If you feel like the days leading up Christmas are moving at warp speed, we can relate. But for kids, the holidays feel like they’re still five years away. If your kid crew is having a hard time controlling their excitement and cabin fever is already starting to set in, consider giving everyone a time out…of the house, with a visit to the Pacific Science Center. It may be just what everyone needs for a short-term distraction. The best part? PSC has tons of fun, festive and educational activities planned this month to keep little minds active and entertained. Read on for the deets.
photo: Pacific Science Center
Festive Décor & Holiday-Themed Activities
This month, the Pacific Science Center has not only decked its halls, but its entire 7.1 acre campus with festive décor, including bright red poinsettias where you can learn the science behind these plants. See the power of liquid nitrogen up close at the Super Cold Live Science Stage Show or make a stop at the Tinker Tank to learn how to create your own pop-up Christmas cards. Over at the Laserium, you can groove to holiday tunes while gazing at a spectrum of laser lights during the Laser Winter Magic holiday presentation. And for curious little minds, winter-themed story times will delight tykes of all ages.
photo: Pacific Science Center
Go on a Virtual Vacation
Stop by the virtual reality micro-theater to explore other worlds without having to leave your seat. Take a trip to the stars and learn the science of the winter solstice at the Science on a Sphere and gaze at the night sky in the Planetarium. Psst…beginning on Dec. 15, you can take a trip to the Canadian Rockies via the IMAX theater to see Rocky Mountain Express.
Christmas Critters
While the weather outside might be frightful, you can warm up in the amazing and beautiful Tropical Butterfly House where the butterflies will be pretending to be ornaments and decorating various trees and plants. While you’re there, be sure to check out the iguana, box turtle and naked mole rats, because nothing says Christmas like naked mole rats. (Maybe this year someone will knit those guys some winter sweaters for Christmas.)
photo: Pacific Science Center
Candy Cane Chemistry
If you’re looking for some extra time to shop for presents for you-know-who, you might want to take advantage of PSC’s Parent’s Day Out event happening on Sat., Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Candy Cane Chemistry event will take kids through a series of “pepperminty experiments” that test which liquids dissolved candy canes the best. Kids will also learn why sugar gives them energy, watch an IMAX documentary on the subject and, of course, indulge in some sweet treats! Cost is $55/child or $45 for PSC members.
Snowball Central
To add to the fun this season, a brand new winter wonderland will be unveiled to the public beginning on Mon., Dec. 18 where a snow machine will be pumping out the fluffy stuff at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day through January 31. Challenge friends to a “snowball fight” where no one gets hurt or build your own igloos without freezing your hands off.
photo: Pacific Science Center
Fill Those Stockings With Science
The PSC gift shop features all kinds of science-y trinkets and toys for stocking stuffing. And many are items that you can’t really find anywhere else like MadMatter Play Doh, Insta-Snow Powder, an all-season snowman, dinosaur-shaped cookie cutters and fair trade ornaments, plus solar print kits, RC Mini Mips, science lab sets, science-themed tea infusers and so much more. Also, memberships to the PSC make great gifts and there is no worrying about getting the right size or color.
Good to Know:
‘Tis the Season for Science runs through December 31, 2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. Activities and experiences vary by day. Check the website for more info.
Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-443-2001
Online: pacificsciencecenter.org
Admission: $21.95/Adults; $19.95/Seniors (65 & older); $15.95/Youth (6-15); $11.95/Child (3-5); 2 & under Free
Membership: A family membership is $139/year and covers two named adults and up to six named youth (ages 3-18). It also includes eight guest passes and 15 documentary IMAX movie passes.
Do you plan to visit the Pacific Science Center this month? What’s your family’s favorite exhibit? Tell us in the comments below.
— Jeffrey Totey
