When schools are closed, parents too often find their kids planted in front of the TV or mesmerized by a new app on an i-device. Sure, children should have fun on a day off from school, but that doesn’t mean they need a day off from learning.
History
Benjamin Franklin Museum [nps.gov]
Philadelphia, PA
Re-opened in August 2013 after an extensive 2-year renovation, this museum dedicated to the ultimate Renaissance man provides visitors with an interactive look at the inventor’s life. The underground museum sits where Franklin once lived—marked by a steel ghost structure—and delves into his life as a printer, inventor, diplomat and Founding Father through interactive exhibits and cool computer animation. Perhaps it’ll inspire your young ones to achieve great things!
Drama
Philadelphia PA
Designed for kids grades K-6, the famed Philadelphia offers special main-stage performances with kids in mind. Mary Poppins and the classic Christmas Carol are currently on the lineup, with the Broadway Tony-winning Memphis coming in spring of 2015.
Art
Morristown, NJ
Near-impossible to please, ‘tweens will have nary a complaint at the Glassworks Studio, where visitors can get hands on and create unique works of art by fusing glass pieces. The studio has walk in hours Thursday through Sunday, and opens additional days for school closings and holidays.
Science
Jersey City, NJ
This electrifying museum will keep young minds on their toes with its interactive exhibits on science and technology. Exhibits are targeted to kids of all ages—they can experiment with simulated robotics surgery, cross an i-beam suspended on high or navigate a pitch black tunnel with only their hands. The center also has an Imax theater.
Math
New York, NY
Getting kids to a museum dedicated to math won’t be your biggest challenge of the day—that would be getting them to leave it. The new Madison Square Park museum immerses visitors in the world of math—secretly, through laser beams, a square-wheeled tricycle, and other hands-on exhibits.
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