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Visit Discovery Lab
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Visit Discovery Lab
Learn and Play in Science Playground
Flubber and Other Fun Activities

More Hands-on Labs for Young Kids!
Touch and hold a variety of animals and insects at the Life Science Lab. The Life Lab also features the Young Biologist's Table - an area designed for young children to explore biology through hands-on art projects and activities.
Mouse


Reserved Lab Sessions
Check out our Online Field Trip Planner for information about reserving private lab sessions in Discovery Lab.

OMSI's Discovery Lab stimulates curiosity, excitement, and discovery for kids and parents alike!

Discovery Lab photoThe Activity area in the lab consists of two large tables at different levels, so that up to 10 kids ages 1-3 and 4-6 can engage in hands-on activities together. Here, children can learn about basic chemical reactions, mix colors, paint, experience a variety of crafts and play with Flubber, a glue, water, and borax mixture that stretches, snaps, and molds to any shape and is our most popular substance to touch. Our Discovery Lab activity calendar offers a different activity every day (for details, please download this month's Science Playground Activity Calendar, in .pdf format).

The other half of the lab is our Discovery Science area. Two rotating sets of twelve discovery boxes allow families to sit at a table and pore over the contents, which can be anything from simple machines to insect specimens. Here parents can engage in their all-important role of first teacher to their kids.

Tips for your visit

  • Family restrooms with changing tables are available (diapers available for 50 cents).
  • A nursing area is also available for anyone who would like privacy or a quiet place to calm a child.
  • Cubbies are available for your coats and other belongings. Aprons and boots are available for your child to wear. We suggest bringing an extra set of clothes to allow your child to fully enjoy the experience and still go home dry.
  • The paints we use are water soluble and washable. Casual clothing allows for more explorations and enjoyment of Discovery Lab by parent and child.