Michigan Science Center

Discover the wonders of science at the Michigan Science Center, located not far from downtown Detroit. There are 200-plus permanent exhibits about space, physics, engineering and much more. Throw in a planetarium, an IMAX theater, a Kids’ Town for children under five and a range of live shows, and you’ve got a fun-filled day ahead.

Explore the main hall for an introduction to the key areas of science with hands-on exhibits, scale models and activities. Cross the Mini Mac Bridge, a reproduction of the five-mile (eight-kilometer) Mackinac Bridge in northern Michigan. Move on to the interactive Steel Fun Factory to see how the manufacturing process turns concepts and raw materials into usable products.

The entire family will enjoy learning about out-of-this-world technology in the Space section. There are scale rockets and hands-on exhibits where you can hear and feel the force of a launch, and learn about the moon landings. Over at the Motion exhibit, unearth the secrets of light, radio and even X-rays. You’ll find all kinds of devices designed to explain the principles of motion and mechanics.

Check out Health and Nutrition for a look at the realities of junk food and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Younger kids will have a ball at Kids’ Town, where they can run and play while exploring the basic principles of science. For more fun, check out the live shows and demonstrations at Nutrition Kitchen, Energy Sparks Theater, the Science Stage and the Engineering 4-D Theater.

Sit back and enjoy films on the big screen at the IMAX Dome Theater. For a closer look at our solar system and beyond, take in a show at the planetarium.

The Michigan Science Center is about 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from downtown Detroit, and it’s open daily. Parking in the area entails a fee, and the closest option is the Cultural Center garage. Alternatively, take the Detroit SMART bus from downtown. It stops near the Science Center as well as at other attractions, like the Detroit Institute of Arts.