The joy of the Holly Days!
‘Tis the season to travel, and while braving those interstates, you and your family will need places to stop along the way. What better opportunity to visit one of these four children’s museums featuring holiday exhibits sure to get your family in a festive mood during the holiday travel season!
If traveling on I-75:
Stop at the Cincinnati History Museum and send a message to Santa via Morse Code or take part in the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas holiday radio show. Then create and send a holiday postcard to someone back home!
Admission: $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Mon-Sat), 11 am to 6 pm (Sun)
Directions: Located at 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati OH. From I-75 south, head toward downtown Cincinnati. Take the right side exit, Exit 2A, Western Avenue. Merge onto Western going south (do not turn); Museum Center entrance is on the right at the third traffic light.
If traveling on I-95:
Take a break at the Connecticut River Museum to check out their holiday train display. This museum recently withstood a fire, and needs all the support they can get from the local community and those passing through! While you’re there, learn more about the Connecticut River and its history.
Admission: $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)
Directions: Located at 67 Main Street, Essex, CT. From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.
If traveling on I-10:
Learn about seven holidays from around the world at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Tour a block-long neighborhood of holiday houses, each with a different celebration inside. And if you’re traveling on a Thursday, you’re in luck: Thursday nights are free!
Admission: $8.00 adults and children over one year
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Tues-Sat) Noon to 6 pm (Sun)
Directions: Located at 1500 Binz, Houston, TX. From I-10, take 610 South, then 288 North. Exit on Binz (take a left). Museum is seven blocks on the left.
If traveling on I-65:
Enjoy the Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a holiday exhibit that opens with Santa’s arrival on November 28th and runs through January 4th. Try your ice fishing skills in the Fishing Shack, create yummy recipes in the Cookie Cafe, and take home a holiday photo keepsake.
Admission: $15.50 for adults, $10.50 for children
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)
Directions: Located at 3000 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN. From I-65 South, head into Indianapolis.
Exit at the 21st Street exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left on 21st Street. Follow 21st Street east to Illinois Street. Turn left on Illinois and continue north to 30th and Illinois Streets.
