Day at the Museum

Though the mercury was pushing 50, the skies were threatening to spit. An indoor activity was definitely in order, as was a partner in crime.

Faith is my favorite niece. This is in no way related to the fact that she’s my only niece. At the age of 12 going on 32, she’s got just the right combo of things that makes her fun to hang out with. She’s wise beyond her years yet still enjoys being a kid. She’s adventurous and willing to do just about anything, including pose for silly photos. In fact, she’s already developing a photographic eye herself and is right there with me taking 47 shots of the same subject. And, most importantly, she also has a museum pass which afforded us free parking and carousel rides, as well as museum, planetarium and special exhibit admissions!

We decided to first check out the temporary exhibit Big, BIG BUGS! Though neither of us is really fond of anything creepy crawly, we had fun getting up close and personal with the larger-than-life displays and learning about the world of bugs through hands-on activities. Did you know the praying mantis is the only insect that can turn its head 180 degrees and female crickets can tell how big a male is by his chirping? (Evidently size matters in the insect world!) Whether magnified hundreds of times or of normal dimensions, insects are disturbingly fascinating. Nonetheless, we drew the line at touching anything actually breathing.

We next took in the Under Starlit Skies planetarium show and a spin on the carousel, and then set off to explore the rest of the Van Andel. Though it has been a while since I last toured it, Faith definitely knows her way around and led me through all of her favorite exhibits. It was like having my own mini tour guide!

A great day with a great kid!