Adventure Aquarium

Our final stop on our Philadelphia tour was the Adventure Aquarium.  We had a great time until 700 elementary school kids decided to join us.  We figured we were being clever going to a museum on a Monday in February, no school groups visit on a Monday especially in February but boy were we wrong.  We did at least have the Aquarium to ourselves for the first hour and a half.  We made sure that we saw all the touch exhibits and the shark tunnel before the school arrived which was a very smart decision on our part.  There were lots of neat touch exhibits which most aquariums are getting away from.  I understand why from a biological perspective why touch exhibits are bad but they are quite fun.  We touched: sharks, rays, starfish, crabs, lobsters, and jellyfish.  It was my first time touching a jellyfish on purpose (I got stung a few times by small jellyfish when we were in the Bahamas) but this one did not sting.

Jellyfish

Don't loose a finger to the sharks 

Did you see that Ray?

I'd rather play with these Rays

When we had finished all the touch tanks we moved on to the shark tunnel.  In order to get to the shark tunnel you pass by the hippo enclosure and I have never seen such lively hippos (I've see a lot of hippos in my time).  They were moving around like crazy it was amazing. 

Swimming Hippos

The shark tunnel was pretty amazing too but I had a hard time tying to get a good picture with a shark in the background (I need to work on  my photography).  I kinda wish we had come on a Saturday and then I could have swam with the sharks, maybe next time.

 GET ME OUT OF HERE (not a fan)

Oooo, Sharks I like sharks or maybe just my reflection

All in all this was one of the better aquariums that I have been to but unlike the Baltimore and Boston Aquariums this one does not handle 700 screaming kids very well.  We left much sooner than we would have had the elementary school not been there. 

Franklyn Institute and Academy of Natural Sciences

Lunch - After we finished the second floor it was time for lunch so we headed for foodworks.  It was okay museum food, I had a pre-made sandwich which was pretty good, well for a pre-made sandwich.  I'm sure that there are better restaurants in the are but this was convenient.

After lunch we moved on to the first floor where the Kid Science, Space Command, and The Train Factory were.  Kid science was a lot of fun.  It's like a children's museum without the ciaos.    The Kids area had a nautical theme and Tavish really liked playing on the boat.

The train area was okay and maybe it would be better if the train had been moving.  There is a real train which people can go on but for some reason it was not working (I'm not sure how the train moves but apparently it does).

To round off the first floor was Space Command.  I must say that this space area was not overly memorable. Tavish and this other boy did have a great time sending marbles into orbit.

To wrap up the Franklyn Institute we headed to the third floor to Sports Challenge.  This exhibit is very similar to the one at the Science Center in Toronto.  Regardless it was a lot of fun.  I had a great time surfing and climbing oh and so did Tavish.

Figure Skating - Spin Spin Spin

Surfs Up

On Belay

Overall the Franklyn Institite is a MUST see in Philly.  I can't wait to go back.  That cannot be said for the Academy of Natural Science, it was BORING.  The dinosaurs were okay but the rest of the museum was lame.  I would not suggest going to this museum unless you buy the City Pass and have time to kill.

Franklyn Institute - Amazing, Change and Dinosaurs

There were still a few things to see on the second floor and we had bought tickets to see a dinosaur 3D movie.  After the Air Show we moved on to the Changing Earth.  Changing Earth was the least interesting area of this museum for young kids but it is the most environmentally friendly and educational.

Next we moved on to Amazing Machines - there were a few hands on machines that were really interesting when we got the chance to use them. 

• Mommy Rant:  Even when a museum is not busy, please make sure your child SHARES the hands on exhibits.  One minute or two tops if some other child wants to play and it's up to the PARENT to tell their child they need to share.

Tavish found the crane to be interesting but he was a bit disappointed because he thought we said this exhibit was about Mighty Machines not Amazing Machines.  I personally found the Henri-Maillardet-Automaton machine the most interesting.  It's crazy how a machine can draw better than I can, okay not that amazing when a 5 year old can draw better but you get my point.  

