museums – Family Travel 411 https://familytravel411.com Your next adventure starts here! Wed, 24 Aug 2022 18:50:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.familytravel411.com/doughnut/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/familytravel411-square-logo-small.jpg museums – Family Travel 411 https://familytravel411.com 32 32 Huntsville with Kids – Alabama Family Travel Guide https://familytravel411.com/huntsville-with-kids-alabama/ https://familytravel411.com/huntsville-with-kids-alabama/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2015 04:32:14 +0000 http://www.familytravel411.com/?p=701 ALABAMA, Huntsville with Kids – Any self-respecting space travel enthusiast will tell you that a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is compulsory when visiting Hunstville with kids,…

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ALABAMA, Huntsville with Kids – Any self-respecting space travel enthusiast will tell you that a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is compulsory when visiting Hunstville with kids, and after having so much fun on my own visit, I won’t argue with that  (click here for my feature review with tips if you plan to go). But historic Huntsville, I quickly discovered, has much more than rockets to offer curious travelers.

Boasting the largest collection of pre-Civil War era homes in Alabama and a higher number of PhDs per capita than you’ll find in other major U.S. cities, you can be certain Huntsville has plenty of sights to stimulate the eyes and intellects of visiting parents and children alike.

The 411 on Huntsville with kids

So where would I recommend starting if you have the chance to visit Huntsville with kids? Here are 4 great activities to prioritize, with 1 great place to eat and 1 great place to stay during your family’s visit.

 

Activity 1: Explore the Earlyworks Children’s Museum

Earlyworks Children's Museum

At the Earlyworks Children’s Museum, kids not only step back in time but also into a 46-foot keelboat trading ship, a furnished log cabin, and a stocked general store.

Huntsville’s Earlyworks Children’s Museum showcases many interesting details of life in early Alabama with much for students of history to sink their teeth into. Families can walk into a typical log cabin to get a taste of everyday life. Then visit a shop where you can calculate costs of goods by weighing them and see historical samples of the different early state’s currencies. Next, walk on to and through a trading keelboat, and learn all about how the local grist mills worked.

Should the mood strike you (or just your kids), there are 19th-century outfits they can try on during their visit. Just beware the talking tree! It can be a bit startling the first time you hear it! If you’re visiting with a toddler or preschooler, don’t miss the separate play area called “Biscuit’s Backyard,” with water table and other hands-on activities for tots. Earlyworks Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding the major winter holidays.

Tip: Save on admission when you buy a pass for this museum + the Huntsville Depot and Museum and/or the Alabama Constitution Village. Click here to find out more about Huntsville’s Earlyworks Children’s Museum.

 

Activity 2: Cross over to the Alabama Constitution Village

Alabama Constitution Village

Pay a call to the Huntsville of 1819, when Alabama became the twenty-second state.

Just across the street from the Earlyworks Children’s Museum, you’ll find the Alabama Constitution Village, a sure bet for those visiting Hunstville with kids. The open-air museum includes the building where delegates gathered in 1819 to inaugurate Alabama as the 22nd state.

As you wander throughout the eight buildings here, where costumed interpreters go about their daily tasks, you’ll get a glimpse  the lives and livelihoods of Hunstvillians of that era. Not to be missed: The cabinet maker/furniture maker/toy maker’s building, where everything from chairs and cradles to caskets and toys were built. You’ll hear entertaining stories, see how cabinet makers used their tools to create such solid work, and also learn how toys were used to teach kids important skills, such as the perfect rhythm for milking a cow.

Constitution Village is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is closed the months of January and February. Click here to find out more about the Alabama Constitution Village.

 

Activity 3: Venture up to Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain cabins are a great activity for those visiting Huntsville with kids

Take a stroll through the historic log cabins relocated to Burritt on the Mountain during your visit to Huntsville with kids.

When I first arrived at Burritt, with its sweeping view over Huntsville from the top of Monte Sano, I thought it was all about the quirky mansion built there in the 1930s by the physician & inventor Dr. William Burritt (look for his custom built-in wall speakers and furry trophy collection hanging in the kitchen during your tour). Was I ever wrong.

