posted at the large windows will tell you what they are up to and in same cases, you'll be invited inside. Plus family spaces allow your Littles to climb, crawl, look, touch and ultimately learn as they explore. Kids can climb on an orca whale, investigate a large log, explore a tide pool, board a Northwest Indian canoe, check out a research tent and dress up like animals and see how well they blend in at the "camouflage corner." When hunger strikes, head to Off the Rez for handmade frybread, Indian tacos, wild rice bowls, salads and espresso beverages.
The Museum of History and Industry - MOHAI (South Lake Union) 14 & under are always free with a paying adult; maximum 5 youth admitted per adult. Free every first Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
Bring the kids to South Lake Union to learn about the area's history at MOHAI where all the permanent exhibits are free on First Thursdays. Grab an Exploration Pack (designed for kids ages 3-7) filled with activities, puzzles, books and more or an Innovation Pack (designed for kids ages 7-10), filled with gear, to help kids use creative thinking as they explore the museum. Both are free with adult museum admission, so this means they’re totally free for kids. Don't forget to hit up the Kid-Struction Zone when you visit. It's tops with toddlers. Psst... the free Lake Union Photo Scavenger Hunt is happening this month too.
Klondike Gold Rush Museum (Pioneer Square) Always free for everyone. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. During the summer, from mid-June through Labor Day, the Visitor Center opens one hour earlier, at 9 a.m.
If you have a family of history buffs, you don’t want to miss this little nugget (see what we did there?) of a museum located in Pioneer Square and close to the International District and its plethora of restaurants. Not too crowded, with Park Rangers ready to answer your questions—this is a fun little museum run by the National Parks (who knew?) right in our backyard.
Seattle Art Museum (Downtown Seattle) Children ages 14 and younger always get in free. The Chase Open Studio and Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center are always free (Editor's note: these spaces remain closed). Free first Thursdays are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
If your kid has a complete art library of their own, The Seattle Art Museum is where you'll want to take them. The museum hosts a variety of family events, although many remain paused due to Covid. Outdoor programs like Summer at SAM give families the opportunity to explore art and nature together. But we know your kids will love the Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure on display through October.
Henry Art Gallery (University of Washington) Free first Thursdays are from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Every Sunday is free from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. UW students, faculty and staff along with students and kids are always free.
The Henry stokes imagination by introducing kids and families to contemporary art and culture through interactive art experiences. Inspired by current exhibitions, the museum offers family programs that are especially designed for adults and children to consider new ways of thinking while learning and creating together.
Bellevue Arts Museum Children ages 6 and younger always get in free. Students get in free each second Wednesday of the month using the online coupon.
The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) helps to engage hands and minds alike with their kids & family programs that include free family days, workshops and more. Imagination Stations are located throughout the museum, allowing you to get hands-on with your own arty ideas.
Seattle Asian Art Museum (Capitol Hill) Children ages 14 and younger are always free. Free last Fridays are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The recently-reimagined Seattle Asian Art Museum groups art by theme, rather than country, and offers guests expanded exhibit areas, education spots and a lovely walkway that connects this impressive Art Deco building to Volunteer Park's many other amenities. Don't miss the public programs at its Garden Center, which shares a range of artistic expression through performances, films and events with visual artists.
This awesome museum is located on beautiful Bainbridge Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The museum offers group visits, lectures and panel discussions as well as a film series, publications and hands-on art experiences for a range of ages and audiences. BIMA has a small but growing Permanent Art Collection including various media such as painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, artist’s books, fiber and jewelry art.
Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle Waterfront) Always free for everyone each day. Park is open 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. PACCAR Pavilion is open each day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. during spring and summer.
If your kids get squirrely in museums, take them to Seattle’s coolest outdoor art exhibit. OSP is home to awesome sculptures, giant art and interactive beauty. It's also a great way to get your tykes appreciating art without needing to shush them every two minutes. Plus, the unparalleled view (and lots of room to spread out a picnic blanket) is reason in itself to plan a visit.
