South America travel: Three outstanding museums in Bogota

The city of Bogota dates back to 1538 and it’s no wonder that it houses some of the most interesting museums in Latin America. Some of those exhibits are must-see if you want to get a full experience of Colombia. Step off the beaten path and take a look at the Police Museum, Botero Museum, and Museo Santa Clara when visiting the city.

Best museums in Bogota: three places not to miss

Museo Botero

Museo Botero is one of the most recent additions to the museum map of Latin America. Opened in 2000 today it has one of the best modern art collections on the continent. It all started with Fernando Botero, a renowned Colombian artist, who donated 123 of his own works and 85 art pieces from his personal collection.

Today, everyone can see the beautiful pieces free of charge and over 500,000 a year use this opportunity. Aside from the permanent collection, the museum often hosts exhibits of talented modern artists.

Works of Botero himself are exquisite and haunting. They reflect many of the horrific events that plagued Colombia during the period of drug cartel violence. If you are interested in witnessing and understanding the amazing transformation the country managed to undergo, you definitely need to take a look at Botero’s art and compare it to the sunny Bogota streets of today that are filled with life and laughter.

Museo Historico de la Policia

The Police Museum of Bogota is another must-see place for those who want to learn more about the turbulent history of this country. You will most likely see it during the walking tours in Bogota. The building itself is beautiful and considered one of the best architectural sites in the city. However, you should definitely see it with a guide because it’s the story of the imposing building that makes it truly outstanding.

This museum is one of the most fascinating attractions in Bogota due to both interesting exhibits and guides. The tour will be presented by an 18-year-old on a compulsory police service. It’s true that Bogota has quite the history of violence, especially against the police. The exhibits and stories you will discover in this museum are both horrifying and enlightening. Most importantly, they show the tremendous spirit and dedication of the police force.

The only downside is that the museum isn’t particularly big and the tour only takes about 45 minutes. However, there can be no doubt that those would be some of the most informative 45 minutes you spend in Colombia. The museum is free, so everyone can enjoy it.

Museo Santa Clara

Santa Clara Museum is where you should go to learn about the history of Bogota and Colombia that goes back to the colonial times. The building of the museum is also the oldest church in the city. Its decorations are magnificent and rich, but it’s the art pieces by some of the most talented baroque artists that draw the most attention.

Today the museum does not only have some fascinating historical exhibits. It also hosts many events, including concerts. You should definitely see if you manage to catch one during your visit to Bogota.

Final tips for visiting museums in Bogota: 

There are over a dozen of museums in Bogota and if you have a chance, you should take a look at each. The city has a very interesting history, which you can learn from many exhibits. However, you should also take your time exploring art museums and galleries because this will help you see more of the beauty that Bogota has to offer. Start with Museo Botero, Police Museum, and Santa Clara Museum as they will show you three distinctly different sides of the magnificent city that is Bogota.

Day trips from Paris you don’t want to miss

Paris is a magical city full of historic attractions. A week’s stay in this exciting metropolis isn’t long enough to take in all the sights. However, just outside the city are some of the most popular attractions in all of Northern France. Families with kids will enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe while visiting the City of Lights, but to get away from the hustle and bustle, the traffic, and the human throngs, consider one of several family-friendly destinations out on the fringe. 

From amusement parks and wildlife preserves to museums, castles, and historic villages, the list of day trips from Paris is too long to mention in detail. On this page, some of the more family-friendly destinations are mentioned along with just enough information to get the juices flowing. Teens and preteens will enjoy all of the attractions listed below, and the parents will be glad they visited these noteworthy destinations as well. 

Day trips from Paris:

paris-creperie

Amusement Parks:

Disney is alive and well in Northern France. Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Park are located adjacent to each other just outside of the city. A short train ride from Gare de Lyon station brings families right to the entrance of these magical parks. Just like in Southern California or Florida, kids can sign up to meet a princess, ride the spinning teacups, and enjoy “It’s a Small World”. The boys in the family will love the car racing rides and the racing rallies. Families are encouraged to dress their young daughters like princesses before coming to the parks. Yes, that’s the tradition here. 

The Parc Asterix is lesser known but just as enjoyable. It’s just a short coach ride from several Paris rail stations, and it’s worth an entire day. Built around the idea of several famous comic book characters, the park is teeming with rides, workshops, and playgrounds. The sea lion and dolphin shows are fantastic. The new Forest of Dogmatix area is full of exciting surprises. 