Since leaving his 167-acre estate to the city of Huntsville in 1955, it has sprouted six fully restored and furnished 19th century homes and log cabins brought in from the surrounding area, which you are free to stroll in and out of and explore at your leisure. As someone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where most cabins of that vintage decayed in a blackberry bramble long ago, I enjoyed this part of my visit most of all.

There is also a fully functioning barnyard with animals to visit, “gold” to be weighed, and costumed interpreters waiting to teach you about life in the rural Huntsville of the 1800s. The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays with hours varying by season. Click here for more information about Burritt on the Mountain during your visit to Hunstville with kids.

 

Activity 4: Go visit the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Butterflies at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Butterflies abound in the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house found right in the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

As I entered the Huntsville Botanical Garden, I noticed a procession of stroller-pushers heading off in the same direction. I soon discovered why. Sure, the 112-acre garden is home to stunning collections of ferns, dogwoods, roses, herbal gardens, a daylily garden and then some. But it’s the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s “Children’s Garden” that draws its smallest guests for frequent visits throughout the year.

The Children’s Garden is actually eight different themed gardens created just for kids. There they can explore the Rainbow Garden with its prisms and kaleidoscopes, splash and play in the Pollywog Bog, or even launch an imaginary space mission in a real space node donated by the Marshall Space Flight Center.

The nation’s largest open-aired butterfly house is just at the edge of the Children’s Garden area. Step inside to discover thousands of butterflies, a waterfall to walk behind, turtles to watch for and quail crossing through (open May through September only, included with general admission). Click here for more information about the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Purdy Butterfly House.

 

1 Great Place to Eat in Huntsville with Kids: The Blue Plate Cafe

Blue Plate Cafe in Huntsville

Cheesy Browns or Chocolate Chiquita Pancakes? An impossible choice at the Blue Plate Cafe.

Looking for the best place to indulge in an Alabama-style breakfast in Hunstville? Locals will point you–as several different locals I asked pointed me–to the Blue Plate Cafe. They serve up what are arguably the best “Cheesy Browns” in town, along with the biscuits and gravy and other hearty southern fair you’d expect. But in case that’s not enough, they also have specialties for your sweet tooth like “Chocolate Chiquita Pancakes” (you can see why no children’s menu is needed!).

The Blue Plate Cafe is open for more than just breakfast, too. Visit them any time between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You’ll find them online at: www.BluePlateCafe.com.

 

1 Great Place to Stay in Huntsville with Kids: Embassy Suites Huntsville

Inside the Embassy Suites Huntsville.

Inside the Embassy Suites Huntsville. ©Embassy Suites Hotels by Hilton.

The Embassy Suites Huntsville is an ideal base for those visiting Huntsville with kids. The hotel is within walking distance of both the Earlyworks Children’s Museum and the Alabama Constitution Village. Not to mention, it’s convenient to the restaurants and other attractions downtown. The all-suite hotel gives families two rooms to spread out between with the conveniences of a microwave and small refrigerator. It also serves up hot complimentary breakfasts daily. And what’s more, you’ll find complimentary grownup and kid beverages with snacks every evening in the atrium.

Let the kids burn off any extra energy in the evenings in the indoor pool no matter the season.

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Brussels with Kids | Belgium Family Vacation Guide https://familytravel411.com/brussels-with-kids/ https://familytravel411.com/brussels-with-kids/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2015 22:22:04 +0000 http://www.familytravel411.com/?p=1068 BELGIUM, Brussels with Kids – If waffles, comic books, and chocolate don’t tempt the kids, then maybe mussels and beer will make up for it for the grownups. Brussels is…

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BELGIUM, Brussels with Kids – If waffles, comic books, and chocolate don’t tempt the kids, then maybe mussels and beer will make up for it for the grownups. Brussels is a can’t-miss family destination, with a surprisingly large amount of green space, fantastic museums, and a culinary tradition that will make your mouth water.

Kids will get a kick out of souvenir shopping here—since it involves visits to chocolate stores. If they really want to impress Grandma, they can even make their own confections at Zaabar.

Comic books are an art in Belgium (they are often referred to as the Ninth Art) and before long, the beloved Belgian characters will become familiar to them. The books, stationery, and toys derived from the characters also make unique souvenirs and gifts.

Of course you can’t visit Brussels without visiting the famed Grand Place, one of Europe’s most enchanting squares…. Here are four other ideas guaranteed to make your trip to Brussels with kids a huge success.

