*Updated* 06/02/2021
Welcome back to your Hands-On SCIENCE HAPPY place!
We are excited to announce after a long shuttering that we are reopening on a FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE basis to MEMBERS ONLY on Friday June 11, 2021 – June 20, 2021. Our new normal business hours will be Thursday’s-Sunday’s from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
We will be open to the general public on June 24, 2021, Thursday’s – Sunday’s from 12:00pm – 5:00pm.
Summer Camps will be held on Monday’s – Wednesday’s. Check out our Facebook Events page for camp details.
https://www.facebook.com/thesciencecenter/events/
Covid 19 Membership Extension Policy:
Memberships were paused on March 14, 2020 and will be reactivated on June 10, 2021. All pre-existing members will be given a 1 Year Membership Voucher that must be picked in person at The Science Center on or after June 10, 2021. The last day for members to redeem a COVID Membership Voucher will be at the close of business on August 8, 2021.
Please note that during peak business hours and due to capacity limitations, your group may be placed on a wait list before entry into the museum.
As a Hands-On science museum, we are following the most up to date CDC and IDPH guidelines and recommendations. PLEASE read the following information to properly prepare for your visit:
All visitors 2 years and older are required to wear a face mask during their visit. Face masks should fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Guests that refuse to wear
Guests will enter through the right side of The Science Center’s front gate and exit through the left side of the front gate.
Please use hand-sanitizer or wash your hands as you enter the Center and begin your visit.
If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay at home.
Visitors will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon entry.
ABOUT US:
The Science Center is a hands-on children’s museum with an array of exhibits to explore. We also offer programs such as Grown Up’s Night Out, camps, birthday parties, field trips and more!
The Science Center is dedicated to the awareness and exploration of hands-on science for children, from infants to teens, and their families in the southernmost Illinois area.
Mission
“To nourish and preserve each child’s innate curiosity through hands-on, inquiry-based exploration.”
Description
The Science Center was incorporated in 1992 and opened its doors in 1994 with the goal of encouraging children to develop their natural curiosity and exploration through hands-on experiences. We host more than 65 exhibits and see more than 70,000 visitors annually. Our most recent exhibit additions are a real-time topographical sandbox, “Kinetic Jim” a 12 foot tall kinetic chain sculpture and an all new 130 sq foot enclosure for our resident male red iguana”Reptar”. 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.
Hours
Monday: CLOSED – Campers only.
Tuesday: CLOSED – Campers only.
Wednesday: CLOSED – Campers only.
Thursday: NOON-5:00pm
Friday: NOON-5:00pm
Saturday: NOON-5:00pm
Sunday: NOON-5:00pm
Admission
$7.50 per Person
Infants 2 & Under are Free
*Ask us about our Military and Senior Citizen discount!
Membership
The Science Center offers a one-year membership to patrons for $90.00
- After purchasing this membership, you and up to 7 members of your family receive free entry into The Science Center for one full year.
- Membership also includes discounts on birthday parties and other programs, such as GUNO and camps.
- Exclusive Members only hours on Thursdays and Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
- The Science Center is also a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and features reciprocal memberships with over 380 other museums across the country.
Meet the Team
Chris Walls
Executive Director
Josh Morale
General Manager
Bill Adams
Director of Exhibits
Connie Adams
Programming Director
Abby Sell
Curator and Programming Assistant