Summer is time for the family road trip! Follow Kids Activities Blog and Julie Blair and her family as they travel 8 states in 30 days for the ultimate road trip story ¦
There is something inherently theraputic about swaying in a wooden rocking chair on a creaky front porch, I thought as I squeaked back and forth.
Things might have been strenuous in the 1900s–there was back-breaking farm labor for example–but perhaps life wasn’t as complicated as we’ve made it in 2014.
At the Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, you can ponder your elders’ past–and your own present–when touring the three different American farms circa. 1700, 1850 and 1900, a fantastic experience not to be missed if you’re in the Des Moines area.
Costumed docents greet you to explain, for example, why the Native Americans utilized not one but three different styles of homes for the varying seasons.
Travel further down the forested path–and through time–to discover the farm home made of wooden rails “glued” together with mud.
Finally, you’ll arrive at the sweet, white clapboard home, a friendly tabby cat greeting you.
The museum is a terrific place to take stock of human innovation: While my husband was amazed by the development in farming techniques in such a short timeframe, I couldn’t believe how much the décor evolved–from buffalo hide teepees to patterned flower wallpaper.
Meanwhile, the kids had an opportunity to consider the importance of animals in history as they chased the museum’s free-range pigs, chickens and sheep.
Joel amused the crowd by playing a 100-year-old organ. Then, he purchased heirloom Iowa seeds to plant in his garden at the well-stocked museum gift shop.
Throughout the year there are different types of events–including kids’camps–going on at the museum, so you’ll want to
check out the website to plan your trip.
There’s also a café for the hungry, but alas, it is closed on Sundays–the very day we visited. There are, however, places to picnic.
Note that the antique rocking chair is always available. I promise not to tattle if you check your text messages while sitting in it.
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