Summer is the time of year when many families like to go on vacation. The kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and it’s a great time for a roadtrip! There are many places to choose from around the country (and even around the world!), but parents may want to consider taking their families to a place where they will not only have fun, but will learn about the Bible and be encouraged in their faith. Below are five places that provide fun, educational, and edifying experiences for the whole family.
1. THE CREATION MUSEUM
“The state-of-the-art Creation Museum allows you to venture through biblical history, stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, planetarium, petting zoo, zip line adventure course, and much more. This 75,000-square-foot facility has welcomed over 2.5 million guests since opening in Petersburg, Kentucky,” advertises the Museum’s website. Unlike most museums which assume the truth of the Theory of Evolution, the Creaton Museum allows families to explore the earth God created from a biblical perspective. While you are in the area, you will definitely also want to check out Ark Encounter–a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark which is the brainchild of well-known Christian apologist Ken Ham.
2. THE HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE
Disney isn’t the only theme park in Orlando, Flordia! The Holy Land Experience recreates and brings to life famous places of the Bible and the events that happened there. You can see a recreation of the Tabernacle, of Jesus’ crucifixion, or the Jerusalem marketplace. There are real people dressed as Bible characters walking around as well! “The Holy Land Experience brings together the sights and sounds of the world of the Bible in a unique and interactive way unlike anywhere else. It is a living, biblical museum that takes you 7000 miles away and 2000 years back in time to the land of the Bible. Its combination of sights, sounds, and tastes will stimulate your senses and blend together to create a spectacular new experience. But above all, beyond the fun and excitement, we hope that you will see God and His Word exalted and that you will be encouraged in your search for enduring truth and the ultimate meaning of life,” says The Holy Land’s website.
3. THE BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
The Billy Graham Library provides a special look into the life of beloved evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham. It is perhaps even more significant now that Rev. Graham has gone home to be with the Lord. “The Billy Graham Library is a 40,000-square foot experence where you’ll discover the life and legacy of America’s Pastor. Designed to reflect Billy Graham’s journey from a humble farm boy to an international ambassador of God’s love, the barn-shaped building is situated on 20 landscaped acres, only miles from where Billy Graham grew up in Charlotte, N.C.,” says the Library’s website. The Library includes a tour of the Graham homestead, an extensive bookstore, the Memorial Prayer Garden, and the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar where you can order delicious BBQ, sandwiches, and cookies.
4. THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE
The Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. just opened to the public last November, and has already received a record number of visitors. “Making its grand opening to the public in November 2017, Museum of the Bible’s 430,000-square-foot building is located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.,” says the Museum’s website. “Museum of the Bible aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world. Showcasing rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 3,500 years of history, the museum offers visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible, and its ongoing impact on the world around us.” The Museum of the Bible is an unparalleled experience, using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life. Its exhibits explore how the Bible and its impact span time, space, and cultures, and invites everyone to engage with the Bible. With three permanent sections and space for temporary exhibits, there is always something new to explore.
5. CHRIST IN THE SMOKIES
Like the Holy Land Experience, Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens in Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers scenes taken straight from the Bible and the life of Jesus. The museum allows visitors to experience what life was like at the time Jesus lived.
“Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens is one of the nation’s foremost inspirational attractions. We feature incredibly lifelike scenes telling the Story of Christ, utilizing life size figures, dramatic lighting, music and special effects. Everyone from Children to Seniors will enjoy seeing their favorite Bible stories come alive in the 3D Dioramas,” says the museum’s website. And while you’re visiting the museum, you’ll definitely also want to check out the Smoky Mountains themselves–a breathtakingly beautiful part of God’s Creation!