What is a family to do when it is over 100 degrees outside and even the pool fails to feel refreshing? Spend some time exploring Science Museum Oklahoma!
With a wide variety of educational, hands-on exhibits, Science Museum Oklahoma is sure to have something for kids (and adults) of all ages. Some of the Riester favorites include: GadgetTrees (which includes 24-foot Archimedes spiral slide and Tree House packed with fun ways to explore simple machines), the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame (complete with tumbling mats and gymnastics equipment), the Tinkering Garage (where you can engineer a marble run on the wall, build and race lego cars, create structures out of a variety of blocks and more), the Tornado Simulator and Eye on the Sky Weather exhibit, Family Space for children 12 & under, and the Pullman Car. These are just a small sampling of the fabulous exhibits that await you. In addition to permanent exhibits, Science Museum Oklahoma offers Planetarium and Science Live shows that are free with paid admission.
One thing I love about Science Museum Oklahoma is that it always seems to be changing. From temporary exhibits and new permanent exhibits to special themed activity days, there is always something new to explore. Our family returned to the Museum this week to check out their newest exhibit, Geometry Playground. Located on the second floor right outside Destination Space, it is a hands-on visual exhibit and play structure based on understanding the science of geometric shapes. It includes tunnels, hands-on activities utilizing cylindrical mirrors, blocks that tessellate 3D space (you will have to visit to find out what that means), and two giant play structures for kids to climb on to their hearts content. Play structures are for ages 5 & up and 7 & up. This exhibit had hands-on, eye-catching elements that were accessible enough to interest young children as well as advanced concepts to challenge the minds of much older children and adults.
What to Do:
There’s a lot to celebrate in science this month! These activities are FREE with museum admission.
- Celebrate Man’s Landing on the Moon! Make your very own moon craft and suit up like a real astronaut to see what it’s like to work in space from 10am-2pm on July 20th.
- Celebrate Gregor Mendel’s Birthday! Explore the science of genetics with SMO staff. Manipulate your own alien genes and enjoy some cake from 11am-12:30pm on July 22nd.
- Celebrate Amelia Earhart’s Birthday! Make your own paper flying machine and see the SMO’s collection of real airplanes while enjoying cake from 11am-12:30pm on July 24th.
Ever wanted to see what it is like to spend the night in Science Museum Oklahoma? Register for Bright Night of CSI: Museum Style! On Friday, August 17th, registered participants are invited to interact with a live cast of characters, each one a suspect in a mystery, as they use real, hands-on CSI science to discover who is responsible. 6pm-8:30am. The cost is $45 adult/child participant, $35 member participant, and $20 adult non-participant. Preregister.
How to Save:
Print MetroFamily’s exclusive Kids Pass for $2 off a general admission ticket, good for up to 4 people.
If you plan on visiting the museum often, consider purchasing a Museum Membership. Enjoy unlimited admission in addition to other great benefits. For more information on Membership, visit www.sciencemuseumok.org/tickets.html.
For more information about Science Museum Oklahoma, call 405-602-6664 or visit www.sciencemuseumok.org.
