While visions of sugar plums may be dancing in your head, the thought of where to go for a Christmas vacation is usually where family and friends are. There’s nothing unique about ski resorts, amusement parks or exotic locales. In addition, Santa is in every shopping mall and ringing bells on every corner. So why is it that many people, both Christian and non – have never heard experienced Creation Museums and Information Centers located across the US?
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ – yet many cultures, including the U.S. have forgotten the reason we celebrate this time of year. In addition to attending your local church for Christmas Eve service and giving of your time and offerings to those in need, I would encourage you to take some time with your family to stop at one of the many Creation Science Museums on your way to grandma’s house. Although most are closed on Christmas Day, they are open before and after for you to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Creation Museum
2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, KY 41080
Phone: 1.800.778.3390
Hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat: 9 to 6, Sun: Noon to 6 (Last admission an hour before closing)
Admission: $24.95 (Ages 13-59), $19.95 (Ages 60+), $14.95 (Ages 5-12), Free (Under age 5)
This is one of the largest and most diverse Creation Museums in the U.S. with over 70,000 square feet of exhibits and interactive displays for families to learn and enjoy. Take a walk through history through the pages of God’s Word, view the four different movie presentations, Star Gaze in the Planetarium, experience Life in a Garden with a stroll through the pathway or enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch under the pavilions. There are many workshops and special programs each week, call or see their website for announcements including the Annual Holiday special: Christmas Town is a free lights and live drama performance.
A Key Encounter! Nature Theatre and Planetarium
Clinton Square Market Mall, Upper Level
291 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305.292.2070
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday (winter) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Enjoy a free 20 minute movie of God’s creation in the Florida Keys on three large screens in the Family Wildlife Theatre. The Ultimate Encounter is a 20-foot planetarium next to the Key Encounter Nature Theatre. The Ultimate Encounter and the Dipper Full of Stars are two films dedicated to the study and use of sky viewing. The Jungle Walk has both live exotic birds and animatronic creatures to observe.
Creation Discovery Museum
2701 West Cypress Creek Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33309
Phone: 1.800.882.0278
Hours: By appointment only on weekdays, Museum and Bookstore open Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admimssion: Donations
The Creation Discovery Museum is a part of Creation Studies Institute, also known as CSI. The guided museum tours are 20-30 minutes and open to all ages. There are hands-on discovery workshops throughout the year and educational programs for private schools, ministries and groups. There are four new exhibits: the butterfly collection, clinical grade microscopes, Kid’s Corner fun zone and Dino memorabilia for gifts and souvenirs to take home.