“Museum.” For some, this word piques excitement and interest. For many, it evokes bored childhood memories of hushed voices, slowly plodding steps, and the ever-constant scolding: “Don’t touch that!”
If you fall into the latter category, it might be time to give museums another try. Among its many treasures, the North State can boast of top-quality museums that feature everything from modern science to local history. Hands-on activities entertain young children, interactive experiments intrigue older kids, and relevant, informative exhibits fascinate all ages.
The region’s local museums turn learning into a fun process of discovery that can help gear kids’ minds up for a new school year. Spending time in these kid-friendly environments can also teach positive public behavior, like using indoor voices to avoid frightening an animal, or taking turns with other kids at an experiment table.
Plus, a nice air-conditioned museum offers kids a great way to get off the couch and away from television and other electronic devices while also staying cool on hot end-of-summer days.
Check out the list below to see some of the museum options the North State has to offers.
Gold Nugget Museum; Paradise. When visitors step onto Gold Nugget Museum’s property, they step back into California’s rich history. This volunteer-run museum strives to not only preserve the area’s past, but to bring it to life. Toward that end, the museum offers teachers, students and parents day-long living history programs during the school year. In one program, participants experience the lives of 1850s pioneers by making butter, weaving cloth, and mining for gold. An alternate program teaches kids to grind acorns, dance and throw spears like the Maidu people. In August, the museum hosts a special Dutch Oven Cook-off, an event that draws chefs and community members alike for the competition and delicious food. Normal museum hours are 12-4pm Wednesday through Sunday, and regular exhibits include Maidu Indian artifacts, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, a miner’s cabin and a covered bridge. http://www.goldnuggetmuseum.com.
502 Pearson Rd. (530) 872-8722.
Turtle Bay Museum; Redding. With two of its core values listed as “playfulness” and “community,” Turtle Bay Exploration Park clearly understands kids and families. In addition to the museum, the park includes the Sundial Bridge, a forestry and wildlife center, botanical gardens, and an arboretum. Inside the museum, kids can watch fish eat, peer through a glass floor to see a tree’s complex root structure, and explore interactive attractions. In August the museum features two very different “rock” exhibits. In the “Rock U: The Institute of Rock ‘N’ Roll” exhibit, visitors can explore the history and technology of recording and broadcasting music. The “Rock Penjing” exhibit displays the Chinese art of cultivating incredible miniature landscapes. With multi-media displays, historical and natural exhibits, and a hands-on science lab, your family won’t want to miss the Turtle Bay Museum adventure. The park is open daily, and guests can take advantage of discount days on the 5th and 10th of each month. http://www.turtlebay.org. 844 Sundial Bridge Dr. 1-800-TURTLEBAY.
910 South Main St. (530) 842-3836.
For a comprehensive list of North State museums, visit the Museums & Historical Sites page in the Family Resources section of North State Parent’s website at http://www.NorthStateParent.com/Museums.
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