Playmobil, located just outside Paris, is accessible via public bus. This park is really something different. A total of 12 play areas are scattered around the property, and families with kids will want to explore them all. There’s a family farm, zoo, a pirate exhibit, and even Viking pillagers on the loose. 

Museums And Landmark Attractions:

The French Aerospace Museum, or Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace, is a must-see for those visiting Paris with their kids. Just outside of the city at Le Bourget Airport and easily reached via public transportation, this is one of the oldest aviation museums in the entire world. The history of air travel is told from beginning to present inside the monstrous hangars. The 1879 Biot-Massia glider, the early biplanes, the WW1 fighters, a Zeppelin airship, and even Soviet rockets are on display. The Concorde 1 prototype is also found here. 

Provins is a museum village that should not be overlooked. The medieval architecture will appeal to adults and kids alike. While visiting the museums, be sure to take in the falconry and equestrian shows. The Ramparts and the Caesar Tower are especially appealing. Several smaller museums are found in the underground galleries. Provins is just a 75-minute drive southeast of downtown Paris. 

The world-famous Versailles Castle is one of the biggest visitor draws in all of France. It and all of the other sights in Versailles can be reached by suburban train or bus. The castle is located about 45 minutes southwest of the city. The magnificent gardens and fountains are worth a day’s stroll. The grounds surrounding the castle itself are huge, tree-covered, and full of statues and monuments. Inside, adults and kids will thrill to the sight of the huge overhanging gold and silver chandeliers, the tall mirrors, and antique furniture. 

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France Miniature is a theme park that focuses on the history of the French people. It’s so-named because here are replicated nearly all of the famous castles, cathedrals, and museums found in Northern and Central France. Kids will love the miniature versions of Versailles Castle, the Eiffel Tower, bridges, and even the Paris skyline. After viewing these amazing models, the kids can go enjoy the playgrounds, slides, and jungle gyms. This unusual museum park is located about 40 minutes driving west of Paris. 

Historic Sites:

Much of the fighting during WWI and WWII took place within 100 miles of Paris. Some of the notable attractions that draw visitors today include Verdun and the Arras & Somme region. Verdun is located about three hours east of Paris near the border with Luxembourg. Memorials, cemeteries, and battlefields are among the attractions. 

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The Arras & Somme region is spread out over several square miles and is located about two hours driving north of Paris. Here is located the largest preserved network of tunnels, mine craters, and trenches from WWI. It’s a fascinating if somber place for families to visit, and it’s one of the most educational day trips in all of Europe. 

Normandy is synonymous with D-Day in June of 1944. It’s pretty far from Paris, and the length of the car trip depends on which beaches are visited. The idea here is a simple one. See where the invasion took place, and hope that nothing like it ever has to happen again. The Caen Memorial Museum is a must-see for adults and kids. Along Omaha Beach are several works of art including huge sculptures set right into the beach sand. 

Organized Tours:

A little further from Paris are some of the country’s best and most famous attractions. Some of these can be visited in one day, but it’s best to go with the organized tour group idea. Most of the destinations are reached by train or bus, and there’s always the overnight stay option. Major destinations that will appeal to families include the Loire Valley, Champagne Region, and the Burgundy Region. 

Remember too that the city of Bordeaux is only about three hours from Paris. It’s listed in the Top 100 Best European Places to visit on many travel sites. Adults and kids will love visiting the Garonne River bridges, the cathedral, and the Basilica of Saint Michael. Also in Bordeaux are the Cité du Vin Wine Museum and the la Bourse reflecting pool. 

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Planning The Ultimate Vacation:

Remember that some of the landmarks and parks mentioned here are not open all year. This is where the travel agent comes to the rescue. It’s best to choose a tour operation outfit that focuses on Paris, France, or Western Europe in order to get the best possible information. 

Remember too that ground transportation should be chosen based on known reliability. For those traveling to Paris by air, check out this Parisian shuttle bus service which can directly drive you from the airport to the heart of the city as soon as you arrive. This transportation company offers quick shuttle service to most downtown Paris hotels and rail stations from de Gaulle International and Orly International airports.

