Explore Your Own Backyard

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Research is confirming what many parents already fear – that we, and especially our kids, aren’t as active in the summer as we should be. In fact Indiana University and Ohio State University scientists found children actually got fatter faster during their summer breaks than while in school. Duke University found this year that U.S. children age 6-11 are almost four times more likely to be obese than were children in the 1960s.

It’s time to keep yourself and those couch-potato kids out and moving this summer. So find a kid and unplug. Discover our great river heritage with this top family day trip along our mighty river.

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Dubuque, IA

Parents who make this a must-see aren’t disappointed. Immerse yourself in the Mississippi and its environments. Crawl right through the lizard den. Goggle at giant catfish, otters, and other river creatures in the six large aquariums. Touch mussels, snails and crawfish in

educator-guided hands-on activities. And after you’ve washed off, a boardwalk tour of habitats, a restored lodge, and a real riverboat wait outdoors.

Indoors, kids can satisfy that video game craving by piloting a simulated barge and taking on a number of other interactive exhibits. Including:

Lizards on the Loose!
Enter the fascinating world of lizards. This interactive exhibit will teach visitors how lizards see each other, control their body temperature, what they eat, and how they use color for defense, mating and camouflage. Come eye to eye with these beautiful creatures in the “bubble window” crawl-through lizard den. Lizards from all over the world have invaded the Norman Gallery.

Pfohl Family Boatyard
Tour the Logsdon towboat, see huge steamboat artifacts, and watch as a boat is launched into the Mississippi. The floating dock features houseboats, scientific vessels, and the traveling Audubon Ark.

W. M. Black
This national landmark vessel was once a working dredge boat used during WWII on the Missouri River. Walk the decks of this 1934 Steamer and tour its engine room and pilothouse.

Woodward Wetland
Explore the natural habitat of the Mississippi on a boardwalk trail. Discover natural and living history outposts including a Native American wikiup and a restored fur-trader’s log cabin.

Riverboat Museum
Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum celebrates the history of riverboats on the Mississippi through interactive exhibits and historic artifacts.

Carver Wet Lab
Let our educators introduce you to freshwater mussels, snails and crawfish in the touch tank. Examine fur pelts and explore

many other hands-on activities.

… and much more! Visit the museum’s website for more information.