Nashville’s Adventure Science Center is a family-outing dream come true–there are so many hands-on, science-based exhibits and experiments, you could make a whole day out of a visit there and still come back for more.

What to Do at the Science Center

The exploration is only just beginning when you head to the Adventure Tower, the center’s permanent exhibit that includes the Air & Space, Earth Science, Creativity and Innovation, Health, Sound and Light, and Energy exhibits. Then, there is the BlueMax simulated jet plane ride, the BodyQuest human anatomy exhibit, and the Magic School Bus Weather Environments exhibit, all of which produce hours of intrigue for kids and adults of all ages.

New Exhibits and Old Favorites

New to the Adventure Science Center is the giant, multi-level Space Chase, with almost a dozen interactive stations that invite you to explore a number of concepts related to astrophysics and space. And there is always something going on at the resident planetarium, like shows and special events–just check the Science Center’s calendar in advance for dates and times.

Live Science Presentations

Both you and your kids will love the live science presentations that take place during the Sci-Bites programs. The Sci-Bites are 10 minute presentations that focus on real science, allowing kids to witness hands-on experiments to inspire curiosity and learning. While the schedule for Sci-Bites is frequently changing, for the summer of 2014, the programs were held twice daily in the afternoon. The live science presentations are included with the regular cost of admission.

For Teachers, too

If you’re a teacher, you’ll absolutely love the Adventure Science Center. The center offers multiple professional development opportunities throughout the year to help you learn how to teach science in a fun and informative way, and provides a lot of hands-on activities at an affordable price. In addition to teachers’ workshops, the science center is also committed to provided as many learning opportunities as possible for students, and will work with you and your school to set up a time for your whole class to come and explore the center.

After Hours Excitement

If you’re a kid, nothing beats the thrill of being up past your bed time. The Adventure Science Center provides a bunch of awesome after hours events, including a family science night, planetarium laser shows, star parties, and sleepovers for kids. If you’re over the age of 21 and want to do something unique and interesting with friends or for a date, the center also offers a “science of beer” presentation after hours, an event titled “A Way Late Play Date,” and a Young Professionals Group–might be an interesting way to spice up your Friday night!

Admission Cost and Hours

Admission to The Adventure Science Center is really reasonable: $10-$12 per person, and add-on costs for the planetarium and the BlueMax ride seem minimal compared to so many other places of the kind. The Adventure Science Center is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM , and there is plenty of free parking.