PARTY AT THE SCIENCE CENTER

Science centers aren't just meant for just being used for school field trips. Leave the kids at home and have a fun outing at the Michigan Science Center's AFTER DARK party on Saturday, September 27 from 6 - 11 pm. The theme of this 21+ only event is THE MI-SCI GAMES. In honor of this summer's Olympic Games, attendees can compete against one another in racing through an inflatable obstacle course. The team from Hustle Flow Lab will be getting everyone warmed up providing exercise demonstrations and showing stretching techniques before people jump into the obstacle course. A fun way to get rid of some stress at the end of the work week with a light hearted workout.

If getting an aerobic workout isn't your thing, there are other games to play at this event. Quizzo will be hosting three trivia game sessions throughout the evening. Bring your Trivia A Game because these will be challenging to event the most seasoned bar trivia extraordinaire. Opal Grove Gaming will also be on hand to host people in playing some of today's most popular table top games. Table top games have seen a real resurgence since the COVID outbreak.

Plus, your ticket to the event provides access to all the museum has to offer, including the latest special exhibit, "Above & Beyond," planetarium shows, and an IMAX® Dome theater Laser Show. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, dance to the dynamic tunes of a live DJ from the Tod Everett Experience, and discover the excitement of exploring the museum's interactive exhibits. One free drink ticket is included with admission. 

Tickets are $45 per person. Click here to purchase tickets in advance online. For more information, go to mi-sci.org. If you love a good Halloween party, mark down on your calendar October 26 for the AFTER DARK: NIGHTMARE ON JOHN R STREET event at the Michigan Science Center. Their Halloween festivities are spooktacular. These AFTER DARK 21+ parties at the Science Center are a great way to have an educational and entertaining evening out on the town for kids at heart whether you are a single college student or parents looking for an out of the ordinary date night.

FRIDAY THE 13TH FUN

Get into the Halloween spirit with some Friday the 13th fun this year. A number of Detroit area locations that parents normally would associate as places for family outings with the kids are having 21+ adult focused Halloween festivities on Friday the 13th this year. Moms and dads get yourself a babysitter and enjoy a terror-ific date night at one of these spooktacular events:

GLENLORE TRAILS HAUNTED FOREST

This immersive outdoor Halloween attraction in Commerce Township has a CarnEVIL theme this year with creepy clowns on display and interactive carnival games. For Friday the 13th admission will be only adults (21+) and in addition to this Halloween trail's impressive light displays and special visual effects the evening will feature bourbon and wine tastings along with music from a live DJ. 

For more information, visit glenloretrails.com

SPOOKY SPIRITS AT THE DETROIT ZOO

Explore the Detroit Zoo after its normal closing hours at its Spooky Spirits (21+ only) event on Friday the 13th which goes from 6pm - 10pm). Wearing Halloween costumes is encouraged!  Event activities include: 

• A wide selection of themed specialty cocktails, classic spirits, beer, wine, canned cocktails and seltzers – meaning plenty of grim and tonics and Pino Grave-gios to choose from;
• A spooky screening of “Friday the 13th movie” in the 4D Theater (exclusive studio-edit, 20-minute 4D feature); 
• A complimentary welcome drink, courtesy of welcome sponsor Griffin Claw Brewing;
•  Live entertainment and life-sized games; 
• Music from Michigan band Weekend ComeBack; 
• A haunted trail full of pirates;
• Habitat chats with Detroit Zoo animal care staff; 
• Themed photo opportunities.

For more information, visit detroitzoo.org

MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER AFTER DARK

Find yourself in an eerie atmosphere where science meets the supernatural during After Dark: Friday the 13th at the Michigan Science Center. This 21+ event will feature a Stranger Things Laser Show, alchemically inspired elixirs, captivating music, and more. Each admission ticket includes a free drink ticket. While there check out the new exhibit Towers Of Tomorrow and get up close with mesmerizing creatures at the Reptarium.

For more information, visit mi-sci.org

FRIDAY THE 13TH AT MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER

Moms and dads! Here is an event to be geeked about, Find a babysitter and leave the kids at home for an after-hours Halloween soiree for those 21+ at the Michigan Science Center. 

