From the invisible to the immeasurable, we cover the spectrum of science--so trust us when we say you don't want to miss a moment of all the fun we're having this summer at the Science Center. With something new to experience every day, your entire family can enjoy indoor and outdoor entertainment during the summer months here at the museum. We've got something for everyone--whether you're a science enthusiast, animal lover, or just big on adventure, we've got Creature Features, immersive exhibits, special summer programs, and more. To start the summer on a high note, we'll have a discount on memberships from June 1-8 only; see below for more info! Beginning June 1, our hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dive on in to Discover Science Saturday
On June 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., join us for fun hands-on summer activities and games on the sciPad. Get amped up, because at 12 p.m. we'll really kick off the summer and beat the heat with a FOAM PARTY from The Foam Connection! Bring the whole family for tons of good clean fun with gallons of foam. Since making a mess is a must, participants may want to bring towels and goggles for the foam party; swimwear is not necessary but encouraged.
All guests interested in participating in Discover Science Saturday will receive a wristband at check-in to access the foam party events located outdoors. The outdoor foam party will take place from 12-2 p.m. The last few years, this event was an absolute blast, and we are so happy to deliver on your requests for another foam party!
The Foam used is bio-degradable, non-staining, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. It is made up Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerol, and water. These are common ingredients found in things like shampoo and dish soap.
Discover Our Animal Ambassadors
From June 1 through September 1, join our Creature Features every Wednesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and every Friday at 1:30 p.m. We are home to over 35 animals, so expect to see a vast array of scales, feathers, and fur. Our trained educators are a wealth of unique facts when it comes these animals, so you'll definitely leave each presentation with new knowledge. This is a great opportunity for all ages to safely interact closely with our Animal Ambassadors--if you're feeling brave, you'll even get to touch some of the animals! We have varying species that are native to our region, exotic, or even invasive in some cases. With such a wide array of animals, you can expect to see fuzzy or scaly new faces every day. We'll showcase our spectacular snakes and terrific turtles on Wednesdays, adorable, furry (or spiky!) mammals on Thursdays, and our lovely lizards on Fridays. This is definitely one of our more popular programs, so be sure to grab your spots early to enjoy the show! Access to Creatures Features is included with general admission.
Become the Chemistry Expert
We love leaving a lasting impression on our guests, and we find lighting things on fire or small-scale explosions help us accomplish this goal quite well. Our Chem Demos give guests a safe viewing experience during our 'Mad Scientist' moments, but we want your family to go chemistry crazy, too. Join our Chemistry Corner every Friday to be wowed with awesome feats of science as you witness a Chem Demo at 11:30 a.m. followed immediately from 12-1 p.m. by hands-on chemistry and science experiments your whole family can do together...discover how glow sticks glow, learn about the chemistry behind candy, how to use forensic tools like a crime scene investigator, and more. Chemistry Corner begins June 2 and runs until September 1; access is also included with general admission.
Climb Aboard the STEAM Machine
This is definitely our version of the Magic School Bus! Join us on the STEAM Machine every Tuesday through Thursday afternoon in June and July from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy different activities every week, from animal biology to engineering, robotics, and more. Create beautiful nebula spin art, use our Cubelets to unlock your inner engineer, and other interactive activities. In the STEAM Machine, you'll be able to explore creative ways to solve challenges with the whole family. For our upcoming schedule of activities, visit our events page. STEAM Machine activities will be held June 1 through July 27, 2023.
Experience the sciPad
With sciPad, you can experience cutting-edge science magic. A system of infrared cameras track your movement while you play on a 15x15 grid, completing activities together as a family or mixing things up with some healthy competition (no judging here)...it's like diving into a room-sized iPad to play! Whether it's a fun game of Memory trying to matching our animals, debating Marvel vs DC characters, or learning a new language, sciPad featuring SMALLab Learning has a lesson for just about everything...and they're so much fun you don't even realize you're learning! You'll be up, moving and immersed in enjoyment, we promise.
We'll have our sciPad open to the public from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday beginning June 1 until August 31. This one is great for ALL ages since there are so many different types of games, so bring the whole family. Grandma and Grandpa will enjoy playing on the sciPad just as much as you and your kiddos! No reservations required, just stop on in and join the fun.
Looking for Drop-Off Workshops?
Summer STEAM Workshops start June 5! We have exciting new workshops for 2023 including hands-on, interactive lessons that give kids the opportunity to spend their vacation on a science adventure. From Lego-inspired engineering to space adventures and our Spy Kid Academy, Monday and Tuesday workshops will delight and educate all.
Camp time includes the lessons listed on our camp page as well as fun activities on the sciPad, in our STEAM Machine, and in our outdoor exhibit area, plus a 20-minute lunch break. Each week, there will be the same theme on Monday and Tuesday, but there will be different activities each day (no repeats), so kids can experience the ultimate amount of fun!
We offer member discounts, multiple sibling discounts, and 10% off workshops when you sign up for at least 8 workshops at once, and 20% off if you sign up for all 15 workshops at once. Currently, workshops are full, so to be placed on our waiting list, call 850-664-1261 or stop by.
Enjoy it all with a membership!
We LOVE our members, and we'll be running a special from June 1 to June 8 only: receive 25% off all Science Center memberships so you can be ready to celebrate the summer with us! Our members get in FREE to the museum as many times as they'd like, so all general admission activities like Mini Makers, Creation Station, Chem Demos, Creature Features, Planetarium Nights, Discover Science Saturday, and sciPad experiences come at absolutely no additional cost to our members. Members also receive discounts on all our workshops and in our gift shop! Are you planning on traveling this summer? Because your Science Center membership also gets you access to over 300 other Association of Science and Technology Center museums for free! Check out the list of participating museums here.
For more information about the types of memberships we offer or to grab this awesome discount, please visit our membership page. Membership discount offer cannot be combined with any other offers or used on previous purchases. Be sure to use code SUMMER23 (all caps, no spaces) at checkout to receive your discount.
We look forward to seeing you and your family this summer!