Brussels with kids family travel guide

 

Activity 1: Travel back in time

Brussels Porte de Hal

The Porte de Hal (or Halle Gate) is a great place to start when visiting Brussels with kids.

In the 14th century, a large city wall surrounded Brussels to protect it from neighboring armies and general banditry. Seven heavily-guarded gates were the only points of entry. The last surviving city gate, the Halle Gate (Porte de Hal) is now a splendid museum which gives a glimpse of life in a medieval fortified city. Hands-on exhibits let you try on a suit of armor and make a rubbing of a coat of arms.  Make sure to pick up the fantastic interactive English-language personal video/audio guides available for families.

When you reach the top of the tower—a steep climb, but there is an elevator—you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the city. You’ll also see one of the best playgrounds in the city in the square down below.

 

Activity 2: Take a reading break

Cook and Book in Brussels, Belgium

Eat, read and be merry–and be sure to grab a table in the Airstream when you visit Cook and Book in Brussels.

Cook and Book is a fabulous, unusual bookstore/café you could easily spend hours in. It’s off the tourist track but an easy metro ride from the city center. Every room has a theme, as well as a number of dining tables. Try to get a table in the travel book room, where you can eat inside a real Airstream! The books are mainly in French, but the second building has a selection of English-language books. The children’s section upstairs has a cozy reading section and great collection of French language children’s books and toys.

 

Activity 3: Walk into a comic book

Comic Strip Walk in Brussels, Belgium

Pick up your map and find your way through the Comic Strip Walk while visiting Brussels with kids.

Over the years, Belgium has produced a tremendous amount of comic books, from Tintin, the Smurfs, and Le Chat, to lesser known figures such as Cubitis. Brussels offers a fantastic walking tour that showcases this native art form by taking you through various neighborhoods with over thirty open-air comic book murals painted on the sides of building. Children love navigating the map and make a game out of being the first to spot the murals.

You can pick up a walking map of the Brussels Comic Strip Walk at the Visitor Center or download a printable walking map: http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/walk/344/brussels-and-comic-strip.do.

Activity 4: Look for hidden treasures

 Jeu de Balle flea market

Who knows what you’ll find when you visit the same Jeu de Balle flea market where Tintin found the Unicorn ship?

The Jeu de Balle is a colorful flea market taking up an entire square in the traditional Marolles neighborhood. If you’ve seen the Tintin movie, this is the spot where he purchases the Unicorn ship that starts his adventure. Who knows what treasure you may dig up among the heaps of wares merchants bring to the square each day. The market is especially bustling on Sunday and you’ll want to go early for the best selection, including antique toys and sometimes bins of dress-up clothes.

 

1 Great Place to Eat: Chez Léon

Chez Leon in Brussels, Belgium

Great Belgian fare AND kids eat free with adults? Impressionnant!

Brussels is brimming with fine foods, from the three-Michelin-starred Comme Chez Soi to charming neighborhood bistros. But sadly, they’re not exactly known for their child-friendliness. If you have kids and are looking for traditional Belgian food (think mussels, frites, and rich meat stews) near the Grand Place, you will do no better than Chez Léon. The food is consistently good, the location excellent, and children eat free with a paying adult. Yes, you read that right! The children’s menu includes sizeable child-sized portions of the excellent moules-frites, as well as simple spaghetti bolognaise and other children’s favorites.

 

1 Great Place to Stay: Hotel Amigo

Part of the Rocco Forte luxury hotel family, Hotel Amigo is one of Brussels’ best hotel options for families. It is situated right around the corner from the Grand Place yet far enough away from the hubbub to avoid some of the late-night noise. The décor is simply elegant rather than stuffy and each room is decorated differently. Kids will love the small nods to Tintin in some of the rooms’ décor.

Make sure to tell them you are traveling with kids and you can enjoy the Teddy Turndown Service, where they will be given a special bear to cuddle up with and milk and cookies to tuck into. You’ll also get some fun bath-time bubbles and toys.

Brussels with Kids

For more fun ideas on what to do on your family vacation in Brussels, download Veronique Autphenne’s and Paige Totaro’s book Brussels with Kids, and be sure to visit their website BelgiumwithKids.com.

