We Go With Kids!

Category: denver

  • Best Natural History Museums in the World

    Best Natural History Museums in the World

    Our kids love museums, and we often visit natural history museums while we travel, particularly those that participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, which provides members of participating museums free reciprocal admission to hundreds of natural history, science and children’s museums.  Natural history museums are a great way to extend classroom learning.  We asked our fellow family travel bloggers for their favorites and came up with this list of the best natural history museums in the world (asterisked museums are participants in the ASTC Travel Passport Program):

    Best Natural History Museums With Kids

     

    #1:  American Museum of Natural History With Kids* (New York City, New York)

    The American Museum of Natural History is the largest Natural History museum in the world and is housed in a beautiful building in New York’s Upper West Side, right outside Central Park. It’s crammed full of artifacts from land, sea and space and is super family friendly for visitors with kids. Our favourite section (and I think the favourite for the majority of visitors) is the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs, which contains a huge selection of dinosaur fossils. There is a T-Rex, a stegosaurus, a triceratops and loads more for any dino fans. But it’s not only dinosaurs, the Museum also has a fantastic oceans exhibit – home to the amazing 94 foot long blue whale model, halls featuring birds and reptiles halls (watch out for the 25 foot python!), exhibits about human origins and cultural diversity and a fantastic section about space. All around the museum are interactive touch screens with more information, and don’t all kids love a touch screen?! General admission for adults costs $23 and $13 for children.  The Museum opens daily at 10 am, which is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

    Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids.

     

    #2:  Denver Museum of Nature and Science With Kids* (Denver, Colorado)

    We are privileged to have a world-class nature and science museum in Colorado. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has something for everyone with an interest in natural science. The Museum has an IMAX Theater and planetarium with various shows. Traveling exhibits include such divergent topics as Vikings, bioluminescent animals, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The permanent exhibits showcase outer space, animals from around the world, the intricacies of our bodies, Egyptian mummies, and prehistoric dinosaurs.

    But we love bling, so our favorite museum exhibit is the gems and mineral showcase. As self-professed rock hounds, we love to see the awe-inspiring collection of minerals and gemstones. Indigenous Colorado gemstones include aquamarine, amazonite, and the very rare rhodochrosite. The largest gold nugget found in Colorado is also on display. We always learn new things about the gemstones and minerals during our visits.

    Recommended by Lance Hale from Family Well Traveled.

     

    #3:  Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa With Kids (Wellington, New Zealand)

    Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (commonly referred to as “Te Papa”) is mind-blowing and an unmissable stop on a New Zealand itinerary. Perched on the waterfront in Wellington, this 6 story building is stuffed with awe-inspiring exhibitions on Aotearoa/New Zealand’s history, it’s natural world and cultural treasures. Te Papa Tongarewa (meaning ‘container of treasures”) is literally packed with hands on, interactive exhibits, which our kids, ages 6 and 3 loved. Far from dragging them around the museum, they ran from exhibit to exhibit excited and totally engaged. The five main collections are Arts, History, Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, and Natural History. From impressive native species such as the pygmy blue whale skeleton and the world’s largest specimen of the rare colossal squid (weighing 496 kg!) to more light-hearted exhibits such as Peter Jackson replicas of Orcs to more sobering inclusions such as the current Gallipoli exhibition, Te Papa is, in our opinion, one of the greatest museums in the world.  FREE ENTRY apart from specific touring exhibitions.  Allow a full day!

    Recommended by Mags Nixon from The Family Freestylers.

     

    #4:  National Museum of Natural History and Science With Kids* (Tokyo, Japan)

    The best museum in Ueno Park for families with kids is the National Museum of Natural History and Science.   This is the huge building with a concrete blue whale on one side and a locomotive on the other. That basically sums up what the museum is about – the encounter of people with nature, which in Japanese culture is a continuum rather than a disruption.

    The Museum tells the story of how people came to Japan (via Okinawa), and how the islands looked before they came. That part of the museum is pretty conventional, although English explanations are limited.  Audio guides are also available.

    The coolest part of the museum is the “global gallery”, which goes down three levels into the ground, with dinosaurs in the middle. The cartoon movie explanation of evolution one floor below is also very interesting, a bit tongue in cheek, although everyone looks like an American cartoon from the 1950s. We were entertained by the exhibit representing the smart phone as the peak of evolution.

