Ideas for Germ-Free Family Day Trips

Whether it’s an art museum, a natural history museum, or a children’s museum, you can pack a lot of learning, culture, and fun into an afternoon by exploring exhibits. You may find yourselves discovering everything from Contemporary to Neoclassic art, or fossils to mummies, or interactive exhibits of everything from our solar system to Earth’s oceans. And watch for savings. Some museums, such as the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, offer periodic free admission.

Pack a picnic lunch and get ready for an afternoon of hiking the trails, collecting wild flowers or fallen leaves, and taking in the views of nature’s beauty. Some parks also have a nature center on site, where the children can learn up close and hands on about area flora and fauna.

Plan a visit to your local fire station—many offer a tour of the firehouse if you call ahead. The kids can learn about the firefighters’ jobs and their emergency preparedness, and get an up-close look at the fire engines. Be ready to have your visit cut short, though, if the firefighters are called to an emergency.

Research your area for farms that families can tour, or visit by appointment. By visiting a working farm, your children can learn about agriculture, crop and dairy production, as well as a lifestyle and culture built around the rhythms of nature. And you may get the chance to pet everything from chickens to donkeys.