TripLearning

Battleship New Jersey In January we purchased a membership to a local museum ( Havre de Grace Decoy Museum ) because I knew we could get the NARM reciprocal benefits . Many museums are connected to various groups like NARM or ASTC and then members are able to use their membership at one museum to get into other museums. This is how our family is able to visit lots of locations affordably. To help you see the benefits of such a membership, here is where we have gone so far and how much it would have cost: Havre de Grace Decoy Museum ($12) Delaware Museum of Natural History ($36) Battleship New Jersey ($65) Penn Museum ($44) Hagley Museum ($27) Eastern State Penitentiary ($32) These visits would have cost $216 and I didn't even take the whole family on these outings. The Association Membership at the decoy museum cost $100. We still have almost 11 months left to use this membership and have already saved over $100. I also like being able to support a local ...

Do you like art museums? Are you intimidated by the idea of taking your kids to an art museum? Don't be. Art museums are for all ages and there are many art museums that are free, have free days, or pay-what-you-wish times. Many have a wide variety of art, so you may find pieces you love and pieces you detest in the same building. That's part of the fun! Pick your favorites and least favorites. Baltimore area residents:      We have 2 amazing art museums in Baltimore that are free!       The Walters Art Museum has a wonderful collection of ancient art, as well as European, Renaissance, Asian, and more. If you have kids that find ancient Egypt interesting, they will enjoy this museum. It has a variety of rooms and displays, so explore the various floors. They even have magnifying glasses for kids to use in some of the rooms to look at jewelry and smaller items. Walters Art Museum- Special Faberge exhibit on 1st floor       B...

The darkness of the Taj Mahal and the well-lit Hard Rock Cafe. The past and the future of the property.   Most of it is for sale or will be removed. Next week all of the Taj Mahal-inspired facade will be removed. This will soon be just a memory. Soon the only way you will be able to see the Taj will be in old movies like The Long Kiss Goodnight, Snake Eyes, and Rounders. Just a few of the massive chandeliers. Some are for sale for hundreds of dollars. After being in other casinos on the Boardwalk, this empty floor felt rather post-apocalyptic. The main floor is just part of a $500 million renovation and rebranding plan. The back of the chairs display the iconic logo. The gaming tables and chairs are now being sold to anyone who is willing to pay. Even the irons are for sale. Supposedly this will all be redone and opened by Memorial Day next year by Hard Rock International. Another view further back of the casino floor. ...

This is a great park along the Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace, MD. There are numerous trails to give variety to your hikes. We often park near the old mill where it's free and there are bathrooms available in the bottom of the barn at the top of the hill. The trail along the river follows an old railroad track, but there are hilly trails as well that give you an opportunity to enjoy beautiful plants and trees as well as large rock groupings. There's also the occasional wildlife to come across. We recently saw a small deer that decided to follow the trail we had just walked on. We have also parked at Steppingstone Museum, but that means that you will be hiking downhill at the beginning and uphill at the end. You can find more information at Susquehanna State Park .

Just a small portion of the fish tanks there. Though some of my family was disappointed there were no dogs, there was plenty of interesting animals to see at That Fish Place or That Pet Place in Lancaster, PA. It costs nothing to look and it was interesting to see such a variety of fish, reptiles, and rodents. Of course, my favorite part was the sting ray touch tank. I love any opportunity to pet sting rays and all of my kids finally tried this time. This visit ended up inspiring my youngest to save up for a fish of his own. The sting ray tank. One of the sting rays. Check out  That Fish Place/That Pet Plac e .

Here are some photos from a recent visit to Sheldon Lake State Park .  It is a former fish hatchery.  There are some short trails, an 82-foot observation tower with an elevator, and ponds for family fishing.  It is also FREE admission for all ages!  It's on the East side of Houston off Beltway 8.  It's a small state park that gives you a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city living.  Take a picnic lunch and go exploring. Two of the former fish hatchery ponds. A 1/2 mile trail goes past the ponds. They have restrooms and some educational areas. There's a small botanical garden. Various bones and shells were set out for the kids to inspect. Found some large leg bones! For Directions: Sheldon Lake State Park 15315 Beaumont Hwy, Houston, TX ‎ 

Miller Outdoor Theatre   Since moving to Houston three years ago, this is one of my favorite places to go in Houston.  They offer children's performances at 11 AM throughout the summer and early fall.  Evening performances for families and adults are also offered and you can get tickets for the seats or bring a blanket and sit on the lawn.  The Shakespeare Festival in August is one of my favorites and it's been a great way to introduce my older children to live performances of the Bard's plays. Harris County Public Library Their summer reading program is coming soon!  Summer reading programs are always a great way to encourage your kids to read during the summer months.  Plus, the library offers special programs during the week in their air conditioned locations.   Houston Public Library This was the first library system we joined when we moved to Houston and their summer reading program is our favorite.  You can e...