Immerse yourself in an eerie atmosphere where science meets the supernatural during the science center's After Dark: Friday the 13th event. This party will feature a Stranger Things Laser Show, alchemically inspired elixirs, captivating music, and more. Plus, you can explore the science center checking out things like its new Towers of Tomorrow exhibit and the creatures in the Reptarium.

Tickets are $48 per person (general admission) and $35 for Michigan Science Center members. Each admission ticket includes a drink ticket. The event is from 6 to 11 pm on Friday, October 13, 2023. Buy your tickets in advance online by clicking here.

NEW IMAX MOVIE HIGHLIGHTS NASA JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

This looks like a movie I'd like to see on the Michigan Science Center's IMAX Dome Theatre. The theatre has recently been renovated with 239 brand- new, custom-designed seats featuring FreeForm Trim technology generously designed and donated by automotive supplier Magna. The Science Center's 3-story-high dome is a great spot to immerse yourself in an IMAX film. 

DEEP SKY is a new documentary about NASA’s Webb Telescope (James Webb Space Telescope JWST). The 40-minute short film is narrated by Oscar®-nominated actress Michelle Williams, and is currently slated for release across IMAX’s institutional theater network in October 2023. DEEP SKY is written, produced and directed by Nathaniel Kahn. IMAX co-financed the film with major funding provided by the Northrop Grumman Foundation.

DEEP SKY goes behind the scenes of JWST, capturing its launch and the release of the mind blowing first full-color images from space pictured by the telescope. The film is a thrilling story that begins during the telescope’s construction, following it to the harrowing launch stage, and through the release of the first full-color images to the public on July 12, 2022.

“If there ever was a subject tailor-made for IMAX screens, this is it,” Director Nathaniel Kahn commented to ageekdaddy.com. “The IMAX format allows you to appreciate the astonishing resolution of NASA’s new telescope and to immerse yourself in cosmic landscapes that leave you filled with awe.”

313 DAY

It is 313 Day! I've had lots of memorable experiences in the City of Detroit with my kids ranging from attending the commissioning ceremony of a naval warship to seeing life size dinosaurs romp through Little Caesars Arena. Going to see Aladdin at the Detroit Opera House with my daughter and the Pistons play a basketball game with my son were some special one-on-one times with each of my children. 

One of our favorite days spent downtown was the Star Wars adventure we had at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Michigan Science Museum. Today seemed like a good day to reminiscence about past experiences at these museums which are two of our favorite places to spend time at in Detroit and look forward to having new experiences there as we hopefully all begin to move on beyond the pandemic that has isolated us for so long.

We've visited the Michigan Science Center on a number of occasions to have fun with their extensive collection of interactive science exhibits, watch super-sized movies in the state's only IMAX dome theater, and check out visiting traveling exhibits like Toytopia and Titanic: The Artifact Collection. It is always a blast and we are looking forward to getting back there to play around in their new Ames Room optical illusion experience. Ever wonder how they made the regular-sized men playing Hobbits look small in scenes standing next to characters whose actors in real life are similar height to them? This special effects demonstration will shed some light on that!

My family has also missed our outings to the Detroit Institute of Arts. From wonderful interactions with volunteer docents to geeking out over a collection of rare baseball cards we've had a lot of entertaining and educational experiences over the years visiting this museum. Plus going to see the shiny suits of armor at the DIA never gets old! And of course we'll never forget going to the special Star Wars exhibit the museum hosted!

I want to get back down there before June 27, 2021 to explore their temporary exhibit Detroit Style: Car Design in the Motor City, 1950–2020 which concludes this summer. It highlights the artistry involved within the automotive industry when it comes to car design. This gallery includes 12 real cars that showcase significant design elements that have been parked inside the museum. I absolutely want to get a close up look at Detroit Style.

With the 313 in mind, for those of you not from the D that is the area code for the City, have to give a plug to the limited time exhibit Russ Marshall: Detroit Photographs, 1958-2008 which features 90 black and white pictures by the photographer featuring a unique perspective of the people and places of Detroit from streetscape imagery. Take a walk through 50 years of Detroit history by experiencing this collection of Russ Marshall photographs.