    The upper floors of the global gallery contain exhibits about technology, Japanese technology of course. The upper floors are where kids will get their most lasting memory of their visit in ComPASS, the space for children’s play and communication. It was recently opened after a renovation and is really fun for the kids. It is so popular that visitors have to get a queue ticket at the information desk at the first floor.

    Especially on rainy days, the museum can be crowded. Bring a packed lunch and eat it in the lunch space on the basement floor of the old building (the “honkan”). There are two restaurants, but the wait could be as long as several hours to be seated.  Except for the dinosaurs, children do need adult explanation of the exhibits but absolutely love exploring this fact-packed museum.

    Recommended by Wisterian from Wisterian Watertree.

     

    #5:  Natural History Museum With Kids (London, England)

    There is so much to captivate children at London’s Natural History Museum whether they’re into dinosaurs and furry owls or giant whales and tiny insects. Visitors can feel the earth move in the Earthquake machine, play detective games around the museum and visit colorful butterflies in the Butterfly House. The hands-on Science Centre is a great place for children to examine specimens from around the world, using microscopes and other instruments.

    The most popular gallery is the Dinosaurs, where visitors can get up close to prehistoric specimens, including the skull of a plant-eating Triceratops, an Iguanodon, one of the first species of dinosaur, and of course, the formidable Tyrannosaurus Rex.  Hope, a 25 meter long blue whale skeleton, is suspended from the ceiling of the main hall.  The Natural History Museum is open daily and admission is free.

    Recommended by Nicky of Go Live Young.  Find out more from Nicky about London with kids.

     

    #6:  Natural History Museum (Vienna, Austria)

    Vienna’s Natural History Museum was one of the highlights of our trip to Vienna with our kids, aged 3 and 1 years old. We actually pushed this activity as one of the last, since it isn’t specifically geared towards kids, but we are so glad we didn’t miss it! For kids who love animals, this place is a must. We toured the taxidermy exhibit on the top floor of the Museum, where taxidermy of every kind of mammal imaginable was exhibited 3 times and saw every kind of mammals imaginable! The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, and the Museum is enjoyable for adults too. Even our 1-year-old was amazed at all the animals. Families visiting Vienna with kids should not push this museum off – it’s totally kid-friendly and adult friendly too!

    Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide.

     

    #7:  Natural History Museum of Marseille With Kids (Marseille, France)

    There may be countless natural history museums in the world, but not many of them are housed in magnificent 19th century palaces. If you happen to be in the city of Marseille in the south of France, make sure you visit the Natural History Museum of Marseille located inside the Palais Longchamp. Why our family loves this museum:

    • It contains thousands of zoological, botanical, mineral and fossil specimens, some of them long extinct.
    • It has four permanent exhibits: Safari Room, Provence Room, Human Earth and Land of the Living.
    • It has an old-fashioned feel to it. It was founded in 1819, and we felt like we were indeed stepping back to the 19th century when visiting it.
    • There is a great interactive display for kids.
    • It has free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

    Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags.Org.  Find out more from Bea about the Natural History Museum of Marseille.

     

    #8:  Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum With Kids* (Washington, D.C.)

    We recently traveled to Washington D.C. on our recent White Christmas trip to the U.S., and visiting a few of the Smithsonian Museum’s was top of our list. First up was the National Museum of Natural History, located on the National Mall near Capitol Building. I wasn’t sure how interested the kids would be and had expected that we would whip around this museum in a few hours. How wrong was I, as we took a whole day exploring this Museum, and I still feel that we rushed through some parts of it.

    The Museum is reported to be home to approximately 126 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, human remains and human cultural artefacts. The kids most enjoyed the interactive areas, particularly where they were able to place items under a microscope and analysis them. There are a large number of animals from each continent on display, including animals that are now extinct. My son was also very interested in the Egyptian, artefacts including the mummies on display.  The museum is huge, and visitors could spend a week here and still not see if all. A full day gave us a good look around and kids enjoyed every minute of it.

    Recommended by Sally Lucas from Our 3 Kids v the World.

     

    #9:  South Australian Museum With Kids (Adelaide, Australia)

    The South Australian Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia.  With five floors of exhibits covering fossils, mammals, Ancient Egypt, special exhibition spaces and more plus Aboriginal and Pacific Cultures collections, the South Australian Museum offers plenty for young and old.  With so many interactive hands on activities, kids will absolutely love it here.  No doubt they will love checking out the various world mammals, learning about the various South Australian biodiversity and checking out the giant squid that spans across four floors dangling in an elevator shaft!

