Stimulating North American Attractions Perfect For Inspiring Young Minds

Who doesn’t look back at their childhood field trips with an enjoyable sense of nostalgia? Regardless of whether it was a school trip away or a family excursion to a science museum or historical fort, these treasured memories stay with us for the rest of our lives, as they taught us that learning could actually be fun.

So, whether you’re a parent keen to get your kids interested in learning about the world around them, or a teacher hoping to energize youngsters’ brains, here’s our shortlist of the best destination-themed adventures that educate in ways no textbook ever can.

Make History Come Alive During America 250 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Where better to start our amazing education-focused destination countdown than taking the ultimate history-inspired vacation to the city that helped shape the nation – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a centerpiece of the America 250 celebrations, from toddlers to grandparents, who wouldn’t want to say they commemorated the occasion on the spot where the nation’s grandest ideas were debated, written, and brought to life all those years ago?

Our first recommendation in the city of Brotherly Love is to head to the birthplace of American democracy, Independence Hall, before visiting the Liberty Bell Center, which has become a national icon of liberty and freedom. Another top attraction set to feature in the special America 250 activities is the Museum of the American Revolution, whose demonstrations and hands-on learning exhibits take you behind the scenes to reveal the ideas behind the drive for independence.

Navigate your way through the cultural and historical treasures of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to commemorate America 250 by getting a great night’s sleep every night at the Independence Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection.

Getting Up Close With The Marine Wildlife of Monterey Bay, California

Our next North American destination designed to ignite curious minds will appeal to those who love a nature-themed field trip away, as we head to Monterey Bay in California. Situated just outside Santa Cruz, not only is Capitola the gateway to the magnificent Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, but it’s down the road from Monterey’s world-famous marine aquarium.

For those of you who like to jump two-footed into a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience, take a trip down to the superb Capitola Boat & Bait to rent a kayak to meet the local otters, harbor seals, and even dolphins in one of North America’s richest marine ecosystems. Then, afterward, head along the bay to the pioneering Monterey Bay Aquarium to get unparalleled views from beneath the waves, wandering around and through their countless underwater ecosystems and exhibits.

Set out to discover the beauty of California’s coastal wildlife, before unwinding each day with a cozy stay at the Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites in Capitola, California.

Blast Off To Discover Space Together in Huntsville, Alabama

As we all know, few themes will instantly capture a child’s imagination faster than outer space, and Huntsville, Alabama, has to be one of the best places on the planet to fuel this enthusiasm. Home to several of NASA’s pioneering rockets and exhibitions, the US Space & Rocket Center provides a fascinating insight into true-life space history through its interactive learning and hands-on immersive experiences – way better than any classroom lesson ever could.

Even before you have a chance to park the car, you’ll be surrounded by towering rockets and legendary spacecraft – all guaranteed to have the kids scrambling to get out to take a closer look. However, stepping inside the complex feels like you’re entering mission control with the chance to explore authentic space artifacts, incredible vehicles such as the Saturn V rocket, and even meet and chat with real-life astronauts – the kind of stuff kids’ dreams are made of.

Fuel your curiosity with cosmic experiences and space-inspired adventures in Huntsville, Alabama, before getting a full battery recharge at the Best Western Huntsville.

Travel Back in Time to Alberta’s Dinosaur Trail in Canada

Now, if giant prehistoric creatures are more your thing, then our next education-led excursion will be right up your street as we head north of the border to Alberta’s Dinosaur Trail in Canada. Packed full of fossil discoveries and world-famous attractions, all set within the outstanding landscapes of Alberta, here you can explore this ancestral home of the dinosaurs, as well as visit the World’s Largest Dinosaur monument while you’re here.

Our first top tip is to head over to the Royal Tyrrell Museum to come face-to-face with the towering, reconstructed skeletons and fossil displays that form one of the largest collections of prehistoric treasures in Canada. We take the learning outside for our next suggestion to the fossil-rich Badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park, as you and the kids go fossil hunting while exploring one of the largest dinosaur excavation sites in the world.

Step back millions of years and share in the prehistoric wonders all around you on Alberta’s Dinosaur Trail, and then kick back and relax in style at the Best Western Diamond Inn in Three Hills, Alberta.

Get Curious, Get Creative at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California

When it comes to joining in with live experiments, our next top destination to visit for an interactive learning experience like no other has to be the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California. Here, every exhibit is designed to encourage you and your kids to test out ideas, ask questions, and discover some of the most ingenious science enterprises that actively foster hands-on learning.

Whether you’re traveling with younger children or curious teens, the Exploratorium has something for everyone that allows visitors to touch, test, build, and explore your way through hundreds of hands-on exhibits that bring science and technology to life. With immersive exhibits in every corner of this scientific wonderland, you’ll want to come back day after day, as you probably wouldn’t have believed science could be this much fun.

Spark creative thinking through exploratory, immersive, and inventive experiences at Exploratorium in San Francisco, then settle into a welcoming stay at The Cartwright Hotel – Union Square, BW Premier Collection.