Set in beautiful City Park in central Denver, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a comprehensive collection that is both educational and interactive, making it an ideal destination for families. The museum has a large permanent collection as well as spaces devoted to special rotating exhibits, and the breadth of its collection offers something to all visitors, not just the scientific minded.
Best and worst time to go to the Denver Museum of Nature and ScienceThe museum offers 10-12 free days every year, usually occurring on Sundays and Mondays. These days are at once some of the best and worst times to go. On one hand, they present a great opportunity for those who typically cannot afford admission, but on the other hand they are by nature some of the busiest days of the year, which may hamper your experience. Attending a Monday free day is your best bet to beat the weekend crowds. If you can pay full price, try to go on a midweek afternoon to experience the exhibits in a more intimate atmosphere and at a slower pace.
Must see/do at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The multi-story "Prehistoric Journey" exhibit is one of the most engaging and informative the museum offers. Starting at more than 3 billion years ago, the exhibit walks you through Earth's natural history through videos, models and samples of extremely diverse plant and animal life. At the end of the tour you have a chance to witness scientists cleaning and examining fossils and artifacts, which will later be included in the exhibit, in real time.
On level 3, check out "Konovalenko: Gem Carvings of Russian Folk Life," a small but fascinating display of traditional Russian scenes cut from various gems. This collection of beautiful, expressive sculputes if the only one of its kind outside of Russia.
Admission to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Adults will pay at least $15 for a day pass to the museum, and children will pay at least $10; students and seniors can get a discounted rate. Members of the museum get free admission at any time, and with several tier levels available, including Individual and Family, this could be a good option to consider. Consult the museum's website for a current list of free community days,
Parking and public transportation to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The museum provides ample free parking in a surface lot and parking garage near the entrance off of Colorado Boulevard, but on the busiest days you may have to seek parking further afield. You can park along most of the roadways in adjacent City Park, as well as along the right side of Colorado Boulevard. If you prefer public transportation, RTD buses 20, 32 and 40 will drop you at the bust stop at Colorado Boulevard and Montview Boulevard, which is a 10-minute walk from the museum entrance.
Food at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The T-Rex Cafe on the first floor is the only food option available at the museum, but its large open dining room overlooking City Park is a pleasant place to unwind or refuel for more learning. Prices are average, and you can eat a meal for around $7-12 per person. The full service kitchen usually closes at 2 p.m., but take out options are available until 4 p.m.
Insider tip for visitors to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
One of the special perks of a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science involves getting beyond the exhibit halls. Take the elevator up from the third floor Anschutz Gallery to gain one of the best vista points in the city. From the small fourth floor deck you can look out on City Park and the Denver skyline and to the imposing Rocky Mountains beyond. The deck faces due west, so if you time it right you will witness a glorious sunset over the Rockies.
Julia O'Connor is a full-time editor and part-time freelance writer transplanted from Boston to Denver. She is thriving on the transition and has enjoyed the exploration of both cities and everything in between.
An icon of Los Angeles, the Griffth Observatory sits 1,134 feet above sea level and offers a sweeping view of the city's basin -- on a clear day, you may even be able to see the Pacific Ocean. Located on Mount Hollywood, the observatory makes for a fun family day or a romantic date night.
Featuring a Zeiss star projector, the observatory's Samuel Oschin Planetarium treats visitors to a laser digital projection system, a state-of-the-art aluminum dome and theatrical lighting. The planetarium regularly screens three live shows, with tickets ranging between $3 -$7.
Parking and public transportation at the Griffith Observatory
Parking at the Griffith Observatory is always free. Visitors can enter the observatory from both the Vermont and Fern Dell entrances to Griffith Park, although the Fern Dell access closes every day at sunset. Parking in the large lot is recommended, but when it's full -- as it often is on weekends -- visitors can park on adjacent roads. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) operates a an Observatory shuttle every Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Best and worst times to go to the Griffith Observatory
The best time to visit the observatory is Tuesday through Friday, although you may encounter large groups during the daytime. The observatory is the busiest and the parking is the most limited anytime on Saturday and Sunday, especially summer holiday weekends. Traffic may also get backed up when the nearby Greek Theatre -- whose season runs from April to November -- has a show.
Admission to the Griffith Observatory
Admission to the observatory building, grounds and telscopes is free. The Griffith Observatory is open from noon until 10 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The landmark is closed on Mondays and all major holidays except for New Year's Day, Independence Day and Veteran's Day.
Must See/Do at the Griffith Observatory
The observatory offers free public telescopes every night when the skies are clear, and monthly star parties, where staff members set up telescopes on the grounds in front of the complex.
As entertaining as they are informational, the observatory's exhibits features a variety of space-related items and activities, such as scale models of the planets, a vintage Foucault pendulum demonstrating the Earth's rotation, a large globe of the moon, meteorite displays and an asteroid impact simulator.
Grab a snack or coffee at the observatory's Cafe at the End of the Universe and have a seat on the patio overlooking the Los Angeles basin.
Other places to visit near the Griffith Observatory
Go on a hike, take a ride on the vintage carousal, enjoy a picnic or have a horseback ride at surrounding Griffith Park. You can also learn about the history of the American West at the nearby Autry National Center, which features more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts.
Insider tip for visitors to the Griffith Observatory
Get to the observatory about 30 minutes before sunset, so you can view the Hollywood Sign and then watch the L.A. skyline light up and twinkle below.
Author's bio: Elizabeth Arnold has lived in Los Angeles since 2005 and is happiest when on a road trip. She has written for Priceline.com, Bobvila.com, the Malibu Times, the Miami Herald and Recommend Magazine, a travel trade publication.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is a natural wildlife refuge for cougars, bobcats, wolves, alligators and more! Visitors access trails through marshes and forests to view animals in their natural habitats.
Parking at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
The park is accessible by private vehicle only with free parking on-site.
Best and worst time to go to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
It is best to avoid the heat of the day, and plan to arrive at 10:00 a.m. when the park opens. The park closes at 5:00 p.m.
Admission to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
Admission is assessed at $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children aged 4-17. There are military and senior citizen discounts for $3.00 admission as well.
Must see/do at Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
The Wolf Wilderness area is a showcase exhibit that combines an indoor viewing exhibit to observe the Gray Wolves.
Other places to visit near Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
Historic downtown Savannah is a quick 10 minute drive, and the Tybee Island beaches are within a 10-15 minute drive.
Insider tip for visitors to Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah
If you have small children, you may want to take advantage of Toddler Tuesday. The center offers special programs for young guests that begin at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday, that even involve animal encounters.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler." She can be found at http://jamiedaviswrites.com.