Welcome, Southern Illinois, to The Science Center!
Located in Southern Illinois for over 20 years
The Science Center located in Carbondale, IL is a hands-on children’s museum that encourages kids to be their own scientists! We have been a hot spot in Southern Illinois for birthday parties, field trips, summer camps, and more. We even offer events such as Grown-Ups Night Out, and other events that let kids explore and have fun, while mom & dad get to relax.
History
We opened our doors in 1994 with the goal of encouraging children to develop their natural curiosity, creativity, and exploration. We use a more hands-on approach and encourage children to explore. The Science Center has over 65 exhibits and has over 70,000 visitors annually. Our most recent additions include a real-time topographical sandbox, a new 130 sq foot enclosure for our Red Iguana named “Reptar” and a 12-foot tall kinetic chain sculpture named “Kinetic Jim”. The Science Center is a recognized 501© Not-For-Profit organization that stays funded by the generous donations from our community members here in Southern Illinois.
Our museum is here to showcase science in a hands-on learning way for children as young as infants to as old as teens, there is something for everyone! All of our activities are also eco-friendly and created with recycled materials, so you know we and trying our part to educate others and eliminate our carbon footprint. We’re happy to see you taking an interest in everything The Science Center has to offer!
Birthday Parties at The Science Center
Is your child interested in science? Is their birthday coming up? Look no further than The Science Center located in Carbondale, IL to host your child’s next birthday party!
Member Rate
Non-Member Rate
Included in The Science Center’s Birthday Party Package:
- Party Fees Cover up to 20 Children & Adults are Free!
- A 15% Off Coupon for Larry’s House of Cakes
- A 15% Off Coupon for Party City
- Choose an Activity for our Popular Program Director to Lead Your Party in
- Refrigerator & Freezer Access Provided
- All Day Museum Access
- Access to The Science Center’s Private Party Room for Two Hours!
Additional Fees
Our Birthday Party Programs
Wow! Science
Wow! Science, Science Show
MESSY SCIENCE
MESSY SCIENCE HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
Investigating Volcanoes
Investigating Volcanoes
ANIMAL MEET & GREET
Meet & Greet the Animals of the Science Center
Catapults
Catapults
*Oil and Water Painting
*Oil and Water Painting
*Spa Science
*Spa Science
*Dinosaur Egg Party
*Dinosaur Egg Party
*Fossil Casting
*Fossil Casting
Solar System Sun Catchers
Solar System Sun Catchers
Painting with Crystals
Painting with Crystals
Excavation Rocks
Excavation Rocks
A Science Show where staff will show your group a series of “tricks” that seem like they are magic, when in reality, they are all explained by science!
Hands-On Program- For this messy program, you can choose one of 3 substances to make and explore! Slime, Cloud Dough, or Oobleck. (Party go-ers are able to take slime and cloud dough home.)
This program allows each attendee to make their own volcano with our home-made salt dough. Then the party moves to the museum to watch our own Mt. Boom erupt!
We host a meet & green with 5-6 of The Science Center pets. Party=goers will learn about how our staff cares for the animals, facts about them, and even are able to pet the animals!
With the use of common household supplies, party go-ers are able to make a catapult and use mini marshmallows as ammo!
Express your creativity with science by using oil and water to create works of art!
In need of spa level relaxation? This program allows party guests to learn how to make their own bubbly bath bombs! We do help explain the science behind these fizzy creations. Each participant may take their creation home!
Each party guest gets to make their very own dinosaur egg! Which even comes with a surprise small dinosaur inside! Guests are allowed to take them home, but make sure to let them dry before cracking them open!
Create your own fossil bed impressions of seashells and dinosaur footprints! Mix and cast the fossils to then take home. This activity is recommended for ages 5 and up. (Due to curing time for the plaster, this program has to be done at the beginning of your party.)
Design your very own solar system in a sun catcher! Take your solar system home and hang it in your window, allowing the glow of the sun to reflect around your room!
Paint a picture with crystals! The best part is watching it shimmer once it has dried!
Start your own unique collection by extracting polished stones and beautiful shells from our special “sandstone rocks”!
Your party guests will learn all about clouds and weather in this activity. Using construction paper, cotton balls, and a tiny bit of glue we will talk about the different types of clouds. We also will talk about what those clouds tell us about the weather. Great program for younger kids!
This activity allows us to look at Hydrology, Geology, and Soil Science! We do this by layering different soil particles in a tube, to see the soil’s structure. Adding water allows us to see how sediments affect rivers!
*Activities with this symbol indicate a messy experiment! Smocks and old clothes are strongly encouraged
Contact Us
We want to hear from you! If you have a suggestion on how we can improve your experience or if you have any feedback, reach out to us below or give us a call today!