San Diego with kids: U.S.S. Midway attraction

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in San Diego with kids and not gone to the U.S.S. Midway attraction. This incredible museum is comprised of the actual aircraft carrier that now sits in the San Diego harbor. Kids who love military vessels and planes will be in heaven, and even if your level of interest for these items is usually closer to lukewarm, you’ll still be blown away. We spent an hour here, thinking that would be enough, but wished we had at least 2.5 hours.

USS Midway

The U.S.S. Midway was in operation from 1945-1992. As families tour three main decks, a self-guided audio tour and interesting signage depicts what working aboard the ship (and general life aboard the ship) was like in all of these eras. A helpful staff member recommended we start at the top of the ship on the flight deck and work our way down, and he was right: seeing the planes (and the views of the harbor) first was a great idea. Starting here gave us a good introduction to what an aircraft carrier does. Throughout the flight deck, docents in yellow hats offer various talks on flying planes and landing them on the carrier and duties aboard. Most are retired military personnel, and they’re well worth stopping to listen to. Their passion for the subject was evident, and we really enjoyed hearing their accounts of time spent on the Midway.

USS Midway plane

From the top deck, we headed back to the hangar deck, where we sat in cockpits (and tried not to feel claustrophobic!). Then we visited the City at Sea area, which actually includes the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th decks. I found this to be the most interesting part of the ship: we toured berths, mess halls, officer’s quarters, the war room, a hospital wing, and even a dentist office and barbershop. Walking through the labyrinth of hallways and staircases, you really get a feel for life aboard a carrier.

Midway docent

The tour is self-guided, with the exception of an optional 30 minute tour of the bridge/flight tower at the top of the ship, which is led by a docent. These tours depart regularly from the flight deck, and are worth waiting for if you’re traveling with school-aged kids. The audio tour of the rest of the ship is included in your admission, and definitely worth doing. It’s well-planned, in that the exhibits are numbered, and visitors can simply input the numbers they want to listen to into their audio set, and skip the ones they aren’t interested in. There’s both a kid version and an adult version, and every headset can play both, so older kids can opt for either. Honestly, I found the kid version to be more interesting!

USS Midway interior

Admission:

Adult tickets are $19, youth/student is $15, and kids (6-12) are $10. Five and under is free. Families can get $2 off per person by ordering online, and current military personnel get in free. The better deal: the Midway attraction is included in a Go Select pass…these city passes definitely save money.

Hours of operation:

10 am to 5 pm daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Last admission is 4 pm.

USS Midway

Dining:

There’s a cafe on-site on the hangar deck, overlooking the harbor, which scores points on the fun factor. Otherwise, plan to visit between meals. Vending machine drink machines are located on both the hangar deck and flight deck, should you need waters.

Directions:

The Midway is easy to find right on the harbor by the Manchester Grand Hyatt at 910 N. Harbor Drive. Parking is on-site, or families can walk from most downtown areas. Pedicabs and regular taxi cabs are readily available outside the museum.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the U.S.S. Midway as a guest of the attraction, for the purpose of review.

Louvre vs d’Orsay museum: why you should visit both with kids

If you’re visiting Paris with kids ten and up, both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are probably on your short list. When I created our Paris itinerary with kids, I initially left the d’Orsay off of it. This was a big mistake! On recommendation by our Fat Tire Tours guide, we ended up spending a morning at this museum and it was our most enjoyable museum visit in Paris. In the battle of the Louvre vs d’Orsay museum, here’s why you need to make time for both.

louvre-vs-d'orsay

What you’ll only find at the Louvre:

Most people are aware that the Louvre is home of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Of course, this is a big draw, and like many, many other people, we really wanted to see this work of art while we were in Paris. Is it the only show in town? Of course not, but  I believe that when kids  (and adults) see a work of art they instantly recognize, it increases their enthusiasm for art museums as a whole. There’s a wow factor in seeing the Mona Lisa, and it shouldn’t be underestimated or ignored. In other words, don’t worry about being a cliche; go see it!

Also at the Louvre is the Venus de Milo, as well as a wonderful collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings that serve as a good crash course in the major players of the 14th-18th century. I am not an art historian, so I won’t pretend to know exactly what I’m talking about in regard to particular works, but it’s worth the €5 per person to grab an audio guide when you enter. You can pick and choose which works to learn more about.

Note: the audio guides do not offer commentary on every piece of art. Rather, there are selected works that have an audio symbol adjacent. We found that depending on the room, there might only be 2-3 audio commentary art pieces.

