The Best Indoor Attraction In Each State

Rainy day? Too cold? Trying to not get a sunburn? No matter the reason, sometimes you need a great indoor attraction. Luckily, the United States has plenty of them.

Maybe you're planning a trip to a state you've never visited, like, say, Illinois. Did you know dozens of America's best comedians got their start at the same club, and you can visit any day of the week to enjoy performances from future rising stars? Perhaps you're keeping things local and looking for off-the-beaten path activities in your home state of, for example, Mississippi. Have you visited the birthplace of Kermit the Frog, which takes up residence in the Magnolia state?

From family-friendly excursions to date-night-approved outings, every state in America offers a must-see indoor attraction to add to your bucket list. Being mindful of including a little bit of something for everyone, let's name the best indoor attraction in each state.

The excellent Birmingham Civil Rights Institute exists "to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future," as shared in its mission statement. The Institute features permanent galleries telling the city's multi-century history of civil rights, as well as limited-time exhibitions with more specific focuses. It's located across the street from the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

A Smithsonian affiliate, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute also boasts accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, an honor bestowed to fewer than 5% of museums nationwide. Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage celebrates the 10,000-year history of the state's Indigenous People — a history that continues today. The center is Alaska's largest cultural institute. The Anchorage Daily News praises the attraction's focus on "Alaska's broad range of Native cultures and traditions," calling the center "an extraordinary chance to see it all in one place."

Engaging visitors as participants rather than mere spectators, the Alaska Native Heritage Center features dancing presentations, crafts, games, and more. Admission costs $5 , a great value for the depth of the center's varied experiences. Though a few offerings require outdoor walking throughout the campus, several primary activities — including art galleries and film screenings — are inside the Mabel Price Center, the attraction's entrance building.

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona is a labyrinth of ocean life, from stingrays to sea turtles and everything in between. One of its signatures is OdySea Voyager, an informative journey described as "the world's only rotating aquarium experience." This aquarium is seriously next-level.

Admission to OdySea is $45 for a one-day ticket and $95 for an annual pass, a nice value for repeat guests. For an extra cost, visitors can visit with sharks, penguins, or sloths, or don a wetsuit and helmet to venture into the water themselves. OdySea is among the 10% of animal attractions accredited by the Associated of Zoos and Aquariums. In a state largely known for its deserts, OdySea is a top-tier blend of aquatic education and fun.

The Museum of Native American History has a vision to "advance understanding of human experience within [Indigenous] cultures and provide a space of explorative imagination for all who visit." It's located in Bentonville, Arkansas on land originally inhabited by the Quapaw, Caddo, and Osage people. David Bogle, a member of the Cherokee nation, founded the museum.

Here, visitors will encounter thousands of years of Native American history through artwork and artifacts, dating back to the Paleo period, which began in 12,000 B.C. The Museum of Native American History's free admission and authentic presentation of local culture makes it a no-brainer to visit, for tourists and residents alike. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Okay, so California is a huge state with an array of attractions. However, if we were to only choose one, and if that choice has to be indoors, we'll go with Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

The Dolby's location on Hollywood Boulevard makes it easy to pair with other attractions nearby, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood sign. We love glancing at the columns that recognize every Best Picture winner, which frame both sides of the staircase leading into the Dolby (pictured above). Guided 30-minute tours of the Dolby Theatre cost $25 per person (less for children and seniors).

Incredible alternatives, but want to venture outdoors? Any movie buff will love the studio tours at Warner Bros. and Universal.

Bounce Empire, located in Lafayette, Colorado, means business. Its ambitious mission is to "become the most beloved indoor amusement park in the world." Bounce Empire is backed by Brad Roulier, an accomplished electronic dance music (EDM) artist and entrepreneur. Denver culture publication Westword notes how Bounce Empire "caters to adults first and children second," with libations available alongside a cuisine more refined (and better for you) than typical attractions of this nature.

Visitors can blow off steam with over 40 inflatable-based activities, from obstacle courses to giant slides. Other onsite activities include movie theaters, dining locations, and concert space. It's a lot to take in! Entry costs $30 on Saturdays and $20 on all other days.