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Visiting the San Francisco Exploratorium: A Matter of Perception https://familytravel411.com/visiting-the-san-francisco-exploratorium/ Thu, 27 Nov 2014 08:42:26 +0000 http://www.familytravel411.com/?p=848 CALIFORNIA, The San Francisco Exploratorium – Drinking from a toilet may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those happening upon the “Sip of Conflict” drinking fountain as they…

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CALIFORNIA, The San Francisco Exploratorium – Drinking from a toilet may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those happening upon the “Sip of Conflict” drinking fountain as they enter the San Francisco Exploratorium, it is cause to at least stop and consider the prospect of doing so.

The "Sip of Conflict" drinking fountain the San Francisco Exploratorium.

The “Sip of Conflict” drinking fountain the San Francisco Exploratorium.

As many questions are likely to arise as there are visitors pausing to photograph each other drinking from it on a dare. “If it is plumbed the same as a drinking fountain, and if it is raised to the same level as a drinking fountain, and if it drains into a vessel made from the same materials as a drinking fountain, why is it so hard to drink from it—without giggling nervously?”

The Exploratorium, you should be warned, can be an exhausting place visit, and I do mean that in the best possible way. It is a place that may make you question dozens of things you’d never thought to question before, whether they’re things you thought you understood about any of your five senses, things you thought you understood about the living world around you, or things you thought you understood about…thought.

Upside down and backwards? Thank goodness a "brain override" helps us see things as they are instead of as our retinas receive them.

Upside down and backwards? Thank goodness a “brain override” helps us see things as they are instead of as our retinas receive them.

Consider for a moment a favorite exhibit among many visitors, my own family included. This enormous curved mirror is nothing more than a curved mirror. Yet viewing it from across the room, you may catch a glimpse of yourself much larger than you are, and upside down, and on the opposite side of the mirror from that where you stand.

Walk closer and watch as your likeness seems to loom upside down in mid-air. The next temptation is to reach out and touch your face floating somewhere between the mirror and your body–yet it isn’t there.

Strike a pose! The Shadow Box captures silhouettes in an instant with the flash of a strobe light. (Plan plenty of time for this one.)

Strike a pose! The Shadow Box captures silhouettes in an instant with the flash of a strobe light. (Plan plenty of time for this one.)

Think that’s strange? Consider this: That’s exactly the way your eyes are receiving visual information about everything in front of you at this very moment. Upside down. Backward. The only thing making you believe you see it as you do is that marvelous organ upstairs called the brain, which constantly tells us it really isn’t so.

The shape of sound? Shifting high and low frequencies you can watch as shapes and patterns change, reflecting what you hear.

The shape of sound? Shifting high and low frequencies you can watch as shapes and patterns change, reflecting what you hear.

The exhibits found throughout the 330,000 square feet of this indoor/outdoor museum are not created to simply be stared at, listened to, or explained away with the help of a plaque. The exhibits at the Exploratorium are activities to do, whether with your hands, your eyes, your ears, or possibly–as in the case of the “Team Pac-Man” exhibit–with the help of other visitors.

While there are exhibits here with special appeal for the toddler and preschool set (eg. the bubble wall, sand-spinning table, and slinky escalator), the Exploratorium is a museum made for children of all ages–and visitors without any children at all. Because of its widespread appeal and popularity among locals as well as travelers, be prepared for crowds and consider these tips before you go.

Tips for visiting the Exploratorium

Planning your time – Suffice to say, there is not only a lot of ground to cover at the Exploratorium, but more exhibits to meditate and lay hands upon than a single visit can provide for most curious minds. I suggest you arrive at the opening time of 10:00 a.m. if possible and build breaks–and snacks–into your visit.

The museum is closed on Mondays and open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Adults 18+ can also attend special events Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

San Francisco Exploratorium

Step outside for a breath of fresh air and a little exercise on the terrace.

Get discounted admission – Current admission is $29 adults, $24 ages 13 – 17, $19 children 4 – 12, with 3 years and younger free. Bay Area residents save around $7 each with proof of residency in any of the 9 counties.

Out-of-towners save a bundle when they get the San Francisco CityPass, which includes the Exploratorium (or choice of the deYoung Museum), the nearby Aquarium of the Bay (or choice of Monterey Bay Aquarium), the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate park (or de Young Museum), a 1-hour narrated Bay cruise, and a 7-day unlimited transportation pass valid on street cars, cable cars, and San Francisco’s MUNI public transportation system (click here for more information).

