Some of the best children’s museums in the U.S.

As you meticulously craft your family’s checklist to have the best summer ever, you don’t have to compromise education for fun, contrary to what your kids might say! Visiting your local children’s museum can provide an action-packed day for the whole family!

I must admit, I get equally excited as my four-year old cousin when I go to the children’s museum. Where else can I go to channel my inner child, blow bubbles, and learn about dinosaurs? Whether you plan to stay at home or travel this summer, here are some notable children’s museums well worth the visit!

The Children’s Museum, Boston

Though I’ve been here more times than I can recall, the Children’s Museum in Boston never ceases to entertain me. This museum features several exhibits based on popular children’s book and television series such as “Arthur” and “Peep and the Big Wide World.”

At these interactive exhibits, children can explore, imagine, and role-play in their favorite character’s settings such as Mr. Ratburn’s classroom or Peep’s pond! The Boston Children’s Museum also provides areas to encourage hands-on science and experimental learning for curious minds.

The museum most recent addition, “Countdown to Kindergarten” focuses on preparing children entering kindergarten.

Entrance fee: $12 for adults, $12 for children (ages 1-15)
Visit www.BostonKids.org for more information.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

This impressive museum has 365,000 feet of gallery space all filled with playful and educational displays. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis even has a 185-acre nature preserve and a 130-seat planetarium.

The museum’s “Dinosphere” exhibit features a colossal collection of dinosaur memorabilia that will stop parents and children right in their tracks. Upon examining massive dinosaur skeletons, visitors can then move on to the “Bones” exhibit where children can learn about their own bones and how to keep them healthy.

Children can navigate through the endless exhibits, stumbling upon what best strikes their interests and attracts their attention.

Entrance fee: $16.50 for adults, $11.50 for children (ages 2-17)
Visit www.ChildrensMuseum.org for more information

The National Museum of Play, Rochester, New York

The National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York offers a variety of children’s play. Toddlers can have fun and interact with their favorite Sesame Street characters while older children can star in their own cooking show at the museum’s TV studio.

The National Museum of Play is also the only children’s museum with a year round indoor butterfly garden. You can explore the exotic rain forest environment as beautiful butterflies flutter around you!

If things get a bit messy during your visit, the extra thoughtful staff provides complimentary baby and child packs for minor mishaps such as spills or if you simply forgot to pack extra diapers.

Entrance fee: $12 for adults, $10 for children (ages 2-15)
Visit www.museumofplay.org for more information

Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul

The Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota is an excellent resource for young children interested in science. Kids can manipulate light to cast shadows or build towers to test gravity.

For children who especially love building blocks, the Minnesota Children’s Museum presents “Lego Castle Adventure” where children can build castles and forts using Lego bricks! Children can also dress up as knights are princesses and play in their newly built castles!

Entrance fee: $9 for adults, $9 for children
Visit www.mcm.org for more information

Madison’s Children’s Museum, Wisconsin

If you’d like to teach your children more about being environmentally conscious, the Madison Children Museum in Madison, Wisconsin kicks up the green initiative. Children can help plant a garden or collect eggs from the museum’s chicken coop!

The Madison’s Children’s Museum is also a wonderful place to release your creativity in the museum’s art studio. Children use recycled materials when making their art projects and can display their finished creations in the Art Studio Gallery.

If your child begins to feel a bit hungry, grab a bite at the museum’s Bean Sprouts café, where healthy foods are proudly provided and served.

Entrance fee: $7 for adults, $7 for children

Visit www.madisonchildrensmuseum.org for more information

Where’s your favorite children’s museum?