When it comes to traveling with kids, the options can seem endless. From theme parks to zoos to beaches, there are activities for every type of child out there. But what if you want to focus on educational outings instead? Here are 50 ideas for educational things to do with kids in all 50 states.
Fun and Educational Things to Do With Kids in All 50 States
Alabama
If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world learning experience, Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect destination. With programs for kids ages 7-16, Space Camp offers a range of activities that allow campers to explore everything from astronomy to space travel. And with a focus on STEM education, this is an adventure your child will never forget.
Alaska
Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, Alaska. Located at the southernmost point of Seward’s East Dock, this interactive aquarium offers animals from three different continents and more than 100 species of marine life. Along with the exhibits, guests can also enjoy an on-site natural history museum and wildlife viewing deck. It’s a perfect outing for kids interested in exploring the natural world around them both above and below water!
Arizona
Arizona is home to some of the Western Hemisphere’s most stunning landmarks, including the Grand Canyon National Park. With a variety of educational opportunities for kids, this destination offers something for everyone. From hikes and animal-watching to astronomy-related programs, this park is sure to spark your youngster’s imagination.
Arkansas
The Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in American politics. But even if you’re not, this center offers a wealth of activities and exhibits for visitors of all ages. From the library and museum to the interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone at the Clinton Presidential Center.
California
Alcatraz Island is a popular destination for families, particularly since the island closed to the public in 1963. While it’s important to note that you can’t spend the night there, it’s a great place to visit for a day with tours offered year-round and tickets available online. For kids interested in history, this is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Alcatraz and take in some amazing views of The City.
Colorado
Telluride Ski Resort is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, and it’s also home to some amazing Eco Adventures. From hiking and biking to fishing and birding, there’s something for everyone at Telluride Ski Resort. And with a focus on sustainability and education, these adventures are perfect for families looking for a fun and educational outing.
Connecticut
Bishop’s Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm in Guilford, Connecticut that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From picking your own fruit to sampling the delicious cider, there’s something for everyone at Bishop’s Orchards. And with a focus on sustainability, this farm is perfect for families looking to learn more about where their food comes from.
Delaware
If you’re looking for a fascinating and educational day out, the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware is the perfect destination. With a focus on military aviation, this museum offers exhibits and collections that explore the history of air transportation and its role in military history. With something for everyone, this museum is a perfect destination for families with kids of all ages.
District of Columbia
The National Mall is a beautiful and iconic destination in Washington, DC that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the museums and memorials to the gardens and monuments, there’s something for everyone at the National Mall. And with more than 17 million visitors each year, it’s a popular destination for families visiting the nation’s capital.
Florida
The Kennedy Space Center is a popular tourist destination located in Cape Canaveral, Florida. With a focus on space exploration and the history of the American space program, this center offers exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to the Saturn V Center, there’s something for everyone at this popular tourist attraction.
Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium, and it offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. With a focus on aquatic life and conservation, this aquarium is perfect for families looking for an educational day out. From whale sharks to dolphins, there’s something for everyone at the Georgia Aquarium.
Hawaii
The USS Arizona Memorial is a memorial located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that commemorates the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. With a focus on the history of the attack and its aftermath, this memorial is perfect for families with kids of all ages. And with free admission and parking, it’s a popular destination for tourists visiting Oahu.
Idaho
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with the kids, The Natural History Museum of Idaho is a great destination. With a focus on paleontology and geology exhibits, this museum offers an interactive experience that kids will love. And with free admission and parking, it’s a popular destination for families from all over the state.
Illinois
The Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois is a popular destination for tourists visiting the city with kids. With a focus on anthropology and natural history exhibits, this museum offers a variety of educational activities and resources that will keep kids engaged for hours. And with free admission and parking, it’s a fun day out for families from all
Indiana
Indiana Caverns is a tourist destination located in Corydon, Indiana that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From the caverns themselves to the on-site nature center, there’s something for everyone at Indiana Caverns. And with a focus on sustainability, this tourist destination is perfect for families looking to learn more about our natural world.
Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa is a popular destination for families with kids in Des Moines, Iowa. With a focus on science and technology exhibits, this center offers a variety of interactive exhibits that will keep kids engaged for hours. And with free admission and parking, it’s a great day out for families from all over the state.
Kansas
The National History Museum is a popular tourist destination located in Washington, DC that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the museums and memorials to the gardens and monuments, there’s something for everyone at the National Mall. And with more than 17 million visitors each year, it’s a popular destination for families visiting the nation’s capital.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Horse Park is a popular tourist destination located in Lexington, Kentucky that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From the horse shows to the petting zoo, there’s something for everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park. And with a focus on horses and horse-related activities, this park is perfect for families with kids who love animals.
Louisiana
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with the kids, the Cajun Encounter Swamp Tour is a great destination. With a focus on Cajun culture and the natural world, this swamp tour offers a unique experience that kids will love. And with free admission and parking, it’s a popular destination for families from all over the state.
Maine
The Maine Maritime Museum is a popular tourist destination located in Bath, Maine that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the maritime exhibits to the shipbuilding center, there’s something for everyone at the Maine Maritime Museum. And with a focus on naval history and marine sciences, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the ocean.
Maryland
The National Aquarium is a popular tourist destination located in Baltimore, Maryland that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the dolphins to the sharks, there’s something for everyone at the National Aquarium. And with a focus on marine life and aquatic ecosystems, this aquarium is perfect for families with kids who love the ocean.
Massachusetts
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking tour of 16 sites along the revolutionary warpath. It’s informative and meaningful for kids (and adults) of all ages to walk around Boston and experience some of the historical sites that are important to America’s rich history.
Michigan
The Henry Ford Museum is a popular tourist destination located in Dearborn, Michigan that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the presidential limousines to the giant locomotives, there’s something for everyone at the Henry Ford Museum. And with a focus on American history and technology, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love learning about history and science.
Minnesota
The A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation Center is a popular tourist destination located in Maple Grove, Minnesota that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the flight simulators to the arcade games, there’s something for everyone at the A.C.E.S Flight Simulation Center. And with a focus on aviation and aviation-related activities, this center is perfect for families with kids who love airplanes and aeronautics
Mississippi
If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with the kids, the Delta Blues Museum is a great destination. With exhibits about music and history, this museum offers an enjoyable experience that kids will love. And with free admission and parking, it’s a popular destination for families from all over the state.
Missouri
The Missouri State Museum is a popular tourist destination located in St. Louis, Missouri that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the Native American exhibits to the Lewis and Clark exhibit, there’s something for everyone at the Missouri State Museum. And with a focus on Missouri history, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love learning about their state’s history.
Montana
The Big Sky Country State Museum is a popular tourist destination located in West Yellowstone, Montana that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the historical galleries to the geological displays, there’s something for everyone at the Big Sky Country State Museum. And with a focus on Montana history, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love learning about their state’s rich heritage.
Nebraska
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a popular tourist destination located in Ashland, Nebraska that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the bombers to the helicopters, there’s something for everyone at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. And with a focus on aviation and aerospace, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love airplanes and space.
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Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park is located in the Mojave Desert and it’s a favorite of locals and tourists. It was named one of the seven wonders of Nevada and offers a variety of trails and opportunities for exploring. Because it’s so close to Las Vegas, this state park is well-known for providing some great nighttime light shows too!
New Hampshire
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH is a business that does dog sledding, hosting events, and educational activities. The company also offers classes for kids to learn more about the breeds of dogs and how they are trained.
New Jersey
Liberty Science Center is a popular tourist attraction that offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and activities. There’s something for everyone at this science center, including an IMAX theater and planetarium, numerous exhibits about technology advancements, and more! And with locations in Jersey City and Liberty State Park, there’s sure to be one close to you.
New Mexico
Carlsbad Cavern National Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals that offers a variety of trails and opportunities for exploring. In addition to guided hikes, the park also offers ranger-led programs, events, and more. And with plenty of other attractions in the area, this park is perfect for families with kids who love seeing caves, exploring nature, or taking a break from their everyday lives.
