Open Environment

Travel across the planet to discover unique creatures and their habitats. Get close to some cool critters who call the Museum home.

Experience the challenges of space travel faced by astronauts. Check out a real NASA space suit!

Learn how the eyes and brain work together to create illusions. See a real human brain! Participate in some mind-boggling demonstrations and seemingly impossible puzzles. By the end of the day,...

Explore color and light. Learn how colors are derived from light and pigments and how humans perceive color. Hands on activities covering topics including optical illusions, UV light, emission...

Take a trip into the past and uncover ancient inhabitants of the planet. Explore fossils, including teeth, claws, bones and eggs. Learn about prehistoric animals and plants.

Watch sparks fly and step up to the Van de Graaff generator for a hair-raising experience. Experiment with building circuits and learn how electricity really works.

Take a deep sea dive and explore life in the oceans with a variety of Museum specimens. Learn how ocean products are used in everyday lives.

Learn fun facts about these scaly, cold-blooded animals. Explore specimens from the Museum’s collections and meet a live reptilian friend.

At 320 degrees below zero fascinating things begin to happen! Explore the world of cryogenics during this chilling presentation!

Discover the wild world that lives right in the backyard. Explore plant and animal specimens and ways to safely attract and support wildlife that lives right outside.