If you're Grandboomers that live in the city and want to entertain your grandchildren, a science museum is a good choice. Most major cities have some kind of science museum. The beauty of them is that they're as interesting for the adults as they are for the children. There are loads of interactive exhibits and sights ranging from the prehistoric to space flight. If you've never been to one, check it out...even without the grandchildren. It's time well spent.
If you live in Washington, DC, your cup runneth over. You have multiple choices for science-type facilities that fill the bill. One favorite is the National Air and Space Museum. The actual spacecraft used for many of our manned flights are there along with a variety of full-size aircraft. It is truly mind boggling. Admission is free here and at other museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institute group of museums. Other Smithsonian museums that might interest old and young alike are the National Museum of Natural History and The National Museum of African Art. The latter is a wealth of knowledge with many hands-on exhibits for all.
Here are a few other sites:
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NY -- Explore inventions, health sciences and the environment. While the young ones are marveling at science, you may want to take time for a more practical application. "Cardiac classrooms" has helpful tips for a healthy heart and for the not too queasy, you can witness a cardiac surgery performed by the surgeons of Morristown Memorial Hospital.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC -- Home to the world's only fully restored skeleton of the ancient Acrocanthosaurus, a first class predator known as the "terror of the South." The bones only get better. The museum also houses the first dinosaur ever found with a fossilized heart and four whale skeletons. Animals and vegetation from surrounding states are featured.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, OR -- A great place for an urban sleep over! Grandboomers and grandkids can reserve a position in one of the museum's programs that includes workshops, tours, videos, a place to sleep and breakfast the next morning. As expected, the museum concentrates on the environment, past and present, of the Northwest. This summer's feature: exploration of the ocean floor and the recent discoveries of previously unknown life forms there.
Museum of Science, Boston, MA -- "Where in the world are you?" utilizes of some 6000 artifacts to provide physical clues for adventures to various worldwide locations. Explore growing up and growing older. Exhibits in the natural history area feature live animals. Adults should preview the Reptiles of the Earth program before exposure to small children. Don't miss "The Virtual FishTank" which immerses visitors in a 1,700-square-foot virtual undersea world, where they create and interact with their own virtual fish.
Exploration Place, Wichita, KS -- Brand spanking new. Features the "Cyberdome" theater where the audience controls virtual journeys to Mars, inside the body and into the center of the Earth. Just so things don't get crazy, those in the audience enter their choices into a key pad, which sends the figures to a computer. The majority rules and dictates the direction of the journey. Sure to be a popular part of any visit is the 18-hole miniature golf course.
These are just a few of the museums located across the country. Check the Internet or contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a science museum near you. Your choice doesn't have to be a science museum. We just feel that this type of venue offers more for your entire group than a children's museum, or museum of fine arts. You might also want to consider aquariums. They're great for all ages as well.
If you have a science museum in your city and would like us to add it to this list, just email us at letters@grandboomers.com and include a brief description of the attractions.
Coming soon: Some unusual, fun places for Grandboomers and grandkids to visit.
© 2012 Created by Myles Bristowe.
