Though they're mostly used today by walkers and casual boaters, canals and canal towpaths helped shaped early America, and it's this history that's the focus of the National Canal Museum in Easton, Pennsylvania. Young ones can enjoy hands-on activity in Towpath Town and Waterworks, where interactive exhibits allow them the opportunity to explore basic principles of science and math while playing at Canaller. Also part of this museum's permanent collection is an old steam machine and locomotive, a silk loom and various industrial artifacts, but more lively is a trip through the Locktender's House, where period-costumed actors make everyday life for a locktender's family quite tangible. Be sure to take a canal boat ride in season, and investigate the history of local industry in the Emrick Technology Center over the course of your visit.

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