When the heat is up and the kids need to get out of the house, head to one of these Orlando museums that are perfect for families. You can spend your day learning about fire engines, trying science projects and exploring the history of chocolate. Whatever adventure you choose, the kids will have the best day!
The Orlando Science Center’s mission is to inspire science learning for life with four floors of interactive exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and experiences that change with the seasons. Learn how to be a spy, check out innovations in AI and meet live animals that are Florida residents.
What’s not to love about free chocolate samples and a factory tour to see how chocolate is made? Tour guides make sure the tour is interactive and entertaining for all ages as they educate guests about the origin of chocolate, how it’s made, and how healthy it is for you (true story!). Your little artists will also love the chocolate sculptures, which feature landmarks like the Great Wall of China and Mount Rushmore and range in size from about 3 feet to over 6 feet.
11701 International Dr suite 400 Orlando, FL Online: wocorlando.com
The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum also offers visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families and kids.
Memorabilia on display in the Central Florida Railroad Museum includes historic photographs (including an extensive collection of Tavares & Gulf Railroad photographs from its early steam era until its last run), lanterns, locks and keys, telephones, telegraphs, signs, stoves, tools, furniture, timetables, dining car china and silver, tinware, marker lights, ticket punches, lamps, uniforms, locomotive bells and whistles, a 1938 Fairmont motorcar, and a velocipede hand car. Outside, the former Clinchfield caboose #1073, a three-head interlocking signal from the former ACL-SAL junction in Plant City, a set of narrow-gauge wheels and several switch stands and crossing signals are displayed.
101 South Boyd Street Winter Garden, FL Online: cfrhs.org/museum
The Mennello features American art of all genres and is home to a permanent collection of paintings by "primitive" artist Earl Cunningham. Outside, a lakeside sculpture garden is where the Mennello hosts the annual Indie Folk Fest, held the second week in February. Every second Sunday is Family Day, which brings child-friendly activities and free admission with mini-tours for kids in the afternoon.
Learn about the history of the Orlando Fire Department at this museum that includes a restored 1926 American LaFrance fire engine in its collection. The museum operates on a donation basis and is staffed by retired fire fighters.
Winter birthdays are (almost) always an indoor celebration— but even if you have the space to host, who wants to deal with the post-party clean up? Not us! Thankfully there are plenty of fun, action-packed places to throw a shindig in the DMV. Read on for the best places to throw a winter birthday party.
A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig with iFly in Loudoun county. Packages start with a thirty minute session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate.
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr
Ashburn, VA
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com
A Silver Screen Party Many of the region’s movie theaters offer enticing birthday packages that elevate movie viewing to an all afternoon event. But why not keep things simple? Stick to the movie (and popcorn) for a hassle-free (and budget-friendly) party. Head to Reston’s Bow Tie Cinema where tickets are $6 every Tuesday or check out the Two-Buck-Tuesday deal at University Mall Theatres in Fairfax, VA.
Mission Possible
Let your pint-sized spy celebrate their birthday with a an all-out sleuthing adventure. Kids 4 & up will explore the Laser Maze Obstacle Course before they set out on a code-cracking adventure through the museum. Kids under 4 will play a challenging game of I Spy. This party package includes a two-hour rental of a private room to enjoy food (pizza and beverages are included for children), cake and more. Also included is admission for 10 children and 10 adults. Birthday packages start at $400.
35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online: portdiscovery.org
Arts on the Horizon
For children ages 1 to 6, trya theatrically themed party withArts on the Horizon in Alexandria, catering especially to this age group. Book a Birthday Workshop where you choose the subject matter and your child and their guests create the adventure. Parties are led by qualified teaching artists and can be arranged at a venue of your choice, with customizable options. Packages start at $200.
Everything (But the Kitchen Sink)
If you can’t decide on a party theme – climbing wall? laser tag? rope course? arcade? — choose “all of the above” at Adventure Park USA in Maryland. Geared more toward the younger crowd (think 10 and under), this amusement park boasts both indoor and outdoor activities. In the winter, the roller coasters and other outdoor attractions are not operating. But there is plenty to do inside the Wild West themed building; in addition to all of the “themes” mentioned above, you also find bumper cars! Birthday parties start at $159.62 for eight guests and includes the use of the party room for one hour, pizza for all guests and access to indoor games and the arcade. Lucky guests may also get to meet Dustin the Cowboy and Tumble the Prairie Dog, Adventure Park’s resident mascots.
Where the Wild Things Are
Petting Zoos used to be a party experience reserved for warmer weather. Until now! The Leesburg Animal Park recently added an indoor petting zoo to their grounds. Children can mix and mingle with exotic animals like camels and emus in the comfort (and warmth) of a fully heated indoor barn. Kids will also enjoy the indoor play space that includes seven distinct learning zones: a baby The Animal Park’s Safari package is available year-round and includes the use of a private party room for two hours, a pony ride for each child, a souvenir cup filled with animal feed and more. Party packages start at $359 for 10 kids (and 10 adults). For an additional $40, you can add a bounce house to your party room.
