The Ocean Institute is an educational facility is located in the beautiful city of Dana Point. Its mission is to educate people of all ages to become responsible stewards of the ocean. The Institute is nationally known for its hands-on approach to environmental education, marine science and maritime history programs. The Ocean Institute specializes in ground-breaking marine and social science programs. It has a collection of artifacts and animals on its campus. More than 110,000 K-12 students and 6,000 teachers annually participate in the Ocean Institute's 61 award-winning programs.
The River Bend Nature Center is owned by Racine County and operated by River Bend Nature Center Inc. It often hosts nature camps for children, but it also rents out cross-country skis and canoes. The nature center is situated along the Root River.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has two miles of walking trails meandering over the property where visitors can see living animals from reptiles to bears and mountain lions -- including an aquarium and a cave. Docents give free demonstrations of plants and small animals.
Best and worst times to go to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Saturdays offer extended hours to 10:00 PM. This is special fun for those who like to find shiny scorpions with black lights. It also gives a chance to see the nocturnal animals. The worst time is after 4:00 PM, when no discounts are available. Afternoons in the summer are very hot. Bring your own bottled water; fountains provide free refills.
Must see at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Many events are scheduled throughout the year. Don't miss the hummingbirds, who are so accustomed to people that the nests are easily seen. Children love the snakes and frogs just within the gates. You may be fortunate enough to catch a docent showing them and letting kids touch them.
Admission to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Admission varies for those 4 and above from about $6:00 to $25.00. Buying a membership gets you in and gives a chance to come back often. Military and student discounts are available; ask at the desk.
Parking at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Unpaved parking wanders among the cactus and mesquite. Handicapped parking is near the entrance. Bus and RV parking is available. If there is an advertised event, nearby parking may fill up early.
Food at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Near the entrance a selection of foods from snacks to fancy dinners is available. Some snacks are available along the trail. Snack prices are a little above in-town prices. The dinners are relatively equal to a good dinner in town.
Insider tip for visitors at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Try the Native American dishes made from cactus and desert plants, a special late-spring event. If you can drive mountain roads, go over Gates Pass, you can see for miles and miles across the desert. Do not touch the soft looking jumping cactus, or the fuzzy looking prickly pear; you'll get a handful of thorns. No pets are allowed, even in the parking area.
Author's bio: Joanne Birch is a freelance writer from the southern mountains of Arizona. She writes tips for parents and about the history of Arizona.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in Richmond boasting over 50 acres of meticulously cultivated land. The gardens are maintained year round and contain thousands of plant varieties from around the globe, and they are home to the only classically domed conservatory on the East Coast. Visitors can expect to find seasonal attractions throughout the year, with one of the most popular being the GardenFest of Lights, a spectacular walk-through light show during the holiday season. In addition to the gardens, Lewis Ginter offers a library, garden shop, and two dining options, although their Robins Tea House is only open seasonally.
How to get to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The entrance to the gardens is on Lakeside Avenue near the corner of Lakeside and Hilliard. It is easy to spot, and generous parking is available. There is separate parking for buses, and it is well marked and easy to find. From the parking lots, one building entrance leads to the garden shop and another to the main hall closer to the dining area, but everything is connected so it's easy to find your way inside. Tickets to access the gardens are sold at the desks in the main hall.
Best and worst times to visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 24th and 25th. However, the gardens tend to be busier on weekends, so it is best to plan to visit during the week. GardenFest of Lights begins on Black Friday and extends through January, and it is busiest closest to Christmas. The best times to see the lights are just after sunset in early December and during the week after Christmas. Check ahead during special events, as some evenings are reserved for garden members only. Robins Tea House and The Garden Cafe have separate hours from the gardens, and it is recommended that you check the website or call ahead for their hours.
Admission to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Members are admitted to the gardens for free, but for non members, access to the gardens is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for children aged 3-12, and free for children under 3. Group rates are available, but you must call for details and pricing. The Robins Tea House, education center, and library are located inside the gardens, so paid admission to the gardens or a membership is necessary to access them. Reservations are recommended for dining at the Tea House. Admission is not required to access the Garden Shop or Garden Cafe.
Must-sees at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The conservatory is lush with tropical greenery, exotic orchids, and a wide variety of desert plants, as well as a fairy garden and seasonal exhibitions such as live interactive butterfly exhibits. The GardenFest of Lights is stunning, and includes model trains and mini villages built entirely from botanical materials. Additionally, the children's garden is exceptional and includes a handicap accessible tree house from which the entire garden and lake are visible.
Other places to visit near Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
The gardens are only a short drive from downtown Richmond, and the Lakeside district is a charming residential area where you'll find antique and consignment shops, a unique pet store called Fin and Feather, and the seasonal Lakeside Farmers Market that operates from May through October. The gardens are also part of the Richmond Garden Trail, which includes 8 stunning gardens within 10 miles of one another.
Insider tip for visiting
The best spot for great photos is the Japanese garden outside of Robins Tea House. There is a little stream with a charming wooden bridge that makes a great backdrop for portraits, and that same path leads through an incredible circular gateway which looks fantastic in pictures. It's one of the most iconic settings in Lewis Ginter.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and blogger from the Richmond area. She believes that travel is absolutely necessary and encourages exploration both abroad and in your own backyard.
Providing fun, interactive, hands-on science and nature experiences for children, High Touch - High Tech offers programs that expose children to the amazing world of science.
The scientists of High Touch - High Tech take the science to the children at schools, summer camps and even birthday parties.
