Plan on Pennsylvania for Family Fun and Learning (continued)

12) Philadelphia Museum of Art – One of the nation’s largest art museums (with some of the most well-known entrance steps thanks to the movie Rocky) it is particularly appealing for young art lovers because of its many period rooms and “architectural assemblages” that meticulously recreate special environments from around the world. A Japanese teahouse, an English drawing room, a medieval cloister courtyard, a sixteenth-century temple hall from India and a French Gothic chapel allow kids to walk through history and enjoy artworks and decorative arts in their original context. Family Gallery Tours, downloadable audio tours and Tours for Tots are focused on children.

13) Little League Museum – Batter up! Organized baseball for young boys started in 1939 in Williamsport, PA and the Little League World Series is still played here at the hallowed ball field behind the Museum, which also includes softball. There are displays about the history of the game, including uniforms, equipment and famous players who started in Little League. Batting and pitching areas with instant replay allow swing analysis and the ever-satisfying crack of a ball against a bat.

14) Valley Forge National Historical Park – Continental Army soldiers were on the ragged edge of survival when they arrived here in the winter of 1777, then it went downhill from there as 2000 died during the encampment (mostly from disease rather than cold.) Still, with German General von Steuben to drill them starting in February 1778, the Army ultimately emerged from Valley Forge ready to fight. Today, many of the huts/shelters that they built have been re-created and staffed with living history interpreters. There are storytellers, guided trolley tours, downloadable audio tours, stories that you can access from your cell phone, and after hours tours with a campfire.

15) Mütter Museum – Housed in the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, this highly unusual collection of medical artifacts is not for the particularly squeamish (its tagline is “Disturbingly Informative”) but it will be a huge hit for any future doctors or biologists in your house. Over 20,000 anatomic and pathological objects have been collected here since 1858, to educate future physicians about all manner of human body phenomena. Plaster casts of the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng (and their conjoined livers) and a tumor that was secretly removed from President Grover Cleveland are just a few of the highlights.

16) National Aviary – Hundreds of birds from around the world live in appropriate habitats like the Wetlands of America (the largest walk-through exhibit – full of terns, pelicans and flamingoes.) Numerous demonstration, feeding and educational programs attempt to include all ages and interests; the Little Peepers program introduces birds to children as young as 18 months, the FlightZone outdoor free-flight bird show is held daily in summer, and visitors can participate with the trainers in feeding programs.