Monkey See, Monkey Do If you have a monkey for a munchkin, a jungle-themed party is in order. Tots who like to oo-oo-ee-ee their way around the great outdoors will enjoy an active, animal-filled birthday celebration at MagicGround. The DC-based indoor playground features a rock climbing wall, jumbo slides, a ball pit. a treehouse, a swinging bridge and more. The resident face painter can transform your party guests into jungle creatures like leopards, zebras and parrots. There is also a game room, a craft space and a toddler play area. Weekday packages start at $200 for 90 minutes of play for 10 guests.
3100 14th St. NW
Columbia Heights 202-370-6656 Online: magicground.com
Sound the Alarm! Warm up a cold winter weekend with a party at the Friendship Firehouse Museum.Little firefighters will be mesmerized by hoses, ladders and shiny trucks of yesteryear. Party packages, which cost $250, include 90 minutes of hands-on, guided activities including firehouse-themed games and crafts. Each guest also receives a firefighter hat. After exploring the antique firehouse apparatus, head over to one of the two neighboring firehouses that will give your guests a tour of a modern facility (advanced reservations required).
107 South Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA
703-746-3891
Online: alexandriava.gov
Ice, Ice Party If your little one wants the beauty of a snowscape without the actual chill, head to Falls Church-based BusyBees. This indoor playground would make a polar bear feel at home; sleek, Arctic-white vinyl with touches of icy blue, mint green (with pops of pink) make this indoor play place picture-perfect for a Polar Bear party. Your guests can slide down frozen-looking slides that light up (like Northern Lights!) or waddle like a penguin through ball pits. This polar-perfect party space also offers pre-planned party packages; prices start at $35 per child (there is a 12 kid minimum). BusyBees also has a location in Fairfax Corner.
6110 Arlington Blvd.
Falls Church, VA 703-584-5142 Online: busybeesplay.com
Let the Sun Shine Unicorns are mythological and, let’s face it, so are warm, sunny days in the (often) dismal months of January and February. But celebrating your pint-sized Sunshine requires something light and bright, like winged horses and colorful rainbows! If your little dreams of a party dipped in glitter and topped with sprinkles, check out Host and Toast a Reston-based party planning company that brings the level of detail and design usually reserved for weddings to children’s parties. If you want to tackle all things mythical and magical on your own, start with a bare-bones party room, like the one at Nook. These rooms are a monochromatic white, offering a blank canvas to create your fanciful vision.
5649 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA 703-270-6388 Online: playatnook.com
Up, Up and Away
Let your child’s party soar with a birthday celebration at Dulles International Airport. Geared for children age 5 and up, IAD offers packages that let kids explore the many aspects of air travel, from scanning luggage to meeting working K-9s. Party packages include party space, free parking and group activities (prices start at $300). You can customize your party with options like touring the airfield ($75) or doing a plane-related craft. Decoration options are limited inside the airport (you wont’ be able to float balloons), but all the activity you’ll see in the skies is sure to make up for it!
Birthday Crossing Whether your little one likes Thomas the Train or The Little Engine that Could, The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is the ideal place to host a choo choo party. Little ones will enjoy exploring the railroad-themed rooms and the miniature train tables, and don’t forget the picture-perfect backdrop for your party pictures: the little red caboose! Audio visual equipment is available to screen your little one’s favorite steam engine. Party packages start at $200.
11200 Fairfax Station
Fairfax Station, VA
703-425-9225
Online: fairfax-station.org
Toddlin’ Off to Party
You’ll find Elemeno between the letters K and P (get it?!); it’s the perfect place for tots still learning their ABC’s. This DC-based play space and birthday venue caters to the under 6 set. Prices start for parties start at $476 (for members; non-members are an additional $119). Prices are steeper here than at other venues, but that fee reserves the entire space for your guests and family. The space can accommodate 60 people, so Elemeno suggests inviting 20 kids (since each comes with one to two adults). Parties are held early morning or late afternoon and last for an hour and a half.
709 8th St. SE
Capitol Hill
202-763-7629
Online: elemeno.com
Mark your calendars! We’ve got your complete guide to all the best concerts, festivals, museum exhibits and more happening in and around LA, from now until the end of the year. Bookmark this page and make it your go-to source for all the can’t-miss fun in 2020.
Thar she blows! January marks the start of whale watching season along the SoCal coast.
Take a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Not only are they open on New Year's Day, you can also visit on Jan. 26 when a "blizzard" dumps 80 tons of snow for sledding, snow angels and more.
On Sat., Feb. 1, take the fam to Chinatown for the annual LA Golden Dragon Parade, featuring close to two dozen floats, marching bands, entertainers and more.
The Art of the Brick arrives at the California Science Center this month. The free museum will showcase hundreds of elaborate LEGO sculptures made from more than one million LEGO bricks.
Keep meaning to make it to the The Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum? Make this the year you finally do—the seasonal exhibition opens this at the end of March.
Kids can experience their first Broadway show with Nickelodeon's The Spongebob Musical, at the Dolby Theatre from Mar. 24-Apr. 20. You might just love it as much as your little ones. After all, New York Magazine called the show "effervescent candy for the spirit."
Celebrate the art of puppetry and the magic of storytelling at the Skirball’s ninth annual Puppet Festival, featuring new and classic tales told with a variety of puppets, live music, and art making.