Frye Art Museum (First Hill) Always free for everyone, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Check out the Museum's Human Nature, Animal Culture: Selections from the Frye Art Museum Collection, which examines how we use animals to nourish our bodies, carry our belongings and become our companions. While we look at science for solutions to address the climate change that impacts them, we also turn to art to understand our past, present and future relationships with our fellow creatures.
National Nordic Museum (Ballard) Children ages 4 and younger always get in free. Free First Thursday of the month from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
If there’s a Viking in your family, check out the Museum's Nordic Journeys exhibit which is a hands-on, kid-friendly display about the immigration story from the "old country” to the United States, then Seattle and to Ballard.
Northwest African American Museum (Southeast Seattle) (Editor's note: Until further notice, the museum is operating virtually and in pop-ups only until it reopens its onsite operations.) Children ages 3 younger always get in free. Free every first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Offers admission by donation days (often coincides with our large community events like MLK Day).
The exhibits and programs at this museum feature the visual arts, music, crafts, literature and history of African Americans in the Northwest. Together with the community, the museum presents and preserves the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent and investigates and celebrates Black experiences in America. Be sure to keep an eye on their events calendar for special events and programs throughout the year for families, such as interactive storytime and the Knowledge is Power Book Giveaways.
Visit this museum to connect with the dynamic history, culture and art of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders through storytelling and experiences meant to advance racial and social equity. Youth ages 10 to 14 years old should check out the free art program Teensway, which explores heritage and community through various art techniques led by teaching artists and museum staff. And keep an eye on the events calendar for upcoming family-friendly events.
Insider tip: Most of the kids' exhibits feature interactive elements such as videos, sounds and games, sure to please your whole brood.
MoPOP is an ever-changing museum offering insights on everything from music, video games, movies, sports and more. While there is something for everyone here, we recommend MoPOP for families with older kids who can appreciate Sci-fi wonders and Fantasy worlds. Just about every kid (and parent who wished that they had become a rock star) will love the Sound Lab where they can actually learn to play different band instruments in a matter of minutes. We think everyone will love the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit that just opened in late June.
The Museum of Flight (Boeing Field) Children ages 4 and younger always get in free. Receive free admission the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Discounted tickets are available for active military and veterans, Boeing employees and AAA members.
Check out the Museum's Apollo 17 Lunar Module Ascent Stage Mock-up exhibit where you can land the Apollo lunar module, or walk through a full-sized replica of the International Space Station’s Destiny Research Lab. Weekend Family Workshops offer hands-on experiences exploring science, engineering and aerospace topics for the whole family on Saturdays and Sundays. The Museum of Flight Tower at Boeing Field is always a hit with future airplane pilots, and hearing the King County International Airport air traffic controllers in real-time is pretty darn awesome, too. But the current draw at this area favorite has got to be the Walt Disney Studios & WWII retrospective that will delight both parents and kids.
The Center for Wooden Boats (South Lake Union & Camano Island) Always free for everyone. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Believing that everyone should have access to maritime heritage, The Center for Wooden Boats' Floating Boathouse Gallery (Seattle) highlights four unique and historic wooden boat designs that enjoy a permanent place in the CWB collection. Toy Boat Building classes for kids and adults are offered at the Cama Beach location each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And we're all hoping the tugboat storytime and pond boat rentals return to Seattle soon. While we wait, consider renting a free pea pod boat with the kids.
Northwest Railway Museum (Snoqualmie) The Depot and grounds are always free. Railway History Campus is $10/adult, $5/child, ages 2 to 12.
In 1981, the Northwest Railway Museum rehabilitated and restored the Snoqualmie Depot back to its 1890s appearance giving kids a better idea on what travel was like for their grandparents. If you want to go for a ride, Scenic Train Rides take place during special events in July, October and December and on weekends April through October. Moms, dads and grandparents can take advantage of free train rides (with a paying kid) on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparent's Day weekends. View the special events calendar online.
Kids love to watch the hydros during Seafair, but did you know they can visit them anytime? Climb into an actual hydro or just check out all the cool boats and memorabilia on display at The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, our nation's only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing.
We know many Seattle families will be hitting the highways and mountain passes this Memorial Day Weekend with cars packed full of camping gear. But for those families sticking close to home (you know who you are…been there, done that, never again with little ones in tow), we’ve rounded up ten activities to keep everyone in your crew happy and entertained over the three-day weekend. Scroll down to make your plans over the long weekend.