There are three main wings of the Louvre, divided into eight main categories of art. We grabbed a map and headed straight to the biggies we wanted to see, then toured through the Egyptian antiquities and sculptures. The collection of medieval armor and weaponry is of great appeal to kids as well.

louvre-with-kids

What you’ll only find at the d’Orsay:

Compared to the Louvre, the d’Orsay is downright small. It’s very nice to have a manageable space to navigate! This museum is housed in the beautiful train station made during the world fair days, and is light, airy and bright. It’s main focus is Impressionist paintings, and has works primarily from the 18th-20th centuries. You can find Rodin here, Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir, among many others.

Personally, we prefer this style of art, from the Impressionist era, so we were much more excited for the d’Orsay. With the museum map, it’s easy to find everything, and we found that the kids discovered more pieces that they recognized from text books and popular culture here.

view-from-d'orsay

Note: from upstairs on the 5th floor of the d’Orsay, there are wonderful views of Sacre Coeur and a glimpse out the window of the famous train station clock face (on either end).

How to see them both (without burning out):

  • While the d’Orsay is more manageable than the Louvre, don’t even try to see everything in either one. We didn’t even make it to one entire wing of the Louvre. Instead, do some research ahead of time to know what are the must-sees for your group, and get those accomplished first. Then wander at will for a set amount of time, and that’s it. In each museum, we spent about three hours. We saw our highlights in the first hour, our secondary picks in the second, then wandered for the last part.
  • Get the Paris Museum Pass! This pass, which works similarly to CityPass in the US, grants you entry into dozens of attractions and museums in Paris. However, since kids 18 and under and free in most cases, the real value of this pass is in the line-skipping feature. We literally saved hours at each museum by going into the ‘Paris Pass and Reserved Tickets’ line. The museum pass also comes with multi-day metro tickets, which you absolutely need to purchase in Paris anyway.
  • Make time to eat. At the Louvre, the cafe on the second level is not bad at all. Better yet, in summer, go outside to the  Tuileries to eat at one of the little walk-up cafes there. This is even an option in winter, though some of the food stands close.
  • Use the visitor trails. We opted not to do this, but the Louvre has set itineraries you can follow. If you have a theme of interest, this is a great way to make sure not to miss anything. The trails are pre-loaded in the audio guide, or can be followed separately.
  • Be sure to grab a map. We found the maps at both museums to be essential.

Which museum do you prefer in Paris? Why?

Guide to surviving (I mean enjoying) the Vatican Museums with kids

You can’t go to Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, but make no mistake, the Vatican Museums are difficult to tackle, with or without kids. With over 2000 rooms and nine miles of art, these vast and imposing buildings within Vatican City are overwhelming on the best of days…on the worst, you’ll be wading through crowds that make Disney World on New Year’s Day look like a ghost town. During our most recent visit during the Christmas holidays, we often felt as though we were wading through a sea of humanity. Needless to say, this is not the best way to appreciate priceless art.

vatican-with-kids

Guide to surviving (I mean enjoying) the Vatican Museums with kids:

Families should be prepared to deal with significant crowds, lines, and tired feet when visiting the Vatican Museums, but there are steps you can take to minimize these discomforts and enjoy the experience. The following are our five best tips for a day in the Vatican.

Get a guide.

Don’t even think about trying to navigate the Vatican Museums without one. While you can save money with a large group tour, I recommend a small group tour of ten people or fewer. It’s easier to stick with your guide in a small group, you can enter some of the smaller passageways and rooms that big groups skip, and the tour can cover more ground. We took this tour with Viator. With it, we skipped the line to buy tickets, which is absolutely essential when touring the Vatican Museums. We went through a very short security line, got our headsets so we could hear our guide on the tour, and we were off.

Our guide showed us the essentials; on a three hour tour, there isn’t time for more. But since we’re not art historians and were there for the biggies, like the Raphael rooms and Sistine Chapel, we were very satisfied with all we saw.

viator-tour

Plan to spend 3/4 of a day for a 1/2 day tour.

Plan plenty of time to arrive at the Vatican…it’s a large complex. For our Viator tour, we met with our guide at their tour office instead of at the entrance to the museums, so check your reservation carefully to know where to go. You also need to build in time to eat lunch after a morning tour, plus budget time to look through St. Peter’s Basilica if it’s not included in your tour. If you want to climb the dome, there is a separate line. It may be worthwhile to your group to do this, but I’d take a break and eat something between visiting the Vatican Museums and the dome.