Have a literary moment at The LA Times Festival of Books, the largest books and storytelling event in the United States.
Also this month? The Annenberg Community Beach House's Eggstravaganza, which takes place on the Saturday before Easter.
Starting on the third Friday in May, Odd Nights returns to the Autry Museum. Pack a picnic and bring the fam for bounce houses, food trucks, live music and more!
LA Sanitation's Open House events begin in May and run through June at various locations. Kids will have the chance to climb aboard a garbage truck, learn about recycling and tour the facilities.
The Tarfest music and art festival returns to the La Brea Tar Pits in September.The free, one-day-only festival celebrates local artists, musicians and culture with DJ performances, live painting, art installations curated, kids activities and more.
There's no shortage of kid-friendly spooky fun during the month of October, but the newest offering, Night of the Jacks, is definitely worth the trip to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.
All aboard! Hop on the mini train for a ride through an old West town, coal mine and more at the LA Live Steamers Railroad Museum, one of our favorite attractions for train-loving kids.
Sure, Colorado’s great for ski weekends, but what do you do during those long winter days when you’re not on the slopes? From museums to indoor activities, here’s a round-up of 50+ things to do with kids in Denver in winter when you’re both bouncing off the walls.
January leaves everyone a little stir-crazy in our house. No more holiday excitement and we’ve all spent far more time inside than is good for us. So often it’s just much easier to stay cozy at home on a cold, blustery day. To combat this inevitable inertia, I’ve compiled a list of more than 50 things to do with Denver kids during these wintry days. Now whenever the question comes up, “What should we do today?” we have a checklist to reference, which gets all of us more excited about getting out.
I’ve included the usual suspects, of course, but I was also excited to discover new places to check out — a good reminder that, if you look a little deeper, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy in our city.
(Please note this list is far from exhaustive. Also, I’ve only included classes that offer a drop-in option or 1-day option. This information is up-to-date as of publication date, but please contact the business to confirm.)
Museums and Culture in Denver with Kids:
Play on a firetruck, shop in the market, build a fort, or ride a zipline at Denver Children’s Museum (2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver). The outdoor Joy Park is a fantastic energy burner on a balmier winter day. (Tip: First Tuesday of the month is free.)
Dig in the sandbox, play banker, or steer a pirate ship at WOW! Children’s Museum (110 N. Harrison Avenue, Lafayette).
Splash with water, dig for dinosaur bones, or construct buildings at Denver Museum of Nature & Science Discovery Zone (2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver). (Tip: Visit the website for monthly free days.)
Craft and listen to stories at Denver Firefighters Museum’s (1326 Tremont Place, Denver) monthly Tales for Tots. (Tip: This museum is much smaller than the others. We found an hour was about enough time to explore.)
Loan your kiddo a digital camera to capture the butterflies and other insects at Butterfly Pavilion (6252 W. 104th Avenue, Westminster).
Check out a First Light Family Space, Gallery Games or drop in the interactive art studio to explore art in a kid-friendly manner at the Denver Art Museum (100 W. 14th Avenue, Denver) or hang out in new family space. (Tip: Kids are free all the time and residents are free the first Saturday of the month.)
Visit our animal friends at the Denver Zoo (2300 Steele Street, Denver). (Tip: See Denver Zoo website for free days.)
Feed the stingrays at the Downtown Aquarium (700 Water Street, Denver).
Enjoy train stories and crafts at Colorado Railroad Museum (17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden) for ages 4-6 years every third Tuesday (10-11am). (Tip: See the website for monthly free days.)
Indoor Activities in Denver with Kids:
Drop in for sensory play and art-making classes at The Wonder Company (relocated to 6101 W. 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge) or sign up for a class or school day off atArt Garage(6100 E. 23rd Avenue).
Learn to hammer and create wood crafts with Tinker Drop-In ($15) or Preschool Playdates ($12) The Craftsman and Apprentice (1345 East 22nd Avenue, Denver) for kids as young as 18 months.
Check out a new-to-you toy for free at the Denver Toy Library at the Smiley branch (Berkeley: 4501 W. 46th Avenue, Denver) of the Denver Public Library.
Take in lunch and a movie at Alamo Drafthouse (Sloan’s Lake: 4255 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver; Littleton: 7301 S. Santa Fe; Westminster: 8905 Westminster Blvd).
Try out a new game together at Board Game Republic (Golden Triangle: 900 W. 1st Avenue, Denver).
Energy Busters in Denver with Kids:
Ski in the city at Denver’s Ruby Hill Rail Yard (intersection of Platte River Drive and Jewell Avenue near downtown), just opened for the season. (Don’t be thrown by the Winter Park website–it really is located in Denver.)
Tumble, balance and bounce at open gym drop-in days at Dardano’s School of Gymnastics (2250 Kearney Street, Denver, monthly open gym day), Great Play (760 S. Colorado Boulevard, Glendale), or Tigar Gymnastics (4860 Van Gordon Street, Wheat Ridge, Mon and Fri, 9-10:30am).
Run and play at one of Denver’s more than 200 city parks. Or, if you’re looking for a fun new park to explore, check out Wheat Ridge’s Discovery Park or Northglenn’s E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park. Both offer extensive play areas to tucker out high-energy littles.