1. Northwest Folklife Festival
Piper Hanson
There’s no shortage of fun things to see, do and eat at the 51st Annual Northwest Folklife Festival. One of the largest free folk festivals in the country, this year's festival will bring the old and new together, both virtually and in-person. Music, dance, spoken word, visual art and workshops will span 16 stages over three days, and about 2,000 attendees are expected to join in. A new Makers' Space, featuring tactile elements of folk traditions, and the return of some local favorites, like the Circle of Indigenous Peoples celebration and dancing at Warren's Roadhouse, are just a few of the festivities to look forward to. While the Northwest Folkife Festival in general is a family-friendly event, there are other kid-friendly offerings throughout the grounds including tons of your favorite Kindiependent rockers like The Not-Its!, Eli Rosenblatt and Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies, who'll be rocking the stage on Monday.
The Infinite is an out-of-this-world immersive experience that transports you into space aboard the International Space Station, and it just opened in Tacoma on May 25. Memorial Day weekend is a great time to check it out. During the experience, you’ll explore a life-sized, 3D-modelized recreation of the International Space Station and encounter mind-blowing views of the Earth in the first-ever cinematic spacewalk captured in 3D, 360 virtual reality. This experience is an exclusive installation from world-renowned Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda that's best for kids ages 8 and up and their grown-ups. You'll need tickets for this one.
If you and the kiddos are itching to get out of the city for the day, head east to Snoqualmie and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a scenic train ride. This special 90-minute steam train run is in addition to the railroad’s usual weekend train schedule and will take you through the Cascade foothills of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, including a ride to the top of Snoqualmie Falls.
Remlinger Farms is now open on Saturdays and Sundays and would be a great addition to your Snoqualmie excursion. Ride the half-sized steam train along the Tolt River, pet the farm animals (think: goats, horses, piggies, cows, alpaca, sheep, bunnies, donkeys) or take a pony ride and jump in the hay maze, spin on the mini roller coaster or "fly" on the pumpkins. Plus, go 'round and 'round in the pedal cars and enjoy a day full day of farm fun. Plus, parents will enjoy the farm's newest addition—Remlinger Brewery. It opened on May 7 when the fun park opened for the season. Eastside, here we come!
Whether you dig art or just dig being outside, MOHAI has a fantastic new exhibit that opens over the long weekend. Ansel Adams: Masterworks, a traveling exhibit presenting the iconic works of the famed photographer, will be on view for a limited engagement. It features 48 photographs by Adams—a selection of images he considered the best work of his career. Each reveals the importance Adams placed on the awe-inspiring power and beauty of the natural world, and his deeply held conviction that place matters. Who knows? You might even recognize our own Washington National Parks in Adams' photos when you visit.
Molbak’s Butterfly Garden is a magical experience, and it’s reopening Memorial Day weekend, so why not stop by? You and the kids can stroll among hundreds of free-flying butterflies inside the enclosed space, while surrounded by a display of beautiful flowers. Learn about the life cycle of these colorful insects, while watching larvae undergo a miraculous metamorphosis as they emerge as butterflies before flying. Our other favorite reopening at the Zoo? It's gotta be the Zoomazium, that reopened May 17 after more than two years of being closed. Who else can't wait to go? Two more great reasons to visit Woodland Park Zoo over this long weekend!
Dust off your bikes, blades, trailers, and training wheels and enjoy four car-free miles of Lake Washington Boulevard, between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach. If the kiddos need to make a pit stop or take a break along the way, there’s plenty of places to stop and even an awesome playground near the entrance of Seward Park.
Teach your kids the importance of Memorial Day by taking them to this annual ceremony held at The Museum of Flight. The Museum will honor military service with patriotic music from The Boeing Employees Concert Band, followed by a ceremony with local officials and US Military personnel. Psst! All veterans and active US military personnel will receive free admission with ID.
9. Wild Waves Theme & Water Park Opens
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Those looking for a nearby thrill should head to Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way, opening for the season on Memorial Day weekend. Thrill rides, family rides and kids rides will keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Be sure to grab your tickets online to save some dough before heading down.