Also coming up in 2022 will be a special Van Gogh exhibit. The Detroit Institute of Arts was the first American museum to purchase a work of art by this now renowned artist. 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the DIA adding Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait to its collection. In commemoration, the museum will display alongside Self Portrait more than fifty other Van Gogh paintings, drawing and sketches on loan from collectors and museums from around the world. Something to look forward to as hopefully the pandemic comes to  closure.

What are some of your favorite places in the 313? Do you have a favorite restaurant, park or other spot that you frequent or have fond memories of visiting? There is a lot to discover in the D!

MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER ECHO LIVE

For their days science lesson today, the teachers at my kids school had all the 5th Graders log onto Facebook Live to witness a presentation from the Michigan Science Center. With the school building closed due to the pandemic, the teachers have been teaching online via live Zoom sessions, recorded YouTube videos and having the kids participate in different activities like this. The Michigan Science Center ECHO Live! presentations let students participate in a different experiment each day asking questions and interact with the host through the Facebook Live chat feature.

These free 1/2 hour video presentations will take place every weekday at 2:30 pm ET for what would have been the remainder of the school year. If you miss a live experiment and chat session, the videos are posted later on the Michigan Science Center YouTube channel. I watched along with my son and daughter and have to say the presenter did a very nice job of conducting the experiments in a relatable way to children as well as interacting with the viewers through the Facebook Live chat feature as if she was doing the presentation with the kids sitting right in front of her at the science center. I give her a Geek Daddy nod of approval for a job well done!



The presentation we saw today involved experiments with electricity and showing how a circuit works. Viewers learned how to turn a potato or lemon into a battery. While moms may tell kids to never play with their food, I think it is ok for science experiments. I know my kids would much rather do experiments with carrots than eat them! My son and daughter both want us to do some science experiments with the fruits and vegetables in our kitchen pantry now.



If you are home schooling children, these videos provide some nice science curriculum that is both educational and entertaining. They'll be covering different topics so tune in each day to see what new experiment is taking place. Check out these great Michigan Science Center ECHO Live sessions while staying home and staying safe.

MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER COLORFUL PLANET DAY

Saturday, January 11 is COLORFUL PLANET DAY at the Michigan Science Center located within the Cultural Center of Detroit. Thanks to Axalta Coating Systems there will be FREE admission from 10 am - 5pm for people to experience the science center's new exhibit CONSERVE THIS COLORFUL PLANET. Visitors can also check out 220 other hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations, the Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and a STEM Playground while there. Pre-registration is requested to participate in this free opportunity to receive general admission tickets to the Michigan Science Center.

CONSERVE THIS COLORFUL PLANET  aims to inspire people to learn about water conservation in a colorful and engaging way. Through partnering with Ducks Unlimited and Six Rivers Conservancy, the Michigan Science Center provides a colorful exhibit experience with activities that aren't just fun but educational as well. It is a great way to appreciate the colorfulness of our planet.

Parking is available at the Detroit Institute of Arts parking lot or one of the nearby Wayne State University parking structures. There is a fee to park at these locations. Limited metered street parking is also available in the vicinity. Download the Park Detroit App to assist with parking arrangements for downtown visits.

For more information about the Michigan Science Center go to mi-sci.org

National Geographic's EXTREME WEATHER 4D

The Michigan Science Center's brand new Toyota Engineering Theater (TET) will be hosting the world debut of an exclusively produced version of the National Geographic film, Extreme Weather 4D over the Memorial Day Weekend.  And guess what? You can see it for FREE!

Thanks to the support of Toyota Motor North America, the science center (MiSci) is providing free general admission throughout the holiday weekend and complimentary viewings of the film. Pre-registration for is required. Patrons can select the day they would like to attend and register at the following link - mi-sci.secure.force.com/ticket



Extreme Weather 4D brings audiences face to face with Mother Nature at her most dangerous moments. Traveling to Alaska's melting glaciers, filmmakers capture the action as massive chunks of ice shear off into the frigid water with explosive force. In the Midwest, cameras roll as storm chasers risk their lives to capture data as deadly tornadoes race toward them. And, in drought-ravaged California, filmmakers embed themselves with courageous first responders fighting to contain raging wildfires.

