Choose from 2,596 Fun Things to Do in North America
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National Constitution Center
Set within Independence Mall, this enormous, state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to the history, significance and spirit of the United States Constitution. Visitors are introduced to the Center via a 17-minute multimedia stage show called Freedom Rising, and permanent exhibits include the black robe of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The most unusual attraction here is the Signer’s Hall, a room full of 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers, the men who signed the Constitution into law. Visitors are allowed to take photos with these statues, so be sure to seek out your favorite father and plan that Fourth of July card you’ve always imagined.
The big-ticket draw, though, is the original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution, published in a local Philadelphia newspaper in 1787. There are 24 other copies of this printing around the world, though only a few are on public display; the Center’s copy is occasionally stored to give it a rest from light exposure, and is briefly replaced with a high-resolution reproduction. The original copy of the Constitution itself is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Address: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-6pm; Sun 12-5pm
From $ 19
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Since 2006 the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville has been honoring musical super stars of all genres with displays, galleries and exhibitions highlighting one of the city’s main attractions: Live music. And while this destination has been a hot ticket since its inception, the museum relocated in 2010 to an even more impressive spot—the historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium—part exhibition hall, part convention center and part major music museum.
Visitors can spend several hours combing through interactive displays that showcase the best of music. An impressive Grammy exhibit pays homage to some of the world’s top performers, and an excellent audio tour offers passionate travelers an even deeper look into the collection at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
Travelers can check out the museum on its own, or combine it with an evening catching live music on the city’s main strip. A tour of the museum can also be included as part of a larger exploration of Nashville’s scene, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Practical Info
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 401 Gay Street in Nashville. It is accessible using numerous local bus lines and is open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday. Admission is $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17. The last museum tour starts at 4 pm.
Address: 401 Gay Street, Nashville, USA
Hours: Open from 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday
Admission: $24 for adults and $14 for children ages 6 to 17
From $ 25
Napoleon House
In New Orleans’ French Quarter lies the Napoleon House, a monument to the city’s illustrious heritage and culinary tradition. Built in 1814 by former Mayor Nicholas Girod, the property is most famous for supposedly being offered by the mayor to Napoleon Bonaparte as a refuge after the Frenchman’s exile in 1821. Napoleon never made it to the house, but the name stuck and the building became one of the most famous bars and cafes in the city.
For the past 200 years, Napoleon House has been a frequent stop for numerous artists and writers, and today the National Historic Landmark is open for visitors to enjoy a signature muffaletta and Pimms Cup while absorbing both the architecture and atmosphere.
Practical Info
The café serving hours are from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Monday, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 500 Chartres Street, New Orleans 70130, USA
Hours: Café serving hours are Monday 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 10pm; Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
From $ 30
Museum of the Island of Cozumel
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) sits on the waterfront in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. Inside the historical building are a wealth of displays, all well signed in both Spanish and English. Its four permanent exhibit rooms offer an overview of the island’s geography, ecosystems, history, and culture.
The Basics
The museum’s exhibits begin on the ground floor with Cozumel’s natural history. Fine examples from the island’s famed coral reefs are a must for snorkelers and divers eager to learn more about the underwater world. Other highlights include interactive exhibits about Cozumel’s cultural heritage and its history of pirate attacks. You can also see Cozumel’s transformation from a sparsely populated Caribbean island into an internationally known tourist destination.
Visit the Museum of the Island of Cozumel independently or as part of a guided history walking tour that provides a great overview of San Miguel de Cozumel’s waterfront and downtown.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is ideal for those who want to learn more about Cozumel’s natural and cultural history.
- Expect to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits.
- The museum offers basic facilities, including a gift shop and restrooms.
- Researchers are welcome to use the museum’s on-site library.
- The museum and café are not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel is an easy walk from the Playa del Carmen ferry pier or the Plaza del Sol. Simply head north along the waterfront on Avenida Rafael Melgar and the museum is on your right, between Calle 4 and Calle 6.
When to Get There
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning. Winter brings large numbers of travelers to Cozumel, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest.
Café El Museo
Set aside some time to eat at the excellent Café El Museo, a casual restaurant located on the second floor above the museum. Enjoy fresh seafood, authentic Mexican dishes, and fabulous Caribbean Sea views from the lovely covered patio, which must have been a favorite spot for guests at what was once Cozumel’s first upscale hotel.
Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar and Avenida 4, San Miguel, Mexico
From $ 4
National Atomic Testing Museum
Las Vegas’ National Atomic Testing Museum explores the history and pop culture surrounding the Cold War, nuclear weapons, and Nevada Test Site. You’ll learn about the nation’s atomic testing program through interactive exhibits and see 12,000 photographs, videos, artifacts, and scientific reports that recount 70 years of nuclear testing.
The Basics
The museum offers an in-depth look at the development and testing of the atomic bomb and the creation of the Nevada Test Site. Highlights include a Ground Zero Theater simulation of an above-ground test, a replica of the Control Point where countdowns were conducted, and an exhibit on atomic culture. Visitors can also see Geiger counters, a replica of a 9-megaton nuclear bomb, and the reactor that spawned the nuclear rocket and the first air-to-air missile.
Visit the museum independently or as part of a Las Vegas sightseeing tour. Prebooked skip-the-line admission tickets are available with a discounted multi-attraction pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Expect to spend at least two hours exploring the exhibits.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides restrooms and parking.
- No cellphone usage or food and drinks are permitted inside the museum.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the National Atomic Testing Museum, located just minutes from the Strip. Most visitors arrive as part of a Las Vegas sightseeing tour or by public transport—the Route 202 bus stops in front of the museum. If you’re driving, head eastbound on Flamingo Road and continue straight through the intersection with Paradise Road.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily to visitors, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning and allow at least two hours for the exhibits. The museum is closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Nevada Test Site
The museum recounts the history of the Nevada Test Site, a nuclear weapons test site located in the Nevada desert, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Las Vegas. Nuclear testing at the site began in 1951 and more than 1,000 nuclear tests were conducted here, both above-ground and underground. Atomic explosions continued at the site until 1992.
Address: 755 E. Flamingo Road, Paradise, Nevada 89119, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
National Air and Space Museum
Among the largest and most popular Smithsonian museums, Washington D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum is devoted to all things aeronautics. Its three galleries house historic flying machines, from early airplanes—including the original 1903 Wright Flyer—to Apollo command modules, as well as state-of-the-art digital displays chronicling the history and science of flight in the United States. An on-site IMAX theater shows films throughout the day, and a planetarium offers further insight into the wonders of our solar system.
The Basics
Because of its large size, the National Air and Space Museum can be overwhelming. If you’d like someone to show you around, sign up for a private or small-group guided tour. Some tours combine a trip to the National Air and Space Museum with a visit to the nearby Museum of American History. While the vast majority of the museum is given over to permanent exhibitions covering everything from World War II to the Space Race, temporary exhibits are also hosted here. Free docent-led, 90-minute tours focusing on the highlights of the collection are held twice daily and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The museum has a second exhibition facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, which showcases more aircraft from the collection, including the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring small, easy-to-search bags to speed up your passage through security.
- Tickets are required for IMAX and Planetarium shows, and for the flight simulators.
- The National Air and Space Museum is accessible to wheelchairs.
- Wi-Fi is available at the museum.
How to Get There
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is situated at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The museum is fewer than five minutes from L’Enfant Plaza station (Blue, Orange, Green, Yellow, and Silver lines) and about 10 minutes from Smithsonian station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). To get to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, take the Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East and transfer to the Fairfax Connector bus 983.
When to Get There
The National Air and Space Museum is busiest from March through August. Avoid the crowds by coming early on the weekends or in late afternoon during the week.
Highlights of the Collection
In addition to the Wright brothers’ famous 1903 flight machine, the National Air and Space Museum displays many other noteworthy aircraft. Look for Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis jet, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 (the first plane to fly faster than the speed of sound), and SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed craft to successfully enter space. All are located in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.
Address: 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW, National Mall, Washington D.C. 20560, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Myrtle Edwards Park
Not far from the bustle of Seattle’s Space Needle, there is a public park on the bay where the focus is on wildlife and nature. The 4.8-acre Myrtle Edwards Park stretches along Elliott Bay and is known for its 1.25-mile paved walking and cycling path, and for the many opportunities to see eagles, herons and other wildlife.