A day-long excursion that includes a ferry ride to Bremerton will make this Memorial Day weekend one to remember. Add in a trip to see Beauty & the Beast at the Kitsap Forest Theater's opening weekend and the distance is totally worth it. A treasured family tradition in the greater Puget Sound area, The Mountaineers Players bring quality outdoor theater under the forest's conifer canopy. This spring step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This beloved story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self.
Naming your daughter (or your son) after your own fierce grandma or your favorite famous female in history is a way to let your kiddos know from Day One you believe in them. Read on for next-level baby name inspiration!
Amanda Gorman: Amanda made history when she became not only the youngest poet to read her poem at the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, but she also became the first National Youth Poet Laureate at just 22. Amanda's poem, "The Hill We Climb" called for hope, unity and a nation to heal without hiding from the harsh realities of injustice and the past.
Alice Eastwood: Born in Canada, Eastwood is best known for her work as a renowned (and self-taught!) botanist who, in 1906—after the big earthquake in San Francisco—she rescued 1497 irreplaceable botanical specimens from the Cal Academy before it fell to flames. There are 17 plant species (and two plant genera) named for her. She also hiked Mt. Shasta by herself and published over 300 scientific articles in her lifetime.
Wikimedia Commons
Anna May Wong: The first Chinese-American movie star and the first Asian-American actress to gain international fame, she used her influence to fight against the rampant racism in Hollywood, especially the offensive depiction of Chinese characters, usually played by white actors.
Amelia Earhart: The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, she also set an altitude record and became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific from Honolulu, HI.
Bobbi Gibb
Bessie Coleman: In 1922, Bessie Coleman became the first African American and Native American woman pilot in the United States. Born in Texas to a sharecropper father, she was accepted into the Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France and received her international pilot's license in 1921. She tragically died in a plane crash on April 30, 1926. Ida B. Wells performed her funeral service in Chicago, and in 1931, the Challenger Pilots’ Association of Chicago started a tradition of flying over Coleman’s grave every year.
Billie Jean King: A world-renowned tennis player, Billie can count 39 World Grand Slams and three years as captain of the United States tennis team at the Federation Cup among her numerous ground-breaking accomplishments. Known as a long-time advocate for gender equality and social justice, at the age of 29, Ms. King fought and beat Bobby Griggs (he was 55 at the time) in a legendary tennis match—Battle of the Sexes. Ms. King was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 and the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990.
Bobbi Gibb: In 1966, Bobbi Gibb wanted to run the Boston Marathon, but when she was denied entry for being a woman she did what all self-respecting women at the time did: she defied authority and ran anyway! Gibb waited a few yards away from the starting point, pulled a black hoodie over her head so no one would recognize her, and after several hundred runners began the race she jumped in! And not only did Bobbi run the race, but she finished it in 3 hours and 20 minutes (unofficially). That’s just one hour behind the winner and ahead of half the male runners. Check out this cool picture book based on Gibb’s Boston Marathon story.
Deb Haaland: In 2018, Debra Anne Haaland became one of the first Native American women elected to Congress (along with Sharice Davids). She is the former chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and a member of the Laguna Pueblo people. She is also an attorney and 35th generation New Mexican.
Dolores Huerta: Huerta worked side-by-side with famous labor and farmworker advocate Cesar Chavez to help protect agricultural and immigrant workers’ rights. She founded the Agricultural Workers Association and co-founded United Farm Workers and continues to fight for the rights of Latinos and women.
Dolly Parton: Born in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Dolly Parton grew up one of 12 children in extreme poverty. Her family was very involved in their church, and she began performing as a child. She moved to Nashville after graduating from high school and found initial success as a songwriter. Her first number-one hit was the iconic "I Will Always Love You." She saw more success in the '70s and continued to make her way in the music industry with a success that has lasted for decades. Parton is not only a musical icon, but she also co-owns The Dollywood Company and founded The Dollywood Foundation, which raises scholarship funds for high school kids and also manages The Imagination Library, a program that distributes free books to kids up to the age of five.
