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.


* 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
- • Infants 2 & Under are Free.
- • We offer our Military and Senior Citizen discounts!
Membership
- • 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
Museum Director
As Program Director, Connie Adams enjoys working with the children, believing she has the best job here at The Science Center. Having studied here at Southern Illinois University with a focus on Chemistry, Connie believes it is important to give children the opportunity to experiment and explore through hand-on activities during programs such as: Home School classes, summer camps, Grown Ups Night’s Out and more. Connie is married to TSC’s own, “Dino Guy” Bill Adams and a mother of three. Connie and her family are members of the ASTC.
Connie Adams
Museum Director


Bill “Dino Guy” Adams
Director of Exhibits
Bill has been working with the Science Center since 2011, and is the artist responsible for all of our life-sized dinosaurs. Bill has his degree in commercial graphic design and began his career in toy-making. His work has included designing and creating toys such as “Frog Lab”, the original Chronicles of Narnia figurines for McDonald’s Happy Meals, and many more that you’ve probably played with at one time! Since 2006, Bill has created displays for museums around the world. Bill’s favorite part of working at the Science Center is watching the kids play with the things he makes. In his free time, he enjoys sculpting and model-making as well as participating in Cub Scouts, Pack 142 with his boys. He loves spending time with his sons Elijah and Jesse, daughter Amber, and wife Connie. Bill’s favorite thing in the museum is the live animal area. Bill and his family are all members of the ASTC.
Bill “Dino Guy” Adams
Director of Exhibits


Abby Vance
General Manager
Having graduated SIU in the spring of 2014, with a BA in Forestry and a minor in Environmental Studies, she enjoys being outdoors and doing outdoor activities with her dog Oswald. Working with the animals is definitely one of her favorite parts about working at the Science Center. If you ever want to see or hear about an animal, just ask her. Besides working with the animals, Abby helps to create programs for camps and parties, and works with Connie on teaching young scientists. Abby’s favorite exhibit besides the animals, is the planetarium! Abby is a member of the ASTC.
Abby Vance
General Manager


Francis Bu
Junior Curator
Any Mention of the Science Center team would be incomplete without mentioning Francis, longtime Science Center member, Francis Bu has been visiting the Science Center since his younger days. The Science Center’s expert on 3D printing and all things mathematics, Francis is always willing to pitch in and lend a hand. Francis’ commitment to volunteering and work ethic have earned him a place here at The Science Center. What is Francis’ favorite thing at The Science Center? The Animals! Francis and his family are longtime members and supporters of The Science Center.
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.