Indoor go-karting is the signature selling point of Supercharged Racing in Oakville, Connecticut (near Montville). That's for good reason; Supercharged is home to the largest indoor multi-level karting track in the world, measuring half a mile long. Okay, Connecticut, we see you! Visitors can also jump on trampolines, throw axes, play arcade games, and complete a ninja obstacle course.

Pricing depends on which activities guests want to try, with most around the $20/$25 range. An onsite pizzeria and pub serves bistro-style food. Other Supercharged locations exist in New Jersey and Massachusetts. You may notice several names for Supercharged interchangeably, sometimes even of the same establishment. Whether Supercharged Racing, Supercharged Entertainment, or something else, it's all gravy.

The Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware is a must-see for transportation buffs and/or aspiring aviators. It features a collection of historical aircraft and associated paraphernalia. According to the museum's website, during World War II, the campus' 4146 Base Unit was home to "secret rocket development at what was then known as Dover Army Airfield." Many of the museum's artifacts are thoroughly cataloged online.

Though exhibit spaces are indoors and a large hangar houses many display items and smaller planes, you'll walk outdoors when transitioning from plane to plane, should you want to see inside larger individual aircraft. Admission is free, a huge plus for visitors looking for budget-friendly activities in Delaware. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

It's not a stretch to call Florida — specifically Orlando — the attraction capital of America. Fittingly, then, Florida's own Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the best attractions in the industry.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an indoor, trackless ride located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a land within Disney's Hollywood Studios, itself one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. In the nearly 20-minute, jam-packed adventure, guests join BB-8 for a mission, only to become kidnapped by Kylo Ren. (Purchase a Lightning Lane to skip the line.)

Single-day admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios starts at $109, increasing based on date. A clone (haha) of Rise of the Resistance also exists at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

One of the most unique selections on our list, World of Coca-Cola welcomes visitors to its carbonated wonderland in Atlanta, Georgia. To call World of Coca-Cola a museum doesn't quite do it justice. Yes, you'll learn the history of the iconic soda and see historical artifacts, but you'll also enjoy a 3D movie, taste different Coca-Cola drinks from around the world, take selfies with the polar bear mascot, and more. The establishment says guests should expect to spend about two hours to see it all.

Admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $15 for children. World of Coca-Cola is nearby a handful of other Atlanta attractions, such as Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame (all of which make it difficult to pick the best attraction among them!).

With Atlantis Submarine Adventures, you'll see natural aquatic flora and fauna over 100 feet below the surface. The environmentally friendly submarines depart from the Hawaiian locales of Waikiki (via Hilton Hawaiian Village) and Kona (via Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel). Tours previously also serviced Maui (via Pioneer Inn Hotel), but are paused at the time of this writing due to the fires in 2023.

Explorers must be at least 36 inches tall to experience Atlantis Submarine Adventures. The entire excursion lasts 90 minutes, with the submarine voyage itself being around 45 minutes. Tickets are $148 for adults and $66 for children. In a place as gorgeous as Hawaii, it'd be a shame to spend a visit indoors. Atlantis Submarine Adventures offers a pleasant compromise as an indoor experience focused on the state's natural beauty.

Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian, Idaho is the mic-drop in its genre, per se, of fun facilities. (Fun-cilities? Is that a thing?) Indoor attractions here include bumper cars, rock climbing, bowling, an arcade, a motion simulator, a ropes course, several rides, laser tag, and a laser maze (as in, you crawl through a sea of lasers, "Mission: Impossible"-style). If you feel like heading outside, there's plenty to do there, too, from familiar activities like mini-golf to unique experiences like bumper boats (!). Roaring Springs Water Park is next door.

Visitors can purchase Wahooz admission à la carte for separate activities (most around $10 or under), or opt for a bundle admission (such as an all-day, indoor-only pass for $35, among other various bundle choices).