New York
A Wall Street tour is a great way to get kids thinking about the stock market and get them involved in different sorts of investing. Most tours will get participants to trade Virtual stocks, which allow participants to gain experience in the world of trading stocks. Other tours also include visits to real-life buildings, like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where participants can see the stock market in action.
North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate is a popular tourist destination located in Asheville, North Carolina that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the gardens to the winery, there’s something for everyone at the Biltmore Estate. And with a focus on history and architecture, this estate is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – South Unit is a popular tourist destination located in Medora, North Dakota that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the trails to the visitor center, there’s something for everyone at Theodore Roosevelt National Park – South Unit. And with a focus on nature and history, this park is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Ohio
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals that offers a variety of trails and opportunities for exploring. In addition to guided hikes, the park also offers ranger-led programs, events, and more. And with plenty of other attractions in the area, this park is perfect for families with kids who love learning about history, airplanes, or just getting out and exploring.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma History Center offers families with kids who love to explore history an opportunity to do so in the heart of Tulsa. The center is also home to the original 1909 schoolhouse, which has been converted into a museum. There are also interactive exhibits throughout the building that allow children to learn more about life in early Oklahoma. Families can have lunch at the museum’s cafe before heading out into the community to see additional historic sites or just enjoy some time together.
Oregon
The Silver Falls State Park and Recreation Department have been working with the public to improve recreation access to the area. Their efforts have resulted in the construction of a new campground, which provides an additional 34 sites for families with kids looking to explore Silver Falls State Park. In addition to this, there are also many other camping opportunities throughout the park that cater specifically to low-impact tents and RV’s.
Pennsylvania
The Carnegie Science Center is one of the most visited museums in the country. This museum offers families with kids of all ages an opportunity to explore science and technology through interactive exhibits. There are over 500 hands-on activities found on the three floors, which make it easy for kids to learn about STEM topics like robotics, basic programming, marine biology, and more.
Rhode Island
The Rose Island Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination located in Newport, Rhode Island that offers a variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages. From the history of the lighthouse to the exhibits inside, there’s something for everyone at the Rose Island Lighthouse. And with a focus on history and architecture, this lighthouse is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
South Carolina
Wind Cave National Park is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can see the cave formations by taking a guided tour of the cave. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. It is also possible to sign up for a Ranger-led program that includes spelunking deep into the cave, identifying animal tracks, and more. And with a focus on wildlife and ecology, this park is perfect for families with kids who love learning about nature and exploring the outdoors.
South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can see the carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln by taking a guided tour. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. It is also possible to sign up for a Ranger-led program that includes learning about the presidents, their lives, and more. And with a focus on history and architecture, this site is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Tennessee
The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of the Underground Railroad by taking a guided tour of the museum. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on history, this museum is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Texas
The San Antonio Missions are a series of four missions located in San Antonio, Texas. These missions were originally built in the 18th century to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Today, these missions are popular tourist destinations for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of the missions by taking a guided tour of the mission.
Utah
Bryce Canyon is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can see the hoodoos by taking a guided tour of the park. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on geology and nature, this park is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Vermont
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of Ben & Jerry’s by taking a guided tour of the factory. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on business and entrepreneurship, this factory is perfect for families with kids who love learning about how things work.
Virginia
Monticello is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of Thomas Jefferson by taking a guided tour of the estate. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on history and architecture, this site is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Washington
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about marine life by taking a guided tour of the aquarium. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on marine life and biology, this aquarium is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
West Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of America by taking a guided tour of the colonial town. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on history, this town is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
Wisconsin
The House on the Rock is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about the history of the House on the Rock by taking a guided tour of the house. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on
Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the country. Visitors can learn about geology and nature by taking a guided tour of the park. Alternatively, visitors can take a self-guided tour to explore outside on their own with a map offered at the visitor center. And with a focus on geology and nature, this park is perfect for families with kids who love learning about the world around them.