Ski for free all season long if you’re 12 or under at Keystone Resort.
Ice skate at downtown Denver’s Skyline Park Ice Rink . (16th and Arapahoe streets, Denver)
Enjoy the tiny indoor amusement at Lollipop Park(6901 S. Peoria, Centennial) complete with Ferris wheel, indoor train, teacup, bumper car and other rides all for the under-10 set.
Bang a drum, shake a tail feather or sing a song at a drop-in music class at Altitunes (5630 W. 29th Avenue, Denver).
Zipline and climb at Jungle Quest‘s indoor climbing center (8000 S. Lincoln Street, Littleton).
Stretch and bend at kids’ drop-in yoga at Mudra Yoga(1550 S. Pearl Street, Denver or 560 S. Holly, Denver), Kids Yoga Guide (560 S. Holly, Denver) or The River Yoga (Baker: 1212 Delaware Street, Denver).
Take your kids for a little local adventure with a ride on Denver’s light rail. (Tip: Park at one of the stations outside downtown, like Lakewood or Central Park, and ride the light rail to Union Station where you can grab some lunch, people watch, and hang out downtown for a bit.)
Heather Garbo is a Denver-based writer, mama to two boys, and passionate localist. After years of working in community develoment, she launched Denver Dweller to highlight local businesses and Denver life. She lives in the Berkeley neighborhood where she juggles motherhood, working from home, and frequenting the nearby local shops.
I know people wax nostalgic about being young in the summertime, but I’ve long believed there’s no better time of the year to be a kid than the fall. I mean, dressing up in costumes? Throwing pumpkins? Getting lost in mazes? All the sugary treats? How can that not appeal to all kids, big and small? Below is our annual round-up of 50 distinctly fall things to do in Denver with kids in 2019. (Plus, a few more that admittedly have nothing to do with fall, but are totally worth checking out!)
Explore a corn maze at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (September 20 – October 27 weekends). You can also take a spookier turn through the After Dark Corn Maze and Dead Zone Scream Park.
Get lost in the family-friendly Maize in the City in Thornton (opens September 27) with a big maize (40 minutes or so) and a little maize (25 minutes or so), and other fun activities. This one even offers a smart phone trivia game to gives hints to those of us who are directionally challenged.
Get scared at Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest every weekend with Halloween-themed Family by Day activities and scarier Fright by Night fun (Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays September 27 through November 2).
Pick your own pumpkin at the huge pumpkin patches at Rock Creek Farm in Broomfield. (Tip: Plan to stay after to explore the farm, corn maze and kids’ activities because your kids will whine like crazy if you don’t. Also, the line may be long to get in.) Opening day is September 29.
Heather Garbo is a Denver-based writer, mama to two boys, and passionate localist. After years of working in community develoment, she launched Denver Dweller to highlight local businesses and Denver life. She lives in the Berkeley neighborhood where she juggles motherhood, working from home, and frequenting the nearby local shops.
While there is plenty of Labor Day fun to be had in the DMV, if you haven’t made plans yet, you may be hard-pressed to find something that isn’t packed with people. Plan B? Get out of town! Here are some last-minute, off-the-beaten-path options that are just a quick day trip away.
Waterfront family fun is a great way to enjoy your long weekend away. The capital of Maryland is a quaint town filled with on-the-water options and Chesapeake Bay-side activities. Future sailors will love the 2-hour cruise on the 74-foot schooners Woodwind and Woodwind II. If your Littles prefer adventures on dry land, try the Discover Annapolis trolley tour. And, a weekend in downtown isn’t complete without a little taste test of the Maryland Blue Crab. It might as well be the state crustacean. Your kiddos will love that they get to play with their food and eat it too.
Head a few miles north of Rehoboth Beach (which is bound to be crazy-crowded anyways) to this historic Delaware town filled with scenic hiking and biking trails, sand dunes and perfect-for-picnicking parks. Kids will love the Fisherman’s Wharf, for fishing, boating, and chowing down on shrimp and crab cakes. If you have time, stop by the Zwaanendael Museum where you can get a peek at a Merman statue made out of fish, hair, ivory, a shrunken monkey head, oak, glass and dye. Weird? Yes! But, totally worth a look.
With over 14,000 acres of beaches and forest land, this tucked-away island on Virginia’s eastern shore is a nature-loving kid’s dream. They’ll scope wild ponies, search for seaweed, mussels, clams and crabs, and ooh and ahh at amazing birds (think: herons, ospreys, and bald eagles). Put an exclamation point at the end of the day by visiting Island Creamery for a “Marsh Mud” cone—a thick chocolate ice cream that really resembles a scoop of mud.
Loudoun County is lined with beautiful farmland and tons of farm animal fun. Temple Hall Farm Regional Park is a working farm and home to many unique animals. Your tiny farmers can visit with the Texas Longhorns, pigs, goats, sheep and a couple super friendly peacocks. Leesburg Animal Park is another great fur and feather feeding adventure. Don’t head out before your kids take a pony or wagon ride around the park. Rainy day? Don’t worry! There is a 3-level indoor jungle play slide with a giant slide and trampoline.
