Ryan's sister came out for a visit this past weekend for the first time. Ryan had to spend some of the time at the temple, so it was up to me to find something fun to do in the cold fall weather while he was gone. I know we could probably just stay home and visit, but for some reason we always feel like we need to make it worth our visitors while, since to us...it would be like a vacation. And who doesnt want to have a good time on vacation? So I decided to check out the local museum scene. Its close by, its indoors, its something we havent experienced here yet, so why not?
Well, heres why...
Doesnt he look just thrilled! The local "Dinosaur Museum" was pretty pathetic. They had a bunch of dinosaur replica models scrunched into the middle of this one tiny room, and that was it. Supposedly there was a basement with something else there, but it was closed for a class going on. Thank goodness this was free!
Katelin sacrificing herself to the T-rex. "Please...take me now!"
This fence outside was their favorite part of the whole thing. And there was a little hill to run down. Bonus!Okay, onto the next attempt...Museum # 2. The City Museum. Lets cross our fingers!
Luckily, this one was a bit more entertaining. It doesnt win by a lot, but the kids did enjoy it after the last one. Heres the underwater exhibit during the Cretaceous period. And hey...a live dino. Now thats what Im talkin about!
They even had a little kids section, where they could experiment and play with things. I think I will make something like this wall in our future playroom. Just popsicle sticks, buttons and wooden shapes with velcro on the back. You stick it on the wall inside the frame to make a picture. Heres Zack, helping perfect my masterpiece.
Katelin and Alissa making a "stained glass" design.
Zack makes trains with everything, from pillows, to benches, to books and animal toys, movies, marshmallows and cereal. You name it, he will build a train out of it. Here is his latest one, built with thread spools. 
The second floor of the museum featured a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and the trees with their changing fall colors. It really is much better in person, or even when it is sunny outside, but you get the idea. Madi took this shot.
Surprisingly, the kids even enjoyed the arts portion of the museum. So maybe they have a bit of culture after all? I try. So I guess it turned out to be an okay excursion. Its not so bad for being free entertainment that is only 10 minutes away, but...next time, we'll skip the dinosaurs!
9 comments:
I have yet to museum hop in this one horse town. I'll have to make sure I don't go with too high of hopes.
Okay, I totally agree that the dinosaur museum is a bit ridiculous.
But...we love the city museum. The kids love that playroom and I love the locally found Mammoth. You've gotta admit that is pretty cool. Plus, it is in such a pretty part of town. We probably go once a month and then ride the trolley and walk down to the lighthouse (during the warm months). Perhaps we are easily amused. I do wish we had a children's museum in town though, and maybe an indoor park for the long winter months.
Just some advice: Skip the Civil War museum. That one costs money and it was not too impressive.
Julie- The Mammoth was cool...except the kids freaked out about the model of the natives ripping into one and exposing all his insides! It was a pretty good little meuseum. Good to know about the civil war one, I was curious.
Neat you finally made it to Museums know you've thought about hopping them for a while. Also cool new profile pic. lol. I laughed too hard about Katelin sacrificing (j/k) herself to the mammoth.
The first time we went to the Dinosaur "Discovery" Center, after we left, the kids asked where the Dinosaur museum was. That's how impressed they were. They didn't even know we had just done it. Anyway, this summer John was enthralled with it, and we went twice, but only because he's been on this dinosaur kick big time. But I agree the other one is much better. Ah, but have you done the historical society one across the pier on Simmons Island? Don't expect much from that one either, if you ask me, just FYI.
I have to agree with you about the dino museum. We went a couple of summers ago when it just opened. My kids thought it was lame. We were hoping it was because it was new guess not!!! They do however love the city museum. They can spend hours in the activity center.
Sorry to delete your comment Taylor..I just dont like posting personal information (like where I live) on the blog. You understand...right? You probably didnt even realize, its okay. Anyway, love that you came on and left a comment. I saw it, and thats the important thing!
Love ya!
I had a good time! Smiles!!!:D
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