The park was originally called Elliott Bay Park, but was renamed in 1976 for Myrtle Edwards. Edwards had been a prominent member of Seattle’s city council, where she fought for the preservation of the city’s natural spaces. Located between the park and the Space Needle is the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre park of outdoor art installations that opened in 2007.
Practical Info
Myrtle Edwards Park is open 24 hours a day. From the Space Needle, walk along Broad Street until you reach the water and the park.
Address: 3130 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
Hours: Daily
From $ 66
Music Row
No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Music Row. This is the home of the country music industry, with a slew of record labels, radio stations, and recording studios working side-by-side. There are also live venues on or near Music Row, to check out established artists as well as up-and-comers looking to break through.
The Basics
Music Row is packed with working businesses, as well as historic sites like RCA Studio B, which offers tours of the recording studio where scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins recorded hits. Many of the music company spaces and offices are in converted homes, maintaining the look and feel of old-school Nashville. Guided trolley and Segway tours of the city include stops within Music Row.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to country music, Music Row is home to businesses that represent a number of music genres.
- RCA Studio B is open for public tours.
- The 40-foot-tall Musica statue by artist Alan LeQuire, located at the Music Row Roundabout, depicts nine dancing nude figures, which sometimes wear outfits for special occasions, such as Nashville Predator T-shirts on game day.
How to Get There
Located around 16th and 17th Avenues South (also known as Music Square East and West, respectively), Music Row is a 10-minute drive from the historic Ryman Auditorium, which is nearby many of the city’s famous honky-tonks. Music Row can be reached by taking the No. 3, 5, 7, and 25 buses from the Ryman. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Vanderbilt University.
When to Get There
Studio B tours depart hourly every day, from 10:30am to 2:30pm daily, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; transportation is included. Neighborhood bar the Idle Hour is a favorite watering hole of industry veterans and hosts nightly entertainment. It’s open Sunday and Monday, 12pm to 12am, and Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm to 3am.
Nearby Belmont Mansion
History and Civil War buffs, as well as art lovers, will want to visit this must-see Nashville attraction that’s located on the campus of Belmont University, just on the outer edge of Music Row. The elaborate antebellum home is an Italianate villa that functions as a museum as well as a venue for special events. Guided tours are offered; the mansion is also a stop on the Old Town Trolley.
Address: Nashville, Tennessee, USA, USA
From $ 38
National Archives Museum
The flagship of the US Government's National Archives and Records Administration, this Greek Revival building in DC's Federal Triangle was created in 1934 to house records of America's military, civic and diplomatic origins and activities. Home to the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights) the Archives offer a comprehensive visitor experience that includes the charters themselves, as well as a peek into the public research vaults and a film about the relationship between public records and democracy.
Practical Info
The public entrance is located at the corner of
Constitution Avenue and 9th Street; visitors without advanced
reservations line up here to await admission. Advanced reservations for
entrance and guided tours (held at 9:45 a.m., Monday-Friday) can be made. The onsite Charter Café is open Monday through Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4 p.m. The archives offer no dedicated public parking, but the site is directly across the street from the Metrorail's Archives-Navy Memorial
station, which serves the yellow and green lines.
Address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20408, USA
From $ 14
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a history and art museum, created with the intention of ‘preserving and presenting’ the history of New York City — and its people. The museum celebrates New York, serving to educate the visiting public about the city’s distinctive character, its history of diversity, and its ever-changing nature. The building is a red-brick-and-marble neo-Georgian creation, completed in 1930 and located at the northern end of ‘Museum Mile’ on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is a private, non-profit organization, funded by New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group. The compact museum isn’t a big place, but manages to impart plenty of New York’s storied history in a personal way that many bigger museums don’t. Exhibits include ‘From Ship to Shore,’ which depicts what it was like for immigrants to arrive in New York Harbor. The exhibit ‘New York’s Yiddish Theater,’ takes you through the theater culture that formed on Manhattan’s Lower East side in the late 19th century and leaves a legacy today. ‘Gilded New York’ features the city’s visual culture at the end of the 19th century (when the rich loved to flaunt their money!). ‘Activist New York’ shows the intricacies of social activism on many different issues throughout history.