By the time we finished the second floor it was time to watch the Dinosaur movie.  The nice part about the Dinosaur movie is that it was only 20 minutes long and Tavish loved it.  I personally did not find it the best example of 3D cinematography but really what was I expecting. 

Franklyn Institute - Electricity and Flying

When my husband finally convinced me to leave the Giant Heart Exhibit we moved on to Electricity.  This exhibit was shocking - literary - beware the electrostatic ball and passing a camera to your husband (I thought the shock it created wrecked our camera thankfully it was just a shock).  Our whole family has enjoyed this exhibit.  I could not get my husband on the disco dance floor but Tavish and I enjoyed it.  Lots of games and other hands on activities.  I just love this museum.

How much electricity does a magnet create?

Callen's electric stare

Next we moved on to the Franklyn Air Show which was really interesting.  This exhibit is best to hit early in the morning as there are lots of fun hands on activities that could get packed up later in the day.  There are a few extra activities here that looked like fun but cost extra and have height requirements (fighter pilot and flight simulators) but non of our kids met the requirement maybe next time.

Air show time

Tavish loved flying the kite plane

Don't crash

Windy wings

Training on the simulator

Now for the real thing (not really)

Franklyn Institute - Heart to Heart

The Franklyn Institute was the highlight of our trip to Philly.  Ever sense I saw the giant heart on an episode of House I knew I had to go here.  How cool is a giant heart which you can walk though (can you tell I'm a bio geek).  Neither the giant heart or the Franklyn Institute disappointed me.

Of course the first thing we had to see was the Giant Heart.  While the walk though Giant Heart is the big attraction there was so much more to see and do at this exhibit.  I think what Tavish enjoyed the most was the Bloodmobile video (we are HUGE They Might Be Giants fans).  The best part of this museum is there is how much there is to play with.  I'm a big kid and I like to explore all the touch stuff (more adult friendly than the Children's Museum).  Loved this exhibit can't wait to go back.

The Giant Heart

Tavish was a bit scared but as long as he was with dad he did okay

Smile (what a terrible picture)

How much blood do you have?

Bloodmobile

Get that Cardiovascular system going

Philadelphia Zoo

I must admit I was a bit skeptical  when Kyle told me he wanted to go to the Philadelphia Zoo.  I had never heard of it and I don't really like to go to zoos with a shady reputation (not that this zoo had a shady reputation I knew nothing about it).  But as we were planning on getting the Philadelphia City Pass and the zoo is right next to the Please Touch Museum, why not go.

First impression not so good: are we going to a zoo or a prison? But we found free parking!!!!!

The first exhibit after the main gate is the Rare Animal Conservation Center.  This building I must admit is nothing special, no huge fancy enclosures like in some of the other zoos I've been to but these were mainly just small monkeys (or related species) and most zoos have similar spaces.  But I was still a bit skeptical.  Kyle and I have been members or frequent visitors of the Calgary Zoo, Toronto Zoo and the National Zoo in D.C.  All three of these zoos have new buildings with great spaces for animals so I expect this in all Zoos and so far this one was letting me down.

Well I must say I judged this zoo too quickly as it turned out to be much better than I initially though and I like come of the ethical decisions this zoo made (they decided to move their Elephants to another zoo as they could not come up with the funds to build a large enough enclosure for them).  

Big Cat Falls was an amazing exhibit with nice big spaces for the cats and interesting enclosures.  I like it when you are taken on a kind of tour rather than just animal after animal in a building.  

Don't worry the Lion can't eat you

This zoo even had animals I had never seen or heard of before:

Okapi - looks like a zebra/giraffe

The primate reserve where the gorillas and orangutan live and is really entertaining for both mammals inside and outside the glass.  There is a super cute baby orangutan who was very entertaining.

