Does your child love cars? Or maybe trains? Perhaps boats are their favorite. Well, they are all covered at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, making it the perfect destination for your young transportation lover. Perched on a hill in Devou Park, this museum is open year-round and is a great escape on a cold, winter day.
One of the reasons I love taking my children to museums is that it’s different for them each time we go. At almost four and two, they are mostly interested in hands-on activities and larger-than-life displays (both of which Behringer-Crawford provides), but as they get older there is so much more the museum will teach them.
The Behringer-Crawford Museum is located in the 19th century Devou family home and is included on the Civil War Discovery Trail. Its exhibits cover “Rivers, Roads, Rails and Runways,” and they are spread between four floors (don’t worry, there is an elevator if you need it!). While the museum is famous for its Holiday Toy Train Display, you can always find a colorful display right near the entrance.
The museum’s website offers its “Top Ten Picks” to make sure and check out, and I agree with all 10! My little ones especially loved the drive-in movie car and the large boat section, where you can pretend to fish. The museum also offers a variety of activities throughout the year, so be sure to check the website to see what is coming up.
Devou Park has so much to offer, and the Behringer-Crawford Museum is the heart of it all. With the addition of NaturePlay, located right next to the museum, this is an area you’ll want to visit multiple times a year. They actually offer memberships, which is definitely something to consider for your family! Kids (of all ages) can play, imagine and learn, while supporting a great historical cause.
Visit the Behringer-Crawford Museum website here for more info! (Keep in mind – they are closed on Mondays!)
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati publications and brainstorming ideas for her next children’s book! With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.