Insider tip: Every spring and fall, stop by multiple farm destinations during the Loudoun County Farm Tour. For two days each season, local working farms open their doors to the public. It is a fun family day and a great opportunity to shop local.
Beach town is the best way to describe this seaside gem. The bustling boardwalk has tons of games, shops and the best French fries around. Family days on the beach are always full of fun, but there are some great spots away from the sand. Dumser’s Dairyland has been around since the 1940s and it is still a delicious step back in time. The oceanfront carnival at the end of the boardwalk is full of spinning rides and neon lights. Be sure to stop by Bike World to rent a family bike. It is a summer vacation memory you won’t soon forget.
Harper’s Ferry, WV (1 hour, 10 minutes by train from DC)
Skip car traffic altogether, and take Amtrak to this town that is the site of a National Historical park by the same name. At the park you can skip rocks into the Potomac, stroll the picturesque trails along the Shenendoah or pitch a tent for a sleepover. Train lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Brunswick Heritage and Railroad Museum—there’s a massive interactive model railroad to play with.
Insider tip: Tiny tots in tow? Grab the carrier. It is tough to navigate the cobblestone streets and natural stone steps with a stroller.
Travel back in time this Labor Day with a trip to Pea Patch Island (named when a 19th century ship carrying peas wrecked here). A nature preserve that boasts one of the largest wading-bird nesting areas on the East Coast, Pea Patch Island will delight your mini-hikers and animal enthusiasts. To get to the island you’ll take a 1/2 mile ferry boat ride ($12/adults; $7/kids 2-12). Once you’re there learn about blacksmithing at Fort Delaware, bird watch, or just kickback on a picnic blanket with your packed lunch.
The rural town (nestled between Hagerstown and Frederick) is hands-down adorable. With a strong colonial slant, the charming town is home to historic bed and breakfasts (one owned by author Nora Roberts!), Shafer Park (with plenty of open space to while the Labor Day away), and a restored 1902 trolley station.
Although we love the picturesque and historical aspects of the city, there’s much more to Lynchburg than meets the eye. Don’t miss Amazement Square, a hands-on museum in downtown. Your little Picasso can even paint on the walls. Stop by the Lynchburg Community Market – the third oldest farmer’s market in the country – for a yummy meal. Green Market Wednesday is a special treat. If they didn’t grow it, they aren’t selling it. Round out your getaway with a whole lot of love. The LOVE sculpture is a cool outdoor-themed art piece and the perfect #LoveVA photo op.
Choose your Labor Day adventure in Lehigh Valley, located a day trip away on the western edge of New Jersey. If you haven’t made a splash yet at the northeast’s most popular water park Dorney Park, might as well do it sooner than later. For the little adventure seekers in your brood check out kid-friendly Whitewater Rafting Adventures, which takes guided trips down the Lehigh River. Artsy tykes will get a kick out of the Crayola Factory that offers a ton of different hands on activities, plus a cool demo on how crayons are made.
Charlottesville, VA (2 hours and 15 minutes from DC)
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Central Virginia, Charlottesville is cuteness personified. Check out the Downtown Walking Mall, an adorable tree-lined, brick-paved pedestrian mall complete with an ice arena, movie theater, toy stores, and eateries galore. Virginia Discovery Museum, City Market, and the lawn at UVA are also kid-appealing.
Don’t limit yourself to staying too close to home when planning that last-minute trip. Make the trek to Pittsburgh and you won’t be disappointed. Travelers of all ages will geek out over all the STE(A)M fun at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Spinning chairs, life-sized gears and a 15-foot toy car track are just a few of the interactive exhibits waiting for your tiny scientists. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium boasts a lunch spot directly across from the African Savannah exhibit. Your Littles can scope out the Giraffes over chicken tenders and fries. Plan an expedition to Dinosaurs in Their Time at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. It is rumored to be one of the best dino viewing spots in the country.
You’ll find mountains, lakes, forests and tons of exploring options when you bring the kids to Klamath County, Oregon. We’ve rounded up our favorite activities for families to make your visit to this Southern Oregon vacation destination a breeze. Scroll through and book your stay today!
1. Zipline through the Trees
Kate Loweth
Just outside of downtown Klamath Falls, Crater Lake Zipline will get the whole family up in the trees for some extreme fun. Kids 5-12 can spend some time at Sasquatch Hollow—the kids' zipline and adventure course that will get your kid crew climbing across rope nets, balancing on bridges and zipping down ziplines. For the 10+ crew, book some time in the tree canopy where nine ziplines traverse the trees on the longest zipline in Oregon.
If you want to up your adventure in Klamath, choose a Skyak tour from Crater Lake Ziplines and you'll get lunch and an afternoon kayak tour added on to your day. Kayaking can be added on to either the kids zipline course or to the 10+ zipline experience. All the gear will be provided and a seasoned guide will take you out to the waterways of Malone Spring. As you paddle through the kayak trails of the Upper Klamath Lake wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for beavers, otters and birds that make their homes here.
Klamath Falls is a great home base for your visit to Klamath County as it is close to adventures in California like Lava Beds National Monument and also offers loads of activities and history. The Cerulean Hotel is an inexpensive option for families with big rooms that you can spread out in and a swimming pool to cool off after a hot day. Make a beeline to the Waffle Hut just behind the property for breakfast as massive liege waffles are their specialty.
