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Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Scene of Custer’s Last Stand

June 18, 2013 By Megan MNMSpecial 14 Comments

Somewhere between here and there is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and during years of family travel we have been driving past signs enticing us to exit now for the Battle at Little Bighorn and Custer’s Last Stand. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located in the south eastern portion of Montana just before crossing into north eastern Wyoming.

I am a history buff so anything historical that we can stop off at an enrich the minds of our children while doing it is special to me. The battle at Little Bighorn is where General Custer took his last stand against the Lakota Sioux, Arapahoe and Cheyenne Warriors. During the dates of June 25th and 26th of 1876, 263 members of the US Army’s 7th Calvary Regiment expired at this location. I am unsure of the number of Native American casualties, however, the tribes were the victors in this particular battle to uphold their way of life.

Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

So on our seventh solid day of being cooped up in the suburban driving with our four kids across the West, we decided to make an unscheduled stop to let the kids stretch their legs. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument tells both sides of the story through site markers, decorations and presence, which is easily noticeable upon entrance. As we pulled into the parking lot next to Custer National Cemetery, we could see a teepee set up at the museum, white headstones and iron artwork up the hill.

Entrance to the National Monument is charged by transportation into the park. If you walk, ride your bike or come in on a motorcycle you will be charged the individual price of $5.00. If you drive into the park in your vehicle then there is a $10 charge for however many people you have crammed in there. This is extremely affordable for a large family like ours. The charge goes up from there on all commercial vehicles including sedans, vans & buses.

The first stop we made was to the extremely busy, but surprisingly clean restroom building in the middle of the parking lot. As a traveling mom of four, a clean restroom is something I am always in search of to keep on the list of approved stops.

teepee at little big horn national monument museum

Teepee at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Museum

We made our way into the bookstore to sign the guest book and get our tour map before heading up the Last Stand Hill. There are no official tour guides, however along the trail there is a cell phone tour. Each information plaque has a corresponding cellphone instruction you can listen to for additional historic information.

Kids looking at information plaques at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Checking out the information board about the Little Big Horn Battlefield.

As you make your way up Last Stand Hill the kids have a chance to run up the dirt trail to get the wiggles out. There are plenty of stopping points to read the information boards and view the wildlife and wild flowers. We didn’t see any snakes, but there were warnings. The obelisk at the top of Last Stand Hill has the names of all the Calvary soldiers carved into it on all four sides. There is handicap parking at the top of the hill for disabled visitors to be able to participate in almost every aspect of the battle site.

My family pleasantly posing at the top of Last Stand Hill in front of the Memorial Obelisk.

It’s just a short hike over to the Indian Memorial from Last Stand Hill. There is so much Native American symbolism displayed in this portion of the National Monument that was created in 2003. You pass by the “Spirit Gate” connecting the two worlds together as you enter the inner sanctum from the east as the Plains Indians would enter their place of dwelling. There are many writings in this sanctum to develop a better understanding of the Native American way of life that the Cayenne, Lakota Sioux and Arapahoe warriors were fighting to protect. There is also a beautiful living wall of bronze depicting the warriors that looks as if they will ride off into the plains surrounding it.

The kids posing at the Indian Memorial in front of the bronze ethereal tracings of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe Warriors

Throughout the entire hike to Last Stand Hill, Deep Ravine Walking Trail and the driving tour portion of the Little Bighorn National Monument you will see stone markers scattered around the plains marking the places where Soldiers, Native Americans and horses fell during the battle.

markers of fallen participants in the battle of little big horn

Markers of the fallen Horses, Native Americans and Calvary Members and a view of Custer National Cemetery.

After our hike we made our way into the museum to learn more about the Battle at Little Bighorn and watch the 25 minute presentation video. There was so much detail from the excavation of the site and how the remains and artifacts were handled to the detailed lives of those soldiers and warriors involved. The kids were able to see period attire, guns and art work depicting the battle.

Sampling of the interior of Little Big Horn National Monument

Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument trip can take as little as 30 minutes of your day or as long as the park stays open. They offer a 25 minute video, a quick uphill walk up Last Stand Hill, a loop around the museum, a walk through the cemetery, a longer hike to the Deep Ravine area, and a 4.5 mile driving tour for the price of admission to the park. There are additional tours options that can be purchased at the bookstore like the Apsaalooke Tours that bus you 5 miles to the Deep Ravine, RenoBenteen Battle site where the Battle at Little Big Horn actually started and end at Last Stand Hill and even a self guided CD tour that can be purchased at the bookstore. No matter your time, this trip is full of historical events that add a bit of ‘sneaky education’ to your family travel.

