On a recent trip to Gettysburg, we had a bit of dismal weather. This situation became a great excuse to check out Explore and More, Gettysburg's children's museum. K had seen simple ads for it, and in town with our two kids and friends and their two kids, we figured it would be worth a shot for spending a bit of time together. We wound up turning our "bit of time" into about 4 hours with our combined kids, ages 18 months to 7 years. Everyone had a great time!
Explore and More, situated conveniently "behind" the town library and walkable from Lincoln Square and Steinwehr Avenue hotels on the Baltimore Street end, is a repurposed older home turned hands-on exploration area. In short, if we could turn our whole house into a playroom, this is what we would build. Downstairs, you'll find exploration stations including a giant bubble making area and an imaginative play space with a civil war period "home" and campsite. Upstairs, there's a small black light room and multiple art activities--as well as our boys' favorite space, a construction/manufacturing "site" with a loft and play office. K, principal of a career-technical education center, was thrilled to see E, age 7, enjoy it so! There are also small animals to observe (not pet)--think pet mice in cages--and there's a mini gift shop to boot with educational toys.
K, a kindergarten and first grade teacher in a previous segment of life, was impressed by how developmentally-appropriate the museum is--exploration comes naturally in this environment. The owners are two former teachers--and they work to provide this opportunity for the community without paying themselves. Therefore, pay your admission happily--it's a good value at $7/kid 2-14 and $5/adult. Those with the potential to visit frequently should investigate a frequent-visitor punch card; there is no membership available. The atmosphere is quite welcoming and low key, making the museum an excellent place to frequent.
If you go, really consider walking if you are staying at such places as the 1863 Inn of Gettysburg or the Inn at Cemetery Hill. The walk is pleasant and will allow you to see the living town of Gettysburg--after all, the town was a town at the time of the Civil War battle bearing its name. Metered parking is, however, available and can be free in some circumstances (like holidays)--check ahead. We agree with the official website that the museum is pretty perfect for ages 2-8, but kids older and younger can enjoy it as well. Remember that you can walk to Lincoln Square; there are several nearby moderate pub-style restaurants directly on the circle, and the economical and fun Lincoln Diner (truly situated in a diner) is about a 10 minute walk away, albeit through intersections. Art activities do include paint and glitter; while there are smocks, dress accordingly. Our best advice, though, is to come on out to Explore and More and get messy!
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