Interesting museums families will enjoy
By Evan Wechman
The United States has many fascinating museums which provide something unique for visitors . Here are five interesting museums for families :
The Strong National Museum of Play
At The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester , NY , you can view the American Comic Book Heroes exhibit or step into the Sesame Street Museum and speak to Big Bird .
This museum also maintains the National Toy Hall of Fame , which contains many iconic toys . Mom and Dad can show their children the Atari 2600 game system they grew up with and the classic American Girl Dolls collection .
If you have enough energy , challenge the kids to a game of Pacman or Centipede at the World Video Game Hall of Fame .
Northlandz
The Northlandz Museum in Flemington , NJ , bills itself as the “ world ’ s largest miniature wonderland .” Here , the largest model railroad museum on the plant displays over 100 trains running on an approximately eight-mile path .
This was the brainchild of Bruce Williams Zaccagnino , who started his miniature wonderland in his basement . He became famous when the Guinness Book of World Records included it in 1997 as the world ’ s largest model train exhibit .
The museum also features art galleries , a sizeable doll collection , and a genuine outdoor train ride on a real track pulled by a replica of a steam engine .
The Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta , GA , has hosted millions of visitors who have enjoyed tons of fun while learning about the art of puppetry . Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog cut the ribbon when the museum opened in 1978 .
Besides having hands-on workshops for kids to learn about the construction
and presentation of puppets , the museum offers plenty of leisure activities . This coming Christmas season , it will have a puppetry recreation of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer , and in the spring , it will do the same thing with the famous characters of The Wizard of Oz .
Another exciting and ambitious aspect of this Atlanta treasure is a constant search for new talent . The directors encourage young puppetry artists to submit their work .
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn , MI , contains a lot of history to absorb . One of the most interesting and touching displays is the Montgomery , AL , bus where Rosa Parks famously took a seat in 1955 . The museum has worked diligently to maintain this historical treasure .
Other wonderful and unique things to explore here include a vast array of race cars , including the 1967 Ford Mark IV . On June 4 , 1967 , it became the first and only all-American built and operated race car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans , the world ’ s oldest endurance race .
The state-of-the-art theater also adds to the fun with its large screen and tremendous sound . Families love to watch the variety of programs airing continually , such as The Polar Express 3D .
The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium in San Francisco , CA , describes itself as “ a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science , art , and human perception .” Its 600 + interactive exhibits fill six vast indoor and outdoor galleries along a pier jutting into San Francisco Bay .
Among the Exploratorium ’ s most acclaimed attractions are the indoor version of a tornado , and colorful exhibits that explain the science of water freezing . Other attractions include an art gallery and a variety of story-telling events . Its approach to learning through hands-on experience appeals to family members of all ages .