Fast Facts for Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

The actual location of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located just a short drive off of I-90 at 756 Battlefield Tour Road, Crow Agency, MT 59022.
It is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The hours of operation change with the seasons, but the park always opens at 8am.

Learn more about the Battle of Little Bighorn

Little Bighorn Battlefield: A History and Guide to the Battle of Little Bighorn: Custer Battlefield National Monument, Montana (National Park Service Handbook)
Where Custer Fell: Photographs of the Little Bighorn Battlefield Then and Now
Uncovering History: Archaeological Investigations at the Little Bighorn

Megan MNMSpecial is a domesticated-type mom, happily married for almost 13 years with four amazing kiddos. She has moved 16 times since marriage and has moved and traveled a lot with her family. She is a Taste Tester/Experimenter of Recipes that are typically corn free due to her family’s allergy. She has also developed a love/hate relationship with working out, but hopes to reach her goal weight this year.
She can be found blogging at MNMSpecial and is a Co-founder of Fitspiration For Moms LLC.

Family Vacation
Hardin

Disclosure- book links are via Amazon affiliate.

Filed Under: Montana, Mountains, USA Tagged With: history, Montana, national monument, road trip

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Visiting the National Monuments of Washington, D.C.

June 4, 2013 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

Our nation’s capital has so much to see and do for free, that you may not need to spend a thing beyond accommodations. Our family of nine (and including the occasional foreign exchange student), frequently take day trips to Washington D.C. to take advantage of all that that great city has to offer.

We are blessed to live in the countryside of Virginia, only 90 miles south of the District of Colombia. Home educating our kids and managing our own small organic farm keeps us quite busy, but family travel is a big part of our lifestyle and we do our best to make it affordable and educational.

A few of the Verbeeck Family in front of the capital building

Having a large family like ours, means we need to be as resourceful as possible to keep within a budget. And when you have a love for travel and adventure like we do, you can usually find a way to make it happen. For anyone who has to take expenses into consideration when travelling, Washington DC is a very enticing place to go!

For our typical trips to DC, we drive in and park along the National Mall. Usually you can find free parking – but be aware you will need to move your vehicle at 4 pm for rush hour on a weekday. There are many parking garages that you can find that are not too expensive, and you can have peace of mind about not rushing back to move your car. When driving, the traffic cameras are ubiquitous! Twice we have received speeding violation tickets in the mail after our trips! If you park on the Mall, you can walk the whole day and see many beautiful and historical monuments. We normally pack enough food and fill up a cooler of water from home to have a picnic on the mall lawn for our meals. This saves us money, though we have treated ourselves to eating at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area on occasion.

crowds at the Jefferson Memorial

Beyond all of the amazing Smithsonian Museums that we tour with the kids, the Monuments are truly rewarding to see. The gorgeous white marble buildings, classical architecture, statues and history of them all are astounding. So far, the ones we have visited and enjoyed for the age range of our family (11-54 yrs. old currently) are the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol Building and the Vietnam War Memorial. We have toured many more. These are just a few of the highlights of the Mall that can be accomplished in one day (with some good walking shoes and water bottles!) If you have little ones, consider bringing a stroller as you will be trekking quite a distance.

Lincoln Memorial at Night

Climbing the marble staircase to the Lincoln Memorial is easy enough, and the view from the top is especially beautiful at night. Inside the Monuments are museums for more historical learning on the particular site. We were excited to have had a personally guided tour of the Capitol Building by the staff of our local congressman Eric Cantor (who also happens to be the House Majority Leader). The older part of the building is filled with exquisite art, architecture, sculptures and mosaics. There are depictions of Americas History in large oil paintings that you and your family can learn from. Much can be learned and gleaned from these fabulous historical places. We also love the Jefferson Memorials that is fronting the Tidal Basin. There is a small museum underneath it to learn more about that great president of ours. It too, is beautiful all lit up at night.