Kate Loweth
The hotel also offers bike rentals if you would like to get around town on two wheels. Tour the many gorgeous murals in Klamath for some epic photo opps. Then take your bikes out to check out the Oregon California and Eastern Railroad Trail, a 109-mile rail to trail conversion built on the old railbed of the railroad. As the longest linear state park in Oregon this tail boasts trestle bridges, viewpoints and even old cabooses. The trail is open to any non-motorized traffic.
4. Visit the Klamath County Museum
Learn the history of this area from the railroad days to today with a visit to the Klamath County Museum. Kids are free and adults are $5 to get in. You can grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the front desk to look for all the local animals in the children's exhibit. Head to the back of the museum to see the old schoolhouse exhibit and ring the school bell. Tip: You can view the outdoor exhibits at any time without paying for admission.
5. Take in the Beauty of Crater Lake National Park
Kate Loweth
This national park is a must-visit spot when you come to Klamath County. Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama imploded, leaving a huge hole called a caldera which eventually filled with water to create the lake. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive to watch a short movie about the national park's history before you head out to see the sights.
Kids will be amazed to see that there's snow at Crater Lake, even in the summer! After this year's epic snowfall you'll want to check the park's website before going to see how much of the Rim Drive is open to vehicle traffic. Often the parks service will have portions of the road open to hikers even when vehicles are not allowed, which make for a fun adventure. Boat tours are typically available from early July through the end of September and trolleys provide tours once the roads are open.
Insider's tip: Don't forget that fourth graders can get their family in free here with their Every Kid in a Park pass!
Just down the road from Crater Lake you'll find the Heartline Ranch and their teepee village. Here you can tent camp or reserve one of the teepees for the night. All six teepees have a fire ring inside to keep you warm at night, a picnic table and outdoor fire ring for s'mores. Visitors with horses can stay in the RV/tent spots that come with two horse stalls.
Visit with the friendly horses at the end of the day or book some time on the trail with Cowboy Bob. Kids 8 and older can take a trail ride to hear the history of this beautiful property. There are trails for hiking, nearby streams for fishing and a small town just a short drive away if you need supplies.
Train Mountain Railroad Museum is located on over 2,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest in Klamath County. Here you can take a walking tour to see the largest collection of cabooses anywhere (37!).
On Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Klamath and Western Railroad Inc. provides free train rides for the public on their miniature railroad. Enjoy a 20-minute ride around the property. Bonus: you can ride the train as many times as you'd like! It's a real treat for railfans of all ages.
—Kate Loweth
This trip was paid for in part by Discover Klamath but all opinions expressed belong to the author.
There’s nothing like having a fun family day out, except for when those special memory-making moments can also help those less fortunate at the same time. Now you can enjoy a Day Out With Thomas while you give back.
Based on the popular series and toys, Thomas & Friends, a Day Out With Thomas is a family event that gives kids of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. The event, which takes place all summer at locations across the country, has now partnered with United Way of Genesee County to roll out an initiative called the All Aboard for School Supplies Drive.
photo: Courtesy of Day Out With Thomas
Visitors to select Day Out With Thomas event are invited to donate school supplies that will be given to pre-K students affected by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan this August. Those who donate will earn a “Thomas & Friends Global Citizen Badge” for their support. Thomas the Tank himself will be present to donate the school supplies collected to the students in Flint.
The Day Out With Thomas events participating in the All Aboard for School Supplies Drive are:
Green Bay, WI: National Railroad Museum: June 12-16
Strasburg, PA: Strasburg Rail Road: June 22-30
Union, IL: Illinois Railway Museum: July 13-14 & 20-21
Felton, CA: Roaring Camp Railroads: July 26-28 & July 31-Aug 4
Flint, MI: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry RR: August 16-18 & 23-25
Even if you can’t attend an event, you can still make a donation by mailing a package to:
United Way of Genesee County
111 E Court Street #3A
Flint, MI 48502
ATT: Thomas & Friends: All Aboard for School Supplies Drive
Tickets to the Day Out With Thomas event are available here.
The weather outside has been downright frightful. Keep those mittens and scarves at the ready and keep cozy this winter by visiting these entertaining and educating exhibits at the Districts finest and funnest museums. Funnest is totally a word, right? Venture out of your four walls and find fun with the kiddos today. Stay warm DC!
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum explores architecture through design, construction, and engineering. There are two distinct areas where children can experience the process first-hand. The Building Zone — geared towards kids 2 to 6 years of age — lets little ones stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer, and romp around a “green” playhouse for up to 45 minutes (This area is included in the cost of admission, but you can opt to skip the other exhibits and pay just $3 per child). The other — Play Work Build — has foam blocks of varying sizes allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations.
The preschool set can fight the chill and take part in the Hirshorn’s library and art pop up program on any given Saturday this winter. It’s easy peasey to do too. Grab a parent’s hand and find a gallery cart full of fun kits with real finds. Each kit combines a special theme with adventures in reading, suggested artwork to view and real hands-on art materials to help little ones create their own masterpieces.