    During the school holidays, the Museum has free school holiday programs attracting more than 5,000 school kids each holiday period.  The Discovery Centre Team located on level 1 is more than happy to have a chat about any of the exhibits, and visitors can also see bees making honey, which is sure to keep little, and big kids busy for a while.  The Discovery Centre is open from 11am-4pm weekdays, and 11am-3pm weekends and public holidays.  The Museum is open every day from 10am-5pm, including weekends and public holidays. Entry is free; however some exhibitions may charge an admission fee.

    Recommended by Melissa Delaware of Thrifty Family Travels.  Find out more from Melissa about Adelaide with kids.

     

    We love natural history museums with kids and can’t wait to visit all of these world’s best natural history museums.  For more amazing museums for young scientists, check out the World’s Best Science Centers With Kids!

  • Best U.S. Zoos With Kids

    Best U.S. Zoos With Kids

    Like most kids, my kids love zoos.  We have been regular visitors of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo since my oldest was a few months old and even had an annual membership there for years.  Zoos are generally great for families – they are a stroller paradise, and even the youngest babies are mesmerized by the animal habitats.  They also offer great educational opportunities – my kids learned about many animals by watching them in their habitats.  They could identify armadillos as toddlers and knew that giraffes like to eat lettuce because they’ve had the opportunity to feed them on several different occasions. With zoos in almost every metropolitan area in the U.S., we asked our fellow family travel bloggers for their favorites and came up with this list of the best U.S. zoos with kids:

     

    Bronx Zoo – Bronx, New York

    A trip to New York City conjures up thoughts of big buildings and the urban jungle. But a short subway ride away, up in the borough of the Bronx, is one of the most iconic, world-famous zoos.  The Bronx Zoo is very large with various exhibits and attractions. The Zoo is open year-round and features outdoor animals like bears, sea lions, tigers, and wild dogs along with indoor exhibits such as the aviary, giraffe house, monkey house, world of reptiles and our favorite, the Madagascar exhibit.

    In addition to the animals, my family loves the attractions at the Bronx Zoo – from the newly renovated children’s zoo, to the bug carousel and the World Asia Monorail! We have visited the Bronx Zoo often, and always have trouble seeing everything in one day!

    Recommended by Harmony from Momma To Go.

     

    Dallas Zoo – Dallas, Texas

    The Dallas Zoo includes 100 acres of not only animal exhibits, but educational and interactive exhibits for all ages! This zoo is perfect for kids of all ages! Our family favorites include the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari Monorail. We’ve spent hours in the Children’s Zoo playing, exploring, hand feeding birds, splashing in the creek that runs through the nature playground and petting the farm animals – it’s the perfect spot to let the kids explore! The monorail also provides the perfect break for those tired feet as it gives everyone a birds-eye view of five African habitats that visitors can’t visit by foot. This ride provides amazing views of hippos, chimps, crocodiles, penguins, and many more animals, along with a beautiful ride through a waterfall!

    For elephant fans like us, the Giants of the Savannah habitat is a big hit – it’s the only multi-species zoo exhibit in the US to mix elephants with other species like zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, in the same habitat!

    Recommended by Ashley Clark from Timeout in Paradise.

     

    Denver Zoo – Denver, Colorado

    One of our favorite zoos is the Denver Zoo. We love being able to witness the baby animals. Over the past few years, we have seen infant red pandas, gorillas, bongos and zebras. But, one of our favorite experiences has been watching a baby giraffe growing up. Dobby was a surprise birth. He was born during the time when everyone’s focus was on April the giraffe giving birth in 2017. Surprise! Nobody knew that Dobby’s mom was pregnant until she gave birth in February to the reticulated infant giraffe. We have enjoyed watching the little guy (well, big guy now) growing stronger and taller.

    Recommended by Lance Hale from Family Well Traveled.

     

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the most unique zoological theme park that we’ve ever experienced! In fact, it is an enriching cultural experience. We have done complete cultural lessons for our “ABCs” (our four children) just by spending intentional time in the themed areas! From admiring the architecture, taking part in cultural traditions, dining on authentic food, and even hearing stories from cast members about their home country, it is full of depth and richness.