Washington Monument

We have not yet had the opportunity to travel up to the top of the Washington Monument (the 555’ tall obelisk). It suffered some damage and shifted in the earth quake we experienced 1 ½ years ago and is not open to go up into yet. From there, you can easily walk over to the White House to view either in the front or back. We have not been inside the White House ever. Tickets need to be ordered online months before to get a tour.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Just a short drive from the Mall over a bridge on the Potomac River is the Arlington National Cemetery. Parking fees are minimal and it is so worth the visit there. We had a great surprise one day to see the “Changing of the Guard” plus a “Laying of the Wreath” ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For over an hour we witnessed a marching band and representatives of all of the military’s units marching in unison with their guns and the Minister of Defense of Iraq placed a wreath at the Tomb. It was truly memorable for my family- and our French guest. We admired the somber, yet beautiful, multiple rows of white grave markers and the Eternal Flame at the grave of President John F Kennedy.

These great monuments are just a small part of the fantastic sights of Washington DC. For every age, there is an unlimited amount of things to see and do in our beautiful Nations Capitol! When traveling with family (especially one as large as ours), DC can be a very affordable place to visit and perfect place to see many of our country’s beautiful National Monuments.

Susan Verbeeck is a mother of 9 who currently lives in Virginia. You can read her daily musings on life, homeschooling and organic farming at Grow In Grace Life.

Photo credits:

family at capital building and Washington Memorial: Susan Verbeeck

photo credit Jefferson memorial: MattHurst via photopin cc

photo credit Lincoln memorial: ucumari via photopin cc

photo credit Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Matthew Straubmuller via photopin cc

Filed Under: Eastern US, Washington DC Tagged With: Fun for Kids, history, National Monuments, Washington DC

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The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas

May 21, 2013 By Heather Buen Leave a Comment

Austin is the state capital of Texas with many attractions such as the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential library and the University of Texas. Austin is also where you can find a wonderful sanctuary committed to preserving 7,000 native plants from North America. Sitting on 279 acres of gardens, meadows, and hiking trails there are also nearly 80 acres of research plots. Along the grounds there is a cultivated wildflower meadow and garden which has 12 acres of about 650 species of native Texas plants. The three gardens specifically emphasize native plants and is part of the University of Texas system.

Actress Helen Hayes and former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson founded this organization in 1982 as the National Wildflower Research Center and now named the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. In 2006, the Center became an Organized Research Unit of the University of Texas at Austin. They also keep an extensive database of these species in the Native Plant Information Network. There are currently about one in five plant species in the United States that is in danger of extinction. Texas, which has about one fourth of the plant biodiversity nationally, has 23 endangered and five threatened plant species.

Entrance to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Location and General Information

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located on 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739 off of Highway 1.

Admission is as follows:

$9 for adults

$7 for seniors 65 years and older and students 13 years and older

$3 for children

Free for members and children under 4 years of age.

Memberships start at $45 and include many benefits such as reciprocal admission to 300 gardens across the country.

The Visitor’s Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day with extended hours until 8 p.m. Thursdays. Their full service café called the Wildflower Café which includes drinks, coffee, sandwiches and ice cream. The hours for the Wildflower Café are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. There is also a gift shop that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and oon to 5 p.m. Sunday

The Gardens at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The site lets you know in advance which flowers are in bloom. Since plants and flowers are seasonal you will get to see native plants in full bloom depending upon the season. Check out What’s In Bloom for current flower blooms. Each garden area or segment represents a different land type. For instance there are meadows, a wetland pond, woodlands, hill country stream, homeowner inspiration garden, butterfly garden, dry creek bed, the West Texas Mountain collection and more.

Wildflower Garden at Lady Bird Johnson WIldflower Gardens

Buildings and Structures

Another impressive feature about the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are the different architectural features and buildings. After you pay admission you will wind your way through and aqueduct system. The aqueduct is one of several water features that harvests water for the 70,000-gallon rainwater collection system. In the center next to the courtyard you will also see the observation tower that gives a bird’s eye view of the gardens. My children call it the castle, but it has a winding staircase and is also wheelchair/stroller friendly. It’s fashioned after watch towers of the Spanish Missions, it’s also used as a 10,000 gallon cistern. You will also see a visitor’s gallery and an auditorium at the center.

Inside the connecting gardens with a view of the observation tower

Research and Education

One of the things you will find at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is that adults and kids get an opportunity to learn about sustainable living and the native plants and insects. They center conducts research on native plant conservation and the benefits of wildflowers and other native plants in settings such as green roofs and highway roadsides. They also provide assistance for designing buildings and landscapes such as at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Since they are part of the University of Texas system, they teach educators about connecting audiences to nature. Nationally, they have reached thousands of children from Alaska to Florida as the trainers of educators in First Bloom, a project of the National Park Foundation to connect urban children to national parks.

