We were early getting into Chanute today so I searched for something to see. Not much in this…read morelittle town but did see a Museum so I decided to take the boys here. They were a little apprehensive to go but said that was fine. Free parking when we arrived and I guess on Saturday it's free to enter. The lady at the desk took us in to watch a short video. Although I wasn't sure I wanted to watch it, it really is a must see. You understand so much as you walk through the museum with that short 10 min video. It's really a must see if you are not familiar with what the museum is all about. The best part of this was my boys really enjoyed it. From the interactive musical instruments you are allowed to play with and the gong which they hit multiple times, they really had a good time.

Small museum with an amazing story of love and adventure!…read moreMartin and Osa Johnson's story from the small towns of Chanute & Independence, Kansas to Hollywood and New York on the big screens is one truly amazing adventure. But their adventures in remote locations of the world is just as incredible. If you've ever seen a Tarzan movie then you've seen wild animal and tribe footage of Martin and Osa's work. They're story is given , along with wonderful artifacts and personal items. Take your time in here and be sure to watch the long version film they offer. ALSO, don't miss making a visit to their gravesite (just ask for directions from the folks at the museum). A hidden story in a small town well worth making a drive to.

My friend and I were visiting the Neosho area this past weekend and took the time to drive out to…read morethe George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, MO. We are SO glad that we did! It is an amazing place, and we had a magical experience. I thought I knew about George Washington Carver, but there was so much that I learned during our time at the National Monument. Special thanks to the park rangers who were on duty during our visit: Matthew, who greeted us as we entered and answered our many questions about what to see and do (and gave excellent directions and recommendations!); Emily, a devoted entomologist who gave us a deep appreciation for jumping spiders (including one we encountered later in our visit!); and Katie, who led us in the activity in the laboratory (thank you for your infinite patience with all of us as we worked with the materials!). We took the walking trail out to the pond on the property and were enchanted by the stone markers with quotes from Carver placed strategically along the path. He was quite the sage, with so many wise observations of his time and fellow humans. The walking path winds through beautiful woods, and there are bridges crossing the two branches of the stream that flows through the area. There are also interpretive plaques placed along the path with vignettes from Carver's boyhood (these are echoed in the Visitor Center). The path is largely accessible, but there are areas around the pond that are dirt trails through the brush, so those with limited mobility may wish to talk with the National Park Rangers on-site for their recommendations. The Visitor Center is open and welcoming, with the main exhibits on the first floor; laboratory, young people's exploration areas, and the schoolroom replica on the second floor; and further exhibits on the lower level. We participated in an activity in the laboratory making peanut milk, and (even though we were probably the oldest people in the room) it was really fun! There is a picnic area adjacent to the parking lot, shaded by trees and surrounded by open grass. We saw several families enjoying a picnic lunch as the kids romped through the open areas. By the time we'd hiked the walking trail, browsed the exhibits in the Visitor Center, participated in the laboratory activity, and shared a picnic lunch, we were surprised to discover that we'd spent almost three hours at the monument. It was such an enchanting place that we honestly didn't notice the time passing! If a visitor is pressed for time, the area could be toured in about an hour and a half, but we recommend setting aside the time to experience everything the National Monument has to offer. It is exceptionally well-designed, and we left with a deep appreciation of George Washington Carver as a scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Many, many thanks to the National Park Service for providing such a lovely place to visit, at no cost, and for the wonderful park rangers who made it such a great experience!

Very interesting national park site! I didn't know that much about George Washington Carver going…read morein and feel like I learned a lot, well done. Great layout and easy to hit all the exhibits. There's a lovely 3/4 trail as well but due to the weather we weren't able to complete that. The ranger was super nice!! Lots of interactive activities for kids, too. It's free to get in, with a small gift shop, Well worth a stop if you're in the area.

We LOVE little museums like this! Lots of great mineral displays. Really nice. Upstairs are some…read moremodels of mining history - what my daughter and I were completely enthralled with were vintage panoramic group photos of the miners. Literally could have spent hours here, though for the record we are super nerds. Then, there's another wing of the museum that is all about Joplin history. But as a bonus this also includes the National Cookie Cutter Museum! Who knew? Loved it here. Staff was super friendly and helpful. I think admission was $5, a great bargain!

What a fun little pit stop we made here! This museum isn't just about Minerals and Rocks. We did…read moreenjoy that part and even learned several new things. However it also has a cookie cutter museum inside which is adorable! Bonus you get to take a cookie cutter home for free! So many fun things to look at and it's only $5. You could stay for hours! Highly recommend!

Worth stopping in, not a whole lot on display. A few old swords, some bullets, a couple rifles and…read morea uniform that's about it. They tell quite a bit about the battle that broke out there, and the guy we talked to working the front is very knowledgeable. It's not a very big place; you might be able to spend 30 minutes in there if you read everything and watched the movie... But it's free, and a free history lesson is always worth a look "IMO."

Excellent history lesson. I loved the visuals and the historian dude at the front desk was great…read more Picked up some souvenirs and learned a lot. Great job.

My grandson enjoyed his experience so much at Curious Minds. It was his first time to experience…read moreit! The facility is very clean and well put together! All children should get to visit this place!!

Great center for kids of all ages! We will be back. Ages, 10, 9, 2! Wish we lived closer!read more

So much fun! We always have such a good time at Ocean Adventures! Place is clean, staff is friendly…read moreand my kids are always wanting to go. Take your kids! Also, the owner is incredible about giving back to the community in many different ways. This is a good business to support.

The kids and I were offered tickets here as a gift--we'd been meaning to get out this way, so it…read morewas a much anticipated visit and did not disappoint. We passed it at first; although right off of Duquesne with a streetside sign, Ocean Adventures is in a very unassuming warehouse-esque metal building. That almost sets you up for more of a pleasant surprise when you walk inside after parking in the gravel lot behind the building (technically the front). When you walk in there are cubbies and coat hooks to deposit your things. The front desk is also right there, so not a lot of concern about things being stolen. Everyone gets a wrist band as you check in, and for the more uncooperative kiddos (one of mine) an ID sticker on their back. I didn't know this when I got there, but tickets are typically purchased in advance online as they only sell 40 tickets per session to keep it enjoyable for everyone--a policy I personally really appreciate, especially with little kids. And the unbelievable part: the tickets are only $5 T-Th and $6 F-Su. (If an adult wants to play with their kiddo, they also need a ticket, but for so little that's not a big deal for us, especially compared to prices at other kids facilities in SWMO/NWA). The facility itself: amazing. Imagine the McDonalds playset from your childhood, but without the dirty sock smell, multiple stories, more slides and a bigger ball pit. It's clean and actually smells GOOD...you can go on their website and watch/read about the cleaning routine. It's pretty impressive and the condition of the facility reflects that. I also noticed the staff making rounds every so often around the play equipment, which I also appreciated. The bulk of the play equipment is made of various nets and ropes/clear plastic windows, so your kids are almost always visible, but it's nice to see that the staff are kind of monitoring to make sure everything is in order. We really loved our visit here, our 2 hours flew by and as the kids get a little older this would be a great place to bring a book and relax at a table while they play...it's one of the few places around that feels safe enough for my comfort and entertaining enough for theirs. Until then, though, I am enjoying my excuse to "have to" play in a giant ball pit.