Last week, we stopped by the new Creation Museum in Petersburg, KY(just a few minutes out of Cincinnati). Opened in 2007, the $27 million museum is a family-friendly work of art. Designed to appeal to both children and adults, the museum has a little bit of everything from hands-on children’s exhibits to a walk-thru history (literally).
Our family enjoyed a stroll over their landscaped grounds, taking a stop in the on site petting zoo which features animals like a wallaby, and our favorite, a miniature donkey. The botanical gardens are blanketed in beautiful blossoms, flowering shrubs, and tranquil ponds. The kids enjoyed feeding the decorative goldfish and the eager sunfish (don’t forget your quarters). As the weather warms, the grounds will be home to thousands of butterflies returning from their winter in the south.
Inside the 70,000 foot museum, you will find yourself whisked back to Bible times and dragon days. There is the Dinosaur Den which gives us a glimpse of what some of the different dinosaurs might have looked through full-size sculptures. I love how the museum features a medieval decor, including castle walls and knight themed decorations. The Walk thru Bible History is a beautiful area of the museum that chronicles the biblical account of creation. We also enjoyed the Noah’s Ark Construction Site, including an animated Noah. Our kids really enjoyed all the life-sized dinosaurs and animated characters that were throughout the museum helping the displays come to life.
There is a planetarium which offers 2 different presentations about space; since seating is limited, you will want to have your tickets printed as soon as you arrive. The planetarium is free with your admission, but the showings do fill up when the museum is busy. The museum also features a special effects theatre with rumbling seats and misty sprays. And, be sure to check out the museums calendar; they feature different activities and special events every day.
Located just minutes from Cincinnati, the museum’s location is easily accessible, and is an easy weekend destination for much of the east coast. There are numerous campgrounds nearby, and a Woodall’s Campground searchcan help you find the one perfect for your family. The museum is exceptionally clean and uncluttered, well-planned, and family-friendly. It does not dumb everything down like some children’s museums, yet the younger kids were enthralled with the exhibits while my older crowd found tons of interesting information. We enjoyed our visit so much that our ‘stop by’ turned into 2 full days! With uber-friendly staffing, on-site food venues, and grounds beckoning exploration, the Creation Museum is an excellent all-day (or multiple day) destination for your family!