Online Interaction

There is a lot of activity going on in social media for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Including all of their social media sites you can see instructional Youtube Videos about planting as well as podcasts about sustainable living. All of this is available in Interaction.

Family Visitor Insider

There’s plenty for families to take in at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. With acres of gardens, kids can interact in activities and take in the sights of all of the plants and native habitats. Kids will love the little insect house and the butterfly gardens. There is a lot to explore and see on the paths. Benches periodically line the trails and kids will see a variety of insects and birds as they make their way through each garden. Get the audio tour via iphone or download transcripts from this site for each garden.

Heather Buen is a freelance writer and blogger at Dallas Single Mom and for Dallas Culture and Events at Examiner.com. She is a mom of three and loves traveling about Texas and sharing her adventures on single parent travel.

All photos courtesy of Heather Buen

Filed Under: South, Texas Tagged With: flower gardens, Fun for Kids, Texas

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The Botanic Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth

May 14, 2013 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

To our family, travel isn’t just about fun. We try to use it to learn more about our wonderful world and the people and creatures inhabiting it. During most of our vacations, we try to find a subject each of our children are interested in and find a way to work it into our itinerary. Sometimes it is even necessary to pick our vacation destinations based on an interest, for instance choosing Hawaii to view the volcanoes or Galveston to find out more about sea turtles.

If you have a family member with an interest in plants, you will find a hidden gem in Fort Worth, Texas that is sure to feed their curiosity. While you may already know about the city’s botanic gardens you probably are unaware of their neighbor. Right next door, you can find The Botanic Research Institute of Texas (or BRIT).

The BRIT is housed in a building designed around sustainable practices. You can view their solar paneled roof or their restored prairie habitat. Their whole building is full of innovations in green architectural design. Self-guided tours are free, but guided tours may be arranged for a small fee.

But the real draw of the BRIT is their dedication to public education. They built this institute around a large collection of botanical books in their library and an impressive herbarium. The herbarium holds around one million plant specimens. Unlike most herbariums opened only for researchers, the BRIT is open to the public. You can make an appointment to use the herbarium, and an employee will help you. This would be great for your kids that are serious botanists in training.

If you are hoping to spark a plant interest in your family, the BRIT is still a great place to visit. Take some time to visit their rotating exhibits, before heading over to the beautiful Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Currently, they are showcasing native Texas plants. They also frequently have education sessions on Saturdays that we’ve found interesting for the whole family. Check their website at BRIT.org to find out what exhibits and education opportunities are present during the time of your visit.

Amy Moore is a family travel blogger and general manager at Everything-Everywhere.com.

Filed Under: South, Texas, USA

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The Japanese Garden in Fort Worth

May 7, 2013 By Jody Halsted 3 Comments

It’s very easy to think of Fort Worth as a place for cowboys, so it’s a good bet that many tourists don’t realize the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is just minutes from the zoo and within it an award winning Japanese Garden exists.

Blue Heron at Fort Worth Japanses Garden

Peace and Tranquility at the Japanese Garden in Fort Worth

If I am remembering the last Kung Fu Panda movie correctly, Po was searching for inner peace. I know there are times during our family travel that I find myself searching for the same thing. At the Japanese Garden, I found it.

Entry to Fort Worth Japanese Garden

After entering the main gate you can feel stress begin to melt away. By design, the strolling paths are a place of serenity, with plenty of places to stop and just absorb the beauty that surrounds you.

Waterfall Overlook at Fort Worth Japanese Garden

Before you think that bringing kids into such a serene environment will only ruin the calming nature of the garden, let me tell you that gardens have the same effect on children as they do on adults.

Moon Bridge at Fort Worth Japanses Garden

It’s a place to slow down…

Watching the Koi at Fort Worth Japanese Garden

To explore…

The Path Less Traveled at Fort Worth Japanese Garden

And to be amazed by nature.

Feeding Koi at Fort Worth Japanese Garden

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Japanese Garden is only one of the gardens withing the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

Classic European elegance and grandeur is the hallmark of the Lower Rose Garden.

The historic Oval Rose Garden will enchant you with its classic design, charming gazebo, and, of course, hundreds of roses.

Curving paths lead you through a dramatic series of thought-provoking color schemes and garden themes in the Fuller Garden.

From the frothy waterfall framed with sparkling floral color to the soothing brook laden with ferns, the Perennial Garden has something for everyone.

