SD Natural History

I gave the kids first pick and, after describing to them what types of things each museum held, they chose to see the dinosaurs.
         
I remember being mesmerized the first time I saw a Foucault pendulum as well.  The dino displays were cool—the models were open on one side to show the bones but, as you can see, were mocked up on the other side to resemble a “real” dinosaur.

                
Another pretty neat display—you were able to move the bones to see the motion of the joints.
 There was a spectacular section on plate tectonics, movement of the earth’s crust and earthquakes, followed by mastodons, giant sloths and other prehistoric models.


A few more large-scale skeletons, but mostly lots and lots of skulls.  We actually had a pretty good discussion, comparing sizes, types of teeth, etc.
                
Then there was a nice little play and dress-up area.  Always good.

The design-your-own-skull/dinosaur station was our last stop here.

                      
Then we went to a playground, because . . . you know, it’s what we do.

Even from the playground, you can still see the bell tower of the Museum of Man.

   
Time to check in!  Instead of staying in a hotel and eating out all week, we rented a studio apartment with a full kitchen and brought all our food with us.  It worked out beautifully!

My dining and adventure companions :)