Skip the gardens.

Someone will probably tell me I’m wrong about this (and if so, please do comment), but our tour guide advised that we could see the gardens from the patio/terrace of the museum, and it wasn’t necessary to get a tour there as well. We’re glad we used our time in other ways.

Dress correctly for St. Peter’s.

Remember that to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll need legs and shoulders covered. This means no shorts in the hot summer months. In winter, it’s easier to be wearing the right clothes, but in warmer months, you may need to make a note to wear long pants and take a scarf or light shirt to put on when needed.

st-peters-baslica

Prepare kids ahead of time.

It really helps to prepare kids (and adults!) ahead of time with some information about the major works of art they’ll see. We looked at pictures of the Raphael rooms, some sculpture, and Michelangelo’s masterpiece before we left home, and learned a little bit about each piece. This way, when the kids actually saw these works of art, they meant something personal to them. Even with this preparation, there were moment of boredom as we went through room after room. I don’t blame the kids; after awhile the frescos start to look the same. Thanks to our guide, we were able to find differences between them and stories to go with them.

Lastly, don’t eat at the cafeteria directly down the street from St. Peter’s, below the square. We were very hungry after our tour and this place and a McDonalds were the first restaurants we saw. We decided the cafeteria must be better than McDonalds. We were wrong.

st-peters-with-kids

Yes, still smiling at the end of the tour. Mostly.

Pricing:

If you decide to tour the Vatican Museums on your own (don’t do this!), you’ll need to queue up early to get in. Tickets are €16 and €8 (adult and child). If you want to buy tickets online to avoid the queue, but not have a guide, it’s possible to buy tickets here.

What are your best Vatican tips?

Titanic Branson: Big city museum in a tourist town

Surprised to learn one of the world’s most comprehensive museums on the Titanic disaster docks in Branson, Missouri? So was I. From the outside, Titanic Branson looks suspiciously like any other gimmicky tourist attraction, a la Ripleys Believe It or Not or Madaam Tussauds wax museums. Step inside, however, and it’s an entirely different story.

titanic-branson

The brainchild and passion of former television producers, Titanic Branson is both a serious, historically accurate museum with actual Titanic artifacts and an immersive experience. I am hesitant to say it’s a ‘Hollywood’ experience, in fear this description will imply inauthenticity or hookiness…the museum is neither. Instead, it’s simply delightful, engaging, sobering, and meaty, all at once.

Visitors select an entry time to go through the museum, and the experience begins at the door, as you’re greeted by Titanic crew members. These individuals, who appear throughout the experience to educate, guide, and inform, are talented actors and actresses who know their facts inside and out. The interior of the museum is designed as a replica of the Titanic itself, with corridors, to-scale staterooms, and even a reproduction of the famous grand staircase. The building team used actual Titanic blueprints to create the museum: the result, even while in a group tour with artifacts and exhibits lining the walls, is fully immersive.

Upon arrival, guests are given a card with an actual Titanic passenger bio. Hang onto that: you may see information on your passenger as you tour the museum, and will learn the fate of him or her before leaving. The bottom levels of the museum—aka Third Class—tells the story of the building and departure of the ship in Belfast, and introduces visitors to both key players such as ‘Unsinkable’ Molly Brown Captain Edward Smith, and tycoons such as JP Morgan, as well as ordinary passengers you likely haven’t heard of. There are excellent exhibits on lesser covered passenger groups, such as the children of the Titanic, plus replica rooms of Third Class cabins and actual artifacts such as Titanic menus, tickets, and letters.

Visitors ascend the Grand Staircase, and upstairs, see a model of a First Class cabin, plus models of the bridge where the iceberg was spotted and the outside deck, complete with chilly air and starry skies. In a fully immersive hall, visitors can try to stand on a replica deck angled at three different degrees experienced by the passengers as the ship sunk, sit in a replica lifeboat, and plunge hands into a bucket of icy water the exact degree of the Atlantic on that cold April night. All the while, Titanic crew members regale with stories from the disaster. The entire experience is fascinating.

