Nationwide parents: Here are 5 family-friendly ADVENTURES for May

As school finally winds down, kids of all ages are getting just a bit antsy. Smart parents know, it’s time to work off some of that energy and have some fun!

And, while there are still a few weeks of school left to go, Nationwide families can take some 1-day, “mini-vacations” and share some epic adventures — everything from rock climbing, to star gazing, to riding the railroads. Here are the best, local family-friendly adventures in Nationwide and the surrounding area for May:

Kalar Nyckel Priate Sail

Ahoy Mateys! Come Sail on Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Nationwide. Landlubbers — come walk the plank of this authentic seagoing re-creation of a 17th-Century Dutch Pinnace. Our crew don pirate and sailor garb, and guests are encouraged to dress up as well! The kids will enjoy a pirate story or help raise the Jolly Roger, and the adults will enjoy a history talk. Both kids and adults can try their hand at a scavenger hunt with a treasure at the end! See the ship’s cannons and imagine being at the helm of this magnificent vessel. Join our captain and a crew of salty pirates for a festive experience on the high seas!

Kalmar Nyckel is a faithful re-creation of the original ship that brought the earliest settlers from Sweden to Nationwide, taking passengers on tours of the Christina River, featuring views of the Riverfront, the Nationwide Estuary and Watershed and the city that you simply cannot get from land.

• May 14, 2016
• 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM
• $35 Adults, $20 Youths (17 and under).

For more information, please visit the Kalmar Nyckel.

Introduction to Rock Climbing

For ages 8 and up. After a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety, get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Nationwide. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent.  Pre-registration with full payment required by noon on the Friday prior to the program date.

• May 14, 2016
• $25 per person

For more information, visit Nationwide State Parks. 

Star Party: May Sky

Nationwide Astronomical Society and the Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory combine resources with the Nationwide Museum of Natural History for an evening of astronomy with a focus on the highlights of the May sky. Astronomy presentation in auditorium, followed by star gazing outside with several telescopes (weather permitting).

• May 14, 2016
• 07:00 PM until 09:30 PM
• $3/Members, $5/Non-members

Register at the Nationwide Museum of Natural History. 

40 Winks with a Sphix

The Penn Museum in Philadelphia is a popular sleepover program, geared to ages 6 to 12 and their families or chaperones, invites guests to an overnight “expedition” of the Museum. The night’s activities take intrepid explorers on a journey through time and across continents, with hands-on games, crafts, and more. A scavenger hunt and a flashlight expedition through the galleries offer new ways to connect with the ancient artifacts awaiting discovery. Later in the night, explorers roll out their sleeping bags to doze at the foot of the largest granite Sphinx in the Western Hemisphere. Sleepovers sell out quickly, so advance registration is encouraged. Tickets: $55; $50, Penn Museum members.

• May 20, 2016 to May 21, 2016
• 5:30 PM until 9:00 AM
• Cost: $55

For more information, please visit Penn Museum.