The Great Lakes Science Center, at Cleveland's North Coast Harbor, just down the road from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, invites visitors of all ages to "learn by doing" with their 400 hands-on exhibits. You'll find features on technology, the environment, the body, and the Great Lakes. There are interactive traveling exhibitions year-round, as well as an adjacent OMNIMAX theater.

The Exhibits:

The Great Lakes Science Center features over 165,000-square feet of exhibit space.

The hands-on, learning displays include such topics as Science and Space, Technology, and the Environment (with special emphasis on the Great Lakes).

Some of the center's signature exhibits include the Bridge of Fire with a static generator that generates 200,000 volts of electric current, causing the shortest of hair to stand on end, and the Polymer Funhouse, where kids ages seven and younger can jump around and pull and play with the stretchy polymer. Regular traveling exhibitions (some with an additional admission charge) augment the permanent offerings.

Omni Max Theater:

The state-of-the-art OMNIMAX theater lets visitors explore the Mysteries of the Great Lakes, explore the Martian terrain with rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and see the wonders of Ancient Egypt, among other things, without ever leaving the theater. The surround sound, six-story domed facility engrosses the viewer as it teaches about geography, the environment, and even the human body.

Visiting the Great Lakes Science Center:

The Great Lakes Science Center is open every day of the year, except Christmas and Thanksgiving. It sits downtown at Cleveland's lakefront between FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The center offers an adjacent, enclosed parking garage and gives a discount to visitors.

Facilities for Visitors:

Visitors may dine at the Great Lake Science Center's Elements Cafe, a full service eatery with indoor and seasonal patio seating, as well as a Pizza Hut outlet and the casual Great Lakes Grill, on the lower level. The Center's Science Store offers unique and educational items, such as books, games, puzzles, and more. It's a great place to shop for the holidays.

Hours and Admission:

Hours: 10am - 5pm, Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5pm on Sundays
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission Prices (2015):
Science Center general admission: Adults - $14, Children 2-17 -$12
OmniMax Theater: Adults - $11, Children 2-17 - $9

Wm. S. Mather only: Adults - $8, Children 2-17 - $6
Combination Science center and OmniMax theater: Adults - $19, Children 2-17 - $17

Combination Science Center and Wm. S. Mather: Adults - $19, Children 2-17 - $17

All three attractions: Adults $23, Children 2-17 - $21
Discounts are offered to GLSC members, groups, seniors (65 and older) and military personnel and dependents. Bank of America sponsors free admission to the Science Center on the first full weekend of every month when you present your B of A credit or debit card at the GLSC box office.

Contact Information:

Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave (at North Coast Harbor)
Cleveland, OH 44114
216 694-2000

Hotels Near the Great Lakes Science Center:

The Great Lakes Science Center is within walking distance of major downtown hotels, such as the Renaissance Cleveland (check rates), the Ritz Carlton(check rates), and the Marriott Key Center (check rates). For less expensive accommodations, try one of the hotels at the I-77/Rockside Road corridor, such as the Holiday Inn Independence(check rates).

^{(last updated 5-28-15)}

Go to About.com Cleveland home page.