In the last hall, a Titanic manifesto lets you know if ‘your’ passenger perished or survived the disaster. While this comes at the end, make no mistake: the focal point of the entire museum experience is on personal stories. Yes, there are artifacts that wow, and yes, there is a lot of factual information, but where Titanic Branson shines is in making the disaster personal by telling personal accounts.

Note: The images and exhibits in the museum is suitable for all ages; however, school-aged kids of at least age 8 and up will get the most out of the experience. If you have sensitive children, you may want to wait until age 10 and up, and prepare kids by explaining the event of the Titanic before arriving. There are many stories of people who perished, of course, which could disturb young kids. In other words, this attraction isn’t just ‘movie level’ Titanic…it’s the real deal and sad stories exist here.

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 65 in the heart of Branson.

Cost of admission:

Tickets are $27, with a $3 per ticket discount if booked online. To get the entry time you’d like, booking online is highly recommended.

Hours:

Hours vary substantially by season: check hours here.

Directions:

Find the museum located at 3235 76 Country Blvd & Hwy 165 in Branson, Missouri. Another location is found at Pigeon Forge, TN.

Photo credit: Brad Holt

Washington DC with kids: National Museum of American History

After touring history museums from Gettysburg to Williamsburg, I wasn’t sure how enthusiastic my kids would be to check out the National Museum of American History in DC. As usual, they surprised me. As did this museum. It should definitely be on your itinerary while in Washington DC with kids.

washington-dc-with-kids

Think of the National Museum of American History is part history museum, but also part pop culture museum and part attic, storing all of America’s eclectic treasures. There’s too many exhibits to list here, but among our favorites in the permanent exhibits were America on the Move, chronicling the history of transportation in the States, and On the Water, highlighting Americans’ use of waterways and nautical history. The food exhibition on the first floor also surprised us: it documents various trends and historical markers with the way Americans eat and get and produce food, from Julia Childs to the school lunch system.

We came specifically to see the Star Spangled Banner, the very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s anthem, and it didn’t disappoint. The size of this flag may be what makes it impressive at first sight, but the degree of weathering and the accompanying exhibits on Key add to the overall impression a great deal. We also sought out Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and I was happy to see Ferlinghetti’s typewriter from the Beatnik era, too.

national-musuem-of-american-history

The American Presidency section is worth seeing, especially after a tour of the White House, and some may enjoy the collection of First Ladies’ dresses. Upcoming exhibits that will open in the next few years include Within these Walls, a replica of a real home in MA, showing 200 years of inhabitants and how they lived, their stories, etc.

Date last visited:

July 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Close to I-66 and I-395. Within 45 minutes to I-95.

Admission:

Free.

Hours of operation:

Daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with extended summer hours.

Dining:

Two cafes are on-site. We did not eat at either on this visit. There is also a food court in the tunnel between the two art museums nearby on the Mall.

Directions:

The museum is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, DC. Stop at the Smithsonian station on the Metro, or walk from most points on the Mall.

Wondering where to stay in DC? Check out our review of Grand Hyatt Washington.

Get more Washington DC itinerary picks.

Washington DC with kids: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

We love, love, love the free Smithsonian museums to visit while in Washington DC with kids. The granddaddy of them all is the National Museum of Natural History, which is definitely worth half a day of your time. While planning our DC trip, I doubted whether we’d want to make the stop; I knew the museum was great, but reasoned that we have toured numerous museums of natural history in the US, from Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum to San Diego’s The Nat. But at the insistence of my son, we went, and we’re so glad we did.

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There’s so much going on in this museum. The first level (actually called Level 2; the ground floor houses the IMAX and cafe) houses the permanent Mammals Halland Ocean Hall, each excellent in their own right, but what wowed us most was the Hall of Human Origins. This exhibit documents the ‘birth’ of homo sapiens from their ancestors and follows the path from earliest man to present day, including adaptations and population changes. It concludes with impacts of humans throughout the ages, both good and bad. It made all of us think, from the youngest to oldest.

natural-history-museum

Upstairs (Level 3), their dinosaur wing (called the National Fossil Hall) is under renovation until 2019, but in the meantime, the Rex Room downstairs by Mammals offers a window into the work ongoing by museum staffers. During our visit, we watched their 3-D printers create model triceratops.

