Pint-sized scientists in Detroit rejoice! The Michigan Science Center is ranked among the best science centers in the United States, according to readers of USA Today.
On March 25, USA Today released the results of its 2022 “Readers’ Choice” survey, which asks readers to choose the best of the best water parks, hotels, theme parks and other family destinations across the country.
Together with a panel of experts, the publication’s 10Best editors work to pick the initial nominees and the top 10 are then selected by popular vote.
The Michigan Science Center, which is located on John R. Street in the heart of Detroit, earned the second place slot — a marked improvement from last year’s fifth-place win.
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, was voted number one. The other winners are as follows:
3. Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville, Georgia
- St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri
- The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois
- Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, New York
- Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawai
- National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
Family Fun at the Michigan Science Center
Ready to visit one of the best science centers in the United States? Here are three of our favorite galleries and things to do while you’re there.
Earth. Wind. Weather.
This gallery explores some of our planet’s wildest weather phenomena, including avalanches, geysers, ocean waves and even tornadoes. It features 10 interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn more about science that shapes our climate.
Guests who visit this area of the museum will get the chance to control ocean waves, create clouds and force rift zones. Plus, discover how our weather differs from weather on other planets.
Smithsonian Spark! Lab
It isn’t all just STEM learning at the Michigan Science Center. This lab area allows kids to unlock their creatively and engage in the self-led exploration that is so important among inventors and entrepreneurs in the science field.
Kids will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and crafts, interact with facilitators and even speak with inventors from the community.
Theater
Mi-Sci has five different theater experiences. Two of these experiences, the IMAX Dome Theatre and the DTE Energy Sparks Theater, are currently closed for renovation but are expected to reopen soon.
In the meantime, families should spend a little extra time in the Planetarium, where they’ll explore the night sky alongside some of their friends from Sesame Street, or at the Toyota 4D Engineering Theater, which offers immersive 3-D learning experience.
You’ll find even more fun on the Science Stage! Watch as Mi-Sci scientists perform experiments live!
The Michigan Science Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission is $14-19/ages 2-15 and seniors, $18-$23/ages 16-64 and free for kids under 2. Reservations and face masks are highly suggested.
For more information on the Michigan Science Center, visit them online.
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