Tina Fey. Steve Carell. Keegan-Michael Key. Catherine O'Hara. Steven Yeun. Bill Hader. Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Tim Meadows. Martin Short. We can go all day naming alumni of The Second City comedy school. Generations of comedians have cut their teeth in The Second City's classes and programs, and that tradition continues today with live sketch performances every day in Chicago, Illinois (with other locations in New York City and Toronto).

The Second City's calendar is filled to the brim; some days, patrons can choose from up to 12 shows. Depending on the show and its showtime, tickets range anywhere from $15 to around $200. The Second City is the epicenter of up-and-coming talent for its industry, making it a special and potentially history-making opportunity to witness in person.

You know them. You love them. They are the mascots of America, and you can learn all about them at the Mascot Hall of Fame and Interactive Children's Museum in Whiting, Indiana.

The Mascot Hall of Fame teaches the history and fascinating process of communities' favorite fictional figures over the years. As for the "Interactive Children's Museum" portion of the establishment's name, kids can build their own virtual mascot, compete in a "funniest mascot" competition, and even try on a prototype mascot head for size (pictured above). The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is $10. You'd be hard-pressed finding a museum with subject matter as unique as this one!

No, that's not a typo. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is located in Iowa (Dubuque, to be exact), not Mississippi. (The river is long, okay?!) The Dubuque County Historical Society operates the museum, centering work around its three pillars of inclusivity, integrity, and innovation as it celebrates nearby waterways and their communities. Among the museum's residents are alligators, otters, snakes, and more.

The museum, which houses 26,000 artifacts, is a Smithsonian affiliate and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Tickets cost $24 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors (plus a few dollars extra if you'd like to see the onsite educational films or feed the stingrays). Any admission ticket grants entry for two days. Otters + bargain = yes, please!

Located in Topeka, Kansas, The Evel Knievel Museum is "for daredevils and dreamers of all ages." Visitors can gaze upon bikes, helmets, and other items used by stuntman Evel Knievel. The museum shares a building with Historic Harley Davidson, so it's easy to visit both attractions in one day.

Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children, $12 for seniors, and free for kids ages 7 and under. For $5 extra, visitors can experience one of Evel Knievel's jumps for themselves in virtual reality (pictured above). The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. Named 2018's outstanding museum on a limited budget by the prestigious Themed Entertainment Association, The Evel Knievel Museum is, as the Topeka-Capital Journal put it, "a shining example of the possibilities that exist right here in Topeka."

The names of the activities at Louisville Mega Cavern in Louisville, Kentucky make one thing clear: Everything is MEGA here. Visitors can choose from four styles of touring the caverns — Mega Zip (zip-lining), Mega Quest (traversing a ropes course), Mega Tram (seated onboard a tram), or Mega Walking (trekking by foot).

The different touring experiences smartly cater to every preference, whether you're looking for thrills or want to get off your feet. This variety of offerings paired with the sheer awe-inspiring cavern itself make Louisville Mega a crowd-pleasing Kentucky favorite.

The caverns span about 100 acres underneath 10 lanes of the Watterson Expressway. Pricing varies based on the activity: $100 for Mega Zip, $40 for Quest, and $20 for either Tram or Walking.

There's nothing like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and you can get a backstage peek of the world-famous festivities at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. This warehouse-like space is HQ for Kern Studios, the design company responsible for the iconic floats in the city's Mardi Gras parade each year.

Tours cost $22 for adults, $14 for children, and $17 for seniors. For large groups, Mardi Gras World offers extra-charge team-building exercises in which participants can create their own Mardi Gras masquerade masks and even build their own mini-float. A free shuttle is available to pick up visitors in the French Quarter or in downtown New Orleans and bring them directly to Mardi Gras World. The facility is open year-round, regardless if it's Mardi Gras season during your visit or not.

Don't worry, this isn't a shrine to bitcoin. Cryptozoology is "the study of hidden animals." As such, at the International Cryptozoology Museum, visitors will encounter artifacts connected to the history of creatures many consider mythical, like Bigfoot/Sasquatch, among others.

