Adventure Science Center Friday, July 27

Looking back at our schedule for the summer, you can see we haven't managed to stick to our original plans.  I guess that's the beauty of planning something like Fun Jar - you just change the plans to suit your needs!

I have a stress fracture in my ankle that makes walking difficult, so this week's choice was limited by walkability.  Kate's first suggestion of Cheekwood was quickly dismissed.  Her sisters joked that I would have to say, "OK.  I'll be by the lake if you need me." I replied that it would probably take me an hour to hobble TO the lake from the parking lot.  Anna and Bekah responded by doing a mommy dance where they hobbled around our living room.  Sadly, I did not get it on video for you.

If you are so inclined, we are going to the Adventure Science Center this Friday.  While it does require walking, I often pick a spot to sit and read while my children play.  I equip them with watches and have them check in with me periodically so that I can keep track of them.  The selection of the Science Center has the added benefit of being air-conditioned, which is helpful given the heat and humidity outside.

Here are the details for Friday, July 27:

Place: Adventure Science Center (click here for directions)
Time: 10ish to 1ish (we will probably buy lunch at the Subway onsite)
Who: All ages - just know that you may need to hustle to keep up with younger children here

While MNPS schools start up next Wednesday, I hope to do a few more Fun Jar events throughout August.  If you start school later, homeschool or have preschool children, feel free to join us!

Tuesday, July 12: Adventure Science Center

After much debate and drawing several slips of paper from the Fun Jar, we have a destination for Tuesday: Adventure Science Center.  I'll be honest and say this is not my favorite of Nashville's museums.  This is largely because it's three levels and my three children invariably seem to head in three different directions (and because I'm an art geek and will always choose art over science).  In regard to the former, this is the perfect week to visit because Anna will be away at camp, so I'll only have two Truss girls to keep tabs on.  In regard to the latter, I may squeeze a trip to the Frist Center in soon. For now, would you care to join us Tuesday?  It will be hot outside, but cool inside...

Where: Adventure Science Center (click for directions)
When: Tuesday, July 12, 10:00
How Much: This one's not cheap, friends; $12 adults, $10 for each child over the age of 2
Extras Include: Planetarium ($6 for each for all over the age of 2); there are shows at 11:30 and 1:30 that we can discuss as a group once we're there
Lunch: Pack your own and bring it with you; we can picnic together and then continue exploring or head home for nap time

Hope you can join us!

Next Tuesday's Fun: Tennessee State Museum

Today's Fun Jar selection was one of my entries for this summer: a trip to the Tennessee State Museum.  Non-art museums aren't generally my favorite, but the current exhibit of Egyptian Relics looks fabulous.  I think it will be great fun and great learning.  (Plus we're studying Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece next year, so it ties in so very nicely.) 

Even if you and your children aren't history buffs, the descriptions of mummification should be enough to get any boys in your family interested!  I'll be creating a scavenger hunt for my children to do while we're at the museum and I'm happy to print extra copies if your child and/or family wants to complete one while we're there.  The scavenger hunt will not be elaborate, but will hopefully help my children focus on some of the key things I want to be sure they notice.

Admission is free, but parking downtown can be expensive.  My solution?  We'll arrive early enough to park in the library parking lot and walk the three or four blocks to the museum.  That way, we can piggy-back a library trip onto our museum visit.  If you'd like to meet in the library lobby and walk over together, just let me know.  Here are the details:

Where: Tennessee State Museum
When: Tuesday, June 14, 10 AM (or meet in downtown library lobby at 9:45)
How Much: Parking in a lot near the museum will probably run you $10; parking in the library lot with validation will be about $5
If you are so inclined: Pack lunch and we can picnic in the library courtyard before heading home

Let me know if you have any questions.  Hope you can join us!