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Health & Fitness

3 Day Trips for You and Your Kids

Summer is a great time to take a day trip with your child.  Fortunately, the Bay Area has all kinds of great places to visit that are both entertaining and informative.  I could make a huge list, but instead I've decided to focus on three specific locations.  These venues are unique, engaging and free!

Day Trip No. 1: Cable Car Museum in San Francisco

Climb aboard a cable car and ride it to 1201 Mason Street to the Cable Car Museum.  Established in 1974, this museum combines elements of both past and present.  Three antique cars are on display along with various equipment including grips, brakes and cables.  The best part?  The museum also serves as a power station for cable cars still in use.  You'll get to see the massive engines and winding wheels used to move the cars across the city.  This is a great place for children who love history or taking things apart to see how they work.

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Day Trip No. 2: Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

Hang ten at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum at Steamer Lane.  The museum is housed inside an old lighthouse overlooking one of the most iconic surf spots in the United States. You'll learn about the origins of surfing and how it made its way to Santa Cruz.  You'll also discover some pretty interesting facts about this part of California culture.  For instance, did you know surfboards were once made of redwood and weighed 100 pounds?  When you're done, step outside and watch the surfers ride some of the best waves in the state.  Think of this day trip as an introduction to a potential hobby or a fun way to talk about the ocean.

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Day Trip No: 3 NASA Ames Visitor Center in Mountain View

Located 15 minutes northwest of San Jose, the visitor center is a great way to explore space without leaving Earth.  Here you'll get a chance to see a moon rock brought back from the Apollo 15 mission and explore an actual flight simulator!  If you get tired, sit back and relax in front of the 14-foot tall, 36-foot wide movie screen as you journey through the Milky Way.  This is the perfect spot for kids who want to be an astronauts or for those who just love science.

Well, it's time to pack up some snacks and hit the road.  Have fun and be sure to check our blog throughout the summer.  We'll be adding more great places to visit to our list!

Photo Credit: wooleywonderworks via Flickr

 

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