LEGOLAND

For fall break I took my children age 14 and 11 to Legoland, Ca. 

Everyone told me that we were too old. They said that Legoland is for small kids and we would be bored.  Gosh, they were wrong. 

Miniland USA was amazing. Seeing all those land marks built out of thousands of legos was inspiring. They also have the Lego Movie set for display.  There was so much to see and do and be amazed by. Even the food in the Marketplace was good!

As for the rides, we found plenty of scream worthy ones.  We opened and closed the park that day, and we still did not get to see everything. We need to go back, and we will. 

http://california.legoland.com

Museum of Making Music

In Carlsbad, Ca there is a small museum hidden in a business park. The Museum of Making Music is a real gem. 

Here you will find  instruments on display from classic and ground breaking artists. It is also a venue for student recitals, concerts  and a wonderful venue for corporate events.

My children really enjoyed the hands on area.

I hope to take my GS Troop there someday.

Admission  prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children.
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org

First Tee of PHX

http://www.thefirstteephoenix.org/club/scripts/public/public.asp


I stumbled upon a great program! First Tee of Phoenix teaches children age 6-18 the sport of golf.  For an annual fee of only $60.00 they are able to enjoy 2 lessons a week and eventually participate in tournaments But wait, this is much more than just  golf. The First Tee program teaches honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

Golf clinics taught by PGA professionals is also a plus. Don't worry about equipment. You may borrow theirs or purchase a full set of clubs and a bag for between $30-$45.00. 

Palo Verde Nuclear Visitor Center

I took my GS Troop down to learn a bit about nuclear power. It was very technical, but fascinating all the same. 

600 Airport Road

The building is all by itself just south of the I-10 on Airport Road

Ages: ability to grasp a little bit of what's said, usually 6th grade and above.

NO CHARGE

Police Museum Downtown PHX

http://www.phoenixpolicemuseum.com

 A few months ago my family and I traveled vis the light rail and went downtown to explore. We found the Phoenix Police Museum. 

It is FREE and hours of operation are 9AM - 3PM, Monday thru Saturday, They are closed on all holidays.

Parking is available along Jefferson Street at the meters or in the City of Phoenix parking garage located at 305 West Washinton Street. Bring your parking ticket for validation. 

There are several displays for hands on exploring and lots of memorabilia to keep the parents entertained . 

Free Computer Classes at Microsoft Store and the Apple Store

Each summer Apple and Microsoft stores host FREE computer classes for kids.  The classes cover movie making to game coding so there is something for very one. Knowledge and a free t-shirt is always welcome for me! The staff are wonderful as teachers, and my daughter really enjoyed all the classes I signed her up for. These are great ways to get kids thinking about programming.

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific Tour

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

I took my children to the aquarium in Long Beach, CA. Five acres of underwater beauty filled with all sorts of fish and underwater flora was a great way to spend an entire evening.

My son's favorite animal are penguins and they have quite a few! My daughter enjoyed all the pools that you could reach in and touch the creatures.

If you have a troop you can arrange a sleepover in the Shark Den! Check the website before you go, right now everyone gets in for $14.95 at 5pm and it closes at 8:30.