"Extreme Weather 4D  is the perfect film to experience in 4D and we are delighted for the Michigan Science Center to host the world premiere,” remarked John Wickstrom, National Geographic Director of Film Distribution It is exciting to launch Extreme Weather 4D in the state of the art Toyota Engineering Theater with all of its amazing effects.  Audiences will be completely immersed in the film, experiencing the adventure with all senses.”

The TET is designed to inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning. The theater delivers a unique four-dimensional experience that engages multiple senses. It houses a state-of-the-art HD projection system with 3D viewing capabilities and enhanced space and lighting for a more immersive experience, and, the TET is the only theater in Michigan to incorporate “spark” effects without heat, smoke or pyro techniques.

ENJOY EARTH DAY AT THE MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER

Commemorate Earth Day at the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) during their “Make Way for Earth Day” celebration! The event features a special Science Parade at Noon throughout MiSci as well as other interactive Earth Day activities and programs that introduce children of all ages to the fields of Earth science, and allow them to get hands-on with Earth science concepts.

Plus thanks to support from Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coating, guests who dress as their favorite STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) professional or wear green will receive FREE general admission on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 10 am - 6pm.

MiSci is located at 5020 John R Street in downtown Detroit, Michigan.  CLICK HERE for directions and parking information.

Dream Big: Engineering Our World

DREAM BIG: ENGINEERING OUR WORLD, the first giant-screen movie to promote the educational STEM (Science, Technology, Math) movement, is being shown through March at the  Michigan Science Center's Chrysler IMAX Dome. Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big showcases engineering wonders big and small, ranging from the ancient Great Wall of China to today's largest buildings.  Be inspired by engineering feats that allow for underwater robots to explore our planet's oceans, solar cars to race across a continent without using a drop of gasoline, and learn about efforts to make the world's large cities more environmentally sustainable.



Dream Big hopes to encourage interest in STEM with the kids that will be the next generation of engineers through sharing stories that include a young woman engineer building bridges in undeveloped countries and an underprivileged high school robotics team that tackles the odds against them to humanize the field of engineering. Dream Big's producers hope the movie will encourage academic achievement, student engagement, and parent involvement with STEM topics.

For specific showtimes of when DREAM BIG: ENGINEERING OUR WORLD is playing or directions on how to get to the Michigan Science Center in downtown Detroit, Michigan please visit mi-sci.org

Michigan Science Center Brings Smithsonian Experience to the Ford Display at Detroit Auto Show

The Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is bringing the Smithsonian’s Spark!Lab experience to this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This educational and interactive space – one of only five in the United States – promotes invention and innovation, making it the perfect family activity for NAIAS guests.

Spark!Lab activities will be located in the “Future Innovators” space in the Ford exhibit at Cobo Center. Branding itself as both an automotive and mobility company, Ford is focused on the technologies that are essential to the freedom of movement we all enjoy.  The theme of this year's NAIAS is Automobili-D focusing on how the automobile industry doesn't just build vehicles but also produces a variety of products that help people and technology with mobility.  In this spirit of innovation, Spark!Lab guests will design innovative mobility devices that they can take home. MiSci staff will be at Ford's NAIAS exhibit to facilitate activities and conversations about the future of mobility. They will also use small demonstrations featuring hand-crank generators, energy tubes, AirZookas and more to bring science to life.

 Spark!Lab opened in April 2016 as a new space within MiSci. MiSci is a hands-on museum that inspires curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Traveling Science Hall for special exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; along with, education and outreach programs.

MiSci's Spark!Lab was established in partnership with Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation and with support from Ford Motor Company. MiSci is the fifth location in the country to house Spark!Lab, the Smithsonian’s flagship invention education program. Spark!Lab provides visitors with the opportunity to become inventors as they explore and engage with hands-on activities, interact with facilitators, and learn from local innovators.

