Jaunted

But you won't be reading snooze-inducing placards on the mechanics of physics. Instead, kids can learn science lessons through permanent exhibits like the "Sports Challenge." Aspiring Pettittes can step up to a mound to throw baseballs, tennis balls and softballs to see how their weight affects the speed, with the help of a radar gun. Or kiddies can learn about gravity while hanging ten on a mechanical surfboard. You'll probably want a turn, too.

While the live dissection of a real cow's eye made us squeamish, we had fun in the interactive grossness-free exhibits in "Seeing the Light" that explored the eye with optical illusions, kiosks that test your peripheral vision and more. A crowd-pleaser was the hall of mirrors, where we saw way more adults than kids checking their super-tall and headless reflections.

When the weather warms up, the museum will open its outdoor offerings, like the Science Playground (an additional $4), where slides, sand pits and fog machines demonstrate principles of science, and Rocket Park Mini Golf (extra $6 adults/$5 kids), where putting around teaches laws of motion and gravity, not to mention the NASA rockets looming in the background.

Tickets for adults cost $11 and kids get in for $8.

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[Photos: Jennifer Kester]