If the little ones in your brood love airplanes, the College Park Aviation Museum is a must-see. Ten full-sized airplanes fill the space—some let kids crawl in and play around, while others are hung high above your head. But before you hit the cockpit, make sure to grab a pilot’s jacket and helmet. Swing by the museum on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month for Peter Pan Club, a meet up for preschoolers that features aviation story time and craft workshops.
From dress up, to grocery shopping, and a president’s corner, you might just have to spend the entire day here. With more than a dozen themed play areas, you and your tots won’t have time to get bored. Buy Playseum Dollars from the front desk so that the kiddos can use them to decorate a cookie, paint a ceramic plate, or create candy lip balm! And check out their weekly happenings, like Moms are Free Mondays and Five Dollar Fridays.
Explore! With the National Portrait Gallery this winter. Tiny tots ages 18 months up to eight years will love the kid-friendly space designed just for them. The Explore! Exhibit will teach little ones about portraiture by asking them questions like, “What is a portrait?” “How does my face show emotions to other people? and “How do I see myself?” This is a place for noise, touching and all the things tiny hands and mouth like to do but can’t when in the usual portrait gallery.
Cost: Free Eighth and F Sts., NW Online: npg.si.edu
National Museum of the American Indian
On the third level of the National Museum of the American Indian, you’ll find the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, where kids learn how to interact with the environment around them. They’ll weave baskets from different material, see different types of houses made from wood or mud, and even learn to walk in snowshoes! Snuggle up in a cornerwith a book about Native cultures or make some noise with the percussion instruments scattered around.
Cost: Free
4th St. and Independence Ave., SW (L’Enfant Plaza) 202-633-1000 Online: nmai.si.edu
Children's Museum of Richmond
This museum may be a day trip away, but it’s totally worth it! Little ones stay busy playing with solar powered Sun Tubes, fixing a car, picking play-apples from an apple tree, and creating their own masterpieces in the Art Studio. When the weather is warm explore the Backyard, which features waterworks, a sandbox, and good ol’ green grass. Don’t forget to hop on the $2/ride carousel. Bonus: If you have older kids in your crew, split up with grown-ups and let them check out the Science Museum of Richmond that’s just next door.
Cost: $9
2626 West Broad St. (Richmond, Va) 804-474-7000 Online: c-mor.org
National Postal Museum
If you’ve never checked out the National Postal Museum (or didn’t even know it existed), you’re not alone–many locals overlook this NoMa gem for its flashier counterparts on the National Mall. But, for kids, this free Smithsonian Institution is a slam dunk since the museum encourages visitors to feel, climb into, sit in, and throw–yes, throw!–many of its exhibits. In addition to a ridiculously extensive stamp collection (little stamp lovers will be in heaven), read on to find out some of the museum’s other kid-approved features.
Train loving kids will likely lose their marbles at this historic landmark. The museum invites little ones (and their grown-ups to see, touch, hear and explore one of the largest railroad collections in the country. For the under-eight set, the museum’sChoo Choo Blue Kid Zone is a must visit. On weekends there are story and activity times, and there’s always a train table or two for kiddos to tinker with.
Cost: $18/adults; $12/kids
901 W. Pratt St. (Baltimore) 410-752-2490 Online: borail.org/
National Museum of American History
The collection of Smithsonian museums are a treasure trove of exploration, but for hands-on, interactive fun make a bee-line for the National Museum of American History, which has features interactive learning experiences for newborns to middle schoolers. Wegman’s Wonderplace is designed for the youngest visitors (0 to 6) with plenty of opportunity to explore pint-sized versions of the Smithsonian’s most popular exhibits, from a kid-sized version of Julia’s kitchen to a smaller version of The Castle. Spark!Lab — for ages of 6 and 12 — lets visitors explore the invention process from start to finish.
This hidden gem (tucked in Claude Moore Park) offers a unique, historic experience. Kids can play with authentic artifacts, like the antique cash register in the Waxpool General Store or make-believe they are cooking dinner in Grandma’s Kitchen (complete with a rocking chair on the front porch). The Children’s Farm has a faux egg collecting station, a cow to milk, life-sized stuffed animals, a puppet theater, and a plethora of books about farms and animals.
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12
For the 10 and under set, the exhibit space Q?rius (housed inside the Natural History museum) offers drawers brimming with curiosities. Your pint-sized explores will enjoy digging through drawers filled with rocks, minerals, insects and more. When your kids are done exploring the natural world, they can explore the cultures of the world in the same space! There are also drawers filled with clothing and dolls from other countries.
This museum often tops the "best of" in nationwide lists. And for good reason! The three-story climbing-maze-treehouse alone is worth the visit! Kids can explore a 1950s diner, an Egyptian tomb, an indoor soccer stadium (complete with a score board), The third Friday of every month is just $2 from 4 pm to close.
In case you haven’t heard, a whopping 50,000 square foot science museum is slated to open at Kincora in the Dulles in 2019. But in the meantime, you’ll find a scaled-down version aptly named “The Lab” in Fair Oaks Mall. Kids 2 and up can experience science through four distinct areas - the Experiment Bar, the Inspiration Hub, the Tinker Hub and the Discovery Zone. a water play area and more.