Whether visitors are enlightened by the alleged evidence within, or simply entertained at the thought of such creatures' existence, this is a decidedly weird museum experience. In fact, Time Magazine named it the No. 7 weirdest museum in the world (and No. 2 in the United States, second only to the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts).

Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. The primary museum is located in Portland, Maine and is open daily. An annex is in Bangor, Maine and is open on weekends.

Bottlenose dolphins, waxy tree frogs, and hyacinth macaws are among the 20,000+ creatures at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. With 2.2 million gallons of water, the National Aquarium is the fourth-largest in the United States (following Shedd Aquarium in Illinois, The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Florida — the aquarium inside EPCOT at Walt Disney World! — and, the top victor, Georgia Aquarium).

Admission is $50 for adults ages 21-69, $40 for guests ages 5-20 and 70+, and free for children ages 4 and under. Extra-charge experiences include a dolphin training session, guided tours, a 4D film, and even an overnight sleepover. The aquarium also provides extensive literature about its animals online. In short, the National Aquarium (prepare yourself for a pun) blows neighboring attractions out of the water.

Visitors explore the life of one of America's most prolific leaders at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. Permanent exhibits detail the U.S. space program, First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy, and JFK's 1960 presidential debate with Richard Nixon, among other subjects. Interactive literature online provides a wealth of additional history for the museum's visitors and interested out-of-towners alike.

Admission costs $18 for adults ages 18-61, $12 for seniors ages 62+ and college students with a valid school I.D., and $10 for guests ages 13-17. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Once inside, the museum offers free guided tours, or guests can roam at their own pace. This thorough attraction is among the northeast's best.

The campus known collectively as The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan comprises four attractions in one, providing a jam-packed day (or days) of amusement and education. 

Onsite are Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (celebrating the history-makers behind transportation, social justice, and other subjects), The Giant Screen Experience (showcasing 4k films), and the outdoor Greenfield Village (presenting walk-through communities from different eras in American history). Lastly, guests can take a 20-minute bus ride to Dearborn Truck Plant and experience the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

If you plan to experience everything, opt for an annual pass, even if you're only visiting for one day. Available for $75, it grants access to all three onsite attractions daily for a year (just $2 more than the combined one-day admission fee), plus discounted admission to the factory tour.

When it comes to shopping malls, one place has all others beat: Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Sure, Mall of America has your typical tenants. Auntie Anne's, Lids, Banana Republic ... all the standards are here.

But so is [takes deep breath] a comedy club, an aquarium, mini-golf, escape rooms, ax-throwing, midway games, multiple hotels connected to the mall, a ropes course, a flight simulator, a mirror maze, a movie theater, rock-climbing walls, and, oh yeah — no big deal — just an entire Nickelodeon indoor theme park. And that's barely scratching the surface.

There's so much to see at Mall of America that it has its own guided tours and even a podcast. Mall entry is free; attraction admission can be purchased à la carte or in bundle packages.

For the lovers, the dreamers — and you might just find the rainbow connection when you stop by the "Birthplace of Kermit the Frog" in Leland, Mississippi. While its name plays along with the decades-old tradition of treating Muppet characters like real-life celebrities, the establishment's location actually honors the birthplace of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets and the original performer of Kermit.

The museum is small, mirroring Kermit's swampy, small-town beginnings within Muppet lore. Its uniqueness and on-brand wackiness merits a visit, though. The modest exhibit includes a background of Henson's life and displays of Muppet memorabilia. Kermit is the pride of Mississippi, and a visit to his shrine is nothing short of a bucket-list item! Admission is free, and large groups (minimum of 10 visitors) can request a tour.

Titanic Branson – located in Branson, Missouri — is the world's largest Titanic museum, a distinction it shares with its sister location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Visitors can take in the imposing exterior — resembling the actual Titanic, though half as large — and venture inside for recreations of the ship's interior spaces and the preservation of over 400 artifacts. The museum honors the real thing, not the movie, but the movie's attention to detail means Titanic Branson will feel familiar to fans of the 1997 James Cameron film.

