Vacation 2014 first stop: Missouri

We are taking two weeks to travel out west.   Our first stop is St. Louis, MO and the City Museum.

We only had a Sunday afternoon this time around, but because we knew our way around it didn't take us long to figure out what to do. 

On our way to Oklahoma we stopped off at the George Washington Carver National Monument.

Diamond, MO has a population of 902.
I was a little doubtful that this National Park would be that good. On the contrary, it was excellent and I wish we had come a little earlier because we ran out of time.  Dr. Carver was an extraordinary American. I feel his life and accomplishments are inspirational.  If we are going to have national parks dedicated to people in this country, then he deserves one.

Jane had earned two Junior Ranger Badges by the time we left Missouri.

There are currently over 200 Junior Ranger Programs in the National Park Service. In each of these parks, kids interview Rangers, complete games, and answer questions about the park and the National Park Service. At the end of their experience in the park, they are sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive a special certificate and official Junior Ranger badge.

The City Museum

The City Museum was suggested to us as a place to visit in St. Louis, MO

This is the description listed in wikipedia and I think it states it better than I can.
The museum consist largely of re-purposed architectural and industrial objects, housed in the former international shoe building.
It bills itself as an eclectic mixture of Children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion and architectural marvel. Visitors are encouraged to feel, touch, climb on and play in the various exhibits.


lamberts - city museum from outypants on Vimeo.

It is unlike any place we have ever visited and a comment was made that it was more fun than Disney.  The tunnels and slide can be narrow and very dark. I think it is more fun with kids that are older like ours. Following the kids through tunnels was possible for us but was not always comfortable.  

Free Rag doll making. I made the ninja for Elliot, Jane made the angel. We also made snowflakes. The lady has intricate designs for papercutting.

The largest Pencil in the world.

The circus was next to the amusement section. It had old displays from carnivals, you could purchase snacks and bring them in, something fun and usually not allowed in museums.  
On one of the days we went, the circus featured just one woman who did tricks. Nathan and the kids both got to participate. 

The place is fun just to walk around and look at the architecture. 

There are sections for younger kids like this giant outside ball pit.

The many many slides were a lot of fun.

We didn't even make it to the Arch, (after one and half days )  we spent all our time in St. Louis at the museum.
We would love something like this to come to Grand Rapids.