Practical Info
The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220-1227 Fifth Avenue, from East 103rd to 104th streets, across from Central Park in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. To get there by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M106 to 104th Street. By subway, the museum can be reached by taking the #6 Lexington Ave. train to 103rd St., or the #2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St.
Address: 1220 5th Ave, New York 10029, USA
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults, $14; Seniors and students, $10; Ages 19 and younger visit for free.
From $ 18
Museum of Tequila and Mezcal (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal)
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal—or Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (MUTEM)—offers visitors a lesson in the history, production and significance of Mexico’s much-loved, agave-based spirit, with optional tastings included. Located in the historic and frequently visited Plaza Garibaldi, the museum features a permanent exhibit hall on the first floor showcasing, step-by-step, the tequila and mezcal production process, from the selection of agave varieties to distillation.
The museum also covers Mexican culture and history, with exhibits going into detail on the site’s location, known as the center of los mariachi, and national pop culture. Visitors will have the chance to sample multiple tequila and mezcal varieties, including silver, reposado and añejo tequila, and visit the top-floor restaurant and bar, which serves its selection of Mexican dishes with a view overlooking Plaza Garibaldi, the Mexico City Cathedral and Torre Latinoamericana.
Practical Info
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal is located in Plaza Garibaldi, one of the most traditional parts of Mexico City. It is open daily from 11am to 10pm (and until midnight on weekends). It is possible to purchase agave, tequila and mezcal products from the museum gift shop. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with most tours, but the area can also be reached via metro, with access from Metro Garibaldi station.
Did You Know? By law, tequila can only be made using blue agave, while mezcal can be made with around 30 different types of agaves.
Address: Plaza Garibaldi s/n Col. Centro, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Sun–Wed 11am–10pm (until midnight Thurs–Sat)
Admission: Varies
From $ 125
Museum of Tolerance
The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is a Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum. Since it opened its doors in 1993, more than five million have visited, most middle and high school students. Interactive exhibits and special programs are designed to help visitors develop a better understanding of the Holocaust and inspire tolerance of all people regardless of race or religion.
The museum features an exhibit on Anne Frank. Along with rare artifacts, documents and photographs, you can read a facsimile of her diary. Little known facts about the time she spent in hiding and her arrest are highlighted throughout the exhibit. Admission for the Anne exhibit is not included with general museum admission and advanced reservations are recommended.
Practical Info
The Museum of Tolerance is open six days a week. It is closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Free underground parking is available in the Museum complex. The entrance is on Pico Boulevard. If you are using public transportation, take the Metro 14/37 to Beverwil Drive and W. Pico Boulevard and walk two blocks west on Pico Boulevard.
Address: 9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles 90035, USA
Hours: Sun-Wed 10am-5pm
Thursday 10am-9:30pm
Friday 10am-3:15pm
Admission: Adult $15.50 Seniors $12.50 Student $11.50
From $ 16
Naples
To see how Long Beach’s elite live, head to Naples. The neighborhood resides on three islands divided by canals, which are lined with beautiful million dollar homes. These canals open into Alamitos Bay and provide an array of fun water experiences. For a bit of romance, ride in an authentic Venetian gondola down the canals while sipping a glass or wine or beer (BYOB) and enjoying the scenery. For something a bit more adventurous, kayaking is also an option.
Naples is a great neighborhood for exploring Long Beach’s restaurant scene, as it’s filled with delicious options for local and ethnic dining. While Russo’s Neighborhood Ristorante & Bar serves up hearty Italian, Sushi of Naples can satiate your Japanese craving. And at the Naples Rib Company, you’ll savor fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy sausage and tender chicken.
When visiting Naples, La Bella Fontana Di Napoli is a fountain in the center of the neighborhood that’s also a popular attraction. The structure was erected in 1971 and sits in a peaceful park that many say makes them feel as though they’re in Naples, Italy.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, Naples is well-known for its Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade. This annual tradition features small and large boats adorned in holiday decorations floating on the water.
Naples is a great neighborhood for exploring Long Beach’s restaurant scene, as it’s filled with delicious options for local and ethnic dining. While Russo’s Neighborhood Ristorante & Bar serves up hearty Italian, Sushi of Naples can satiate your Japanese craving. And at the Naples Rib Company, you’ll savor fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy sausage and tender chicken.