Play with me mom

I must admit the zoo was quite a bit bigger than I had expected and we all had a great time.

Even the otters were having a splash

While I will fully admit this is not the best zoo on the planet and the small mammal house was a bit sad (it needs a face lift) it was pretty good considering it's Americas oldest zoo.  The vast majority of the zoo was kid friendly (more than can be said for the National Zoo).  If you are looking for something to do in the Philly area or have bought the City Pass I'd check out this zoo, it's worth your time.  They even have a giant hot air balloon to ride when the weather is nice (too much wind for us or we would have gone for sure).

Tavish was getting tired (his first trip in the Ergo - I bought he Ergo for Callen) 

so we were ready to head to our hotel

Please Touch Museum - City Caper

Once we finished the majority of the top floor we headed down the stairs.  Our first stop was City Caper, it's like a village for little people.  The exhibits in this area were hit and miss.  The construction area was okay, nothing special but Tavish had fun.  This is an area which can cause friction as there are not too many bricks and only one conveyor belt but Tavish and the boy he was playing with kept things very civil which is great for an almost 3 year old.

Next we decided to go home well the City Caper home which is designed for kids 3 and under.  Tavish had a great time pulling carrots while Callen enjoyed catching butterflies.  The nice part of this area is that its closed off so you don't have to worry about your toddler running off.  It is a cute little house and great for the little ones.

 Time to harvest the carrots

Butterflies

From the house we moved to the hospital, which had the potential to be great but was a huge let down.  It was pretty much just a nursery with a few anatomically correct baby dolls.  I was hoping it would be more of a hospital with kid friendly hospital stuff, you know tongue depressors, reflex thingings, sphygmomanometer and defibrillator - never to early for AEDs.  While there were a few x-rays and a stethoscope you could find more kid friendly medical stuff in a mickey mouse medical kit.  This area could be improved with just a few added props.

Is Callen's heart beating?

We were hungry so we left the hospital and headed for the McDonalds play.  I don't know if McDonalds sponsored this exhibit or what but it was TERRIBLE (which explains why there was no one playing here).  I could buy a McDonalds play set better than this exhibit.  There was nothing here but a cash register and the supplies to make a hamburger.  I just don't get why there was nothing more than a few hamburger pieces.  When I think of McDonalds I think of chicken nuggets, French fries and happy meals and there was none of this.  Too bad it could have been fun.

 Where are my chicken nuggets?

Callen's first burger

We bypassed the shoe store because it looked lame and headed to the grocery store which was AMAZING.     Now had we know how popular this would be we would have headed to the grocery store first. It was by far the most popular spot in the museum.  When Tavish finally snagged a cart he had a blast and it's a good thing I don't give him control of the shopping cart at a real grocery store as he pulled everything off the shelf.  I think he had the most fun working the cash register and there was a very nice girl who was willing to let Tavish check her out (I don't mean it in that way).  

 Well I think I need two of these

Okay that will be 9 9 9 6 10 4 dollars

I did not want to be one of those parents who lets their child hog all the fun so we dragged Tavish away from the grocery store and headed to the Centennial Exploration area.  I personally found this exhibit interesting as it explained the fancy building the museum is located in and gives a look of life in the late 1800s.  While I found it interesting, I think Tavish found it boring so we headed off for Lunch.

More about lunch and the rest of the museum in the next post.

Please Touch Museum - Top Floor

Our first stop on our Philly tour was the Please Touch Children's Museum.  The Please Touch Museum was one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Philadelphia in the first place.  However I must say I was a little let down and I don't think it lived up to the best Children's Museum in the USA.  That is not to say that everything was a let down just some parts.  It might not be the best Children's Museum in the US but I'm sure it's one of the top 10 (but I've only been to 2 so it's in the top 2 I've been to).

