Oh say can you see?

I cried... I didn't intend it...I wasn't expecting it. But I did. It got to me.

The multi-media Show at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is called "Freedom Rising" and is one of the most powerful experiences I've had at an attraction.

While you sit in a modern theatre-in-the-round a live narrator combined with music and images explains the story of America. It's triumphs and tragedies. It's struggles and shining moments. How the Constitution has pulled citizens together as one nation and divided them at times. "We the People" comes to life in a crescendo of emotion. Then you walk out to the interactive areas to participate and learn more. I truly enjoyed the Founder's Hall and original documents here but what got to me was the end of the show "Freedom Rising". After immersing ourselves in the grand story of America's history and the people who sacrificed so much along the way, the narrator looked right at me, pointed and said, "Now it's up to you." ...that's when I cried.

Under the Sea

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this Aquarium! Don't let the location keep you from going. The Adventure Aquarium is located in Camden, New Jersey just across the river from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. River Shuttle is the best method but you can also take a bus or taxi there.

What a treat. "Scuba Santa" was visiting when I was there and the kids went berserk. Well... I did too. The huge Ocean Theater is so much fun to watch with a theater sized viewing window and stadium seating. Everyone got a great view of Santa and the sea creatures in the tank. Great exhibits, touch a shark, 4D theater (showing Sponge Bob), Penguin Island and more. Shark Realm was one of my favorites with a 40 foot viewing tunnel that makes you feel part of their world. After visiting Jules Verne Gallery where creepy ocean creatures like Giant Spider Crabs and Jellyfish lurk I am convinced that this is one of the best Aquariums around.

Let Freedom Ring

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was pivotal in creating our new United States. Visiting the places where Franklin, Jefferson and other founders met is awe-inspiring. No visit would be complete without seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But be prepared. To protect these National treasures the security is high. It's very similar to Airport security measures so factor this into your visit.

A good place to start, of course, is the visitor's center to get oriented and a timed entrance ticket for the Independence Hall tour. Although these attractions are free they are organized from this location.

Do spend some time reading panels and plaques for a complete story and don't miss Benjamin Franklin's Burial Plot just down the street and the site where Thomas Jefferson completed the Declaration of Independence. Everywhere you turn in Philadelphia, History winks back!

Anchors Away

The Independence Seaport Museum is spread out on the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania waterfront at Penn's Landing and you have to see it all. The building, ship and submarine. It's the only way to get the full effect.

Inside the building you learn amazing maritime history from shipbuilding to navigation. Wonderful figureheads and an interactive ship construction area. Once you are armed with nautical knowledge you must visit the 1892 ship Olympia and WWII Submarine Becuna. One of the highlights here is the Submarine veterans who work there and share real life adventures with the guests! I can't imagine living on a submarine for months at a time given the cramped quarters. All seafaring fans will enjoy this authentic attraction and a chance to step back in time.

The Heart of Philadelphia

The giant, walk-through heart at the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania is a blast! Where else can you explore massive aortas and walk around circulation systems?

This tribute to Benjamin Franklin includes many of his personal items and encourages hands-on science. Lots of buttons, levers and switches. While much of it is kid-friendly, there is plenty for adults and kids of all ages. They even have a very nice Food Cafe. Travelling exhibits and an IMAX Theater keep the museum fresh while old favorites, like the giant heart, still inspire.

The beautiful memorial statue of Ben Franklin in the rotunda is impressive and sets the tone for invention and exploration. One of my favorite areas is "Sir Isaacs Loft" on the third floor. Here you can discover scientific principles in action and really understand how things work in our world. There is so much to see and do at the Franklin Institute Science Museum that you don't know where to start. Just dive right in. Ben would be pleased!

Take me to the Zoo

The Zoo, like many things in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is America's first Zoo. Forty-two acres of animal delight! They do a great job of blending the old and the new here.

I really loved the old stone zoo buildings and modern exhibits like "Big Cat Falls" will keep you entertained for hours watching the cats explore their environment.

