Five Summer Activities that Educate Kids (but are Fun, too)

It's the time of year many New England families enjoy most, but...days are longer, the temperature's climbing and school's out. How are you and the kids going to fill those lo-o-ong stretches of free time? Where can you have fun and perhaps learn a new fact or two about Seacoast New Hampshire?

The American Independence Museum (AIM), in downtown Exeter, NH, offers short, guided and self-guided tours that recount the area's importance in American history. Opened Thursday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, through October, the museum encompasses the Ladd-Gilman House, built in 1721, and the c. 1775 Folsom Tavern. Here you'll learn the stories of the Ladd, Gilman and Folsom families, prominent 18th century merchants and political figures, when Exeter was an important business center and bustling seaport, and its political influence as capital of New Hampshire during the American Revolution was at its peak.

Here are five reasons to visit AIM this summer:

• Free admission for active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families. AIM is participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense. through October for regular museum tours and to the American Independence Festival (more below). For more information, click here. A complete list of participating museums is available here.

• Junior Role Players Camp, Wednesday – Friday, July 10 – 12. Do you have an 8-14-year-old who loves acting? Sign him/her up for this three-day history camp. Campers portray 18th century Exeter residents, then perform at the American Independence Festival on July 20. Register here.

• Muster Day, Friday, July 12. We're seeking able-bodied girls and boys who want to escort General George Washington through downtown Exeter to kick off the American Independence Festival. During this active day, kids learn about the life of a Revolutionary War soldier, how to march and drill as well as sign oaths of allegiance to the Patriot cause with quill pens and make military decorations for their “uniforms.” Register here.

• American Independence Festival, Saturday, July 20, 10 am – 5 pm. AIM's most festive day of the year! This year, the American Independence Festival celebrates the founding of our nation as well as the town of Exeter's 375th birthday. It's held two weeks after July 4 because the Declaration of Independence was read to the townspeople of Exeter on July 16, 1776, by local businessman (and later New Hampshire Governor) John Taylor Gilman. Festival events include a battle portrayal between Colonial and British troops; demonstrations by traditional artisans; appearances by General George Washington, statesman John Adams, and John Taylor Gilman; museum tours and viewings of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence (printed in 1776, one of only 26 remaining) and original drafts of the U.S. Constitution; military musters; a junior militia for children; cannon fire; food, a beer tent, live music, fireworks and much more. Admission is $7 for events on AIM grounds, with a suggested donation of $7 to see events held on Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter. Rain or shine. More information here.

• Free admission to veterans on July 4 and August 3 (in honor of Purple Heart Day).

Ready to learn more? Visit the museum's website to learn something new about Seacoast New Hampshire this summer, or call (603) 227-2622; info@independencemuseum.org.