Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, OH 44114

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best museum in Cleveland for Little Kids and for Teens.
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Almost all of the more than 400 exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center are hands-on, interactive, and exciting to kids.

The Indoor Tornado, Bridge of Fire, and dozens of other exhibits bring to life science lessons about the environment, technology, and natural forces.

All ages appreciate the "lessons" imparted by a wide variety of high- and low-tech musical instruments on the first floor.

Kids enthralled by weather will be equally thrilled to see their faces on TV when they pose as weather forecasters in one of our favorite exhibits, located on the second floor.

Children who are too young to enjoy most of the exhibits or an IMAX movie can enjoy playing in the Polymer Funhouse on the third floor. It's so packed with balls, slides, climbing and throwing activities (a few science lessons can be had here, too), and fun, kids won't want to leave. Entry to the Polymer Funhouse is free with admission; parents are expected to supervise in the Funhouse at all times.

A small cafe on the lower level offers a place to sit and let some of the "Great Science" lessons sink in; however, the food selections are snacks, not meals. Plan to have your main meal elsewhere (try Johnny Mango in nearby Ohio City) and focus on the exhibits rather than the food while you're at GLSC.

Because IMAX movies rotate often, permanent displays are updated frequently, and several national traveling exhibits stop here each year, GLSC warrants several visits each year. Purchasing an annual membership can be a good option for many visitors.

Note the schedule of traveling exhibits' opening and closing weekends, as those tend to be the most crowded times to visit.

Birthday Parties can be arranged for $175 for up to 20 guests, which includes admission for your guests and the use of a private party room on the day of your party. (You supply your own cake and other refreshments and paper products.) Party reservations should be made about three weeks in advance.

Summer Camp programs are held annually for kids in Kindergarten - eighth grades. Themes are announced and registration begins in April. Contact GLSC for a brochure or check programs information online.

Camp-Ins are held on selected Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year, from 7pm-9:30am. Camp-Ins include a live science show and hands-on science workshops, in addition to access to GLSC exhibits with no crowds! To arrange for a Camp-In or for your group to "Explore the Great Indoors," contact the Camp-In coordinator by emailing campins@glsc.org.

During the winter holidays, GLSC rolls out a 30- by 80-foot polymer ice rink that allows skaters great views from the shore of the great lake as they coast over the almost-ice surface. (The high-tech compound makes for slightly easier gliding; it can also be used even when temperatures are above freezing.) For a current skating schedule, check our calendar or the GLSC website.