Great Lakes Science Center

Almost all of the more than 400 exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center – past Parents’ Picks best museum winner – are hands-on, interactive, and exciting to kids. The Indoor Tornado, Bridge of Fire, and dozens of other exhibits bring to life science lessons about the environment, technology, and natural forces. All ages appreciate the “lessons” imparted by a wide variety of high- and low-tech musical instruments on the first floor. Kids enthralled by weather will be equally thrilled to see their faces on TV when they pose as weather forecasters in one of our favorite exhibits, located on the second floor. Children who are too young to enjoy most of the exhibits or an IMAX movie can enjoy playing in the Polymer Funhouse on the third floor. It’s so packed with balls, slides, climbing and throwing activities (a few science lessons can be had here, too), and fun, kids won’t want to leave. Entry to the Polymer Funhouse is free with admission; parents are expected to supervise in the Funhouse at all times. A small cafe on the lower level offers a place to sit and let some of the “Great Science” lessons sink in; however, the food selections are snacks, not meals. Plan to have your main meal elsewhere (try Johnny Mango in nearby Ohio City) and focus on the exhibits rather than the food while you’re at GLSC. Because IMAX movies rotate often, permanent displays are updated frequently, and several national traveling exhibits stop here each year, GLSC warrants several visits each year. Purchasing an annual membership can be a good option for many visitors. Opening and closing weekends for traveling exhibits tend to be the most crowded times to visit.Birthday Parties can be arranged for up to 20 guests (starting at $175) and include admission and use of a private party room. (You supply cake, refreshments, and tableware.) Plan on booking parties at least a couple of weeks in advance.Summer camps are offered for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Camp-Ins are held on selected Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year and include a live science show and hands-on science workshops, in addition to access to GLSC exhibits with no crowds! To arrange for a Camp-In or for your group to “Explore the Great Indoors,” contact the Camp-In coordinator by emailing campins@glsc.org. During the winter holidays, GLSC rolls out a 30×80-foot polymer ice rink that allows skaters great views from the shore of the great lake as they coast over the almost-ice surface. (The high-tech compound makes for slightly easier gliding; it can also be used even when temperatures are above freezing.)
Remember to ask to have your parking ticket stamped at the admission box office; otherwise, you’ll pay more than the posted rate for GLSC visitors.