Designed to delight your nose and renew your sense of wonder, the Fragrance Garden features dozens of scented plants for your enjoyment.

If you seek the best in specialty plants and new varieties, the Trial Garden is your destination.

A favorite of visitors who seek quiet contemplation, the Four Seasons provides the excitement of color and botanical hybridization in a setting that allows relaxed reflection of the surroundings.

The Texas Native Forest Boardwalk is a living outdoor classroom—an elevated boardwalk with viewing platforms and educational features that also acts as a pathway connecting major features of the Botanic Garden.

Explore the winding paths to discover a kaleidoscope of orchids, bromeliads and exotic trees from around the world in the 10,000 square foot Conservatory.

A special thank to the Fort Worth CVB for showing me this beautiful, tranquil spot in their amazing city!

For more photos of family travel ideas in Fort Worth, visit my Fort Worth Texas set on Flickr or type “Fort Worth” in the search bar at the right.

Filed Under: South, Texas, USA Tagged With: family travel, Fort Worth, Fun for Kids, gardens, Japanese garden, Texas

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A World of Possibilities for All Ages at Liberty Science Center

April 23, 2013 By Shannon Entin Leave a Comment

There’s a feeling you get when you walk into Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. It’s a feeling of possibility. The spacious layout and hands-on exhibits draw you in to the wonder of science and experimentation, and the inspiring views of the New York City skyline remind you of freedom at every window.

My family has enjoyed Liberty Science Center (LSC) for years. Our visit last week started with the Skyscraper! exhibit, where we saw artifacts from 9/11 and learned how skyscrapers are built. The little ones (and not so little ones!) had fun building their own skyscrapers, while the more adventurous in our group walked a narrow steel girder 18 feet above ground, just like the ironworkers!

Walking the skyscraper girders at Liberty Science Center

Next we experienced 100 mph hurricane-force wind and rain while learning how engineers test how buildings behave in high winds. We got suited up in ponchos and goggles and sat in a wind tunnel. The wind and rain blew through the center and we were able to test the force with our hands – we would have been blown over if we’d stood up!

Braving a hurricane at LIberty Science Center

LSC, like most science centers, hosts traveling exhibits. From now until mid-May 2013, you and your kids can be immersed in the world of Avatar. With interactive installations and original props from the movie, you’ll learn how this amazing film was created using groundbreaking animation technology. My kids loved playing the games and learning the Na’vi language. My daughter’s favorite activity was creating her own plant.

Creating a Plant at Liberty Science Center

For the younger set, there’s the Curious George exhibit (also there until mid-May). Little fans of the funny monkey will delight in getting up close and personal with familiar settings from the show. They’ll explore the produce stand, city park, farm, space rocket slide, and mini golf – all while learning a bit about math, science and engineering.

After a bite to eat at the cafe, the kids visited the Energy Quest and Got Power? exhibits where they were able to experiment with various ways to make things go. From wind to tidal and solar to muscle, we used power to race cars, light up bulbs, move fans and spin wheels. My kids couldn’t get enough of these exhibits.

Blowing Bubbles at Liberty Science Center

Another spot I couldn’t pull them away from was the Wonder Why exhibit. You’ll want to grab a seat and relax while the kids climb the rock wall, test their reaction time, make a 6-foot soap bubble, balance a beach ball on a stream of air, and more. I couldn’t get them to move on until I mentioned the Touch Tunnel…

The Touch Tunnel is an 80-foot long, crawl-through pitch-black maze that has been the hands-down favorite at LSC for years. I tried it myself, and it’s an eye-opening experience feeling your way through complete and utter darkness. I think my kids crawled through seven times in a row. Thankfully, it wasn’t very crowded that day and we didn’t have to wait in lines!

Finally we made our way to the Infection Connection, where the kids were once again enthralled. This time it was the sneeze display that blew them away. Motion activated, this display sends out a puff of air and water, simulating a sneeze, whenever anyone gets within a few feet. I thought it was kinda’ gross, but the kids were belly-laughing and loving it, walking by again and again… and again!

And there’s even more to enjoy at LSC. There are live demos and lab experiences (reservations taken on a first-come, first-served basis), IMAX movies, story time, animal encounters, and an outdoor Wildlife Challenge (weather permitting).

Something else to love about LSC? Every window affords gorgeous views of the New York City skyline. You can see the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, and the Statue of Liberty and there’s an observation deck that is not to be missed.

