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Michigan Science Center in Detroit for Hands-On Family Discovery
The former Detroit Science Center is renamed, reopened and reborn as a fun learning destination for kids and parents in southeast Michigan
Note: The center is closed on weekdays Jan. 7-27, 2013 – open Saturdays and Sundays only.
Need a dose of science? You're in luck. The Michigan Science Center, formerly the Detroit Science Center, opened its doors for business again on Dec. 26, 2012. Now, as a nonprofit, it's delivering all the bells, whistles and hands-on lures families remember – and, of course, some new surprises.
The museum reopened with help of a new board and more than 25 organizations that reportedly donated over $5 million. Financial struggles had prompted its closure back in September 2011.
Situated in Midtown Detroit, the comeback center, now dubbed "Mi-Sci" for short, boasts 200-plus interactive exhibits, plus five theaters – and loads of fun.
Hands-on exhibits
Space, life and physical science are among the themes at the various permanent exhibits that greet young explorers and their families.
Michigan Science Center
These include many familiar faces. Blast off again in the Space Gallery, featuring a big space shuttle – or a rocket laboratory illuminating the night sky and solar system. The Health Gallery lets families puzzle out their BMI and get an inside view of the human body, while the U.S. Steel Fun Factory brings manufacturing and robotics to life. Also, get the scoop on nutrition, wellness – and, of course, stroll across the Mini Mac Bridge in minutes.
Fresh rotating exhibits also are sure to draw plenty of buzz and foot traffic. Spanning 9,800 square feet, the Traveling Exhibits Hall is set to welcome cutting-edge attractions on a rotating basis.
From the get-go, it's Bodies: Human Anatomy in Motion, holding about 100 "authentic human specimens," Mi-Sci says. Kids can take a look inside the body – from the whole system to the specific organs (it runs till May 26, 2013). Costs for this special feature are slightly higher: $20.95/adults and $17.95/kids and seniors (including general admission).
Another returning beloved staple is Kids Town. Designed just for ages 5 and under, it lets little scientists learn science basics.
See what's on screen
A planetarium, IMAX screen and stages for live demos and learning – seriously, what can't you see at Mi-Sci?
Starry delights rule the weekends at the Dassault Systemes Planetarium Shows. A live offering, What's Up? Your Guide to the Night Sky features the constellations, stars and planets – plus our place in space, facts on light pollution and more. Check the schedule for the latest offerings and times.
Eye-popping, (much!) larger-than-life treats await you on at the Chrysler IMAX Dome Theatre. Again, check the schedule for the latest; the fare ties in with the museum's themes, including topics like the human body, animals, nature and more. It touts itself as "Michigan's largest screen"; why not be the judge?
The first IMAX or planetarium show is $5; the second is $3.
Other attractions include the Toyota Engineering Theater, DTE Energy Sparks Theater and Chrysler Science Stage.
Extra fun
Be sure to discover the other goodies here, too. Famished? Swing by the Cosmic Cafe for some grub, and enjoy in the Lunar Dining area.
Or plan an entire kids' birthday party here. There are plenty of fun packages, including "Science Spectacular" and "Cosmic Voyage" (both considered "Explorer" parties, for ages 6 and older) – or "Animal Mania" and "Super Star" ("Wee Wonders" for kids ages 5 and younger).
Family memberships are available, too, to take advantage of the jam-packed Mi-Sci world all year round.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your family's visit to the Michigan Science Center in Detroit today!
