When you live in a small Kansas town, it is easy to feel like there is nothing new and exciting to do with your kids. I've felt that way before. Let me tell you a secret... small towns are treasures when it comes to exploring!
The mystery of the unknown is pure magic to little boys. Mine are always up for an adventure! One of our favorite places is the local Historical Museum. Each time we go the boys light up!
If you are worried about taking small children to a museum, don't! Even the exhibits that seem too mature can draw a child's attention. I'm always surprised by the things that my boys get excited about.
The volunteers at the museum are always so happy to see the kids. They greet them with enthusiastic smiles and are genuinely excited for them to be experiencing the museum. If you are like me and you secretly dread taking your kids out in public, this is a great place to try!
Before we began our self-guided tour, the boys asked the volunteer which kindness rocks they need to keep an eye out for to earn a special prize. It is such a cute way to get them to really focus and study the exhibits.
Grandma Gemma had never been to the museum before, and the boys loved guiding her through the exhibits. The first few were about life on the prairie, beginning with fossils and then Native Americans and settlers.
I love the diversity of exhibits. There are the traditional display cases, plus an entire old west town that guests are encouraged to explore. It is fun to follow the wood plank sidewalk and meander through the buildings. I've never sat in an old fashioned train car until today!
We always love to see the diorama of Skunk Johnson's gypsum cave (not pictured... oops!) and imagine what his life would have been like. He was a fur harvester and trapper that lived within a mile or two of where our house currently sits! Aaron likes to tell the legend of Skunk Johnson's epic survival around the campfire on summer nights. The kids can't get enough of it.
Madden loves to look at the war uniforms and weapons. Abe loves the tractors and mannequins. My adventurous middle son, Sam, likes the old fashioned church. Watching their imaginations run wild is so fun!
We are so lucky to have this gem of a museum in our small town. If you are local and haven't been, GO! If you are passing through and need an hour to stretch your legs, this would be high on my list of recommendations.
Happy adventuring!
Meg
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