    As for the amazing animals, they are relatively free roaming in their natural environments. Visitors meet most of them on an open-air safari tour or on exotic jungle trails woven throughout the park. Kids can also take part in a free Wilderness Explorers program where they can earn badges for attending brief lessons about the animals. It is great for engagement, a special souvenir, and is an awesome learning experience.

    And then, lastly, there are the world-renowned rides and attractions! Each ride is amazing, and a lot of people come just for the rides. However, we encourage visiting families to spend a whole day there and really take their time exploring the details of the park. There is so much depth and richness to uncover.

    Recommended by Danielle Weiden from Traveling ABCs.

     

    Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth, Texas

    Among the greatest features of Fort Worth Zoo is the “Wilder Vision,” backed by a $100 million project spanning ten years including an additional ten acres of exhibit space, experiential dining, new ways to observe and interact with animals, and conservation efforts. Our favorites activities at the Zoo include:

    • Eating With Crocodiles: With only a glass barrier separating visitors and the wild, dine in an underwater viewing area at Crocodile Café.
    • Interacting with animals: Feed free-roaming giraffes on the African Savanna, offer cockatiels and parrots birdseed in the walk-through Parrot Paradise Aviary, or cuddle snakes in the award-winning 30,000 square foot indoor/outdoor Herpetarium.
    • Splashing in the wild: Play at the 14,000 square foot animal-themed Safari Splash water park.
    • Untamed Learning: Kids can participate in formal educational classes taught by certified teachers for all ages including preschool, middle school camps, a high school career camp and full day summer camps. Amy Coslik, Fort Worth Zoo Animal Projects Coordinator and mother of two states: “The camps provide opportunity to learn about and work in all areas of the Zoo, including our one-of-a-kind Nutrition Services department…responsible for feeding all 7,000 animals at the Zoo.” Programs highlight enrichment for animals and conservation while using electronic resources and hands-on techniques.

    Recommended by Brandy Morgan from Kid Allergy Travel.

     

    Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska

    Omaha’s zoo, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, is located just off I-80 and is an easy stop for families heading across the country or spending a little time in Nebraska. Kids will love some of the largest displays of their kind, constant development of new exhibits, and a friendly Midwestern vibe. A large aquarium houses jellyfish, penguins, and a shark tank with a tunnel to walk through.

    There’s also a sting ray touch tank for some hands-on time with animals. Another highlight is the new African Grasslands exhibit with elephants and giraffes, part of which is under the “Skyfari” aerial tram that runs across the campus. Then visitors can head over to the world’s largest indoor desert, the Desert Dome, which is an iconic Omaha landmark. There are also cats and apes and sea lions and bugs.  For another reason to go, the team at the zoo conducts world-class research and conservation efforts that are truly unique. Visitors’ patronage supports plant and animal restoration locally and abroad.
    It’s a must see for anyone passing through Omaha!

    Recommended by Joshua from One Good Family Life.

     

    Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, Illinois

    The Lincoln Park Zoo is a completely free park. Visitors can walk right in at any of the six gates. There’re no turnstiles, no actual gates and no wristbands. We took the CTA bus route No. 151 from the AC Marriott Hotel near the Magnificent Mile and were dropped off right in front of the Lincoln Park Zoo sign. While the indoor buildings don’t open until 10 a.m., the gates open at 7 a.m., which allows for families to view animals when they are most active. A visit to this zoo during our recent 2-night trip to Chicago was a perfect break from the typical Chicago sights. This is a decent sized zoo, with a variety of animals and an amazing view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visitors can spend a few hours or pack a picnic and turn it into a full day visit. Pro tip: Don’t miss the climbing structure or the otters, which are located in the building near the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.

    Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel.

     

    The Maryland Zoo – Baltimore, Maryland

    While not possessing the grandeur of the National Zoo, Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo is a kid-friendly and logistically easy day out.  Visitors need a car to get to the Zoo, as it is not walkable from downtown Baltimore. Those with young kids should take the shuttle to the main entrance as the walk is long, and kids will tire out. My suggestion is to first head to the Polar Bear Watch, which is near the entrance and gives kids the quick gratification of watching the bears up close, swimming and playing with toys. Afterwards, move on to African Journey, where kids can feed giraffes and watch elephants play in water with one another. Then, on to Maryland Wilderness.

    Kids enjoy the nooks and crannies of the zoo, including oversized bird nests for climbing, lily pads to jump across, tree slides, a bat cave and even a petting zoo area. There is also a small merry-go-round for younger kids.

