Ripley's Believe It or Not in Grand Prairie, TX

While on a hunt for the weird, quirky, and unusual, we headed to Ripley's in Grand Prairie.  We found plenty of odd inventions like the rocking chair shown that rocks itself.  It was actually for sale many years ago.  Very odd!

A vest made from human hair... anyone interested in wearing that one? 

People never stop being odd, and because of this, Ripley started traveling the world looking for the oddest of the odd.  Several of these items were added to the Odditorium in Grand Prairie for the enjoyment of the public.

We had a good time looking at how far humanity has come compared to 100 years ago.  The strange people were interesting as well.  We saw many things you would never find anywhere else.

Cost:

Adult (age 13 and up)= $16.99*

Child (age 4-12)= $8.99*

Child 3 and under= FREE

*There are 3 other attractions at this location so there are bundling pricing options as well. I will be posting about the other 2 attractions over the next few days.  You can see the wax museum that I posted about yesterday here,

**All opinions expressed herein are my own, and I have not received any monetary or other gift for a positive review. We were invited to spend the day at the 4 attractions expenses paid, and we have been given tickets for a giveaway! The tickets will be given away this month, so stay tuned!

Heritage Farmstead in Plano, TX

Take a trip back through history at Heritage Farmstead.  The farm has chickens and a rooster, horses, mules, goats, and sheep.  The rooster put on a show for us when we were there.  He was loud and proud. 

We enjoyed looking at the old school house on the property.  It has a bell to ring for school to start, so you know kids love ringing the bell.  There are chalkboards inside with writing as it would have been about 100 years ago.  There is a wood stove to keep the school house warm, and plenty of desks for the pupils. 

The old farm equipment is interesting, especially to imagine that they used to use the equipment 100 years ago.  They sure worked hard back then!  It is hard to imagine that they ever accomplished anything with the manual equipment (compared to our gas powered tractors now)! 

The older homes are outfitted with rocking chairs and wrap-around porches.  They are all set up to be representative of the homes that were in the area in 1890 to 1920. 

Educational programs are available throughout the year.  You can see current and ongoing programs here.

They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm and closed on Mondays.

Cost:

$2 per person for the self-guided tour

$5 per adult & $3.50 per student for a guided tour

Fort Washita in Durant, OK

Fort Washita was built in 1842.  It was used to protect the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians.  Later, it was taken over by Confederates and used during the Civil War.  This property is full of history.

Before we visited the fort, and all the way there, I spoke to my kids about the Civil War.  We turned it into a whole unit study.  It makes learning more fun when you can see exactly what it looked like during the time you are learning about. 

National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, TX

For all things cowgirl, you have to visit the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth.  There is nothing like it that I have ever seen.  The whole building is packed with history and facts about the American cowgirl.  You will be in cowgirl heaven! 

The things that I found most interesting were the old t.v., the jukeboxes with songs from the past, the black and white movie, and the jewel covered cowgirl saddles.  The girls liked the bucking horse they got to ride.

The best time to visit the Cowgirl Museum is during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.  If you visit during January or February, you can get in free to this museum with the purchase of the stock show ticket!!

Price:

Adult: $10

Child 3-12: $8

Child under 3: FREE

*Get 1/2 price admission to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with paid admission to the Cowgirl Museum

*Get free admission with the purchase of FW Stock Show paid admission!