Welcome to the Science Center

Located in Carbondale, Illinois for over 25 years

The Science Center is a hands-on children’s museum. We are a regular destination for camps, field trips and birthday parties!  We also offer Grown Up’s Night Out (GUNO), a mini camp on the third Friday of each month so parents can have a night out.

Our facility is dedicated to the awareness and exploration of hands-on learning for children ages infant-teens. We’re happy to see you taking an interest in everything the Science Center has to offer!

Our Mission

“To nourish and preserve each child’s innate curiosity through hands-on, inquiry-based exploration”

The Science Center is a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and features reciprocal memberships with over 380 other museums across the country.

astc member anna il

* THE Science Center is a recognized 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit organization and is made possible by the generous contributions of our community members.

Admission & Membership

General Admission

$ 7.50 per person
  •  
  • • Infants 2 & Under are Free.
  • • We offer our Military and Senior Citizen discounts!
  •  
Best Deal!

Membership

$ 90 a year
  • • Covers Entry for One Full Year.
  • • Free entry for up to 8 family members.
  • • Discounts on Birthday Parties, Camps, GUNO, and More!.

History of The Science Center
Carbondale, Illinois

We were originally incorporated in 1992 and opened our doors two years later. Our overall goal was to encourage and inspire children to develop a natural curiosity and exploration through hands-on experience. We currently have over 65 exhibits and can expect around 70,000 visitors annually.

We also can help your business, charity organizations and locals with:

• EXHIBIT DESIGN & BUILDING

• SCULPTURE SERVICES

• ANIMAL ENCLOSURES

Meet Our Staff

connie adams science center carbondale il

Connie Adams
Museum Director

bill adams science center carbondale il

Bill “Dino Guy” Adams
Director of Exhibits

abby vance science center carbondale il

Abby Vance
General Manager

francis bu science center carbondale il

Francis Bu
Junior Curator

Our Covid-19 Membership Extension Policy:
ALL memberships were paused on March 14th of 2020. They have all been reactivated as of June 10th, 2021.

Covid-19 Safety & Health Precautions

We have been following the most up to date CDC and IDPH guidelines and recommendations to ensure the health and safety of our visitors. We ask that you please review the following information before arriving for your visit at the Science Center.

  • Facemasks are currently optional at The Science Center, although they are highly encouraged.
  • Please use the nearest hand-sanitizer station or wash your hands before you enter the center and begin your visit. Continue to sanitize after each exhibit.
  • If you are experiencing cold or any flu-like symptoms, STAY HOME.
  • All visitors will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry.

COVID-19 POLICY

Masks are currently optional at The Science Center, but are highly encouraged.

If you or your children are showing signs of being sick please stay home for everyone’s safety. Thank you.

Our normal business hours will be from 11:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday through Saturday and 12:00pm- 5:00pm on Sunday.

Free Day is back every  Wednesday.

Abby Vance
General Manager

Online payments Temporarily Unavailable

Unfortunately, online payments are currently unavailable. For questions concerning membership, parties, or donations, please contact us at:

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Online payments Temporarily Unavailable

Unfortunately, online payments are currently unavailable. For questions concerning membership, parties, or donations, please contact us at:

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Online payments Temporarily Unavailable

Unfortunately, online payments are currently unavailable. For questions concerning membership, parties, or donations, please contact us at:

We apologize for the inconvenience.