This place is just small enough that it feels like it's is your own private airplane hangar full of collectibles - it's up close and personal with bombers, which our boys love. My boys were 6 and 8 when we visited - perfect for their ages. Not too overwhelming for them. An easy activity with kids. Inside so we didn't have to worry about sunscreen or snow! A nice little gift shop.

I've always thought the Butterfly Pavilion was a bit steep in price (we have four kids) and the only reason we've gone has been that grandpa gave us a family pass. BUT when we've gone, the kids have loved it. Some of them were brave enough to hold Rosie the Tarantula, I love their beehive - fascinating to watch, and the butterflies really are beautiful. I love sitting and watching the chrysalis display where butterflies are in various stages of breaking out of their chrysalis. Really educational all around but in the context of being just fun and interesting!

We haven't done any tours here, but our kids love to visit their downstairs kids' play area. There is a giant slide (which has sometimes been closed when we visit due to possible thunderstorms) that they love. And a great inside playground and soda shop based on the Adventures In Odyssey stories. There's also a huge bookstore upstairs which has a good selection. A fun and easy stop if driving through the Springs.

We often meet up here for playdates with friends. It's definitely a city park without the bells and whistles of some of the suburb playgrounds. But the views of downtown are amazing and the kids enjoy watching watersports on the lake. There is a good covered picnic area at the south playground - the playground is fairly new and has a nice sidewalk circling it that my kids love to bring their scooters to.

This botanic gardens is BEAUTIFUL. I thought it was a bit steep in price but that might be because we're a family of 6 so everything seems steep in price. :) But I do think it was worth it. Amazing tropical gardens and beautiful ocean views. I've never seen anything like it. We stopped just before our visit at What's Shakin smoothie stand a bit north on the road and had amazing smoothies (papaya!) - really a great afternoon in general.