Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Tucked into the eastern edge of Balboa Park is the Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum. I must admit, the name first struck me as a bit stuffy. The entrance also appeared imposing with its large marble blocks and heavy archways. From the moment you walk through the front doors, however, you can tell this is made for kids.

Before you even purchase your ticket you are greeted initially by an interactive display on electricity, which the kids can play around with while you stand in line to get tickets. When you walk inside the museum, the foyer is filled with one station after another of things to touch, watch, and contemplate. The display signs are great at explaining the associated science in non-technical language.

I am a huge fan of large rooms where my kids, several years apart, can explore different things while I can keep an eye on each one. And there is also an advantage to those places that offer entire rooms for the younger set to explore apart from activities that their older siblings are interested in. This museum has both. The large room on the bottom offers things that kids of different ages can do.  The experiments are simple enough for any kid to master (and my three-year-old had to try just about each and every one) and visual enough to entice even the science-phobe.  We spent a little more than an hour in the bottom foyer and easily could have spent more time.  Upstairs had one spacious room dedicated to the 5 yrs. and under crowd. Here were shaped blocks made from sponges that fit into a wall of corresponding shapes, a large scale to weigh fruits and vegetables, and so many other things that were inviting to play with and introduced science concepts that were age-appropriate. Those kids older than five might enjoy the room of KEVA planks. Due to the shape and balance of each plank, you can build and balance just about anything that you can imagine. Aside from these two main areas upstairs, there are hallways full of optical illusions and mind benders, enought to make your brain melt.

Attached is the IMAX Dome Theatre where different shows are played on the hour. A small cafe is also attached to the musuem, with outdoor only seating. Parking is free and nearby. There is also an outdoor playground within walking distance.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets from Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. However, this post is based solely on my experience and my opinion.