The Minerals and Gems Hall houses to the Hope Diamond, definitely worth checking out (though my kids thought it would be bigger!), and adjacent, the live Butterfly pavilion (extra fee) and live bug zoo (included) lead to the Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt exhibit (on indefinitely display). This may have been our second-favorite stop, where we learned the ancient Egyptians sometimes mummified animals like cats and even bulls in addition to humans. There are actual mummies here (one of which is a small child), so sensitive children may need to be warned (or skip it).

washington-dc-with-kids

We spent three hours touring exhibits and another hour eating at the cafe, and still didn’t see everything. When you arrive, expect a short delay at the security point.

Date last visited:

July 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from I-66 and I-395. Close to I-95.

Admission:

Free. IMAX movies are extra. Butterfly exhibit is approximately $6 per person, and requires timed ticket in summer.

Hours of operation:

10 am to 5:30 pm daily, except Christmas Day. Extended hours are possible in summer.

Dining:

There are two cafes in the museum. The main one is a large cafeteria with the usual: burgers, fries, pizza, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, and snack foods. Expect to pay premium prices. The second is a natural cafe with healthier options, located one floor up. It’s much smaller, but also seemed to be less crowded. Tip: No matter what we do, we always bring water bottles and refill them at water stations. We save $10-15 per meal by not purchasing drinks, and save from adding to the plastic bottles piling up, too.

Directions:

The museum is located at 1000 Constitution Avenue, Washington DC. Get off at the Smithsonian Metro stop, or walk from most points on the Mall.

Wondering where to stay in DC? Check out our review of Grand Hyatt Washington.

Get more Washington DC itinerary picks.

Gettysburg with kids: where to eat and tour in town

The heart of the Gettysburg experience is undoubtedly the National Military Park battlefield sites. However, Gettysburg with kids isn’t complete without spending time in and around town. Because Gettysburg in 1863 was much smaller than the Gettysburg of today, what is now town space featuring motels and restaurants was once farmland and battlefield. Throughout the town, houses sport plagues and flags marking them as Civil War homes, and unmarked graves of Confederate soldiers still inhabit the land in town. Here’s what to do (and where to eat) in Gettysburg to round out your historical experience.

Shriver Museum:

shriver-house

The Shriver House shriverhouse.org is located on Baltimore Street within walking distance of most motels and B&Bs, and shows children what life was like for the civilians of Gettysburg during and after the battle. On this guided tour, I learned about the Shriver family (a typical family living in Gettysburg) and their actions and experiences during those three fateful days in July. The house has been totally restored to the period, and kids can walk through each room, seeing the kitchen, parlor, and bedrooms as they would have appeared. Admission is under $10 for adults and under $7 for kids. Plan on the tour taking 30 minutes. Location: 309 Baltimore Street.

General Lee’s Headquarters Museum:

This free museum civilwarheadquarters.com highlights the battle of Gettysburg, particularly the buildings located at 401 Buford Ave, which served as Lee’s headquarters during the battle. Families can see artifacts and exhibits, and check out the museum store, which has many books about Lee and the war. Location: 401 Buford Ave.

Civil War History Store:

This shop, and many others along Steinwehr, feature an eclectic mix of interesting historical souvenirs, books, replica uniforms and hats, and straight up junk souvenirs. The mix is too much to resist, and we spent a full evening browsing the shops and checkout out shell casings, musket balls, t-shirts, and toy rifles.

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Gettysburg Eddie’s:

This family-friendly restaurant is named for baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank. No, it has nothing to do with Civil War history, but it’s a fun diversion, and the food is great. Fare ranges from fish and chips and burgers to pasta and sandwiches. Try the beer on tap, or get a plate of onion rings to share. Location: 217 Steinwehr Ave.

Farnsworth House Inn:

farnsworth-house-gettysburg

This upscale eating establishment appeals because of its inviting front patio, which is shaded and peaceful. But the real treat is the Dutch Pennsylvania food. Entrees come with pickled watermelon rinds, spoon bread, bread and apple butter, and a pick of sides like pumpkin fritters or slaw. We were full before our main course came! Location: 401 Baltimore St.

