Appropriate age group:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Time needed:
Half Day

Type of weather:
Rainy

Description:
Exposing your children to a variety of educational learning experiences is a priority for today's parents, and childrenÆs museums, in particular, have become extremely popular over the past few years. Check the web, the chamber of commerce, local papers or pay a visit to the visitor's center to find out what's available in your next vacation spot.

Children's museums come in all shapes and sizes. There are traditional "just for kids" places where you'll find simple teaching exhibits, free play areas, arts and crafts tables and hands-on experiences.

But today's range of museums can truly push the envelope of the educational experience. Today's museums create an environment of discovery about oneself, other people, technology and the ecology of this world. Museums still focus on science, history, health and art but offer interactive exhibits that incorporate the online world, the outdoors, and technology like IMAX and laser planetarium shows.

It's also a good idea to check out the museums that are close to home. Some museums offer weekly or monthly classes on specific topics and are interested in incorporating their programs with the local school programs.