Experience Extraordinary Adventure Travel Opportunities
with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Adventure travel is a fast growing vacation trend that provides opportunities to explore exciting new destinations and be in the middle of truly unforgettable, up close and personal experiences. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis designs world class exhibits that are directly linked to extraordinary adventure travel opportunities that will enhance family learning.
“Unique experiences in family learning begin at the museum but extend far beyond the museum’s walls — this spring and summer, we are traveling to the Ruth Mason Quarry in Faith, S.D. for a dinosaur dig and all the way to Egypt for a tour that blends its ancient and modern culture,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
The South Dakota dinosaur dig is linked to the museum’s Dinosphere®: Now You’re in Their World exhibit. The $25 million exhibit is a one-of-a-kind immersive juvenile and family dinosaur experience for children and families. It is one of the largest displays of real juvenile and family dinosaur fossils in the United States. According to world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Robert Bakker, Dinosphere has earned its place “among the top dozen dinosaur exhibits in the world.” Dinosphere features a unique combination of education-oriented and scientific-focused learning. Dinosaur dig participants can satisfy their craving for paleontology on this actual dinosaur dig while excavating fossils with museum staff experts for the museum’s Paleo-preparatory lab. Participants choose from one, two, or three-day digs at the privately owned ranch leased by the museum. Dig dates for 2008 are July 2, 3 or 5 and are recommended for families with children ages 6 and above. Teacher digs are also available for educators and optional graduate credit is available.
Egypt: The Royal Tour is a precursor to the new Global Perspectives exhibit that will open in June 2009 at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Global Perspectives will immerse visitors in experiences through hands-on activities that use clothing, arts, language, traditions and foods to teach about a variety of societies and cultures.
Present day Egypt will be the first immersive experience in the new exhibit. This decision was made by Children’s Museum officials in conjunction with the work they are doing at the request of Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass and Her Excellency Suzanne Mubarak, the First Lady of Egypt. The museum is lending their expertise in the creation of a new Suzanne Mubarak Children’s Museum in Cairo. The new museum will open in the next several years and will be located on the site of an existing children’s museum that is 15 years old. Mubarak is known throughout Egypt for her dedication to children and libraries, and she views revising the current children’s museum as an extension of that work.
While in Egypt, March 22 through April 6, participants will delve deep into Egyptian culture, old and new. Led by Egyptologist Fadel Gad, this 16-day cultural experience includes lectures by Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and director for the Giza Pyramids, and other noted Egyptian scholars as they provide insights and perspectives into the history and culture of Egypt. Visit the most selective sites, such as the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx (including the spectacular new excavations near the Sphinx). Take a visit to Ammarna, the Pyramid of Senfro in Maydoum and the rock cut tombs of Bani Hassan. Travelers will also enjoy a cruise on the Nile River, shopping in Cario’s famous Khan el Khalili outdoor market and exploring the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, including the magnificent King Tutankhamen collection.
Space is limited and reservations are required for both travel experiences with The Children’s Museum. To make a reservation, or for more information on Dino Digs or Egypt: The Royal Tour costs, educator discounts or tax deductible donations, please contact The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis at (317) 334-3322.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a non-profit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. The 433,000 square-foot facility houses 11 major galleries. Visitors can explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago in Dinosphere®: Now You’re in Their World, experience Dale Chihuly’s Fireworks of Glass and examine children’s impact in shaping history in The Power of Children: Making a Difference. The Children’s Museum, situated on 13 acres of land in Indianapolis, presents hundreds of programs and activities each year. For more information about The Children’s Museum in English and Spanish, visit ChildrensMuseum.org.
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