Sleepy Hollow of Gettsyburg Candlelight Ghost Tours:

rupp-house

The Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg www.sleepyhollowofgettysburg.com tour was very fun for all of us, and informative. Our guide Phyllis was a natural storyteller, and set the mood of this 1.5 hour walking tour with her enthusiasm and friendly personality. Phyllis took us to various homes in a 3-4 block radius and told us stories about their inhabitants during the battle of Gettysburg, including details about possible hauntings or paranormal activity. The tour was not scary to our kids (youngest is nine), but just intriguing enough to keep their watchful eye on the houses and their attention on Phyllis. The tour is not recommended for kids under age 7. There are many ghost tours in Gettysburg, but we recommend Sleepy Hollow for its historic vibe and city tour-focus. A few others take place in one location only, where participants sit in one house or basement waiting for ‘spirits to come’. That sounded too intense to us! The cost is $8 per person. Buy tickets online or at the Farnsworth front desk. Location: Farnsworth House Inn.

Where to stay:

gettysburg-quality-inn
There are multiple historic B&Bs and economy motels in Gettysburg. We stayed at Quality Inn Gettysburg Motor Lodge, which is located within two minutes of the battlefield and visitor’s center, and within walking distance of most Gettysburg town attractions. The Quality Inn has some quirks: outdated decor, older locks and fixtures, and a very unique saloon on-site (which was never noisy), but offers perks that outweigh any negatives: free parking, free wifi, and free breakfast in an adjacent cottage, serving continental hot and cold breakfast items. Some rooms feature three double beds, fitting a family of five or six, another big plus. The Quality Inn also has an outdoor pool with diving board for summer visits, and an indoor pool for winter. Our room was outdated and dark, but the location, amenities like a microwave and fridge, and the pool made up for it.

historic-cottage-gettysburg

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Gettysburg was hosted, for the purpose of review. Without the hospitality of hotels and destinations, we would be unable to bring up-to-date reviews to Pit Stops for Kids.

Visiting Santa Fe: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum with kids

No trip while visiting Santa Fe would be complete without a stop at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum with kids. Located downtown, this most-visited museum in New Mexico showcases the work of one of the most influential modernist artists of all time, Georgia O’Keeffe. In the museum, families will see her quintessential works–the minimalist bone and colorful flower paintings associated most with the artist–but also learn about her life, see her early work and sketches, and view temporary exhibits.

okeeffe-museum-santa-fe

During my visit, I was lucky enough to experience a docent-led tour. These tours are available twice daily (at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm during the time of my visit) and are free to visitors. During the tour, which took about 1.5 hours, I gained an overview of O’Keeffe’s career, including her education, early work, and professional life. Details in her paintings were pointed out that I otherwise would have missed. I highly recommend the tour to adults.

The O’Keeffe Museum for kids:

The O’Keeffe is not a stuffy museum only for adults! The team here has taken great measures to make the museum kid-friendly, including activities to help kids engage with the exhibits, opportunities for kids to create their own artwork, and special family hours.

kids-programming-at-okeeffe-museum

  • Discovery Guides for kids: these guides help kids interact with the exhibits (use a packet to find prompts, answer questions, offer opinions).
  • Sketchbooks and pencils for kids: upon entering the museum (by the way, kids are free), children are offered their own sketchbook so they can nurture their own creative juices while exploring the the nine galleries.
  •  Ok to Go: this program is an opportunity for parents to create art with kids on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays from 10:30-12:30.
  • Saturday morning Family Program: the gallery opens an hour early for families (9:30-11:30 June 28, July 19, and Aug 2). This allows for kids to enjoy the galleries without having to be too quiet.

When you enter the museum, be sure to stop and watch the short (just over 10 minutes) film on O’Keeffe’s life to give you a good overview and prepare you for the exhibits. Kids will especially be interested in the photographs of O’Keeffe’s New Mexico homes and home life, and an exhibit depicting her studio. Until fall, the current temporary exhibit features side-by-side works from O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams, from their commissioned work in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s fascinating to see their different takes on the same region, given their love of ‘place’ as inspiration. Plan to spend at least one hour in the museum, or more if you plan to catch a docent talk.

Date last visited:

April 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Several minutes from I-25 in Sante Fe.

Admission:

$12 for adults ($6 for New Mexican residents) and FREE for kids 18 and under.

Hours of operation:

Open 10 am to 5 pm daily (and until 7 pm on Fridays).

Directions:

Take exit 282, St. Francis Drive, heading north toward Santa Fe. Follow St. Francis Drive for approximately five miles. Turn right onto Paseo de Peralta, then left at the next light, onto Guadalupe Street. After a few blocks turn right onto Johnson Street. The Museum will be on your left, at 217 Johnson Street.