Durga Banerjee: The first woman pilot in India, she became an official pilot for Indian Airlines in 1966. She was also the first woman ever to fly the Tornado A-200.
Frida Kahlo: Mexican-born Kahlo was just 18 with hopes of becoming a doctor when she suffered a serious injury from a traffic accident. Confined to her bed, she began painting. Her works remain today as some of the most impressive, iconic and recognizable art in history.
Florence Nightingale: Considered the founder of modern nursing herself, she organized care of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War (1853-1856). She became known as a manager and trainer of nurses who advocated for sanitary conditions in hospitals, and a holistic approach to treatment (that rest and good nutrition were key to recovery and good health). So if you want a kiddo who will wash her hands and eat her veggies, this is the name for you.
James S. Davis via Wikimedia
Gloria Steinem: Activist, feminist, journalist, founder of Ms. Magazine and champion of women’s rights, she’s considered one of the pioneers of the American feminist movement.
Greta Thunberg: Countless kids and young adults are trying to change the world. Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg is the founder of the Fridays for Future movement and has already inspired many to stand up for their beliefs. She was named Time’s 2019 Person of the Year, and 2020 marked the second year in a row the 17-year-old was nominated for the Nobel peace prize.
Grace Hopper: Grace Brewster Murray Hopper (1906-1992) was one of the first computer programmers ever in the United States. A Navy Rear Admiral, in 1944 she worked on the Harvard Mark I Computer and invented the first compiler for computer programming language. In other words, she figured out how to explain computer code to mere humans (and how to program a computer to do what humans want). In the 1940s!!! She continued working for the Navy and later for other government agencies as a high-ranking official.
Gwendolyn Brooks: One of the most highly celebrated poets of all time, Gwendolyn was the first Black author ever to win the Pulitzer Prize. She wrote 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies and one novel. She was also Poet Laureate to the State of Illinois and the poetry consultant to the Library of Congress.
Hedy Lamarr: Not only was Hedy a famous Hollywood actress, but she is also credited with inventing Wi-Fi. Her groundbreaking work on spread spectrum technology is what modern-day digital communications are based on.
Harriet Tubman: Find major inspiration for doing the right thing, even when the wrong thing is the norm, by teaching your kiddos about the incredible, unflappable Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery in 1822, she emancipated herself at the age of 27 and went on to be instrumental in helping dozens of other slaves find freedom using the Underground Railroad—the system of secret safehouse and waystations from the south to the north. Tubman was an armed scout and spy during the Civil War, an early suffragist (advocate for women’s rights) and a humanitarian. She established a home for elderly African-Americans, where she later resided. Today, you can visit Harriet Tubman National Historical Park which 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 nearby.
Wikimedia Commons
Kamala Harris: Kamala Harris made history on Jan. 21, 2021, by being sworn in as Vice President as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to be elected into the second-highest office in the nation. Long before her presidential aspirations, she was the first woman and person of color to serve as San Francisco district attorney, the first woman and first Black attorney general of California and the first Black senator from California. If you want to raise a fierce fighter who shatters glass ceilings, this name is sure to inspire.
Jane Goodall: Possibly the most famous primatologist in the entire world, Goodall’s work with chimpanzees changed the way we view them and our relationship with (and part in the destruction of) their habitat.
Lella Lombardi: She was Italian and she was a Formula One race car driver. If that’s not reason enough to worship her, she raced in 17 Grands Prix and was the only female driver in history to finish in the top six.
Queen Liliuokalani: The last reigning monarch over the Kingdom of Hawaii, she was imprisoned in her own home in Honolulu after the rebellion attempt to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy by U.S. soldiers and her attempts to refuse the annexation of Hawaii to the United States. Her birth name was Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha.
Mae C. Jemison: On June 4, 1987, Mae C. Jemison became the first African-American woman to enter the space program. On Sep. 12, 1992, she joined the crew of seven astronauts on the Endeavour, becoming the first African-American woman in space. Born in Decatur, Alabama and raised mostly in Chicago, Il, Jemison holds multiple awards and degrees including a B.S. in biomedical engineering and an M.D. She has worked as a medical doctor (including in the Peace Corps). As a child, Jemison spent a lot of time in her school library, reading especially books about space.
