The Arizona Science Center is huge and there is lots to keep the kids and even parents occupied. It is one of the most fun, educational places to take kids in Phoenix. We recently purchased a membership so tend to go alot. There is so much that usually goes right along with the lessons we are doing in our homeschool. No matter how many times we go we always learn something new.
Logistics
Address: Arizona Science Center is located at 600 E Washington Street Phoenix AZ. This is a bit deceiving tho because the entrance is not on Washington but is in Heritage Square . Whenever I am giving directions I tell everyone you enter thru Heritage Square facing Monroe St so it is so much easier to turn on Monroe st. It is just North of Washington. You will be able to access parking from Monroe. The very easiest way to park is to park in the 5th st garage. It is covered, has lots of space, and you can get your ticket validated for a lower cost of parking. When you exit the garage you will enter Heritage Square. In the square there is Rossen House Museum, A few small eateries, the new Create section of the museum, and lots of photo ops.
Cost: The cost varies. Adults 18+ are $18. Children ages 3-17 are $13. Children 2 and under are free. There are also things to do there such as the 3D big screen, additional attractions, and the Planetarium. These all have a seperate cost. We are a large family so a membership was more cost effective for us. Be sure to keep a eye on Groupon as they sometimes have memberships for super inexpensive.
Hours: The Science Center is open daily (Monday through Sunday) 10 a.m.–5 p.m. *Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for members
Entry
When you first go into the center you go down a large ramp. At the bottom the first thing you see is The Cafe. It has some yummy healthy food but is not the most inexpensive. Across the way is the gift shop. Be prepared to shop because they have some really cool items in there. Right in front of the cafe is my sons favorite telescope. You look through it and on a big one above it shows your eyeball or whatever you put up to the telescope
Further ahead you will find the membership desk to the left along with restrooms. To the right is the ticketing desk if you are not a member. Once you pay and get your wristbands you can move on to the fun things.
Exhibits
First Floor
On the first floor you will see the outdoor water play area. It is next to the Planetarium and across from the Big Screen theater. There is Flight Zone, Dollars and Sense, My Sons favorite exhibit that shows all the ins and outs of building homes, and All about me and The Wonder Center. The all about me section and Wonder Section are my favorite. They have many hands on activities and ways to learn about your brain, body, and more.
Second Floor
You can walk upstairs or ride the the elevator. On the second floor you will find the Evans Skycyle, and Get Charged Up. This is alot of physics and kinetic energy type things. I personally just think the bed of nails is cool lol.
Third Floor
The third floor is the Forces of Nature area. The best part is the Immersion Theater. It shows you what it feels like to be in the middle of a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, volcanic eruption or monsoon. This five-minute show happens every 15 minutes. Located on the third floor is also My Digital World.
Fourth Floor
The Fourth floor has Solarville. This is an exhibit by APS about Solar Energy. This exhibit was cool to me but did not hold my kiddos attention.