Admission is $35 for ages 13 and up, $15 for children ages 5-12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Titanic Branson is the most worthwhile attraction in an admittedly close race with other Branson options in close proximity, including Ripley's Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks Branson.

Love dinosaurs? Then don't miss the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana. Visitors get to see real dinosaur fossils and natural history artifacts from the Northern Rocky Mountains and beyond.

This includes, but is certainly not limited to, one of the country's only displayed Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons (pictured above). Recent selections in the museum's schedule of rotating exhibits have included underwater creatures and Da Vinci.

The Museum of the Rockies is a Smithsonian affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums , both impressive distinctions. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for children ages 5-17, and free for children ages 4 and under. For $3 extra, visitors can enjoy a film inside the museum's planetarium.

Virtual reality attractions have become relatively common, but Infinite Loop Virtual Reality in La Vista, Nebraska (near Omaha) takes the concept up a few notches. Infinite Loop is home to over 60 VR games in a variety of styles , from racing simulators to escape rooms. Whether players are looking for something low-key or high-tech, they'll find it at Infinite Loop.

Locals love it. In the annual Omaha Choice Awards, readers of the Omaha World-Herald have named Infinite Loop as their choice arcade for multiple years. Admission pricing varies based on the selected VR style, with rates priced at one-hour and half-hour sessions. Some of the more involved activities require age minimums of 8 or 10 years old.

You've seen it all over social media. The dome known as Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada is a sight to behold on the outside alone. The inside, meanwhile, boasts the largest, highest-definition screen on the planet, at 160,000 square feet in size and 16,000 x 16,000 pixels in resolution.

Sphere hosts residency concerts (currently U2), but its main attraction is The Sphere Experience. The two-hour visit leverages the building's haptics and effects with stunning results. Tickets start at $49.

An upcoming indoor attraction will soon vie for our top spot in the state. Universal plans to open a permanent hub of haunted houses in Vegas – like those found at its signature Halloween Horror Nights event in Orlando and Hollywood — at the AREA15 district, about 10 minutes from Sphere.

In a list of many family-friendly options, here's a shout-out a more sophisticated indoor activity. Seven Birches Winery & Tasting Room is part of RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire.

The location is home to a traditional wine bar, but what makes it more of an attraction is its "Meet the Winemakers" Winery Tour. Visitors will learn about the wine production process, such as the apple-pressing involved in making apple and ice wine (pictured above). Tours operate Saturdays and Wednesdays, costing $40 per person.

Seven Birches' ongoing story is what gives it an edge over other wineries. With its vines still growing and its impact just beginning, the winery is something guests can root for — pun intended — and even be part of by adopting a vine.

It's all ogre for everyone else. American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey (near New York City) is home to shopping, dining, and larger-than-life attractions — including, yes, an indoor water park that has a giant Shrek keeping watch over its wave pool (pictured above). American Dream's offerings are somewhat similar to those of Minnesota's Mall of America.

American Dream's headliners are DreamWorks Water Park (the largest indoor water park in North America), Big SNOW indoor skiing resort (the only attraction of its kind with real snow), and Nickelodeon Universe (the biggest indoor theme park in the United States). Other attractions in American Dream include an ice-skating rink, mini-golf, an aquarium, and even indoor surfing. Visitors can purchase attraction admission à la carte or as part of bundle packages. That'll do, Donkey. That'll do.

Zeniths of creativity and storytelling, Meow Wolf attractions are wild, weird, and wonderful. Meow Wolf Santa Fe in New Mexico is one of the company's four nationwide locations (the others being in Grapevine, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Las Vegas, Nevada).

Meow Wolf creates intricately themed indoor spaces that weave an original narrative and immerse the guest into that story world. The company's permanent exhibitions aren't exactly museums (the subject matter is fictional), theme parks (there are no rides), or escape rooms (guests aren't locked in a confined area). But imagine a new blend of all of those things and you're on the right track.

Meow Wolf Santa Fe's theme is "House of Eternal Return" and features over 70 rooms. Tickets start at $36, and New Mexico residents get $10 off.

