Ideas for Parents

TimeTravelers offers students tangible rewards and a sense of continuing adventure and accomplishment. They are encouraged to explore the many exciting things in the history of America that took place right here in Virginia. As they travel back in time -- many years or many centuries -- they learn about people, places and events that have shaped our world today. TimeTravelers sites also include art, science, and children's museums, botanical gardens, state parks, and wildlife areas as well.

Ideas for parents, families, and groups . . .

Make TimeTravelers a part of any weekend trip away from home.

Vacations can be routed to include a museum or two along the way. And planning trips together is part of the fun.

Kids can form a TimeTravelers club with friends. Parents then take turns planning day-trips to nearby sites.

Scout troops can adopt TimeTravelers as a group activity.

Parents can help promote the program, too. They can inform child-care centers, summer camps, and other youth organizations about the program and encourage field trips.

TimeTravelers is a great way for grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren. They can create an ongoing adventure and plan their travels over time.

Coming from out-of-state or farther?
It's easy to incorporate TimeTravelers into your trip to or through Virginia. For more information about visiting Virginia, see the VISIT VA website. There, you can order a free Virginia Travel Guide.

Tips for Parents of Younger TimeTravelers . . .

Set the tone with young children by modeling the appropriate behavior.

Time your visit for the morning or right after lunch when your children are more receptive.

Be clear about whether exhibits can be touched and find out if there are hands-on areas for children.

Remember that children have their limits. Spend time in the museum, then leave for a while. A snack, activity or walk would be great before returning to the building. Half-hour intervals might be a good pace.

Visitors need to have clean hands. A visit to restrooms before you begin is a good idea.

Remind your children that it's hard for everyone to see and hear the exhibits with loud voices and running in an indoor museum.

When you arrive, set up a place to meet if you get lost and point out a docent or security guard for your children to approach if they need help.

Be specific and let your children know how long you plan to be in the museum.

Make plans for something different and perhaps more child centered after the museum visit.

Have a good time, and share your enthusiasm with your children.

contributed by Nora Jane Natke