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10 Awesome Museums for Families In Locations All Across The USA
The Best Museum For Dinosaur Enthusiasts
From the 94-foot-long blue whale to the largest collection of dinosaurs in the world, the American Museum of Natural History delights all ages. Founded in 1869, this family-friendly museum on the Upper West Side of Manhattan houses over 32 million exhibits. See the collection of gems and minerals, African Mammal Hall, and the Rose Center and Planetarium and more. Hungry kids can nosh at one of the museum's cafes or grab a bite across the street at Central Park.
The Most Highly-Rated Children's Museum
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world with almost 120,000 exhibits lining 472,900 square feet of space. Exhibits are divided into three sections among five floors: the American Collection, the Cultural World Collection, and the Natural World Collection. There's even a carousel and a steam locomotive inside to accompany the interactive exhibits. One-of-a-kind experiences range from the immersive Dinosphere© to the five-story Fireworks of Glass sculpture. Kids and adults will love this Indiana treasure.
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Explore the World's Largest Museum Complex
A group of museums and research centers administered by the U.S. government, the Smithsonian Institute is a must-see Washington D.C. attraction for visitors of all ages. It could take a family days to explore. Nearly all of the museums and exhibits are free to enter. Kids seem to enjoy the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and National Zoo the most.
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Visit Space Shuttle Endeavor's New Home
The California Science Center, located in Los Angeles, CA, is a favorite of families for learning how physics and chemistry shape the world we live in. The West Coast's largest hands-on science center is free to enter and offers an IMAX theater along with opportunities to walk through a live kelp field, learn how technology is used in transportation, and the commonalities between a human and a single-celled bacterium. The museum is in Exposition Park and Endeavor's final resting place.
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Watch Movies And More At MOSI Tampa
Fun certainly is down to a science at Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. Check times as the only IMAX dome theater in Florida plays popular movies in addition to documentaries. Experience winds of a category one hurricane, learn about developmental milestones, participate in a mock newscast and admire the self-sustaining fish pond. All ages are also raving about the new rope course and zip line. Escape the humid weather and head to this indoor popular favorite.
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A Surprisingly Kid-Friendly Art Museum
Before you cross a contemporary art museum off your Pittsburgh to-do list, the Carnegie Museum of Art offers plenty to engage the little ones. Browse Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, plaster casts of ancient buildings, and sculptures. Kids can use the free audio guide narrated by Art Cat and there are free drop-in family activities offered on the weekends. Admission includes access to Carnegie Museum of Natural History, both museums are named after their founder, Andrew Carnegie.
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Channel Your Inner Rockstar
Everyone loves music and what kid doesn't love to make noise? Let them loose in the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ to learn about the history of instruments from around the world. Through wireless headsets, all ages can hear what the instruments actually sound like and watch them being played on big TVs. Visitors get caught up in admiring the over 15,000 instruments and recommend planning a half to full day fun-filled visit. There's even a hands-on section.
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Play It Out
The only museum in the world completely dedicated to play does not disappoint. The National Museum of Play at the Strong in Rochester, NY believes that play is critical to human development. On exhibit are toys, dolls, games, electronic games, books, photographs, documents, and other historical materials related to play. Grown-ups can relive their youths by playing old favorites like Pac Man and participating in fun hands-on games with the kids.
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Visit One Of Chicago's Best Attractions
Most famous for its collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American paintings, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the windy city's most popular attractions. You'll love the world's largest Monet collection, Japanese Art, Picasso, Dali and more while the kids marvel at the Picture Book Gallery, featuring illustrations from popular children's books. Engage in hands-on art making activities, kid-friendly tours and more. Kids under age 14 are free. Don't forget to snap a photo with the famous bronze lions in front of the museum!
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Family Fun In Houston
There's something new to do every day at Children's Museum of Houston so check the schedule before you arrive. Kids between the ages of 0 to 12 and their fun-loving parents will enjoy the 14 hands-on galleries most. Babies and toddlers have their own play area, the Tot*Spot, while the older ones do everything from taking on adult roles in a kid-sized city to learning math and critical thinking in the Cyberchase area. Free admission for families is offered every Thursday evening.
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About Katie Dillon
Katie Dillon originally moved to the seaside community of La Jolla to attend UC San Diego. When the opportunity presented itself, she and her husband set off for a 7 year stint overseas as expats in London and Hong Kong. After traveling the world, they returned to the La Jolla sunshine, with a young daughter in tow. Katie now writes a lifestyle site called La Jolla Mom and is the author of a book called, “Flying With Kids.” Her work can be seen on NBC San Diego, Red Tricycle, Yahoo! Shine and Have Family Will Travel, a Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts blog.
Read more about Katie Dillon here.
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