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 and even check out a NASA space suit.

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

Learn how colors are derived from light and pigments, and how humans perceive color. Hands-on activities include optical illusions, UV light, emission spectrum analysis, and chromatography

Take a trip into the past and uncover Earth’s ancient inhabitants. Explore fossils, including teeth, claws, bones and eggs, and 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-based products are used in our everyday lives.  

Learn fun facts about these scaly, cold-blooded animals. Explore specimens from the Museum’s collection 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. Optional addition: Liquid nitrogen ice cream can be made in...

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