travelswithminis

It summer, and summer is almost over!

Have you taken advantage of any of the FREE family fun options that are offered to military families?

Blue Star Museums

These are many types of museums, (history, arts, children’s, discovery) that are free for military families during the summer. Labor Day is fast approaching (the last day of program) and with school starting soon, get those kids out in the world for some hands on experiences!

We visited three Blue Star Museums on our trip, two of which are museums we went to last summer as well, but they are great. We almost went to four, but one was a walking tour partially outdoors and it felt to be 100 degrees so we quickly said no to that, maybe early next year.

1) Virginia discovery Museum, Charlottesville, Virginia

This is a favorite of our and is about five minutes from our in-laws home. It’s indoors and on the downtown mall near our favorite pizza place and sweet treat stop. There are tons of fun educational things from the awesome vacuum tubes in the front window to the kid sized mock Panera Bread store in the back.

My son catching a scarf from the top of the vacuum tubes.

This is the tot room for kids under three.

All of the squares under the letters and above the number speak the letter or number

My sons first job at Panera Bread

Daughter gathering honey bees instead of honey 🙂

Don’t forget to give your kids an old fashion manual carousel ride. It’s Free but its hard work on the moms.

Pack a chalk or two and let the minis have a go at the Free Speech wall. They may have something to say.

Another Museum we went to was a one hour tour at the Carlyle House Historic Park. We were in the area and decided to drive to Alexandria while the other adults and older children were participating in things that were too old for my kiddos. My mother-in-law accompanied me, and I’m glad she did. This museum isn’t the most enjoyable for minis. While it is only 45 minutes (15 minute video, 45 walking around the home), you aren’t allowed to touch anything. There are designated green chairs in certain areas you can it but to touch anything that isn’t a green chair is taboo. There is one “interactive” activity and its a mock slave labor task of lift a water pale. We were the only ones at the house then so it did have the perk of having our own docent and a private tour.

the kids walking up to the house.

My son testing his hand at a little slave labor

the green chairs

why did you bring me here?

Our tour guide Michelline, she said she had never let any take a picture of her or with her, but the kids were so good… until the last minute when C decided I will not hold your hand.

And lastly but never least, you may have seen from and earlier post we are big fans of the Greensboro Childrens Museum in Greensboro, NC. This place is big, spaced out and has lots of fun activities to do with the kids. A big production stage, full size fire truck, semi-truck, police and race car, camping area, rock walls, craft room, garden, and so much more. My kids love the grocery store.  Highly recommend this museum. Always. Always.

the big clock, second best to the “blue clues” chair

the minis shopping

C pouring tea on the train, she ended up serving many guests.

the tunnel slide from the plane.

My boy, building.

My girl playing piano.

Have you visited any museums that participate in the Blue Star program? Which is your favorite?