Reuben H. Fleet Science Center452

Named for benefactor and former aviator Reuben H. Fleet, San Diego's science-themed museum is, in the words of one parent, "one of the coolest museums ever." Located in Balboa Park, the museum has seven themed galleries that offer tons of hands-on opportunities to illustrate natural phenomena such as energy and motion.

Little kids (ages five and under) can enjoy Kid City, a colorful, interactive exhibition that includes conveyor belts, air chutes, a factory, grocery store, a ball wall, and several kid-friendly computers to teach young visitors about the wonders of the everyday working world. Throughout the exhibition, tips and strategies are offered on parent-child interaction to encourage children's learning.

Block Busters is one of the most recent additions to Center's permanent collection, and kids love it. Using only imagination and wooden KEVA planks, they can build free-form structures and wear an engineer/architect hat for an hour ot two.

The complex also boasts the world's first IMAX Dome Theater that projects multimedia Planetarium shows and films that stretch overhead, making you feel like you're flying through space, climbing Mt. Everest, or plunging into the Grand Canyon. Also, each month, the IMAX theater offers IMAX en Espanol, for Spanish-speaking guests; check the website for upcoming dates.

Badge workshops centering around science are offered for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and are held on weekends.

Science Saturdays offer kids ages five to 12 an opportunity to explore concepts from "snow science" to "slime science;" make-and-take activities cost $2 with admission.

Astronomy & Space

Held the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm & 8:15pm in the Dome Theater, The Sky Tonight presents the sky in San Diego as it appears on the night of the planetarium show as well as special topics in astronomy. Following the show, visitors can join professional and amateur astronomers who have their own telescopes set up outside (weather permitting).

The Nierman Challenger Learning Center uses a realistic NASA Mission Control mock-up and a futuristic Space Station to transport school groups on simulated space voyages. Participants must complete tasks as a team in order to complete a successful mission.

On site is a small gift shop and counter-service food bar, though visitors can also bring a picnic and enjoy the park instead; keep hold of your ticket stub for re-entry!.

The admission price varies depending on the package selected. The least expensive option is the Gallery Experience, where families can explore the museum, stopping at the many stations. Two other options include a single IMAX film plus a gallery visits or two IMAX films plus a gallery visit.