Places Every Kid Should Visit

I came across this list of 10 Places Every Kid Should See. I didn't see a single one of them as a kid. The list includes: The Grand Canyon, The National Mall, Redwood National Park, Ellis Island, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Colonial Williamsburg, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Independence Hall, Alcatraz Island. I've still only been to two of those (Yellowstone and Redwood). I am glad to see that half of the places are natural sites and the other half are historical.

And while many families in America live within a few hours of at least one of those places, others do not. The closest site to where I live is almost 1000 miles away. It would take a lot of driving and even more money to see them all. Someday I'd like to, but it probably won't happen while my kids are young.

So, instead I propose my own list of places every kids should visit. Most are free or very cheap. Most should be within a short trip of your home. All provide great opportunities to give the kids a new experience and a fun time.

1. A different library than your usual one.
2. Your local historical site or museum. Even most small towns have one.
3. A state park. Be sure to take in a naturalist program if they have one.
4. A campground where the kids can spend a night in a tent (no RVs; preferably a state or national park--not a commercial campground).
5. A Great Lake or ocean. At least a lake to go swimming in (something that's non-chlorinated). While there, be sure to show them how to skip rocks.
6. An art museum. Many have scavenger hunts for the kids to do.
7. A local sporting event (non-professional). We've lived near high schools where we got to see rugby and field hockey played (for free!)--sports you don't often get to watch on TV.
8. A small town. Banter with the locals and enjoy home-cooking at the local cafe. Try and go when the local festival is happening.
9. A farm. Teach the kids where food really comes from--and all the hard work that goes into it. Enjoy the "simpler" life.
10. A nursing home. It may be uncomfortable for some kids to visit, but it brings great joy to those who live there, and it's a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the value of older adults. Plus, they've got great stories to share.

What would you add or change?