The San Francisco CityPass saves 47% off regular ticket prices and includes unlimited rides on cable cars, street cars, and more for 7 days.

The San Francisco CityPass saves 47% off regular ticket prices for four of the most popular attractions, and includes unlimited rides on cable cars, street cars, and more for 7 days.

Get discounted parking – You may be able to park for as little as $10 for the day with validation from the Exploratorium and/or prepaid parking. To see which option works best for your visit, see the current parking discounts on this page.

Arrive by public transportation – The coolest and most convenient way to arrive at the Exploratorium is by vintage streetcar (included in the San Francisco CityPass). The Market F streetcar stops right outside the Exploratorium. To help chart your course, see public transportation directions on this page.

Younger kids love the hive-like play structure outside, and the over-water Fog Bridge is a hit with young and old alike.

Younger kids love the hive-like play structure outside, and the over-water Fog Bridge is a hit with young and old alike.

Eating at the Exploratorium – The large Seaglass Restaurant with its lovely Bay views may not be the best option if you’re visiting with young children, those who are already very hungry, and/or those who don’t appreciate standing in lines to receive haute cuisine before standing in a final line to pay for your family’s assortment of food (and the lines can get long, she writes from experience).

You might be better of getting grab-and-go fare from the Seismic Joint cafe at the Exploratorium’s entrance or bringing your own picnic to enjoy at tables on the plaza or at the sunken park just across the street at Piers 17 and 19 (remember the lockers). You’ll also find food carts (including ice cream!) on the plaza outside.

For more tips and ideas to help plan your family vacation in San Francisco, see the San Francisco with Kids Pinterest board and if you’re planning a family road trip to San Francisco, don’t miss the Northern California with Kids Pinterest board.

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To the Moon: Visiting Huntsville’s U.S. Space and Rocket Center https://familytravel411.com/us-space-and-rocket-center/ https://familytravel411.com/us-space-and-rocket-center/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:56:30 +0000 http://www.familytravel411.com/?p=721 HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA: The U.S. Space and Rocket Center – In my kitchen, above the breakfast table, you’ll see a photo of Albert Einstein playing the violin with one of his…

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HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA: The U.S. Space and Rocket Center – In my kitchen, above the breakfast table, you’ll see a photo of Albert Einstein playing the violin with one of his most famous quotes printed below:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. It is, scientifically speaking, a real factor in scientific research.”

– Albert Einstein, 1931

It’s been posted there for years as an important reminder, and a beacon, as I navigate life as both a creative professional and a parent. Yet never did Einstein’s quote resonate so loudly with me–as if vibrating through the piano wires ingeniously woven to create the springy tires on the lunar rover parked before me–as it did during my visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center Lunar Rover Vehicle

A replica Lunar Rover Vehicle (LRV) with stylish lawn chair seat backs and springy piano wire tires at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

If you ever needed proof that science, imagination, math, and creativity have a home in this world together, you will find it housed in the Saturn V Hall of the Huntsville Space Center, where you can stroll beneath all 363 feet of the rocket prototype that  ultimately solved the riddle of putting men on the moon.

stage 1 rocket booster of Saturn V at Huntsville Space Center

Just one of the rocket booster segments comprising the Saturn V on display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Viewing the three enormous “moon boosters” above, the instrument panel with its 22 ft. diameter, and the proportionately minuscule capsule created for earthly passengers, one can’t help but marvel that anyone ever imagined a moon walk by man was possible, let alone, made it so.

Apollo Spacecraft for Saturn V at Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The Apollo spacecraft completes the three-stage Saturn V rocket at the Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

The Saturn V, designated as a National Historic Landmark, may dominate the hall, but the supporting exhibits are nothing short of inspiring.

Here, you can get up close to a life-size replica lunar rover and marvel, as I did, at the piano wire wheels and other details that made joyriding on the moon possible. Climb into a Mercury capsule and contemplate how you would feel traveling solo in this early spacecraft, and take a look at the original Mercury and Gemini trainer capsules used by the astronauts.

Mercury climb-in capsule at the Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Yours truly, testing out the replica Mercury capsule (not for the claustrophobic).

