Day 2: Dinosaur Museum

Day 2: This day started out much different than the day before. But in a good way! You see, to go hiking we had to get up and moving early. Not a difficult feat, but today we were visiting a local museum, the Arizona Museum of Natural History, AKA. the dinosaur museum...to my kids. And since museums do not open as early as my kids get up (7am is sleeping in in our house...still) we had a few hours to kill before heading off on today's adventure! This meant we had time for one of my most favorite "lazy day" activities with my kids....cuddle time in mom's bed while we watched a mini-marathon of "My Little Pony" (Thanks Netflix!)! After munching on some breakfast in bed while cuddling and enjoying the "zany adventures" of the newest rendition of My Little Pony, we got our act together and headed out to the museum. Robert was super excited because...well, come on...it was a museum all about dinosaurs. Audrey...not as thrilled. But once we got there... they were both very happy! There were dinosaurs everywhere! Exhibits to climb on, run on, and even learn a little! I think their favorite part was outside, where they were able to pan for "gold" and dig for dinosaur bones and other cool fossils! This is a museum definitely made for children to learn through exploration! My favorite kind of museum!

I have to say, it was a really fun experience but we were only able to do it because of the Culture Pass! Don't know what that it? Well, let me step up on my soapbox and tell you about one of the coolest things in Phoenix for families (if you ask me)! 

The Culture Pass is offered at most city libraries in the Phoenix area. They offer passes to various museums, botanical gardens and yes...even the nationally ranked Phoenix Zoo! You find what passes are available at your local library and check it out for 2 free admissions to the locale that is good for one use during the next 7 days. Why do I say this is great for families? While ANYONE who has a library card can check out one of these passes....it makes it much more affordable for a whole family to attend these great places! 

Day 2: Success!

                                                              Outside the museum

                                                         Panning for gold in the "river"

                                                 Baby...you should be in movies!

                                                          dinosaur rocking horse!

                                           Robert enjoying the arts & exploration room

                               Robert finding his own dino bones in the "Dino Dig"

                                                          How big is a T Rex?

                  Robert wanted to know if we could keep a pet T Rex. I said no.

                          Audrey enjoying the arts & exploration room

                                         Audrey digging up dino bones
                                    
TOMORROW:
Day 3: Kids Club