When: Open, 10:00 am-8:00 pm Cost: $12 general admission; 2 and under are free
This small, super-interactive museum features three floors and a roof top terrace full of fun for the 1 to 12 set. Some of the new exhibits include a real ambulance with lights and hands on tools to role play a rescue and a full size triceratops bone structure and a paleontology bone digging area. The roof-top terrace has a life-size checkers game, shade pavilion, and gardens.
Cost: $8; Free/kids under 2
16 W. Cork St. (Winchester, Va) Online: discoverymuseum.net
Which museum does your tot like to hang out at? Tell us in the comments section below.
—Victoria Mason and Ayren Jackson-Cannady
Photos courtesy of Playseum via Facebook, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Children’s Museum of Richmond via Facebook, National Building Museum via Facebook, College Park Aviation Museum via Facebook, Elvert Barnes via Creative Commons, B&O Railroad Museum via Facebook
Is your tiny tick-or-treater ready for a little spook? Half the fun of Halloween is getting a few goosebumps, but we know many haunted houses are the kind that nightmares (and sleepless nights for you) are made of. So with little pumpkins in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of six spots that are just a little bit scary (more Scooby Doo than Psycho), including local historic homes with architecture to die for.
Photo credit: Amber Guetebier
Winchester Mystery House
In spite of its eerie reputation, a tour of the Winchester Mystery House can prove surprisingly kid-friendly. They’ll laugh at the odd angled steps and doors that open to the wall. More marvel than monsterish, the kids may not take in all the info on the tour, but they will certainly enjoy the trek. There are October candlelight tours may be a bit creepier for the 5 and under crowd (but then again, a babe in arms might not know the difference so…) but scarier still is how fast the tickets sell out. This year, there’s a Halloween-themed Candlelight Tour (for ages 8 and up) on Oct. 13-15, 18-22 & 25-31. Book ’em now.
Good to know:Wear comfortable shoes because the house is pretty expansive. Do not, under any circumstances, bring a stroller.
525 South Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, Ca
408-247-2101
Mayhem Mansion in San Francisco Now in its 5th year, you can walk the hallowed (and haunted) halls of The Haas-Lilienthal House, a spectacular Queen Anne style home and historic house museum built in 1886. The terrifying tour is led by a benevolent (and historically savvy) host who will lead you through the magnificent manse, where you will be surprised and spooked by otherworldly visitors. Guests can also visit the “Spookeasy”— serving beer, wine and a specialty cocktail—before and after the tour to calm their nerves. Suggested for kids 8 and up.
Good to know: No parking is available (except for limited street parking), so public transportation is highly encouraged. Muni stops are located at Jackson and Van Ness (47, 49) and at Clay/Sacramento and Franklin (1).
When: Oct. 20 & 21 and 27 & 28
2007 Franklin St. (between Washington and Jackson Sts.)
San Francisco, Ca Online:eventbrite.com/mayhemmansion
Cost: $12-20
Ghost House in Williams Historical Park, Fremont For the last two weeks of October, the 19th century Chadbourne Carriage House in Williams Historical Park becomes the Ghost House. A perfect spot for your little boos, it’s just the right amount of kooky and spooky. Sponsored by the Candle Lighters, the Ghost House also includes an accompanying midway and country store (games are $.50 a play). On October 22nd there’s a less-scary “lights on” tour from 1-2 p.m. and on Oct. 28, show up in costume and join in the kiddie parade at 1 p.m. This year’s theme is the Shadow of the Vampire.
Good to know: Dates are Oct. 14–30. Start times vary, so check here for exact hours on the day you’d like to visit. 39169 Fremont Blvd.
The Haunted Railroad at Ardenwood Farms Ok, it’s technically not a house, but what train-loving kid is going to say no to a spooky ride on the rails? Buy your ticket and climb aboard the Haunted Halloween Train. which will take your family on a creepy ride through the dark forests of Ardenwood. The ride is geared toward the 12 and under crowd and run by The Railroad Museum at Ardenwood/Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources. The train traverses a dark forest with a number of illuminated character scenes that are separated by Halloween themed blowups. The ‘conductor’ provides a tongue-in-cheek narration linking the trip with historical events. There is no explicit gore or violence.
Good to know: The train departs every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29. Ends at 9:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat., and 9 p.m. Sun.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, Ca
510-544-2797
Cost: $7/ages 3 and up; children 2 and under are free Online:spcrr.org
Photo courtesy: Bradley Wittke for Miramar Events
Johnston Haunted Barn at the HMB Pumpkin Festival
Yes, there are pumpkins. Big ones, small ones, glass ones, fried ones…but the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Art and Pumpkin Festival also features the Johnston Haunted Barn. Appropriate for kids 5 and up (all ages are allowed and kids 3 and under are free) it’s open during the festival, Oct. 14 & 15, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and features actors from the Coastside Young Actors Workshop. Lots of fun effects, lights, and sounds, this year the barn is infested with pirates. It’s scary, but not traumatizing. The first 100 visitors on Saturday will get a free pirate hat, and the on Sunday a free glow bracelet.
505 Johnston St.
Half Moon Bay, Ca Cost: $8 Online:pumpkinfest.com
Know of a good spooky spot to take the little pumpkins? Let us know in the comments below!