For more information about Spark!Lab and the Michigan Science Center, visit mi-sci.org

ILLUMINATE: A NIGHT AT THE MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER

The Michigan Science Center is encouraging families to stop by the evening of Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 7 to 11pm for a special fun-filled after-hours party. ILLUMINATE: A NIGHT AT THE MICHIGAN SCIENCE CENTER will provide an electrifying experience as it highlights its newest exhibit "Creatures of Light: Nature's Bioluminescence" and provides opportunities for attendees to be entertained by activities that revolve around the theme of "light." Guests can witness fire breathing and juggling performances by Sunshine Fire Entertainment, interact with touch tanks from Sea Life Aquarium, and more during this event.

The Creatures of Light exhibit allows people to discover the world of bioluminescence - the generation of light by living things. Travel through summer meadows, visit the deep sea, explore other-worldly environments, experience a custom soundscape, and encounter amazing organisms. This exhibit is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York in collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, and The Field Museum, Chicago. The exhibit is divided into six sections --  Woods: Mushrooms; A Summer's Night: Fireflies; A Mysterious Cave: Glowworms; A Sparkling Sea: Dinoflagellates; Sea Shores: Corals, Jellies & Fishes; and Deep Ocean: Predators & Prey.  Creatures of Light includes interactive experiences, larger than life models, video presentations and even some live animals.

There will also be special hands-on activities taking place throughout the evening that include:

Painting with Light: Light up the night and write a message in the dark at our Light Painting station. Light painting is a photography technique using slow a shutter speed to draw in the air with light. With our supply of various sources of light, we are sure you will have some bright ideas!

Technology Hologram: Witness a larger-than-life hologram image and create your own mini version to take home, using your smart phone and a few simple supplies!

Bling Bar: Transform into one of our Creatures of Light by making an LED angler fish headband or a fire fly pin!

Diffraction Glasses & Spectrum Tubes: Design and create Diffraction Glasses, then chase rainbows as these sassy specs separate and diffract the light around us. Put them to the test in during the Planetarium show: Cosmic Colors!

Paint by Numbers Throwies: Learn about electricity by creating an LED circuit and then throw your creation to create a piece of bioluminescent art, which will be showcased in the Creatures of Light exhibit.

Thermal Mapping: Did you know your body can light up too? See where your skin is radiating the warmest heat waves with our infrared camera!

Perler Beads: Use beads to create unique glow-in-the-dark designs.

Glow Slime – Make oozy slime that glows in dark!

Live Demo (Luminol): Learn how energy produces visible light through chemical reactions. We think it’s pretty brilliant! ·

Fluorescing Bubbles: Make ordinary dry ice into vibrant bubbles that glow under ultra violet light!

Desserts will be provided and a cash bar will be available for guest 21+. Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets for ILLUMINATE are $40 per adult and  $15 for each child.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. 

The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R Street in downtown Detroit, Michigan.  CLICK HERE for directions and parking information.

About the Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center is a hands-on museum that inspires curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment. The Science Center features five theaters, including Michigan’s largest screen at the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium; the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the Chrysler Science Stage; a 9,800 square-foot Traveling Science Hall for special exhibits; hands-on exhibit galleries focusing on space, life and physical science; Kids Town just for pint-size scientists; along with, education and outreach programs. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive any money from the city of Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, www.Mi-Sci.org

Michigan Science Center: After Dark -- Super Heroes & Comics

Enjoy an educational and entertaining evening at the Michigan Science Center without any children around.  On the third Thursday of the month from 6 - 9pm, the institution regularly hosts an After Dark happy hour for ages 21+ that allows attendees to enjoy some adult beverages while engaging in fun activities and learning about exciting scientific concepts revolving around a designated theme.  Thursday, September 15th, "Superheroes & Comics" is the theme of the night. Costumes are encouraged!

"Superheroes & Comics" will feature a pop-up shop by downtown Detroit's new comic book shop Vault of Midnight, appearances by costumed members of the Great Lakes Ghostbuster Coalition movie fan club, face painting by Sandy's Land Entertainment, beer from Atwater Brewery, a superhero science presentation, and a "heroes in the sky" planetarium show.  Other activities will include a super hero mask making opportunity, a craft table to make Perler bead creations, and a comic book themed photo booth.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $15 per person and the event has a cash bar.

