From science to health to history to dinosaurs, the list goes on… These museums offer learning experiences to children that you cannot find everywhere. Not to mention, many of their special exhibits throughout the year are must-sees for parents, too!
Check out these 7 Children’s Museums worth the drive:
Behringer-Crawford Museum
Covington, KY
Located in Covington’s lovely Devou Park, the Behringer-Crawford Museum is four stories of interactive fun celebrating Northern Kentucky’s rich heritage! Kids will love the automobile exhibit on the second floor, with features a freestanding, “drive-in” movie in a classic car, an old-time jukebox, and play table with cars and trucks and things that go. The museum is also known for its holiday toy train display, which is a must for little train lovers. Admission is $9/adults, $5/kids ages 3-17 and free for members and tots under 3.
COSI
Columbus, OH
Since 1964, COSI has engaged with over 33 million people from all 50 states and around the world, both on-site and through its award-winning outreach programs. Highlights include the Planetarium, Energy Explorers, and Space exhibits. Be sure to check out their COSI Summer Exhibit going now until September 4 and explore space through the eyes of an astronaut! Tickets range from $20.00 and under- you can buy them HERE on their website.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
Cincinnati, OH
Looking for an adventure while learning through play? Discover hands-on fun for children of all ages in our eight educational and themed play areas, including two specifically designed for preschool-aged and younger. We encourage kids to climb, crawl, explore and learn about themselves and the world around them. Go on a wilderness adventure through The Woods, be a part of a complex machine in the Energy Zone and explore the neighborhood in Kids’ Town.
Explorium of Lexington
Lexington, KY
This children’s museum features lots of hands-on activities; most notably, an interactive “Get Fit” wall where the projected game responds to your movement and “Sketch Pad” art classes. Admission is $10 per person for guests 1 year of age and older.
Kentucky Science Center
Louisville, KY
Kentucky Science Center is the largest hands-on science center in Kentucky, with three floors of interactive exhibits and experiences, a four-story theater, teaching laboratories, educational programs and distance learning capabilities.
Akron Children’s Museum
Akron, OH
The Akron Children’s Museum was founded by a small group of young parents who, after visiting numerous children’s museums throughout the U.S. and querying their peers, determined that such an institution was indeed needed, and could serve Akron and the surrounding region well with Akron-centric, unique experiences.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
We live just 2 hours away from the biggest children’s museum in the world! The sheer size, variety, and a number of exhibits at this museum is astounding. They have done a great job at creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. Check out their new permanent exhibit American POP: The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture and learn about American TV shows, movies, music, comics, toys, fashion, and more shape our experiences and can bring us together across generations. Buying ahead of time is the way to go here, prices can differ the more ahead you can plan!
