My Favorite Art Museum For The Whole Family In Washington, DC

October 1, 2022 Amanda Luhn

Entrance to America's Presidents Gallery in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC — This is the nation’s only complete collection of portraits of our presidents outside of the White House and the biggest (but not the only reason) to visit this museum.

Looking for a non intimidatingly large art museum that the kids will actually find interesting? The National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museums are a 2 for 1 special that our family has always enjoyed. Sharing one building and one theme (the story of America through its art and people), we make it a scavenger hunt for the kids to find portraits of certain presidents or influential people that impacted America. Because the museum isn’t on the Mall, it doesn’t get quite as busy as some of the other attractions in DC, an always appreciated bonus!

Your Guide To Norris Dam State Park

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

Overlooking Norris Dam and Norris State Park

Norris Dam State Park makes for a perfect place to spend a day (or a few days!) with the family. Go explore Norris Lake on a rented pontoon boat or a paddleboard or hike on one of the park’s many trails. Or maybe go fishing, camping, mountain biking, or learn some TVA and Appalachian history at the Dam Visitor Center or the Lenoir Museum. Norris Dam State Park is a fantastic family destination with something for everyone.

Knoxville’s House Mountain

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

The view from the northeast side of House Mountain looking over to the western summit

Lived here all your life and never been to the highest point in Knox County? You are in good company but now is your chance to get the family out and about on a beautiful hike to some spectacular overlooks, plus some bragging rights. And it won’t even take you that long as House Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville.

WHY WE LIKE IT- Bucket list hike to the tallest point in Knox County; great views; best in fall and winter

Museum Of East Tennessee History: From Davy Crockett to Dolly Parton

February 18, 2020 Amanda Luhn

East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville

Looking for a great museum to explore while you are in downtown Knoxville? Then look no further than the East Tennessee History Museum. From settlers to Civil Rights, plus a whole lot about the Civil War and country music, you will find lots of interactive and interesting things for kids and adults. Plus, it is free on Sunday so get your learning on!

Boston's Freedom Trail In Winter- What To See, What Is Closed, And What Is Still Awesome Even In The Cold

January 11, 2020 Amanda Luhn

Sam Adams statue in front of Faneuil Hall, the heart of the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston

Boston has an abundance of tourist attractions but none combine history, fun, and family friendliness as well as the Freedom Trail. Covering 2.5 miles and 16 historic sites, the trail takes you through the heart of downtown Boston and some its most charming streets while also covering a lot of of America’s early history. The kids love the scavenger hunt feel and adults will love the ease and inexpensive nature. Take 2-3 days to really explore the whole trail or take one day and pick your favorite part. It is something you can come back to again and again over the years.

What To Do In Boston In January

January 6, 2020 Amanda Luhn

Old surrounded by new- this is Boston in a nutshell. The Old State House dates from 1713 and the Boston Massacre took place just out front. It is one of many places you will see if you walk the Freedom Trail through downtown Boston.

Boston is a fantastic tourist destination for the whole family any time of year but visiting in winter has some impressive advantages (and a few disadvantages) over other times of year. The biggest advantage- having the biggest tourist attractions almost to yourself. And the weather isn’t that bad, just pull out your winter coats and scarves and go ahead and plan a fun family weekend in this wicked cool town!

The Definitive Guide To Cloudland Canyon State Park

November 15, 2019 Amanda Luhn

Clouds + canyon = you can see how Cloudland Canyon got its name

Hiking, biking, waterfalls, cabins, tents, and yurts- what’s not to love about Cloudland Canyon State Park. Oh yeah.. it also has some pretty spectacular views too. Find out everything you need to know about this wonderful state park.

A Weekend Getaway to Louisville, Kentucky- It Is More Than Just Horse Racing, Baseball Bats, and Bourbon

February 1, 2019 Amanda Luhn

The pretty and walkable streets of downtown Louisville outside the Louisville Slugger Museum and Kentucky Science Center.

You won’t have any trouble filling your weekend with fun in Louisville, whether you are here in winter or summer, rain or shine, or you have teenagers or toddlers. There is a plethora of activities, from hands-on museums to underground zip lines, and lots of tasty restaurants to try. But maybe the best thing about Louisville is its fairly compact size-- most attractions are within several blocks of each other, making your sight- seeing a breeze. Park the car for the weekend and enjoy yourself in this awesome city!

9/11 Museum With Children: To Go Or Not To Go?

September 26, 2018 Amanda Luhn

The 9/11 Memorial next to the Museum. The two waterfalls encapsulate the original footprints of the Twin Towers and each victim’s name is inscribed on the surrounding walls.

The 9/11 Museum is absolutely a place I would visit at least once in your life, to learn more about this devastating event and its place in American history, as well as to remember those who died. But it is an emotionally taxing place and obviously brings up some very hard questions from your kids. Ones that I am not sure I will ever know how to answer. But just because an event is hard or unpleasant doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Here is everything I learned from my visit and my thoughts on what you should think about before deciding to take your own family.

Science And Fun? Yes Please. Both Can Be Found At The Tellus Science Museum In North Georgia

April 22, 2018 Amanda Luhn

This is a great museum- with a wonderful planetarium, interesting exhibits, and a fun kids section. If you are looking for a enjoyable and easy day trip for you and your kids from Atlanta or Chattanooga, you should definitely check out the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.

Greenville, SC- A Weekend Of Food And Outdoors

March 8, 2018 Amanda Luhn

Overlooking the Reedy River from Main St in downtown Greenville.

I have been reading about Greenville for awhile, its food scene and the 20 mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a rails to trails project that goes right through town. After 3 days there, I can say all its recent buzz is well deserved. We hiked, we biked, and we ate our way through town, having a great time the whole way. If you are looking for a weekend getaway spot, Greenville should be at the top of your list.

Looking For Educational And Fun Things To Do In Atlanta With Kids? Visit The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

March 7, 2018 Amanda Luhn

Outside the Visitor Center of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park was an excellent adventure, full of interesting immersive experiences, thought-provoking displays, and beautiful grounds for the kids to run a little bit. I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Atlanta with kids of any age, as there was something for everyone to enjoy.

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