Field Trip Friday: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home in Mansfield, MO

Last summer, we read most of the Little House books (we didn't get to "These Happy Golden Years") by Laura Ingalls Wilder and so we thought it would be fun to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder  Home & Museum in Mansfield, MO.  The home is located about 45 minutes East of Springfield, MO.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
3068 Highway A
Mansfield, MO  65704

This is a must see if you have read any of the Little House books!  Pa's fiddle & Laura's tea cup jewel box along with many other personal items and letters are in the museum. 

I am including some pictures from our visit.  There are only exterior photos because photography is not permitted inside but the gift shop does sell postcards of interior pictures.

 

Family Picture

They have a great gift shop & book store!

 

 

The Moon Marble Company

If you live in or near the Kansas City area then you need to make a trip to the Moon Marble Company in Bonner Springs, Kansas.    This is a great activity for families or even a Homeschool field trip.

Moon Marble Company

600 East Front Street

Bonner Springs, Kansas

(913) 441-1432

We got to watch an artist actually make a marble.  It takes about 15 minutes to make a glass marble by hand & it is a fascinating process!

There is also a whole wall full of marbles that you can purchase!  Sorry, the pictures aren't that great because the sun was shining directly into the window behind the marbles.

Not only do they sell marbles but there is also a huge toy shop with lots of fun & even some educational toys.  The prices are reasonable and there are lots of unique toys to choose from.  There are also "Demo" toys located throughout the store and children are encouraged to play with these toys.  Of course, there are many marble toys available.

Field Trip Friday: Powell Gardens

 Powell Gardens

1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50

Kingsville, MO 64061

(816) 697-2600

Last September we were able to get a membership to Powell Gardens for half price so we decided to try it.  We have really enjoyed visiting the garden during each season (even winter) to see how it changes.  Last weekend we went to the Festival of Butterflies and it was a fun learning experience (you know, one of those times when your kids are learning & they don't even know it!). 

There are lots of special events & classes at Powell Gardens so make sure and explore their website.  There is also information on becoming a Friends of Powell Gardens member.

 This weekend 8/12/11 - 8/14/11 is the last weekend for the Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens.

Those are the biggest catepillars I have ever seen!

Field Trip Friday: Crown Center

I hate to state the obvious but it is HOT in Kansas City so this week our Field Trip Friday is going to be some indoor fun at Crown Center.  Even the parking is indoors at Crown Center!

Crown Center

2450 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO

(816) 274-7251

Things to do at Crown Center:

Shopping

Rainforest Adventure Exhibit (until 9/5/11)

 The Coterie Theatre & American Heartland Theatre

Play in the Best Splash Fountain in Kansas City!

 Visit the Waterfall Fountain in the lobby of the Westin Crown Center Hotel.

(See a complete list of fountains in the Crown Center area here.)

 Walk "The Link"to Union Station or to see the fountain in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

 Have your lunch delivered by train at Fritz's Restaurant!

 Attend a FREE Art Session at Kaleidoscope & visit the Hallmark's Visitor's Center.

Coming in 2012 to Crown Center:

Legoland Discovery Center & Sea Life Aquarium!

Explore the Crown Center website for many more fun things to do at Crown Center!