Themes for upcoming After Dark events at the Michigan Science Center's Midtown Detroit location include Harry Potter and Winter Solstice.  Plus there will be a family friendly After Dark evening event taking place on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 6 - 11pm that is open to all ages which will celebrate the science of light called ILLUMINATE:  A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM.

The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R. Street, Detroit  MI 48202.  For more information, please visit mi-sci.org

A visit to the Michigan Science Center

Though I was only seven years old, I still have a vivid recollection of the day my parents took me on an afternoon trip to explore the science center in Detroit. It's been years since I'd paid a visit and my seven year old twins had never been there before. So being they're the same age as my first adventure to the place it seemed a fitting time for a road trip to the Michigan Science Center. Located next door to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood, the Michigan Science Center features more than 250 hands-on exhibits that can be educational and interesting for people of all ages.

Learn how telescopes work and by viewing a representation of the moon through a variety of lenses in the center's space exploration section which also displays a NASA rocket capsule that was one of the highlight's of my childhood visits to the science center.

 

 

This astronomy area is also home to the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium which houses a Digistar® II projection system with 13,000-watt Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound that projects upon a 50-foot-wide, three-story-high-dome. Check out a variety of live shows like OUR PLACE IN SPACE.

OUR PLACE IN SPACE begins with a tour of the current night sky and the state of Michigan, then gradually zooms out to reveal the size of asteroids and dwarf planets. Your journey then  continues providing a view of the planets of our Solar System, the Sun, other stars, and finally provides a glimpse of the entire galaxy.

Other areas of the exhibit let visitors explore the fundamental properties of matter, motion, energy, and time.

In addition to the exhibits, the Michigan Science Center also provides a variety of shows and demonstrations.  The  SPARKS ELECTRICITY SHOW provides entertaining examples of various facets of electricity including magnetism, static electricity and plasma.  Demonstrations are also provided on the CHRYSLER SCIENCE STAGE involving topics such as chemistry, physics, and life science.

A highlight of any visit is also watching an IMAX presentation on the largest movie screen in Michigan.  This 67.5 foot wide, five story high dome theater envelopes audience in a thrilling sensory experience.  We saw National Parks Adventure which honors the centennial anniversary of the United State Park Service by taking its viewers on climbing, hiking and sailing experiences through the caves, rivers, forests, mountains and other stunning landscapes within the country's famous, as well as lesser known, parks.



After enjoying the movie it was up the rainbow escalator to head home.  I was always excited by this neon light show as a kid and my own children though it was a great way to wrap up our visit.  We had a great family road trip and if you are in the Detroit area encourage you to find some time to swing by and explore the Michigan Science Center for yourself. There is always something new to discover at the science center!

For more information about the Michigan Science Center, visit mi-sci.org

Saturday March 12 is FREE Admission Day at the Michigan Science Center

I remember the excitement of being a kid and my parents taking me on an afternoon adventure to the "big city" to explore the science center.  Hate to say it but I haven't taken that same trip to Detroit with my own kids even though it was such a memorable moment of my own childhood.  Most adults who grew up in southeastern Michigan paid a visit to the science center in Detroit either as a family outing or on a school field trip at some point as a child.  If you are a parent like me who has been negligent in sharing that same experience with your own kids this upcoming weekend is a chance to rectify that.  Saturday, March 12, 2016 is FREE ADMISSION Day at the Michigan Science Center courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Fund.

From 10 am - 6pm general admission to the Michigan Science Center located at 5020 John R. Street in Detroit is at no charge to the public.  Experience 250+ hands-on exhibits that explore heath, physical science, space, and engineering plus view live stage shows, lab activities and more.  Additionally there is a Planetarium experience, IMAX Dome Theatre movie presentations, and a special exhibit called Toytopia that are available to enjoy for an additional cost.  Visit mi-sci.org for more information about the science center's programs and theater times.