Views of New York City from Liberty Science Center

If you’re in the NY/NJ area, spend a day at Liberty Science Center. You and your family will leave feeling inspired by a world of possibilities.

Shannon Entin is a family travel writer passionate about road trips and homeschooling – and how they come together to keep her and her family learning and growing all the time. She writes at 100 Routes Across America.

Filed Under: New Jersey Tagged With: Children's Museum, Fun for Kids, New Jersey, science museum

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National Parks You Should Visit

April 11, 2013 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

What National Parks do you have on your bucket list? Yellowstone? The Grand Canyon? Maybe Arches? All amazing family travel destinations.

Did you know that there are 59 National Parks across the US? With parks across the country, it’s easy to find a great National Park to visit for a weekend or an extended family vacation.

6 National Parks You Probably Haven’t Visited

Buffalo in Theodore Roosevelt Park. Photo credit: LoyalDefender2004 on Flickr

...these six lesser-known national treasures can be blissfully uncrowded while still delivering outstanding natural landscapes and wildlife viewing.

For children, a park visit can be extra special. Most of our national parks offer a free Junior Ranger program that typically includes a booklet of questions and scavenger hunt-like activities. Once tasks are completed, each kid receives a Junior Ranger certificate and badge. Can’t make it to a national park this summer? Some parks will even let kids earn a Junior Ranger badge online.

Click to continue reading the article 6 Great National Parks You’ve Never Visited at MiniTime.

See other National Parks articles here at Family Rambling.

Filed Under: Clips, Hawaii, MIchigan, Midwest, Mountains, National Parks, North Dakota, South, South Carolina, Texas, USA, Utah Tagged With: Fun for Kids, Hiking, National Parks, Travel Resources, US travel

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Visiting The Dinosaur Museum in Atlanta

April 9, 2013 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

Family travel isn’t travel for travel’s sake, but instead travel to expand the understanding and awareness of the people who will, one day, run the world. For that reason, family friendly museums are high on our list of places to visit. Of course the kids love them- they are fun! But a little “sneaky education” never hurts! Guest author Lesli Peterson takes us to her son’s favorite museum in this post.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, known affectionately in Atlanta as ‘The Dinosaur Museum’, is an interactive experience that proves science really is cool. Region-specific, life-size dinosaur statues greet you as you walk to the museum from the parking lot. Once inside, the largest plant-eating dinosaur that roamed the planet welcomes visitors, towering three stories tall in the Great Hall of the museum. Yes, this is indeed a ‘dinosaur museum.’

Aside from the relics of ancient past, Fernbank offers an IMAX theater, an interactive science exhibit, and a naturalist center highlighting Fernbank’s work in finding ruins from DeSoto’s mission in Georgia. There is ‘A Walk Through Time in Georgia’ which introduces visitors to plant and animal life over the various terrains in the state. There is a shell gallery, a rose garden, and an expansive forest for which this museum gets its name. However, when my four-year old exclaims his desire to visit Fernbank, I know he means that it’s time to head to NatureQuest.

NatureQuest is a child-friendly, highly interactive experiential learning exhibit that will amaze you (to say the least). Six years in the making, this environment was designed by the Fernbank Education team in conjunction with a host of designers from the land of Mickey and Donald. Children can immerse themselves in over 100 different interactive encounters across six habitats.

Imagine a large play area with a grand tree in which to climb, bridges, tunnels and waterscapes. There are live animal encounters in each habitat, and learning experiences tucked in every nook and cranny. In the center is the clubhouse which connects all the pieces together – there is even a habitat under the clubhouse.

My son loves NatureQuest because it’s fun. Parents and teachers appreciate that it is an educational immersion as well. Should you make your way to Georgia, come visit Fernbank. Gaze at the dinosaurs, walk through the forest, see Desoto’s treasures, but plan to spend several hours exploring nature in a new and exciting way at NatureQuest.

About the Author: Lesli Peterson is co-founder and editor at Expedition Mom, a North American family-travel website specializing in experiential “KNOW before you go” Adventure Guides and City Itineraries, with a Southern twist.

Save over 40% on admission to Atlanta’s 5 best attractions- including the Fernbank Museum!

Filed Under: Georgia, South, USA Tagged With: Atlanta, Children's Museum, entertainment, Fun for Kids, history, museum

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Fort Worth’s Wonderful, Walk-able, Cultural District

April 2, 2013 By Jody Halsted 2 Comments

A family vacation is the perfect opportunity to get your kids to accept culture. Where they may balk at visiting an art museum in their hometown, family travel sets a new stage for them to explore, and even welcome, new experiences in new locations.

