Science Place in Dallas

Science Place in Dallas is a museum that combines natural history with science. The Science Place museum was founded in 1946, and is one of the oldest scientific museums in the United States. Although Science Place was established in 1946, its popular Hall of Science didn't officially open until June of 1996. The museum has a mission of inspiring kids through the world of science and nature. Science Place is actually part of a larger combination museum called the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science, but the Science Place section is geared primarily towards children. The museum is bright, open and spacious and different exhibits are televised. Scientific information is offered on brightly colored fun walls.

The Science Place is located in Fair Park, Dallas at 1318 South Second Avenue. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion project to increase the square footage of the facility so that further exhibits and contextual displays can be added to Science Place and draw in more visitors. Numerous exhibits and experiences are already in place for kids and adults such as a dinosaur digging experience, an interactive ant hill to crawl on, water activities, and a play area for toddlers and babies. There is even a place called Little Urban Farm where children can milk a life sized cow. A garden, chicken coop, orchard, and grain fields educate the children about the process by which we get our food and encourages a respectful attitude towards farming and agriculture. In the Dallas area, many children do not have access to ranches or farms and the Science Place gives them the experience of what it would be like to be on a farm.

Other noteworthy activities in the Science Place are the planetarium programs, Electric Theater Show, Dental and Medical galleries. The activities at the Science Place are best suited for children who are babies and elementary age.

Science Place offers shows in addition to the hands-on exhibits. A laser and electricity show are both impressive and other demonstrations that take place during the weekend. Kids can learn about physics and chemistry and have fun in a safe environment. The museum also works with the Baylor College of Dentistry to bring an exhibit called the Dental Gallery to the museum. Visiting school children love the Dental Gallery which teaches about the history of dentistry and raises awareness about dental hygiene and oral health. Skull and teeth displays illustrate how teeth function.

Science Place in Dallas is merged with the Dallas Museum of Natural History and the Dallas Children's Museum which creates one institution of experiential learning. The museum offers educational programs for grades Pre-K through 12 such as applied physical sciences and engineering. Other subjects like chemistry, life science, earth and space science are also covered. Resources are available for educators to become more informed about the programs available. Admission cost are $8.75 for adults and $5.50 for young children. Other areas such as the IMAX and Planetarium incur additional costs. The museum is open seven days a week.