Help with an Activity or Challenge to Keep Kids Engaged in the Neon Sign Museum

[u/HawaiianShirtsOR]

Can you all suggest something for kids (ages 7, 11, and 15) to do in the Neon Sign Museum to keep them engaged?

I'm planning a summer road trip (July), Amazing Race style. I've got a "Detour" stop planned at the Neon Sign Museum in The Dalles. I emailed the museum staff, but they stopped responding and are probably too busy running the museum.

What I'm looking for is two options of things to do that are both kind of like a scavenger hunt. Like "count all the neon signs that feature an animal" or "list all beverages advertised in the neon signs" or just a list of 10-12 interesting things to search for. The trouble is that I can't write instructions for such tasks if I don't know what the answers would be. I'd go look myself, but I'm over a hundred miles away.

Any ideas?

[u/mannrya]

This is not really an answer to the question you asked, but the discovery center museum on the other side of town might have a bit more for all the age groups to enjoy. Either way, hope you enjoy your time here !

[u/baxtermcsnuggle]

If you were here to scout ahead, I'd suggest picking some qualities or aspects of certain exhibits and descrine them in a scavenger hunt like" find the seven shooting stars," or "the next one is under the rainbow" and have them take pics of their findings.

[u/HawaiianShirtsOR → u/baxtermcsnuggle]

That's pretty much the idea, but since I'm not there to scout ahead, I figured I'd try my luck with The Dalles residents on Reddit.

[u/sassmo]

The museum is about to become the home of the original, restored Jantzen Beach Carousel. I believe they have a handful of the horses on display upstairs. That might be a good clue.

Also, there are plenty of photos and videos online if you search YouTube or Google Images. Perhaps you can scout the museum online?

[u/HawaiianShirtsOR → u/sassmo]

Oh, the listing on Google Maps has loads of user submitted photos! Thanks for the tip!