The Fort Worth Cultural District is the perfect place for families to explore art, science and history- all within a family friendly, walk-able area.

The Fort Worth Cultural District

Located just minutes from downtown Fort Worth, the cultural district’s tree lined streets and more relaxed atmosphere are an urban oasis in one of Texas’ most vibrant cities. You’ll find plenty of parking (much of it free) and a wide variety of options- surely you’ll find something your entire family can agree on!

The Museums of the Fort Worth Cultural District

The museums of the Fort Worth cultural district are laid out in an awkward “L” shape; I recommend parking at one end or the other if you plan to spend a good part of your day visiting the district.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

With a focus on modern and contemporary art, the Modern Art Museum is certain to get your family talking. Whether you understand it or not (and I fall into the “not” category), there is something here that will catch your interest and spark your imagination.

If the weather is nice, step outside the museum to the lawn overlooking the still pool to view the sculptures. And let the kids step into Vortex near the entry- it’s a terrific echo chamber.

The Modern is open Tuesday-Sunday; closed holidays. Admission is $10 for adults (age 13 & up), $4 for students and seniors and free for children under 12. The museum is free the first Sunday of every month and half price on Wednesdays.

Kimball Art Museum

Often referred to as “America’s Best Small Museum”, the Kimball has pieces ranging from the ancient to 20th century pieces. While the collection is’t large (or overwhelming), each piece represents the very best of that period. You’ll find plenty of names you know here: Picasso, Gainsborough, Monet, Rambrant, Donatello, and Michelangelo’s earliest known work (painted when he was 12 or 13). Be sure to grab a Kimball Art Museum Kids pack when you arrive- this fun packet is part guide, part scavenger hunt and part art class. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in the art they see!

The Kimball also hosts films, workshops for children and adults, and family festivals.

The Kimball is open Tuesday – Sunday; closed holidays. Admission to the permanent collection is always free; special exhibitions do require ticket purchase. Exhibition tickets are half-price on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and on Friday evenings from 5–8 p.m.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

With over 200,000 objects- though only about 400 are on view at any given time, the Amon Carter Museum is one of the best places in the country to see American art of all types. Walking through the galleries is like walking through American history. Western art, collected by the museum’s benefactor, is displayed proudly at the entrance of the museum, giving you a glimpse of the man who said, “As a youth, I was denied the advantages which go with the possession of money. I am endeavoring to give to those who have not had such advantages, but who aspire to the higher and finer attributes of life, those opportunities which were denied to me.”

This statement is in evidence in the museum’s research library, supporting the study of American art and history, as well as the multitude of family events and programming the museum provides- much of it at no cost.

The Amon Carter Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday; closed holidays. Admission is free.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Inside the Museum of Science and History is the Fort Worth Children’s Museum with plenty of hands on “educational play”. The fun outdoor water stations are especially attractive to kids.

You’ll also find exhibits like DinoLab where you’ll see Texas’ official state dinosaur Energy Blast where you learn how electricity is created and the Fort Worth History Gallery which features an ever-changing series of stories from Fort Worth’s history. Be sure to venture to the second floor Cattle Raiser’s Museum to try rounding up cattle or try operating your own virtual ranch.

The planetarium, IMAX theater, special exhibitions and exciting lecture series, keep this museum ‘fresh’ every time you visit.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is open daily; closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $14 for adults (age 13 and up), $10 for children, toddlers and seniors. The planetarium, IMAX theater and special exhibitions are additional cost.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

This charming museum showcases the cowgirl, an often overlooked -but vital- part of Western history. Kids will be entranced by the push-button rotating display of rodeo outfits and their opportunity to ride a bucking bronc. More hands on displays include mini-jukeboxes playing classic country western music and the theater with saddle seats. A particularly favorite display features Jessie, the sassy red-headed cowgirl from Toy Story 2 & 3. The small theater invites you to ‘sit a spell’ and enjoy a bit of Americana- on a saddle.

The Cowgirl Hall of Fame features cowgirls as we picture them- think Dale Evans and Annie Oakley, but also those pioneer women who may not immediately come to mind- like the women of the Ingalls family. An incredible tribute, the “wall of fame” along the rear of the room hosts an image of every Hall of Fame inductee, while glass kiosks showcase recent entries. On an opposite wall you can search for inductees by state or last name, making it easy to learn the stories, and in some cases see video or hear audio of the women.