Our first area we tackled was River Adventures.  I am pretty sure that Tavish had a great time here as we had to coax him to move to another area but he's 3 and likes pretty much every water table he's been to.  In comparison to other water exhibits this one was just okay.  It had the potential to be great but I think a lot of it was not working properly.  I am pretty sure there was a wave simulator that was not working and there were not many boats and ducks for the kids to play with (there were not many kids yet).  When I compare this water exhibit to the one at Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore, Baltimore wins.  (sorry there are no pictures I was feeding Callen and I had the cameras)

Once we got Tavish away from the water, we moved on to the Roadside Attraction.  This was really well done and quite a lot of fun.  There were lots of cars for the kids to play with and even a real SUV which kids could play in and fill up with gas (the gas was not real).  Tavish's favorite was the crane which he could operate to pick up balls.  The best part of the crane was it was timed so that no child could "hog" the crane. (one of my huge pet peeves).  We played here early in the morning so it was not that busy and Tavish did not have to wait long to play but when this area gets busy I could imagine there might be some unhappy kids.

 Tavish on the job

Fill it up please

From the road we moved to the sky into Flight Fantasy.  This was another fun area but only because it was not crowded (yet).  The highlight was the flying rocket ships where kids could make their own rocket ship and then launch them.  

 Tavish would not leave this ball dropper

 Going for a run

Callen even enjoyed this area

Rocket Launcher

Our final stop on the top floor was the program room where Tavish had no interest in doing the craft but beelined for the trucks.  The crafts that they demonstrating looked like a lot of fun but like I said the trucks were much to distracting.  

 Trucks, Trucks, oh wait this one is broken

 Oh a propeller...Can I eat it?

Hey Tavish! I want a ride.

Wow there is a lot to do here and I have a lot to say so I'm going to leave the bottom floor for another post.

Sorry about the quality of pictures I'm still working on how to get good shots of kids in a museum.

Maryland Science Center

My family has been to Baltimore a few times, we've been to the National Aquarium, Port Discovery, and the Historical Ships in the Inner Harbor but never to the Science Center.  To be honest I had no idea that there was a science center in Baltimore.  I must say that it is one of the best activities we have done in Baltimore, actually one of the best museums we've been to in awhile.

The best part of science museums is how they are able to capture the attention of both the young and old.  The Maryland Science Center has lots of great hands on activities that not only entertain but also educate.  The hands on activities are also not just geared toward kids so adults without kids don't have to feel stupid giving them a try.

One of the highlights of this particular trip was the egg drop.  Tavish (with a bit of our help) made a container in which a staff member dropped an egg off the 4th floor.  

Egg Drop Vessel

Down it goes

Thunk...We were quite surprised that the egg did not get smashed 

as Tavish cracked the egg before we dropped it.

Kyle and I really enjoyed the Newtons Alley which is a huge touch area.

 Touch a Cloud

My boys having fun 

 Pull that rope

Callen checking out the floating orb

Tavish took a bit of coaxing to get on the bed of nails but after mom and dad gave it a try he figured he should too.

There is a great kids area complete with a water table, play ship, construction games and more.

 Callen working out

 Tavish fishing off the ship

 Water table fun

Callen enjoying the Waterfall

While the rest of the museum was great, Tavish loved the Dinosaur exhibit.  This is by far the best dinosaur exhibit that I have ever been to.  Lots of hands on activities including digging for dinosaur bones and measuring dinosaur feet.

 Digging for a bone

 Dino's are eating the buildings

 Hiding in the bones

 More digging

 Better get those bones in order

Dino's have big feet

Callen's turn to hide in the prints

As you can see we had a great time and lunch was good too.  The food in the museum was standard fair with a flare.  While it was pretty much pizza and burgers, they did have 5 or 6 kinds of burgers and they were pretty good.  

We visited this muesum on a weekend in February which helped with crowd control, I can imagine there would be long waits for some of the more popular hands on activities in the summer or when school groups are present.  However, this is a great museum and I would highly recommend it to anyone who will be in the Baltimore area.