You can also step into a Skylab solar array, the first space station launched into Earth’s orbit using a modified Saturn V rocket, and peek into the mobile quarantine unit where early astronauts bided their time in the final phases of re-entry (playing Scrabble in an Airstream trailer).

But before you go, make sure you take a moment to behold the real Apollo 16 capsule, “Casper.” This beauty was used on NASA’s fifth moon-walking mission to collect photos and samples from the Descartes region of the moon. To its side, you’ll see an authentic moon rock on display, brought back from the visit–proof positive that with enough imagination and hard work, nothing’s out of reach.

 

How to get more from your visit to the Huntsville Space Center:

U.S. Space and Rocket Center at Huntsville

See more of the Marshall Space Flight Center:

Daily bus tours bring visitors to the Redstone Arsenal for a closer look at the Space Station Development Laboratory and the Redstone Test Site, while giving an overview of the Marshall Space Flight Center’s important role in the history–and future of space exploration (additional fee; must be a U.S. citizen). Click here for current rates and departure times.

Go for a ride:

If you’re feeling up to the challenge, try out one of the museum simulators, such as the Space Shot, where you’ll experience what a rocket launch really feels like (must be a min. 54” to ride), or the G-Force Accelerator, where you can train like an astronaut and push against centripetal force in a test of your space strength (must be a min. 48” to ride).

Attend a weekend workshop:

Children’s workshops on space themes and “astronaut issues” are held the second Saturday of each month, and are geared toward kids ages 6 to 9 years. Additional workshops for pre-K students are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Workshops are included in the price of admission. Click here for more information.

Take in a show:

If you have time, there are three theaters offering daily shows, including a full-dome IMAX theater.

Go to Space Camp:

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center at Huntsville is also home to the world-famous Space Camp, where kids from 9 to 18 years can learn the mission-critical skills required for a successful space launch and put them to the test. There are now programs for adults, day camp opportunities, and a Family Camp offered as well (for more information about their camp programs, visit www.spacecamp.com).

 

Plan your visit to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center:

Hours and admission: The U.S. Space & Rocket Center at Huntsville is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding major holidays. Children under 4 years are free and those 5 to 15 years receive a discount. Click here for details and to buy tickets online.

Get a free set of wheels: Complimentary strollers and non-electric wheelchairs are available with valid ID.

More features to help plan your Alabama Family Vacation:

Huntsville with Kids | Alabama Family Vacation Guide

Falling for Howard: A Love Story (of Sorts) – The Howard Weeden Home

Northeast Alabama with Kids | Family Vacation Guide

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Stockholm with Kids | Sweden Family Vacation Guide https://familytravel411.com/411-stockholm-with-kids/ https://familytravel411.com/411-stockholm-with-kids/#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2014 23:27:54 +0000 http://www.familytravel411.com/?p=573 SWEDEN, Stockholm with Kids – From amusement parks and green space for running loose to museums and libraries just for kids, Stockholm is arguably one of the top family-friendly cities…

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SWEDEN, Stockholm with Kids – From amusement parks and green space for running loose to museums and libraries just for kids, Stockholm is arguably one of the top family-friendly cities in the world and it seems Stockholm was built for families.

Specifically families with small children. Beyond making public places, transportation, and buildings easily accessible for strollers, there’s also an innate thoughtfulness that goes towards making the city family-friendly. For example, parents pushing infants and toddlers in strollers can ride for free on public buses because parents aren’t supposed to leave their stroller-bound child unattended in the back of the bus while having to pay the bus driver.

For your trip to Stockholm with kids, here are some activities and places worth checking out.

family travel guide to Stockholm with kids

 

Activity 1: Visit Junibacken Storybook Museum and Playground

Inside the world of Junibacken in Stockholm.

Inside the world of Junibacken in Stockholm.

Sweden itself has a strong literary culture geared towards children with world renowned authors like literary icon Astrid Lindgren who have penned dozens of classic children’s books. If your kid is a fan of Pippi Longstocking, be sure to stop by Junibacken, a children’s playground and storybook museum on the island of Djurgården.

