Location
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 542-2823
January 29 - May 1, 2011
Social Networks
Admission
Free with admission to museum
Adults (18 +): $12.95
Kids (3-17): $9.95
Association of Science-Technology Centers members: Free
Adults (18 +): $12.95
Kids (3-17): $9.95
Kids (2 & under): Free with the purchase of admission
Teachers: Free Association of Science-Technology Centers members: Free
Bank of America card holders: Free on the 1st Saturday of the month
Parking
Parking
$4.00
Stroller/wheelchair accessibility
Yes
Restroom facilities
2 on the first floor and 1 on the second floor
Food/concessions
Taco Bell and Pizza Hut
Activities
Wall-to-wall hands-(and feet)-on activities engaged visitors in learning about the human body. Visitors got to explore the body in ways they may not have before. Through over-sized displays and activities, my son saw what happened to food from the moment a person eats it, to the moment it leaves the body. Layer by layer, he saw underneath the skin, going from the muscles, all the way to the skeletons that help shape our bodies. Displays and activities focused not just on the body, but how to keep it healthy through proper diet and physical activity. My son helped Telly shop for meals. This was one of his favorite activities. He loved finding the foods and scanning them. He also prepared healthy snacks at Mr. Hooper's Store. Interactive exhibits tested the body and the mind's agility through friendly competition. And the list goes on.
Our family experience
My son loves Elmo. I thought he would enjoy seeing Elmo and his friends in a fun and educational way. He did. We spent about 30 minutes going through the exhibit, bouncing from one activity to the next. Though the exhibit was small, the space was packed with so much stuff to see and do. Although he may not recognize it, he learned about anatomy and physiology, dietary behavior, and physical activity. I don't expect him to retain anything he saw or learned, but he certainly had a lot of fun exploring. This is certainly an exhibit worth going to, even if the child is not familiar with Sesame Street characters. There were a lot of lessons to be learned by the youngest of visitors, all the way up to those young at heart.
Buy tickets online to save money and time. The website often offers online specials. Also, look for coupons/discount offers in local magazines. As with any attraction, the museum gets crowded on the weekends, especially Bank of America free Saturdays. If you can, go during the weekday, however, check the website for any scheduled field trips. Bring your own lunch, especially if you don't like Taco Bell or Pizza Hut. The line to meet and take pictures with Elmo gets filled up fast. I suggest picking a time when you want to meet him and stand in line early.
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission from the museum to post their trademarked brand/logo on my blog.
