Like I said previously this week, I’ve been to a lot of science museums.  Like, a lot.  And I have had a chance to interact with some good ones and some not so great ones.  I’ve mostly visited ones on the east coast, though I’m planning on branching out to some more mid-west ones later in October.  So, for the ones I’ve visited, as part of the ASTC Passport Program, these are the ones I’d recommend.

Top 5 Favorite Science Museums We’ve Visited:

5: St. Louis Science Center – This place was great.  Huge!  Had so much to see and do.  Best of all, it is completely free, not just for ASTC Passport Program holders, but for everyone!  There were tinkering stations, planetary science, building, an awesome bridge over a highway – so much!  We really enjoyed it.  We visited on a high capacity day (the day after Thanksgiving) but never felt it was too crowded, which is pretty amazing.  Our ASTC membership got us free parking at the paid lot, which was super great.

4: Science Museum of Western Virginia – This science museum is located in Roanoke, Virginia.  On the walk from the parking garage to the museum, I fell in love with the quaint city of Roanoke.  You walk in to the lobby and you could feel the children’s engagement from the get-go.  The museum itself was great, starting with the staff there that we interacted with around the aquatic animals.  The woman there was sweetness itself, and really interested in engaging with the kids.  Then, the Toy Joy section.  Oh my.  We really loved everything about this place.

3: Marbles Kids Museum – Their opening section had more opportunities for learning and play then I’ve seen in entire science museums.  Just walking in, the children were so engaged.  There were ample opportunities for learning and moving.  How good was it?  We spent five hours there and didn’t finish seeing it all.  That was an epic day of fun.  We’re definitely going back.

2: Science Museum of Virginia – Let’s put it this way, I’ve driven in to Richmond twice to go here, and will still probably go again.  The building itself is a little imposing, until you head in to the toddler area and feel at once calmed by the use of light and space.  There’s a lot to do at this place, and don’t forget the movie We Are Stars.  That movie is AMAZING and blew my mind.

1: Liberty Science Center – This one has to be my favorite because it is our home science museum that holds our membership.  And it is truly spectacular; none of the other ones really come close to the amount of awesome that Liberty Science Center has and does.  From the member nights, special events, constant exhibits and traveling exhibits…….it is always a great day when we spend it at Liberty Science Center.

Do you have a science museum you suggest we add to the list?  We’re headed out for more adventures in October!  Tell us by commenting below.