We did this on the last day of our KC weekend. We arrived around 10 am on Sunday morning. There was a line snaking through the gift shop to get in. Once we got close enough, after we herded our kids away from all the cool gadgets and trinkets toward the actual museum entrance, I noticed that we had to buy our tickets at an automated kiosk. When we got our turn at the kiosk, there were no tickets available for over 2 hours. This was frustrating. but then we learned from other people in line that the man at the counter was letting everyone in anyway. Whew! The exhibits right inside the door seemed temporary and a little grungy. There was a wind tunnel, and a paper airplane area that you could try to make one and make it fly through a vortex type thing. There was a place you could freeze your shadow on the wall. But this area had very little explanation, and no staff. It seemed like they just plopped it there to fill some space. Around the corner, it seemed like we were really inside the museum with a park like setting and a piano keyboard on the floor for the kids to stomp on. The place is really big and a map would be really helpful to find the exhibits that will appeal to your child's age and interest. My older boys were not very entertained, but they kept fairly busy. My younger girls ran from place to place- looking at everything. Honestly, the best part was that a local aerobatics group was doing an interactive show that my girls joined in on. They hung and twirled from long strands of "silks" that hung from the ceiling. They twirled on a trapese and a large ring, also hung from above. If that wasn't there the day we went, we would have spent maybe an hour there. My children were ages 7-13 when we were there. I think this place is better for pre-school and primary grades. Our Children's Museum at home is smaller, but now I appreciate more what is has to offer.
Union Station is really a neat destination. Science City (kids dig it), Planetarium, Extreme Screens, gift Shops, Pierponts, Harvey's and many more neat attractions...
Our daughter and her family have memberships for Science City so we have been there with them several times. Such fun for the young inquiring minds!! Our grandchildren are 3 and 7 years old and they adore their time here! The displays and experiments can all be enjoyed by each of them, at their own level. There are endless things there to see and do, a demonstration area, with lots of hands on things for the youngsters to do, a Nature Center with animals to view and touch, a Dino Lab Paleontology Dig Site, too many things to mention. Plan on spending at least half a day there, and enjoy yourself!!! Here is their website, if you want more detailed information http://www.unionstation.org/sciencecity
We visited on a Friday afternoon, which was not busy at all. Very informative and interactive exhibits on space flight, mysteries, aquifers and water, dinosaurs, and trains. The kids favorite part was the snake feeding talk given by a volunteer, and watching the Python eat a mouse. The best part is watching your kids learn while being active and exercising!
Science City is the best thing of its kind I've seen. There is an amazing array of interactive science activities, demonsstrations, and exihibits--more than enough to educate and inform children of all ages for a full day. There is a planetarium (with something for all ages), a theater, and friendly staff. Truly a must-see, especially if you have curious kids.
Spent some time at the Science City...learned about the history of KC as well as experienced some interesting exhibits. My family (teens) enjoyed the 2 hours we spent roaming the floors of science and history.
We enjoyed our recent visit to Science City. It was a great way to spend two or three hours on a cold afternoon. It was on par with most "science museum" attractions and offered several stations that our 7 year old enjoyed. The front desk person was unsure whether or not a AAA discount was offered.
We took our 5 year old grandson to the Extreme Bugs exhibit. It was incredible! He held a Madagascar hissing cockroach. He was a little apprehensive at first until Grandpa held it. It was educational and definitely captured the attention of everyone of all ages. The giant moving bugs was quite entertaining. This was very nicely put together. After we finished with the exhibit, we explored Science City. Our grandson enjoyed the reptile exhibits, the archeological dig, and all the hands-on attractions. It was a great way to spend the day.
Thought the $25 tag to bring me and my 3 year old was starting to get steep, but it's worth it if you have enough time to stay. I'd plan on 4 hours to spend. There were interactive stations set up at every turn. We got there too late to see the shows they set up, but all the activities are entertaining enough. Worth the trip, but bring your big wallet if you have lots of kids. Age range would be 3 years to middle school.
Kids of all ages will love this interactive science museum. Many hands on activities that fit all types of interests. All exhibits are stimulating and make kids think! Have exhibits focusing on forensics, animals, fossils, anatomy, food, weather, music, lights, and much more. Grade school children would love to spend a day here!! Great for a rainy day or summer day or winter day that has to be spent inside! Fantastic children's museum in the city!