Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Open in Theaters May 22nd!!

by Mac Duffy

On May 22nd, 20th Century Fox will take you and your kids on a fantastic journey into the heart of the Smithsonian Institute, the largest and most visited museum in the world, unmatched in its collection of historical wonders!

Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Robin Williams are back, and this time they are joined by some of history's greatest figures, including Academy Award® nominee, Amy Adams, as the inspiring Amelia Earhart, as they try to save the day in the first comedy adventure ever shot in the Smithsonian complex!

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian takes the fun of the first adventure to new heights and pairs the historic figures from the first movie with new and even more exciting ones, the type you'll find at the actual Smithsonian. Throw in some pop culture figures and you've got yourself a movie that will inspire your kids to want to learn more about history. They get to live the adventure that much longer, and you get the satisfaction that perhaps your kid might do that much better on their next history test.

How confident are you when talking to your kids about great moments in history? Fortunately, the movie is a great launching pad. However, we don't want your kids confusing fun activities with homework, so it is best to prepare before you go see the movie. The following are just a couple of the ways you can use Night at the Museum 2 to inspire in your child a passion for history.

Start with the Basics

Make it a Game How much do your kids already know about the Smithsonian? How much do they know about history? Make a list of all the historical characters in the movie and challenge your kids to find out everything they can about them. In our Google age, this should be rather easy. If they want extra points, encourage them to find obscure information that will stump the other players. Then have them create questions based on their findings. On game night, have the kids face off while you keep score, giving points for correct answers, unique questions, and brain-stumpers. Questionable answers can be looked up on the spot, but the point is for everyone to come out wanting more, so I recommend a liberal point system that takes into account other factors such as creativity, best effort, etc. Prizes are recommended, whether it be a promised popcorn and/or soda upgrade at the theatre or something else you feel they will enjoy.

Be a Role Model Don't think that you're off the hook. You need to set an example. You know your kids best, so look for some unique information that will appeal to each of them, something that might jumpstart them into seeking more. Share these stories with your kids at breakfast, in the car or wherever you spend some quality uninterrupted time with them. To really engage them, talk about figures you are truly passionate about. Your passion may rub off. A fun way to further engage them is to ask them to share information about historical figures they already know.

Make Sure Engaging Books Are on Hand Once you've determined what your child's interests are, find age-appropriate books about their favorite historic figures and leave them for your children to find. I'm a firm believer that there's nothing like turning real pages in your hand to inspire a stronger connection with a story. An added bonus is that a book provides an opportunity for you and your child to read together.

Story Night Humans have a long history of storytelling around campfires. You don't need a fire. Just a regular time (snacks are a plus) the whole family can look forward to. Everybody gets to tell a story, no matter how old or young, but no one should feel forced. A little patience might go a long way. A resistant child may surprise you if allowed to find their own way. Change it up sometimes with a movie, such as Night at the Museum 2 or perhaps a tale of an actual event or person from history. Afterwards, let everyone share what he or she liked or didn't like. The important thing is to let everyone feel free to share his or her opinion.

Create a Ritual It's said it takes about 21 days to establish a habit. Your kids need some help if they're going to stick with this newfound passion. Regardless of what you decide to do with your kids, be consistent and you may find them taking these activities with them to school, to their friends' houses, and maybe even to college.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian is hands down guaranteed to be an amazing family outing, one that is sure to inspire in your children not just a love of history, but of life!