We could (and have) written entire articles about attractions in New York (specifically New York City). Among a catalog of exceptional indoor activities, our selection for the best –winces, braces for impact — is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, otherwise known as The Met. You'll find it on Fifth Avenue, adjacent to Central Park.

The Met's collection of over 1 million pieces of artwork spanning 5,000 years of history is one of the most glorious assemblies of art anywhere, a labyrinth of galleries across 2 million square feet of space. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and even knights' armor are among the art styles on display from cultures around the globe. Admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, $17 for students, and free for children ages 11 and under.

We can't explain it, but visitors defy gravity at Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The establishment looks unsuspecting from the outside, situated directly off a road that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the inside, though, something about the building's placement and the geography of the mountain it sits upon is ... different.

Inside Mystery Hill, when you stand up and lean your body forward or backward, you don't fall down. Instead, your torso just kind of ... floats. It's "North Carolina's natural gravitational anomaly." Again, we don't pretend to understand this weirdness. It's a bizarre sensation and a feat that must be experienced to be believed. Admission to Mystery Hill starts at $18 for its "anomaly" main attraction. Add-ons for extra charge include ax-throwing, gem-mining, and bull-riding.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Hey, I'd really love to take my picture next to the woodchipper that crushed up Steve Buscemi's character in the 1996 movie 'Fargo'?" Well, dear reader, your dream can come true at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center in Fargo, North Dakota. It's located at exit 348 off of I-94.

Inside, the original woodchipper movie prop is on display and autographed by Joel and Ethan Coen, also known as the Coen brothers, the directors of "Fargo." Anyone can enter the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center for free. The establishment also sells "Fargo" merchandise. A famous Hollywood prop not behind a paywall, a sweet photo-op on-hand for selfies, and exclusive merch?! Say less. If you happen to, y'know, need other, non-Steve-Buscemi-related Fargo-Moorhead info, this is your place, too.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio "celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all," as defined in its mission statement. The impressive five-story museum shares an interactive history of the genre, old and new, with thousands of artifacts.

One-day tickets to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are $35 for visitors ages 13 and up, $25 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Season passes are available for $65. The Hall of Fame also regularly hosts lectures, film screenings, concerts, book signings, and album release parties, and holds an annual induction ceremony of new hall-of-famers. It might be worth the effort to plan your trip around one of its special events! This place ... rocks.

The First Americans Museum is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Across 175,000 square feet, the museum honors the 39 First American Nations that reside in the state of Oklahoma to this day, their stories, and their people.

Exhibits within are illuminating, thought-provoking, and inspiring. For example, an installation currently on display — "WINIKO: Life of an Object" — traces the journeys of artifacts previously procured for museums elsewhere that, by means of this exhibition, have at last returned to their place of origin. Additionally, storytelling with members of the 39 First American Nations brings another layer of authenticity, education, and personal connection to the museum.

​​Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $5 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and under. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Located in the heart of the cultural district of Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum opened in 1892. One of the nation's oldest museums, it's also one of the best.

Artwork on display and educational programs therein are guided by the museum's core values of creativity, connection, equity, learning, accessibility, and accountability. The museum also hosts renowned luminaries of the arts for special events, such as Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The director visited in celebration of an exhibit spotlighting his stop-motion retelling of "Pinocchio."

The Portland Art Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. One-day admission is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and free for guests ages 17 and under. The museum offers a great deal for college students: $22 one-day admission or $25 all-year admission.

You can see the Liberty Bell for free at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No reservations are required, though you might face a brief wait upon arrival. (We stopped by around 9:30 a.m. on a weekday and there were no crowds.)

An excellent accompanying exhibit shares the artifact's history, including the story of its infamous crack. Photos and literature soberingly note the progress yet to be made in order for the United States to make good on the Liberty Bell's promise.