When visiting Naples, La Bella Fontana Di Napoli is a fountain in the center of the neighborhood that’s also a popular attraction. The structure was erected in 1971 and sits in a peaceful park that many say makes them feel as though they’re in Naples, Italy.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, Naples is well-known for its Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade. This annual tradition features small and large boats adorned in holiday decorations floating on the water.
Address: Naples, Long Beach, CA, USA
From $ 320
Muyil
Stretching along the banks of a coastal lagoon and dominated by the 17-meter-tall El Castillo, one of the region’s tallest pyramids, the little-visited Mayan ruins of Muyil are undeniably photogenic and make a unique alternative to the nearby sites of Tulum and Coba.
Set on the edge of the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve, Muyil is a worthwhile detour for hikers and there are a number of significant ruins to explore, as well as an observation tower, offering views over the neighboring lagoon, and boat rides around the lagoon. The ancient settlement is estimated to have dated back to as early as 300 BC and remaining structures include the ‘Sacbé’, a five-meter-wide ancient road, and the ‘Pink Palace’, renowned for its well-preserved stuccos.
Practical Info
Muyil is located by the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, around 20 km south of Tulum.
Address: Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 115
Na Pali Coast
With its emerald mountains, secluded beaches, and turquoise sea, Kauai’s Na Pali Coast State Park (or Napali Coast) is a natural treasure trove that begs to be explored. And it’s no wonder Na Pali takes its name from the Hawaiian word for cliff: the coastline is dominated by jagged 4,000-foot (1,219-meter) cliffs that reign supreme over the Pacific Ocean.
The Basics
Although the coastline is only land accessible by the challenging 11-mile (17-km) Kalalau Trail trek, guided Na Pali kayaking trips and Kauai boat tours depart regularly from Port Allen in Eleele and Hanalei Bay. If you are an active traveler, you will want to take on the Kalalau Trail—a route that traverses through steep sea cliffs, waterfalls, and sinuous rivers in old Hawaii and allows travelers to explore secluded beaches and sea caves. Some adventurers choose to camp overnight in Hanakoa Valley during the summer months, although a permit is required.
Insider Tip
To capture the best panoramas on the Kalalau Trail, walk carefully down a path to the prime Kalalau Lookout just past the Waimea Canyon’s Kokee Park Geophysical Observatory.
Popular Things to Do When Touring the Na Pali Coast
Primeval, protected scenery makes the coast a haven for lovers of outdoor activities and water sports—snorkel, raft, swim, hike, and sail to your heart’s content while you contemplate natural beauty that only Hawaii is capable of displaying.
Another great way to absorb the panoramic beauty of the Na Pali Coast—particularly if you’re not up for the difficult 11-mile (17-km) Kalalau hike—is to take a boat ride. Opt for a sunset dinner cruise to see the landscape at its most magical, or a daytime power catamaran tour to observe spinner dolphins, go whale watching, and visit Niihau, the Forbidden Island. Swim amid tropical marine life and around sea turtles on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour; let your adrenaline levels surge on a rafting adventure; or experience waterfalls and red rivers while hiking. For the ultimate Na Pali experience, you can take a sightseeing flight or helicopter tour and get aerial views of the spectacular scenery.
Address: State Highway 56, Lihue, Hawaii 96766, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 91
Musical Legends Park
This small pocket of outdoor space on Bourbon Street is dedicated to the renowned musicians of New Orleans. Stop in to listen to jazz music daily from 10am to close. The stage is small, but the setting and music make for a great place to sit and listen for a stretch. Tables and chairs are mixed in among statues of musicians, and Café Beignet calls the back of the courtyard home. Plan on snacking on warm beignets or order up a Cajun specialty for breakfast, lunch or dinner while listening to local musicians do what they do best.
Practical Info
Musical Legends Park is located at 311 Bourbon Street. Performances are free. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.
Address: 311 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA
From $ 25
National Corvette Museum
Make a pit stop at The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky to see over 80 of the classic, American cars spread across 100,000 square feet of Corvette history. Enthusiasts will find rare cars, concept cars, classic models, and prototypes organized by time period, as well as historic photographs, dioramas, advertisements, and memorabilia. There’s also the Corvette assembly plant just across the road, where one can admire the newest cars to enter the fleet.
