Meander down a river and you should be lucky. Lots of very interesting sites are to be explored with your children when a river is chosen and the waterside road is travelled. But tarry awhile as you go and stop the car on a whim just because an old gate is open and invites you in to a wealth of names to be examined on stones or a fort has to be conquered by climbing to the top of the hill.

The spectacle of boats bobbing on the water can intrigue a young mind or spur imagination. Many a river or stream invites you for a swim or a paddle and there is always a place to be found for a picnic.

My family have been enthralled by the Hudson river for years and, even as the toddlers grew to youth and beyond, the trips to historical sites along its banks never failed to impress and engage their growing minds.

I suppose the best of the historical sites has to be Fort Ticonderoga on the south end of Lake Champlain, NY. Wow! the children loved the colorful uniforms, the treasure trove of rooms to explore, trumpets to hear, flags to wave and badges to wear. And so much more. Staff members at this and all other historical sites have a wonderful generosity to share their historical stories with everyone, and age is no barrier. Little ones can be shown something tactile while older minds are challenged by how a thing works. Moms and Dads too have their own treat; it's easy to figure out the context of a war or the significance of a battle.

Start with a search on the KidFriendlyVenues app either using your location and a distance limit around you or select Historical Sites as a venue type. Of course you could always start with your favorite eating establishment. Click on Food/Eating Establishments and you have recommendations by other moms to choose from. Who doesn't enjoy a tasty chicken meal when outdoors!

Once you get to your river, take a photo. Buy a book. Find your surname. Whatever you get up to on the shores of a river, you can be sure of a great day out.

Barbara B