Malala Yousafzai: Want to raise a child that isn’t afraid to fight against inequality and injustice? Name your kid Malala after this brave young woman. Malala was shot in the head at age 15 after refusing to stay at home when the Taliban declared that girls could not attend school. After surviving the gunshot wound, she devoted her life to helping girls and women get the education they deserve. She won a Nobel Peace Prize winner and wrote her own children's picture book.
Margaret Atwood: She might be best known for her feminist science fiction novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, but that’s only one of her 16 novels! She is a prolific author whose stories address gender, identity, religion and myth all at once. She is the winner of numerous awards in both poetry and fiction. We like the name Atwood for a gender-neutral vibe, too.
Marie Curie: A physicist and chemist who was not only the first woman ever to win a Nobel Prize, she was also the first person and only woman to win it twice, once for Chemistry and once for Physics. Her pioneering work includes the theory of radioactivity and discovering not one but two elements (radium and polonium).
Maya Angelou: Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, her brother nicknamed her Maya. After a difficult childhood, she found release in her writing. She was the first African American cable car operator in San Francisco, was a waitress for many years and later became an actress, singer, dancer, activist, professor and (most famously) a poet and writer. She was awarded numerous prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Nichelle Nichols: Born Grace Dell Nichols (also an awesome name), Nichelle’s impressive career includes singing with Duke Ellington and playing Lt. Uhura on the Star Trek television series and movies. What you might not know is that she ran a company called Women in Motion which worked with NASA to recruit minority and female astronauts, scientists and personnel for NASA. She has served on the board for the National Space Society since the 1980s and has been a tireless advocate for exploring the final frontier.
Rachel Carson: Ensure your little one grows up to be a nature lover and defender of all creatures great and small by naming them after this fearless woman who helped end the use of DDT and other harmful chemicals in our environment. Her hard work and dedication also jump-started a grassroots campaign that eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Her presence in the global fight for the environment continues to this day, via the Rachel Carson Prize, which is awarded to women working in the field of environmental protection.
Steve Petteway via SCOTUS
Rashida Tlaib: Rashida is a woman of firsts. She is the first Muslim woman ever to serve in the Michigan legislature and one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress (along with Ilhan Omar).
Ruby Bridges: In 1960, Ruby was just six-years-old when she made history as the first African-American child to attend a desegregated school. She went on to live a life of activism and later formed the Ruby Bridges Foundation to fight racism and promote tolerance, respect and appreciation of differences.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Born Joan Ruth Bader, she was an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States, the second female justice in history. A consummate bada$*, she is a trailblazer in fighting against gender discrimination, and an outspoken advocate for (and defender of) women’s rights.
Rosa Parks: AKA the Mother of the Freedom Movement and the First Lady of Civil Rights, Rosa Parks made history when she refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of the bus to a white passenger. She was arrested for civil disobedience and fought it in court. This was just the beginning of many years of activism and work toward equal rights.
Wikimedia Commons
Sally Ride: The first American woman to fly in space, on June 18, 1983. She flew again in 1984. She was also a professor at UC San Diego, invented the EarthKAM project which helps kids take pictures of Earth from the International Space Station and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2003.
Sharice Davids: In 2018, Sharice Davids was elected to Congress, becoming one of the first Native American women to be elected to Congress (the other is Deb Haaland, also elected in 2018) as well as the first openly gay person elected to Congress from Kansas and the first LGBT Native American elected to Congress.
Susan B. Anthony: A suffragist, anti-slavery advocate and early champion for women’s rights, she fought for the right for women to vote. She and her three sisters voted in the 1872 presidential election even though it was illegal. She was arrested, went to trial, and ordered to pay a fine which she refused. The Nineteenth Amendment (the 1920 law that finally gave women the right to vote) is named after her (Susan B. Anthony Amendment).
Sonia Sotomayor: The first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. History, she holds multiple degrees and was also a U.S. District Court Judge as well as a U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge.
Tu Youyou: Chinese born Tu Youyou took the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, primarily for her work in researching and discovering artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin, two compounds used to treat malaria. Her work has saved millions of lives. Tu’s extensive knowledge of the vast pharmacopeia of traditional and Western medicine has made her one of the most important scientists in her field.
