Top Science Exhibits In Denver

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 11, 2014 7:00 am EST

Exhibit 3, 2, 1 ... Blast Off! (credit: Children's Museum of Denver)

Do you have some burning scientific questions? Have you always wanted to learn a little more about space or physics or other scientific concepts? There are lots of great exhibits at several Denver-area museums that are full of hands-on, interactive places to learn all about those complicated concepts. Some of these exhibits are designed for kids but not all of them. Kids and adults alike can head out to any of these great museums for some fascinating scientific discovery. You'll learn a lot, and you'll have a great time while you're at it.

"Space Odyssey"
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 370-6000
www.dmns.org

The "Space Odyssey" exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of the more popular exhibits in the huge museum. You can check out views of space, observe the Martian canyons and the giant nebulae, interact with hands-on exhibits, enjoy live performances and demonstrations and more. All of the events are lead by the Museum Galaxy Guides who take you on a journey through space as you learn about all of the mysteries of the Universe. You can even take a virtual visit to Mars or make your own scientific discoveries. Make sure to visit the website, where the museum keeps a current list of all upcoming celestial sights worth seeing.

"Discovery Zone"
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 370-6000
www.dmns.org

"Discovery Zone" is designed for children to get a great hands-on approach to lots of different scientific experiments and your kids will have a blast learning by doing at this fascinating permanent exhibit. Some of the experiments include concepts in life science, physical science and earth and space science among many others. There is the Science Kitchen where kids can create their own investigations and art projects or Water Way which teaches kids about the power of water and how to manipulate and observe it in action. There are even sections for the younger children where they can try on a jet-pack and take their own virtual flight to space. There is a lot to do at this exhibit, which can easily take a whole day to explore.

"3, 2, 1... Blast Off!"
Children's Museum of Denver
2121 Children's Museum Drive
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-7444
www.mychildsmuseum.org

The Children's Museum of Denver is known for a wide variety of different hands-on exhibits just for kids, and the "3, 2, 1... Blast Off!" exhibit is no exception. This exhibit teaches children about the concepts of physics, technology, aerodynamics and engineering as they build their own rockets to launch and test. Your kids will get to send their rockets high into the air with vertical launchers, they can also learn about wind with the wind tunnel and they can learn about Bernoulli's Principle with blowers. There is also a video of a real rocket launch to check out and so much more. There is a lot to enjoy at the Children's Museum of Denver, but if you are looking for a cool, hands-on approach to some complicated scientific principles, this exhibit is for you.

Moraine Park Discovery Center
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1206
www.nps.gov

Take a road trip up to the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. While you are there, take the Beaver Meadows Entrance and drive down Bear Lake Road to the Moraine Park Discovery Center. This great museum is a fun place to learn all about the geologic process that created the Rocky Mountains, including concepts like glaciation, weather, ecosystems and human impact. The park itself also offers lots of hands-on and interactive Ranger-led tours and activities that are perfect for learning more about the area. Not only is this museum fascinating and educational, but you can't beat the location. You'll love stepping out onto the deck to check out the amazing panoramic views of the park.

Dinosaur Ridge
16831 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-3466
www.dinoridge.org

If you love dinosaurs, there is nothing like checking out the exhibits and displays at Dinosaur Ridge. Outside, you can walk the trails and see more than 300 dinosaur footprints and dinosaur bones. Indoors you can check out the displays of fossils and plants from the area or check out "Trek Through Time." "Trek Through Time" is an interactive exhibit where you can learn how the footprints are preserved, and how the layers of rock actually form. There are also lots of touch carts, where you can actually touch real fossils like skulls, teeth, claws and horns. If you or your family is interested in dinosaurs, this is one of the best places to explore the subject in the country.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.