Junibacken is a themed attraction filled with vibrant settings and live performances. Kids get to take the story train on a journey through Pippi’s world and the characters and settings from writer Astrid Lindgren’s books. There’s an extensive bookstore here with tons of Swedish children’s books as well as interactive exhibits to keep them busy.

best travel strollers

Activity 2: Check Out Rum för Barn Activity Center and Library for Kids

When visiting Stockholm with kids, you'll find plenty of places where you will all feel welcome.

When visiting Stockholm with kids, you’ll find plenty of places where you will all feel welcome.

Rum för Barn (Room for kids) is an exclusive library just for kids and it has children’s books in close to a dozen languages as well as activities like painting, crafts, and sing-alongs.

Located on the fourth floor of Stockholm’s iconic Kulturhuset, it has three sections for children of different age groups – from stumbling toddlers to bumbling preteens – and the rooms have nooks, crannies, and hideaways for kids to play in as well as hammocks, bean bags, and shelves of vibrant children’s books to read and thumb through.

The focus is on cognitive development, motor skills, and other creativity boosters so you’ll be hard pressed to find computer games or computerized electronics here.

 

Activity 3: Explore Skansen Open Air Museum

Take a stroll through the world's oldest open air museum at Skansen.

Take a stroll through the world’s oldest open air museum at Skansen.

Located on the island of Djurgården, Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. It was founded in 1891 to preserve and spotlight Swedish culture—from traditional artisans at work to period Nordic lifestyles.

Skansen’s main draw is its Nordic zoo. Here you’ll find Nordic wildlife such as reindeer, lynx, wolves, and moose, in addition to more than 150 traditional red Swedish cottages and historic buildings, barns with farm animals, artists’ studios and an aquarium filled with all sorts of marine life. Kids would love exploring this unique attraction which is one of Stockholm’s most interesting experiences.

 

Activity 4: Explore Science at the “Tom Tits” Experiment

Named for the ... the "Tom Tits" Experiment gets children seeing the world in new ways.

Named for the 19th century French character, the “Tom Tits” Experiment gets children seeing the world in new ways.

Optical illusions, earthquakes, storm winds, a robot-controlled mini roller coaster, and a slide that runs through the entire building are just a few of 600 different experiences at “Tom Tits” Experiment located in the town of Södertälje – a 30 minute train ride from Stockholm.

The concept is based on the French character “Tom Tit.” Tom is an imaginary figure who carried out a range of scientific experiments in the French magazine, l’Illustration, and in several books published at the end of the 19th century. Tom Tits Experiment’s mission is to awaken children’s interest in science and technology.

A few of the experiments and experiences on tap include a soap bubble blower with interesting formations and surface light reflections, and ball race where gravity comes to play with free falling balls. There are blow holes, mirror mazes, mind games, illusion galleries, periodic tables, slides, spaceballs, and enough geeky goodness to keep your kids entertained for hours.

 

1 Great Place to Stay in Stockholm with Kids: Scandic Hotels

Scandic Grand Central

A standard room in Stockholm’s Scandic Grand Central Hotel.

Beyond renting an apartment which is a great way to live like a local and save money, when it comes to overall value, it’s hard to beat Scandic Hotel chain’s roughly 20+ hotel locations that dot the city.

While rooms are modest and minimalist — you’re in Scandinavia, after all — each Scandic hotel is designed with efficiency and bang-for-buck mind. They have family rooms and suites in addition to fantastic breakfast buffet spreads with both cold and warm dishes, free high-speed wireless Internet in all rooms and access to gyms and saunas, all included in the price.

 

1 Great Place for Families to Eat: Rosendals Trädgård Café

The kid-friendly "kafe" located inside a large glass greenhouse, surrounded by flower and herb gardens and fruit orchards.

The kid-friendly “kafe” located inside a large glass greenhouse, surrounded by flower and herb gardens and fruit orchards.

In terms of ambiance and a great place to eat as well as explore with the kids, Rosendals Trädgård Kafé and Bageri serves everything from freshly-baked eco-friendly pastries and breads to meat and seafood dishes, soups, and salads made with ingredients from their own gardens.

The café itself is located inside a large glass greenhouse. The surrounding flower and herb gardens and fruit orchards create a charming ambiance.

Their breads and pastries are baked with biodynamic flour from the Saltå Kvarn mill in nearby Järna, and their dishes are cooked using seasonal ingredients and organic produce from certified farms and growers. You can also picnic under their fruit trees in the large orchards as well.

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