| A great place for a vacation when you have children | | | | the arts 'n craft area. |
| with disabilities is Richmond, Virginia. Start your stay | | | | Parents do not need to worry; there are rest areas |
| with a visit to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The | | | | with shade and water fountains throughout the garden, |
| entire Botanical Garden is accessible and the Children's | | | | allowing them to relax while their children play. |
| Garden is designed beautifully for children with differing | | | | There is a wonderful accessible tree house. Everyone |
| abilities. The designers of the garden used universal | | | | regardless of their gross motor ability can now climb to |
| design principles to create a play environment where | | | | the top of a tree. From the tree house you can look |
| every child can participate in the entire experience. | | | | out and see dramatic views of the Conservatory, the |
| According to the Lewis Ginter website "Diversity is the | | | | Rose Belvedere and all of the Children's Garden. To |
| main theme of this garden - diversity of environments, | | | | reach the top of the 13' feet high tree house you wind |
| ecosystems, plants, adaptation and human culture." | | | | and climb a 500-foot ramp which starts at the main |
| The staff of the Children's Garden offers self-directed, | | | | entrance. As you wind your way up, you can stop and |
| informal learning and organized education programs. | | | | play at interactive learning stations. |
| They designed their programs to match a variety of | | | | The second stop on your vacation should be The |
| learning styles. | | | | Science Museum of Virginia which features hundreds |
| Here is what you can expect to experience while | | | | of hands-on exhibits dealing with a wide range of |
| exploring the 1.5 acre Children's Garden: | | | | science topics. The entire museum is barrier-free, |
| 1. Climb a 100 year old tree. | | | | except for Wonderplace Lab which cannot be altered |
| 2. Play in multiple play houses designed and | | | | due to its historic status. |
| landscaped using themes from countries around the | | | | Next is the Children's Museum of Richmond which is |
| world. | | | | geared for young children and provides plenty of |
| 3. Get wet in the water spray park (during the | | | | opportunities for play and learning. When it is warm, |
| summer). | | | | make sure your visit includes a stop at their "backyard" |
| 4. Learn about farming at the Farm Garden where the | | | | where you can explore nature and get wet. All of the |
| produce that is harvested is donated to the local food | | | | exhibits are wheelchair accessible. |
| bank. | | | | If you are visiting during the summer, you can end your |
| 6. Explore the tunnels, willow forts, and bridges in the | | | | trip with King's Dominion. This theme park is designed |
| Butterfly Meadow. | | | | for children of all ages. It is open throughout the |
| 7. Check out the weird and contrasting plant area and | | | | summer and on weekends through October. For |
| see the multiple textures and growing patterns of | | | | young children there is a water-park and a place to |
| plants. | | | | meet friends like the Rugrats and Scooby Doo. |
| 8. Play in the sand area or create a master piece in | | | | |