Lawrence Hall of Science552

Lawrence Hall of Science is a small, but sophisticated science museum, with exhibits that appeal to kids on either end of the age spectrum. Exhibits are ever-changing, but at the core of every single one is the message that science is both an everyday event and something that can send you into new exciting orbits, too.

Fixed features include the planetarium, considered one of the best in the world because it's small, friendly, and incorporates questions and activities into each show. There's a computer lab, and biology discovery lab as well.

Other ongoing exhibits include: Forces That Shape the Bay, NanoZone, Real Astronomy Experience, The Idea Lab, and Mastodon (Gomphotherium simpsoni).

The museum has a very active calendar of events, and often hosts family-oriented workshops that enable participants to to explore scientific principles together- everything from hair-raising static to dino math.

Planetarium Shows: Tickets cost $3 for adults and $2.50 for 18 and under for a rotating schedule of shows playing Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, 1pm, 2:15pm, and 3:30pm. Children under six are not admitted except for A Sky Full of Stars and Journey to the Moon which are appropriate for children ages four to seven. Check the website for performance times.

Lunch & Snack: The Bay View Cafe offers a variety of lunch specials and tasty treats. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Classes: Children can choose from a range of science workshops offered throughout the year. Each session costs about $15/class and extends from four to eight weeks in length.

Camps: LHS offers nearly 100 camp sessions each summer. Sessions vary from half-day sessions to week-long residential camps. Visit the website for more details.

Parties: The Museum can organize parties around special workshops and exhibits. For information and reservations, call 510.642.5134.