Check out the museum's interactive displays and have a bite at the Corvette Cafe, before heading over to Motorsports Park racing track. Spectators are welcome, but don't miss your chance to pop in a car for a lap around the track with an experienced driver.
Practical Info
The National Corvette museum is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. To get there, take I-65 to exit 28. The museum is open seven days a week from 8am–5pm, but you’ll want to allocate extra time if you plan to visit the plant (advance reservations required). The museum also raffles off Corvettes—get a ticket for your chance to win (and get a VIP tour) for $10. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for youth.
Did you know? Corvettes have been made here since 1981, when the factory was moved from St. Louis.
Address: 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA
Hours: 8am–5pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Mystic Seaport
On the banks of Connecticut’s historic Mystic River, Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, it is home to four vessels with National Historic Landmark status. Visitors can explore more than 19 acres along the river, including a re-created 19th-century seafaring village and a working preservation shipyard.
The Basics
A visit to Mystic Seaport is an interactive experience, where you can learn about 19th-century New England’s seafaring heritage and maritime history through on-site historians, storytellers, and craftspeople. Climb aboard historic vessels including the wooden whaleship Charles W. Morgan, witness shipbuilding in action in the working shipyard, duck inside the cooperage, or explore the stars (and the art of celestial navigation) at the Treworgy Planetarium. The museum’s gardens showcase plants from the habitats of the Mystic River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mystic Seaport is a must-see for history buffs and families.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as many of the museum’s exhibits are outdoors.
- Photography is permitted at Mystic Seaport, but leave tripods, monopods, and drones behind.
- About a third of the museum’s buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances. Most trails are stable and firm, even if unpaved.
How to Get There
Mystic Seaport is located in the town of Mystic, located 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of New London. The easiest way to get there is by car; there is free parking across the street from both the north and south entrances.
When to Get There
Mystic Seaport is open daily throughout the year, with limited hours and operation during January and February. The best weather—and more sizable crowds—arrives in June, July, and August.
Things to Do in Mystic
If you’re in the area to visit Mystic Seaport, set aside some time to see some of the area’s other notable attractions. Traveling families can spend an afternoon at the kid-approved Mystic Aquarium, while the historic downtown area offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Browse the rotating exhibits at the Mystic Museum of Art, or dive deeper into the region’s history at the Denison Homestead Museum.
Address: 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, Connecticut 06355, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Limited hours in January and February.
Admission: Adults: $28; Youth: $18.95
From $ 29
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
In search of a fun attraction to take the entire family to? Then check out the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, home to animals from all over the world, as well as the "Jungle Gym," the largest community-built playground of its kind in the country.
Some of the most popular animal attractions include Alligator Cove, the Giraffe Savanna, and an African Wild Dog exhibit. While the animals are alluring to both parents and kids alike, the real attraction may be the Jungle Gym. Spreading out over 66,000 square feet (6,131 square meters) the playground houses a vast array of slides, cargo netting, swings and climbing structures for children. Kids will want to spend hours running around in this expansive entertainment area.
Practical Info
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is located six mi (10 km) southeast of downtown Nashville. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by car.
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville 37211-3324, USA
Hours: Mar 15 - Oct 14: 9am - 6pm, Oct 15 - Mar 14: 9am - 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Admission: Adults: US$14, Children (2-12yrs): US$9
From $ 18
Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center is a one of the newer museums to hit the Dallas Arts District but has made a lasting impact on the local scene. The vision of the late Raymond and Patty Nasher, the indoor gallery houses the couple’s collection of some of the finest modern sculptures in the world. With over 300 pieces in the permanent collection, multiple works from artists such as Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth and Picasso are on display. Special exhibits on loan from other museums and collections are also housed here from time to time.
The center was designed by architect Renzo Piano in collaboration with landscape architect Peter Walker, who installed a beautiful sculpture garden to explore outside the indoor gallery space. The site also has an auditorium, a cafe and a store, plus research and educational facilities to promote sculpture.
Practical Info
The Nasher Sculpture Center is located adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in the Dallas Arts District. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission costs $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and is free for children under 12. The admission fee covers a free audio tour and entrance to any special exhibitions. Parking at the nearby Dallas Museum of Art is free.
Address: 2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Hours: Tues-Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10, seniors $7, students $5
From $ 10