Just across the street from the Liberty Bell Center is Independence Hall (visible outside the window in the photo above). There, visitors can (for a $1 entry fee and reservation) see another famous area: the room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence, Rhode Island is the largest indoor garden display in New England. Across 23,000 square feet, guests encounter diverse selections of plants (and even a few animals) within four tropical greenhouses: The Conservatory, The Mediterranean Room, The Flavor Lab and Indoor Play Area, and Frog & Turtle House. Roger Williams Park Botanical Center operates with an inspiring philosophy of "letting go of control and working toward balance" in humanity's relationship with nature.

Admission is $5 for guests ages 13 and up, $2 for seniors ages 65+ and children ages 6-11, and free for children ages 5 and under. The center is closed on Mondays. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more visitors.

The Simpsons in 4D is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The experience includes a theater with moving seats, as well as photo-ops and even a visit to a real, operational Kwik-E-Mart next door. (Note: The Simpsons in 4D is a completely different adventure from The Simpsons Ride at Universal theme parks.)

The Palmetto state might not be where you'd expect to find The Simpsons in 4D, but that's part of what makes the experience such a homerun. It's a huge deal for Myrtle Beach to be the exclusive home of an attraction based on a major intellectual property. Tickets are $16 for guests ages 10 and up, and $8 for children ages 4-9. Extra-charge packages come with merch, a Lard Lad donut, and other goodies.

The National Park Service describes Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, South Dakota as "one of the last frontiers in the world." The underground cave traverses 215 miles, making it one of the longest caves on the planet. We dare you to visit and not go full Bill Nye geeking out at the amazing science here!

Guests can choose from one of several styles of guided tours when visiting Jewel Cave. Exploring on your own without a guide is not allowed. Tours vary in length (20 minutes to four hours), price ($6-$45), and degree of physical difficulty. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for simple sightseeing or an intense workout. Children can participate in the Junior Ranger program, which engages their attention with activities and quizzes along the journey.

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee was the real home of Elvis Presley and today functions as a tribute to the iconic musician's prolific career and wide-ranging personal life.

The 120-acre property consists of several indoor facilities: Graceland Mansion (Elvis' actual home), Elvis Presley's Memphis (a 200,000-square-foot, multi-building complex featuring a wonderland of Elvis-focused exhibits), Graceland Exhibition Center (a smaller, but still sizable, museum-like space showcasing Elvis-adjacent topics, like motorcycles and Muhammed Ali, for example), and The Guest House at Graceland (an onsite resort hotel). Consult the Graceland property map to get your bearings, or our guide to Graceland for touring tips.

As a celebration of one of the 20th century's most beloved entertainers, Graceland is arguably the most elaborate attraction in the country focused upon a single person's legacy, outside of presidential libraries. Admission prices hinge on what you'd like to experience, starting at $50.

No problems here, Houston! Space Center Houston in Texas is the ultimate space-exploration experience. Proof of its respected reputation, Space Center Houston is recognized as a Smithsonian affiliate, a Certified Autism Center, and a member of the American Alliance of Museums.

Across 250,000 square feet, guests see starships, spacesuits, and over 400 other artifacts. The center also hosts a tram tour — included with admission – of NASA Johnson Space Center, an astronaut training facility next door. Extra-charge experiences include camps for kids, lectures for adults, overnight camping for families, and VIP tours. This place has thought of everything, and there's so much to explore here. 

Admission to Space Center Houston is around $30. Alternatively, for $68, a Houston CityPASS comes with admission to Space Center Houston and four other local attractions of your choice.

What's the coolest innovation of humanity? Maybe the airplane? Perhaps the iPhone? Nay, nay. It is the treehouse, the focal point of many childhoods' greatest adventures. With a giant tree at the center of its two-story facility, the Treehouse Museum in Ogden, Utah is a dream come true for any kid.

Exhibits include hands-on science activities, galleries, and games, all centered around a commitment to the joys of learning. Daily programming, included with admission, encourages reading through interactive storytelling and crafts.