While they have unusual animals like White Tigers and Giant River Otters, they also have more common species in interesting settings like the Flamingos. When I walked around one corner past a large rock, I came face to face with a bear! He looked at me and I looked at him before I realized there was a deep moat between us. After sniffing the air he turned and walked away but I have to admit my heart was pounding.

Those kinds of surprises are common at the Philadelphia Zoo and the grounds are beautiful for strolling or taking a break. Everyone I met was pleasant and took the time to expain the animals to me, which felt like a personal tour. If you enjoy beautiful, historic settings filled with interesting sights, then the Philadelphia Zoo is for you.

I can see your house from up here.

I'm not prone to nosebleeds so the zippy elevator that whisked us to the top of the John Hancock Observatory in Chicago, Illinois didn't bother me as much as some folks. I will admit that I felt like we we being launched instead of transported to the 94th floor but when the doors opened the view made it all worthwhile. 1,000 feet above Chicago with views in all directions but it got even better with "Skywalk". This section of the observatory was open air. Just screened in so you could feel the wind on your face and hear the sounds of the city from below. Not for the faint of heart. I was surprised at how much room there is to walk around up there and they even identify the surrounding buildings for you. On a clear day they say you can see 80 miles and four states. Since the Hancock Observatory is right at the magnificent mile, it's a natural to visit before or after some shopping and great food. Aah Chicago!

How'd they do that?

It's not as easy as it looks. I'm certain that putting full-size trains and planes inside a building takes patience. That's why when you walk around the The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, you keep saying "Wow!".

Industrial is the feel here as you explore a maze of inventions that changed society. Technology is showcased on a grand scale with lots of hands-on opportunities for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed the robot exhibit where "Robbie the Robot" towers over the entrance welcoming you to a fun exhibit of robots in our culture. An Omnimax theater offers spectacular speciality films, too. From the time you enter the building and take the giant escalator up to the exhibits, you gawk and point. For an inspiring journey of human ingenuity, spend some time at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. You won't regret it.

All Natural

Sue is the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found and you can see her at The Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. But Sue is only the beginning.

The Field Museum was created to house the collections from the 1893 Columbian Exposition and includes over 20 million specimens today.

My first impression was one of walking into the ultimate taxidermy display. Poised lions, antelope and water buffalo stared back at me like a static zoo. The obvious advantage to seeing these animals presented in this way is the detail. You can stand and notice every ripple of the Rhino's skin, since they are not moving. They also had skeletal displays of many animals. A full-sized Walrus skeleton will stop you in your tracks! I was also lucky enough during my visit to enjoy the Tutankhamun traveling exhibit, which was spectacular. The quality and preservation of objects 5,000 years old is awe-inspiring. Being able to study and understand the natural world around us is a great gift and The Field Museum delivers on every level.

Bloop...Bloop...Bloop

When I was a kid watching the "Aquaman" cartoon, I dreamed of being able to summon the denizens of the deep to do my bidding, just like him. Experiments at the beach during family vacations proved ineffective. No dolphins rallied to my side despite my deep concentration. Never the less, I developed a strong connection with the Sea and it's creatures when Jacques Cousteau began sharing his adventures on film. I've been a big fan of Aquariums ever since.

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois was the largest of it's kind when it opened in 1930. Millions of gallons of saltwater were transported from Florida for the exhibits. From the beginning, this aqurium was a huge hit. Today, it is a wonderful adventure.

The Pacific white-sided dolphins in the Oceanarium were a highlight for me. Watching them jump and swim was mesmerizing! The Oceanarium Amphitheater has a spectacular view of Lake Michigan during the shows, which are well presented. What I like most about Shedd is the way it's designed to encourage you to explore. Multi-levels, little nooks and hidden exhibits surprise and delight if you take the time to discover them. When I found myself alone at Secluded Bay with the Beluga Whales, I was tempted to dive in! Of course, you can see sharks and rays, jellyfish and lionfish, piranhas and penguins. A great menagerie of water creatures. So I had to do it. One more time I had to try. I closed my eyes and concentrated with all my might sending out signals to the denizens of the deep. Here of all places it had to work. I stared at the clownfish as it darted in and out of the anemone. I sent out my signal of brotherhood when suddenly it turned to me and went "Bloop".