    The Maryland Zoo does offer a couple of unremarkable food stands with pizza, hot-dogs, salads, burgers and chicken fingers. A nice alternative is to pack a picnic lunch. The Zoo is nicely shaded and plenty of grassy areas beckon a blanket and a relaxing lunch.


    Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.


    The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens – Miami, Florida

    The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, or simply Zoo Miami, is one of our favourites. Here are the reasons why we absolutely love it:

    • It is the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States. Because of south Florida’s climate, many animals from tropical places feel right at home here.
    • Visitors will be hard pressed to find animals in cages. Because of this zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, the displays are mostly open air, yet very safe for the public.
    • Visitors can explore the zoo on a Safari Cycle (a pedal-powered bicycle/vehicle that can accommodate up to 8 people). This is a perfect way to see this massive zoo.
    • Visitors can watch animal feedings or even feed the giraffes, rhinos, camels, giant tortoises and parrots themselves.
    • The zoo is very large (750 acres) and thorough visitors who wish to come back within ten days of their original visit receive reduced admission.

    Recommended by Bea from Pack Your Bags.

     

    Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in the U.S. dating from 1859. Despite its history and architecture, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this Zoo. It has a 4-D Migration Theater and research centres as well as see-through mesh walkways that go above the treetops all throughout the 42-acre facility. My kids loved watching animals (mostly monkeys) scamper overhead on the walkways. It’s easy to get to the Philadelphia Zoo – there’s good parking facilities, which are great for a city-centre zoo. Nearby there is also the 2000-acre Fairmount Park which, is wonderful for a roam when the kids need to let off some steam.

    Recommended by Shobha George of Just Go Places.  Find out more from Shobha about visiting Philadelphia.

     

    Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Columbia, South Carolina

    With over 2,000 animals, eight different gardens, and even a few historical landmarks, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina is one of our favorite zoos! Why? Well, mainly because of a very simple reason: it is so easily walkable. After visiting zoos throughout the United States, we have truly come to appreciate a zoo that has exhibits located close enough together that little feet can walk with ease. Riverbanks Zoo has attractions including train rides, zip lines, and even a splash zone which is always fun for kids of all ages. But, our family favorites are the animal demonstrations like the penguin presentation and feeding the giraffes!

    Recommended by Julie from More than Main Street.  Check out their family friendly guide to Columbia, South Carolina for more ideas of things to do in South Carolina’s state capital.

     

    San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California

    The San Diego Zoo is world famous and for good reason. Not only is this 100-acre zoo huge, but it’s home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species. The San Diego Zoo offers several options to help visitors see as many animals as possible. For walking, a stroller is a must, and stroller rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get to the other side of the zoo, there is the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which offers some incredible views at the same time. For tired legs, there’s a double-decker bus that provides guided bus tours that cover most of the zoo, while the Kangaroo Bus is a hop on/hop off bus with four different stops throughout the zoo. Transportation aside, what truly makes the San Diego Zoo exceptional is the host of different animals to see. Not to be missed are the pandas, koalas, orangutans, and polar bears.

    In addition to all that, the San Diego Zoo is located within the beautiful Balboa Park. Though the zoo is likely to take an entire day to visit, there is also plenty more to see nearby.

    Recommended by Celine from Baby Can Travel.  Find out more from Celine about the San Diego Zoo.

     

    Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Washington, D.C.

    The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a family favorite, and it’s a free admission zoo that is open 364 days per year. The 163-acre large park located in Washington, D.C. offers 18 distinct areas and is home to over 2,000 animals, 25% of which are endangered. Not to be missed animals include the endangered Giant Pandas (follow the panda camera from home), The Great Ape House (see the first orangutan born at the National Zoo in 25 years), the American Trail and the Great Cats. We recommend taking public transportation to the National Zoo and enjoying it in the early morning when the pandas and other large animals are most active. The National Zoo is built on a hill, so take that into consideration when planning a trip with young children. While the zoo is free, food is very costly so plan accordingly and visit around meals or bring a picnic and lots of water. Visitors should plan on a minimum of three hours to enjoy this Zoo, but a full day at the massive National Zoo would not be difficult to imagine.

    Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel.  Find out more from Ruth about Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

    We love visiting zoos with kids, and there are so many of these top zoos in the U.S. that we have not yet visited.  Make sure to check out our post on the Best International Zoos With Kids and other zoos we have visited with kids during our travels.