Give a dull day a jolt with a visit to the electrifying Bakken Museum & Library, located in an intriguing Tudor mansion just like the ones in spooky old Vincent Price films. Home to thousands of rare books and scientific instruments relating to the role of electricity and magnetism in life and medicine, The Bakken was founded by Earl E. Bakken, inventor of the first transistorized cardiac pacemaker.

The Bakken - an independent, nonprofit educational institution - hosts many hands-on learning events and exhibitions throughout the year, including weekly Family Science Saturdays and multi-session Saturday classes for budding inventors.

Its small museum store carries a bright and shiny array of unique toys and games. Mini-scientists are sure gravitate toward the wide selection of home experiment kits.

Parties: Available during Family Science Saturdays for $100, which includes use of kitchen space and a 2.5-hour room rental (10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm). Other party options are available for up to 30 people and include a private party room, host, and hands-on activities. Call 612.926.3878, ext. 200, well in advance to book.

Summer Camps: Offered weekly from late-June through August for ages seven through 14, with the largest selection of programming for kids entering grades four to six. Co-ed and girls-only options are sometimes offered as well. Expect to pay about $150/week (half-day) to $275/week (full-day); scholarships are available for those who qualify.

tips:

Membership ($65/family) entitles families to free admission at 250 other science centers around the world, in addition to free entry privileges at The Bakken.

getting there:

The Bakken is located just west of Lake Calhoun at the intersection of 36th Street West and Calhoun Parkway. Street and lot parking are available, but parking is not allowed on the east side of Zenith Avenue between 36th Street and Rose Lane. Car break-ins around the lakes are an ongoing problem, so stash valuables out of sight before parking, or take them with you.