US National Park Archives - Currently Wandering

Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia

I remember visiting Philadelphia as a young teenager, but don’t remember many specifics. I’ve always wanted to go back, so when the opportunity arose to visit some friends while we were living on the East Coast we jumped at the chance!

When We Visited: November 2013
Ages of Kids: 8, 6, 3
Tip: If you want a tour of Independence Hall on a weekend, get there EARLY. We had no idea and didn’t actually get to go in.

We spent a Saturday morning exploring downtown Philly, and one of our favorite stops was Independence National Historic Park, or more commonly known as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

We arrived via train, and walked the last two blocks or so to the visitor center to pick up our Junior Ranger books. This was our young friend, Matty’s first experience with the program, so my kids deftly showed him the ropes.

Surprisingly there was quite a long line to see the Liberty Bell, but the kids really wanted to, so we worked on our books while daddy stood in line.

Afterward, we went into Independence Square and toured a couple of the outbuildings that used to house the House of Representatives and the Senate. Unfortunately, our guide was dry and boring and the kids were restless, so we snuck out about halfway through the tour. After talking with another family we encountered, we realized it was just our guide as their experience had been quite pleasant. 🙁

My favorite part was the printing shop in Franklin Square where we saw how Ben Franklin used to set the type on the old printing press, ink the type, and then press into the paper.

Overall, it was a great day! There is much more to see as the “park” is actually quite the collection of buildings and other historically significant areas in the downtown area. I felt we did the important parts though and the kids were excited about their badges.

St. Louis Missouri and the Gateway Arch

“Look mom! We can go to the top!”

“No, you can’t. I’m sure you can’t.”

This was supposed to be a quick stop. We had spent the afternoon at the St. Louis Science Center and were just stopping by the Gateway Arch on our way back to Carlyle, Illinois when a quick stop turned into an extended stay. Here’s where my clueless self comes to light. I had no idea that the Gateway Arch is actually part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Also included are the Museum of Westward Expansion, and the Old Courthouse. Turns out Jefferson was quite the man. He played a huge roll in the Louisiana Purchase and the westward expansion of the United States. The Gateway Arch is a perfect symbol representing the spirit of the western pioneers and was appropriately named after him.

As it was, my kids only had time to convince me to ride to the top (once again, no idea you could) for the stunning view over St. Louis, Missouri. They totally played the “Washington-Monument-is-closed-so-we-can’t-go-to-the-top-of-that-but-can-we-PLEASE-go-to-the-top-of-this-one” card. I feel for it hook, line, and sinker and loved every minute. The Gateway Arch is actually taller than the Washington Monument anyway, so props to that.

I actually feel pretty dumb – usually I do a little more research on places we are going but this one took me completely by surprise. It was the most spontaneous, fun thing I think I’ve done with the kids yet and the excitement was evident all over their faces. Except for Cara who got extremely anxious and climbed into my lap the second we stepped into the small, circular elevator car. She won’t admit it though. Her memory of the event involves zero scaredy-catness.

Oh- and props to the awesome Ranger that entertained Cara with Candy Crush when she had a panic attack/tantrum about waiting 15 minutes for the next elevator (and I use that term loosely) down.

When we visited: August 2013

Ages of Children: 7,6,3