Museum of Science352

The Museum of Science has well-designed interactive exhibits on three floors and incredible views of the Charles River, Beacon Hill, and the Back Bay; you may never want to leave.

Take the littlest guys (ages eight and under) to the children's room in the Discovery Center. Kids ages five and under can create with huge building blocks, play in furry animal costumes, hide out in a lighted cave, or pretend they're busy making honey in the honeycomb (bee costumes provided).

Even babies will have a blast. For the grounded set, you'll find a softly padded, gated area where the littlest can check themselves out in the mirror, play with the toys, or gaze up at a spinning disco ball.

Kids over five can hang out on the other side of the Center. There you'll find discovery boxes, a hands-on "Experiment of the Day", and a plenty more diversions.

In addition to the exhibits, you can visit the Charles Hayden Planetarium, which features sky shows and laser shows, the Mugar Omni Theater, an Imax theater that is truly in the round. Each of these will run you an additional $7 (kids) and $9 (adults), or you can buy Combination tickets to save a bit.

Lunch: You aren't allowed to bring your own sandwiches, but the Galaxy Cafe offers a decent selection of sandwiches and snacks served cafeteria-style when you're ready to eat. It's clean and you'll enjoy looking out the window and watching the Red Line subway crossing the Longfellow Bridge to and from Cambridge.

Classes: For curiosity-minded children and families, the museum offers science, engineering, and technology courses and workshops. Topics range from chemistry to robotics for students from pre-k through high school. Prices range from $40 for a two-hour weekend workshop to $250 for a five-day morning or afternoon class. Scholarship aid available.

The Discovery Series I & II is seasonal and introduces kids to several scientific concepts. These classes run for six weeks for kids in grades 1-2 (series I) and 3-4 (series II). Explorers classes, for older children in grades 5-7, run a similar 6-week program on a seasonal basis. Price ranges from $89/members to $96/non-members. Register well in advance.

Summer and school vacation programs: The museum hosts a summer program of one-week morning classes during July and August with full- and half-day options and extended hours. February and April vacation weeks and some custom programs are also available. For more information or to register online, go to Courses at www.mos.org. To be added to the mailing list, email courses@mos.org or call 617.589.0300.

Adult programs are also available. The Museum offers a lending library with books, videos and CDs.

Membership: Basic membership passes offer free Exhibit Halls admission for two ($70), five ($100), or eight ($130) people.

For a brunch treat, the Skyline Room - with a great view of Boston - serves Sunday brunch. The meal includes free entry to see the museum exhibits, a ticket to the planetarium, and free parking!

The Museum of Science is a participant in City Pass, a convenient way to visit six Boston attractions. Other participating attractions include: Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Skywalk Observatory, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

The Museum of Science is also a departure point for Boston Duck Tours.