Wilma Rudolph: Wilma Rudolph had polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child, which left doctors doubting she’d ever walk again. But Wilma didn’t agree: at 16 she competed at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. She won the bronze medal in the 4x100-meter relay. In 1960 she competed in Rome and won gold medals and set world records in the 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay. Never let them get you down!
Winona LaDuke: Winona is an environmentalist, economist, activist and writer whose father was a Native American from the Gaa-waabaabiganikaag reservation in Minnesota, a member of the Ojibwe Nation. From a young age, she was inspired to advocate for sustainable farming, heritage foods and land protection for indigenous (and all) people and continues to be a pioneer and leader.
Wú Méi: One of the few known martial arts warriors from the 17th century, Mei survived an attack at a Shaolin Monastery, fought in numerous invasions and is still known today as a founding mother of martial arts styles including Dragon Style.
Zora Neale Hurston: One of the most influential and important writers in the twentieth century, her unique voice and style that integrated her knowledge of folklore with her prose is required reading for anyone who wants to experience the true voice of African-American literature.
No matter how old you are, everyone longs to feel a little more connected these days. Email and texting connect us across the globe in an instant, but nothing quite beats the feeling of opening a hand-written letter. Whether you’re hoping to make friends across the globe, or you just want to put a smile on a lonely face, these programs that offer penpals for kids and other letter writing opportunities are a great place to start.
Are your kids curious about what it’s like to walk on the moon or what the astronauts on the International Space Station eat? They can ask an astronaut and even score an autographed photo thanks to the NASA correspondence program. Get the mailing address and all the details on how to score an out of this world pen pal here.
Is your little bookworm obsessed with their favorite author? Or maybe you have an aspiring young author of your own? Why not put pen to paper and write a letter to their favorite writer. As children’s author Mary Amato suggests, your pint-sized fiction fan can easily write a letter to an author. Simply look for the publisher’s address on the inside cover of the book and address your letter to the author care of the publishing company. While there’s no guarantee of a response, you can increase your chances of receiving a reply by including a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Get all the details by clicking here.
What better reason to write a letter than to spread peace and kindness? Kids for Peace was founded by a mom of two, Jill McManigal, and Danielle Gram, a high school honors student, with the intention of bringing kids together for a brighter future. The platform, which features over 300 chapters around the world, empowers kids across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds through service projects, global friendship and acts of kindness. The Peaceful Pen Pals program, just one of the many initiatives offered by Kids for Peace, is designed to connect kids through love, acceptance, compassion and kindness. Sign up to join the program here.
Globe-trotting might not be in the cards right now, but that doesn’t have to stop your young explorers from learning about other countries and cultures. Founded in 1967, the International Pen Friends Club has connected millions of pen pals across the globe. Once you sign your kiddos up and pay a small membership fee, they’ll be provided a list of four to 14 pen friends from the same age group (starting at age eight) to choose from. Pen friends are typically paired by similar interests, and you can also request specific countries you’re interested in. Your own address is also circulated to pen friends in the same age group, so you might get surprised with some international mail! Register for a membership here.
Inspiring young STEM-lovers isn’t always easy, but thanks to this innovative program, kids can build a relationship with a real scientist that's sure to leave a lasting impression. The Letters to a Pre-Scientist pen pal program pairs students or “pre-scientists” in fifth to tenth grade throughout low-income communities across the country with STEM professionals. Teachers who are interested in bringing this unique pen pal program to their classrooms can apply to the program here.
Operation Gratitude supports deployed troops, veterans, first responders, military families and wounded heroes and caregivers with care packages. Every package sent includes a bundle of letters. Your thankful tykes can write letters, make cards or draw pictures to express their gratitude for their service and dedication. Register to write letters and find more details on delivering them here.
The elderly, especially those living alone or in nursing homes, can often feel isolated. Love for Our Elders is on a mission to help fight loneliness and spread some love through their letter-writing program, Letters of Love. Simply take a few minutes to write a thoughtful letter and mail it in. While your kids won’t receive a letter in return, they will feel good knowing that their words have made someone very happy. You can check out the guidelines for letter writing and get the mailing address here.