Admission to the Treehouse Museum is $10 for children ages 2-12, the museum's target audience, though others are welcome to accompany them for $5. Children under age 2 enter for free. Family memberships are available in increments of one, two, and three years, starting at $80.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury Village Historic District, Vermont is the legendary ice cream company's only factory that welcomes visitors to see the operation come together. During a guided 30-minute tour, guests get to peek from above upon the production room floor, where 350,000 pints of ice cream are made daily. Along the way, visitors learn about the two real guys who started the business and hear about the bigger vision behind Ben & Jerry's. 

Of course, onsite adjacent to the factory is an operational Ben & Jerry's store. (Check out this location's menu online!) Admission to the factory tour is $6 for visitors ages 13-64, $5 for seniors ages 65 and up, $1 for children ages 12 and under, and free for infants.

The Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia (around two hours from Washington, D.C.) are a sight to behold. As the largest natural wonder of their kind in the eastern United States and a registered natural landmark, the Luray Caverns are stunning. In the presence of 4 million centuries of geological history, one can't help but become awestruck.

Admission for self-guided access to Luray Caverns runs at $32 for visitors ages 13 and up, $16 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. As added bangs for your buck, included with general admission is access to a transportation museum, a toy collection, and the partially outdoor Shenandoah Heritage Village (depicting the 1800s-era Shenandoah Valley community). For about double the price, guests can take a one-hour guided tour of the caverns.

Lighthouses are intrinsically intriguing, beckoning adventure and shrouded in lore. The Kenosha County Historical Society comprises the Kenosha History Center (featuring galleries tracing the community's storied past) and the Southport Light Station (home of the Kenosha Southport Lighthouse and the accompanying Southport Light Station Museum, the latter of which is located inside the former lightkeeper's house). The lighthouse was built in 1866.

Admission is free, but entry into the lighthouse itself via guided tours costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Check the society's website for the attraction's seasonal calendar. For a $35 donation to support routine upkeep of the historic lighthouse, visitors can light the lighthouse in honor of a loved one, complete with a notice in the Kenosha News acknowledging the occasion. How cool?!

The Museum of Pop Culture — otherwise known as MoPOP — in Seattle, Washington is a celebration of music, film, and everything else that encompasses popular culture.

Among the 80,000 artifacts in MoPOP's collection are a stage-worn Elton John costume, a proton pack prop from "Ghostbusters 2," Gene Simmons' former electric bass, and an authentic animation cel from "Sailor Moon," to just name a few. A fantastically thorough online database of MoPOP's artifacts includes exquisite interviews with artists of all kinds.

Visitors can choose between two tiers of MoPOP admission, with (around $35) or without (around $26) the museum's current special exhibit, which at the time of this writing is a showcase of stop-motion animation studio LAIKA (creators of "Coraline"). The museum also offers free, sensory-friendly visits. MoPOP is closed on Wednesdays.

The West Virginia Penitentiary, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, is a haunt attraction operational year-round. The establishment opened in 1876 as a functional prison, which it remained until 1995. Now, it offers a collection of authentically spooky, perhaps even haunted, experiences.

West Virginia Penitentiary hosts eight different tours, including a 90-minute history walk during the daytime ($14) and even an overnight ghost hunt ($75, pictured above). The attraction also offers family experiences both on-theme (an escape room) and seemingly random (a princess tea party).

The Scare Factor, an online resource for haunt attractions, called the penitentiary's dungeon haunt "a truly impressive and terrifying experience," going on to say, "It left me thinking something I never thought I would think: 'Wow, I can't wait to go back to jail.'"

Yeehaw! Laughs, lyrics, loved ones ... this attraction has it all. "Wild West Spectacular the Musical" is a live comedy musical production in Cody, Wyoming. Familiar songs are woven into an original story rooted in the history of the west. True West Magazine named the romp the best in its class four consecutive years.

Tickets to "Wild West Spectacular the Musical" are $23 for guests ages 13 and up, and $15 for children ages 12 and under. The show puts on an afternoon and evening performance select days late June through early August. Interested patrons can keep their eyes peeled to the attraction's website for specific dates as the summer approaches. Hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, ice cream, and other food are available for purchase to enjoy during the show.