While we stayed at Jacques Rolling Wheels DIY, Mom and the kids got a chance to explore the Discovery Center in Springfield, Missouri!
So what is it?
The Springfield Discovery Center is an enormous STEM playground. Unlike other museums we’ve seen, where there may be a small interactive play area, this whole facility is dedicated to learning through play.
Due to the midweek visit, the kids had a free run of the place and got to explore a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math principles by doing activities like building and then walking over a bridge:
Or playing with light on a photoreactive background. And lots more.
Minecraft IRL
One of the play spaces the kids spent a lot of time in was a Minecraft building zone.
It’s amazing the amount of fun children can make when given only their imagination and a few dozen cardboard boxes! Makes one wonder why we buy them toys in the first place!
Digital Playground!
One room of the Springfield Discovery Center was dedicated to a Digital Playground. Kids can choose different scenes to interact with by tossing balls. From a basketball court to busting down a wall, and more! The computer tracked the thrown balls and showed the effects on a big projector.
SPACE!!!!
What kid-centered STEM place would be complete without a space exhibit? As of writing this the space section has been reconfigured to follow the Mars Rover programs. While the kids were there, it was more focused on the planets, rocketry, and the principles of flight. Still a lot of fun!
And so much more!
In addition to the themed areas, there were lots of general learning and just fun, interactive displays.
This interactive topographical map projected different features based on how the kids shaped the sandbox. Turning rivers into oceans, or directing the flow of lava from a volcano!
Or experiment with magnets, centrifugal forces, and pneumatics; so much to see and do!
And we got to do all of this for free because of the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) reciprocal benefits the boy got during his Young Eagles Flight. Yet another reason why memberships can be a great gift idea for friends and family on the road!