Letters Against Isolation is another awesome program aimed at helping to spread some joy to isolated seniors. Sisters Shreya and Saffron Patel were inspired to found the program after doing their best to support their own self-isolating grandparents. They began writing letters on their own, but soon the demand grew so large that they are now looking for more penpals for seniors to help them deliver letters to care facilities across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Israel. Sign up to become part of their team.
Have a future leader in scouting? Join the Girl Scouts national service project writing letters to seniors and caretakers in assisted living facilities. Girl Scouts participating in the campaign can earn a special Girl Scouts Give Back patch. Check out the Girl Scouts USA site for more info for girls and their troops.
Letter writing not quite your tots’ thing? Or maybe they just prefer to draw? Put those talents to work decorating postcards to help support the U.S. Postal Service. Co-founded by musician (and Yo Gabba Gabba star) Mark Mothersbaugh, PostCARDS for Democracy is on a mission to save the postal service one postcard at a time. Simply buy some postage, decorate a postcard with some artwork and mail it to 8760 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069. The postcards will become part of a collective art piece, viewable both virtually and in a physical art gallery. Learn more about the campaign and check out some of the submitted postcards here.
There are lots of things we try to escape in Atlanta—heat, mosquitoes and traffic all come to mind—so it’s funny that our town is so wild over getting into Atlanta’s best escape rooms! Maybe it’s because you play only with your group, or perhaps because its air conditioned, but we think Atlanta is wild for escape rooms because they’re just so fun. Keep reading for our favorite escape rooms geared towards the kids, below.
Featuring four fun escape experiences, which are now all private for your group only—including Al Capone's Speakeasy which features an in-room actor—Time to Escape gives players feedback on their acuity and the level of difficulty of their mission. Generally for between 2-14 players, these escape rooms include a Western, Alcatraz, Egyptian, and Speakeasy theme.
Big Escape Rooms offers adventures where players find clues, crack codes and use their sleuth prowess to solve a series of puzzles within 60 minutes to escape a themed room. With the clock counting down, you may make it, you may not—but one thing is for sure: you’re going to have fun! Of their four rooms, the beginner level—The Basketball escape room—is best for families with kids. It was initially designed for the Atlanta Hawks and built inside of Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta. The story goes that your team has been trapped inside the locker room and it’s 45-minutes until game time. The coach always hides a spare key, so you have to find it in time to get your team out on the court or will you be forced to forfeit the game.
Big Escape Rooms 444 Highland Ave. NE 4th floor Old Fourth Ward 678-800-0701 Online:bigescaperooms.com
Whether you choose to play in person (always your group only) or virtually, Breakout Games offers you tons of rooms to choose among—and most are suitable for kids. For 60 minutes, experience immersive entertainment with friends and family, escape normal life, and be the hero of the story. Explore an island, find the kidnapper, restore ancient relics to their rightful owner, and more. For train lovers, this one has a Runaway Train experience that you don't want to miss!
3867 Roswell Rd. NE
Buckhead
404-800-9207
Online:breakoutgames.com
Paranoia Quest
Whether you have Harry Potter fans, kids who would fearlessly face the Zombie Apocalypse, or detectives-in-training, this downtown location (there's one in Buford, too) will meet your escape room needs. Playing only those in your group, you'll spend 60 minutes trying to solve a challenge that's not built to be scary.
72 Broad St. SW
Downtown
678-310-8735
Online:paranoiaquest.com
With only 45 minutes, you'll have to work fast to get out of that mountain cabin where you're trapped. And figure out how to save everyone from a mysterious virus. And get out of being convicted for a crime you didn't commit. Best of luck at this Norcross venue.
6040 Unity Dr. Suite C
Norcross
470-294-0480
Online:amazingescapegame.com
Investigate something fishy going on in a big-business run space station. Catch a jewel thief in the act. Unlock a researcher from a time warp. This Alpharetta and Marietta operation is "HR" and "Family" safe, so you'll find no scary or lewd surprises when you go.
20 Mansell Ct. East, Suite #275
Alpharetta
678-805-2189
Online:urbanescapegames.com