The Cowgirl Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday; closed holidays. Admission is $10 for adults (13 and up), $8 for seniors and children (ages 3-12), 3 and under are free.

Family travel isn’t always about exploring new places, but sometimes about exploring new ideas and experiences. The Fort Worth Cultural District is a terrific destination to add a dose of culture and ‘sneaky education’ to your family’s vacation.

Family Vacation
Fort Worth

Family Rambling would like to thank Visit Fort Worth for arranging our visit to the Fort Worth Cultural District, including tickets to the Modern Art Museum and the Bernini Exhibit at the Kimball.

Filed Under: South, Texas, USA Tagged With: entertainment, Fun for Kids, history, Texas, Travel Resources

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A Perfect Day in Fort Worth

February 26, 2013 By Jody Halsted 2 Comments

This post is part of the initiative “100 cities to home swap before you die” from Knok.com.

Fort Worth, Texas, quickly became one of my favorite cities to visit. Filled with history, culture, terrific food and loads of family friendly activities, we look forward to every visit.

A perfect day in Fort Worth begins just after breakfast with a visit to Forest Park. A beautiful, mature parkland nestled along the Trinity River, this is a perfect place to stroll with your family. If it’s a weekend or summer day, the Forest Park Miniature Railroad may be open for a relaxing ride through the parklands. At $3.50 for kids and $4 for adults, it’s a fun and affordable entertainment.

Forest Park Miniature Railroad Photo credit: arizonaandpacificrr.com

Not far from Trinity Park is the Fort Worth Zoo. We love this zoo because the animals always seem so active. With over 500 species of animals, the exhibits take you from Texas to Africa- with many stops in between. We always spend the most time watching the gorillas… the little ones are so playful!

Amusing Apes at the Fort Worth Zoo

By early afternoon the girls begin making noises about being hungry. Our favorite lunch stop- Joe T. Garcia’s. Once a small restaurant that seated 16 people, the outdoor patio seating has expanded and now covers a full city block. My girls love to eat in “the castle courtyard” near the pool. Serving delicious, homemade Mexican food, the spicy aromas waft through the patio gardens, mixing with the flowers and creating an intoxicating floral-spice scent. Freshly made tortilla chips and crisp garden salsa are delivered immediately, along with your menus. There is no wrong choice of meal here; everything is fresh, fabulous and filling.

Lunch at Joe T Garcia’s

From lunch it is only a short jaunt to the Fort Worth Stockyards. A must for any visitor, the Stockyards District is filled with interesting shops. Buy a cowboy hat in one of the souvenir shops, then make your way to the more interesting “galleries” filled with furnishings, antiques and Texas memorabilia.

Try on a pair of hand-crafted cowboy boots at Leddy’s. A word of caution- if you have to ask how much they are, you probably can’t afford them.

Wander through Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honkey tonk, and pay a visit to the museums scattered throughout the area.

At 4pm find a spot along Exchange Avenue for the twice-daily cattle drive. Long horn cattle are massive, with a horn span that can reach 6 feet! Though the cattle seem gentle, they are easily spooked- so pay attention!

Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive

After exploring the Stockyards, following the Texas Trail of Fame and maybe having a sasparilla at Booger Red’s while sitting on a saddle shaped seat, it’s time to head back and relax a bit before dinner.

If you are lucky enough to have friends or relatives in the Fort Worth area, enlist their help with the kids and plan a nice evening in the entertainment district of Sundance Square. Theater, music and restaurants are all within walking distance of each other and terrific for a romantic evening.

Make reservations for dinner at Reata. If possible, ask for a table on the rooftop patio- it’s absolutely gorgeous. The food at Reata is the epitome of Texas cuisine. Beautiful beef and Tex-Mex are on the menu, as is a featured game on the weekends. And try to save room for dessert- especially if the Chocolate Bread Pudding Tamale is being served!

Dinner at Reata, Downtown Fort Worth. Filet with grilled shrimp; Elk

It’s a shame to end an romantic evening without an evening stroll, so make your way toward the Convention center- just a few blocks down Houston Street- and wander through the Fort Worth Water Garden; it’s absolutely stunning when lit up at night.

Fort Worth Water Gardens at night Photo credit: FarzinPhoto.com

Filed Under: South, Texas

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