I'll bet that many of you have never taken your kids to the Phoenix Museum of History. I'll even bet that many of you don't know, off the top of your head, exactly where it is.
Except when I say that it is right next to the AZ Science Center (think: glass wall with black locomotive engine visible), 1/2 way between the parking garage and the Science Center! Now do you know where I mean?
It is a GEM! ...and best of all, super cheap.
I went, for the first time, about 1 1/2 yrs. ago with my 2 kids, who were 3 and 5 at the time.
Both of them were FREE, based upon their age. My admission was supposed to be $6.00, except I flashed my AAA card, and it went down to $4 or $4.50. So $4 for all 3 of us. Right there I started liking the place.
Then, the lady at the front desk handed each of my kids a clipboard with about 20 pictures of items on it and a pencil. Then were told to look for each item as we went through the museum (there is a definite "start" location, back in ancient times and you walk through ending up in "present day"). Much of the museum is very hands on. The kids especially LOVED working the 150 yr. old coffee grinder (it is huge, turning the big black cast iron handle and smelling the wonderful aroma).
When we finished about 1 hr. later...they were rewarded for their efforts with a prize. A nice free coloring book and something else (perhaps crayons?).
We love the place.
Go see it!.....nice little indoor, A/C activity on the cheap.
Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 7 yr. old daughter and a 5 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.
This is new to me. We love
This is new to me. We love hands on places. Thanks for the idea.
Sandi is a discussion leader for the East Valley. She lives in Chandler with her husband and 10 year old daughter that thinks she is 15.
I have seen this place a
I have seen this place a bunch of times while down at the science center. Thansk for the tip though - we will have to check it out. And for the AAA discount idea!
I'll have to check it out. I
I'll have to check it out. I have to say that earlier this Spring, we wound up at the Chandler historical museum - yes, Chandler! They were offering a FREE "bug exploration" activity, so we wandered over. The kids made bug boxes and than explored the grass and trees for insects with magnifying glasses. But mainly, I was shocked to see how much they enjoyed the museum! They loved hunting for their houses and school on the wall sized aerial map of the Valley. Then, they enjoyed playing school in the exhibit of a one room school house. They enjoyed reading about the area's famous families (and wanted to research their own family history). They also thought that the old farm equipment was pretty neat. We took 6 kids (ages 8,7,6,6,6 & 5) and they had a good time, amazingly! Technicially it is free, but they ask for a donation of $1 or two. Afterward, they raced one another on the large green belt out side and posed for pictures on the giant boulders, near the sidewalk on the way back to the car (They each claimed to have found "Sylvester"). Afterward, we took them all to "Granny's Chocolate Shop" where they really liked seeing all of the cool shaped chocolates (they make chocolates in every shape!). The kids each picked out a chocolate dinosaur or a chocolate flower, etc. and headed home happily!
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
Great suggestion. We've
Great suggestion. We've never been there - definitely a spot to visit for a summer outing. Thx!
LisaMommy is a 38 year old discussion leader for arizonamoms.com from the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area. Her two boys are ages 9 months and 3 years old.
I agree! My four year old
I agree! My four year old loves the clipboard and finding and circling the items. It did not cost much and we had the whole place to ourselves. It did not required a great amount of time either. We have been to other city history museums and he always ask if they have a clipboard. None do, except the Phoenix museum. Go and have fun!
arizona_mom is a stay-at-home mother of two boys, a kindergartener and a two year old. Just sharing my two cents worth. www.mops.org
I am so glad you posted
I am so glad you posted this. I have walked by the museum several times on my way to the Science Center and didn't even think to stop!