If you are planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort and you are looking for an extra non-Disney activity to round out your vacation, the Discovery Science Center is the place. Located about five to ten minutes from the resort, the Discovery Science Center offers children and their parents the opportunity to enjoy science with countless hands-on experiences in a clean and engaging atmosphere. My family and I escaped the Southern California heat on the fourth of July and visited the Discovery Center. It was a fun and unique way to enjoy the day. My boys had so much fun and thought it was well worth the drive from the San Fernando Valley. Because the museum is sponsored by Taco Bell the only food concession inside is Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. By far, it was the cleanest of either establishments I had ever been to and because of the restaurant’s high visibility in the center, I swear that the food was better (perhaps fresher) than other Taco Bells.

As part of the museum’s regular offerings, guests can experience a wind tunnel, earthquake simulation, and more. Below are just two of the museums many permanent offerings.

The Science of Hockey
The Anaheim Ducks, the National Hockey League, and USA Hockey have joined together to showcase this fun exhibit. Visitors get to experience the colder side of science and explore physics, physiology and flying pucks. Kids and adults alike will love the Zamboni Machine, Penalty Box and Broadcast Booth,and more!

Dino Quest

Located in the outdoor area of the Science Center, Dino Quest is a great interactive experience for kids of all ages. In fact, the exhibit boasts 62 interactives and for teachers like me, they will be excited to know that the exhibit has been developed to align with California Science Standards for grades K-6, thus reinforcing the types of science content kids are learning in school.

Visitors to the exhibit walk among prehistoric animals and learn about the body’s systems and how they relate to each other. They can also rent a uniquely-coded infrared transmitter to embark on missions and adventures throughout the exhibit. Guests become “research assistants” using the transmitter to communicate with a team of virtual paleontologists, scientists and technicians in field locations throughout the world as they search for clues about the prehistoric animals in the exhibit. The great thing about Dino Quest is that the fun doesn’t end at the museum, research assistants can continue their adventure online once they get home.

Now through October 4
Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home
This exhibit encourages families to spend time together outdoors and inspires children to discover and care for the natural resources that sustain our world. Geared toward children ages 2 – 8, the exhibit provides visitors with open-ended play opportunities that help build fundamental academic and social skills. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl guide visitors through urban, woodland and stream settings featuring a variety of educational activities presented in English and Spanish. Props, costumes and puppets underscore the importance of protecting ecosystems and highlight ways to reduce, reuse and recycle resources. I was a big fan of the composting information that shows how easy it is and it inspired me to start composting at our home!