Fun Things to See at Science City this Summer

Science City at Union Station


30 W Pershing Rd  Kansas City, MO 64108

816.460.2020

Tickets: Adults are $13.50, and children (3-12) are $11.50.

Hours: Tues - Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 11am - 5pm

Science City housed in Union Station, is Kansas City's own hands-on science center with permanent and traveling exhibits to educate and engage children. 

Great Reasons to visit Science City this Summer

• The Membership is Reciprocal with other Museums. If you are traveling this summer, consider a Science City membership so you can explore science museums across the country. Members also receive discounts on shows, gift shop and more.
• The Science of Energy Exhibit. This is our FAVORITE exhibit at Science City and it is a huge kudos to students from Olathe North High School, winners of the 2011 Battle of the Brains educational competition. Features of the exhibit include: a power wheel, bicycle generators, a hand crank generator, computer kiosks a giant interactive digital wall, a solar and wind impact table, and displays of wind turbines and solar panels. This is one of the most educational and interactive exhibits at Science City and it was great to enjoy something new!
• The Extreme Screen. The BRAND NEW Extreme Screen Theater seats 440 for 2D movies and 380 for 3D movies featuring an 80 ft x 53 ft screen, RealD 3D, and an amazing sound system. Catch NEW RELEASES at the Extreme Screen this summer as a great way to beat the heat. Tickets: $10/Adults and $7 / Child (4-11)
• The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium's 60-foot dome makes it one of the largest planetariums in the Midwest. We love visiting the planetarium for incredible (simulated) views of the night sky and educational programs that still captivate this generation of budding scientists
• The Variety of Exhibits. My girls love digging for dinosaur bones in the dino exhibit. The new-this-summer Aliens & Androids exhibit explores the possibility of life on other planets and showcases favorite movie characters - a fave for sci-fi buffs. The shuttle simulator in the Astronaut Learning Center is a highlight for our family each time we visit. The musical park is great fun for toddlers and preschoolers who also love the water table. The KC Rail Experience is a wonderful historic exhibit showcasing the history of the rails in KC and Union Station.
• A Great Way to Beat the Heat. Let's face it - Kansas City summers can get hot, muggy, and kinda miserable (especially if you prefer that temps stay under 80 degrees as I do). If you're looking for a way to cool off AND learn something - this is the place.
• Science City is a great place to play. The indoor playgrounds, tunnels, hands-on exhibits - kids burn off tons of energy and explore new spaces.
• Real Pirates are coming June 22! Sun & Mon 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets: Anytime Ticket $20.00; Adults (ages 13 +) [Time-specific ticket] $18.95; Child (3-12) $14.50; Member Adults $12.50 Member Child $10.00; Student and Adult Group prices available for groups of 15 or more - Student groups: $12.00; Adult groups: $15.00. The Jolly Roger is flying over Union Station from June 22nd through January 5th, as the station’s halls have been taken over by Real Pirates. Experience the Golden Age of Piracy aboard the Whydah, one of the most successful pirate ships of her day, and learn about her roots as a slave ship and subsequent takeover and conversion into a pirate ship in the early 1700s. Discover how John Brown ended up aboard the Whydah or ask Dr. Ferguson about the surgeries he performed below deck. Join the crew in an all-pirate sing-along, learn how their treasures were divided, and find out what they feasted on while they were away from land. The Real Pirates man the ship every day, making each journey a unique and interactive voyage.
• The Maker Faire is Coming! June 29 & 30 at Union Station. Click for Ticket Information.  Maker Faire: Kansas City celebrates things people create themselves. This family-friendly event demonstrates what and how people are inventing, making and creating. It brings together Makers, Crafters, Inventors, Hackers, Scientists and Artists for a faire full of fun and inspiration. Come see what others are making and be inspired to tap into your own creativity! My husband makes it an annual tradition to attend - and display his own 3D printer.

Tips for a Visit to Science City:

• Always check the calendar of events before you go - lots of fun guest visitors, workshops, and events planned this summer!
• Most exhibits are targeted for elementary age students, but many exhibits also appeal to teens and adults.
• You may bring strollers. The line of sight is a bit wild with multiple levels (see photos) - we plan in advance and choose exhibits together to keep the family together.
• Plan to see favorites first  in case children are tired or hungry before you see it all - which leads us to:
• Memberships are great for return visits! The nice thing about local - you don't have to see it all in one day.
• Pair it with a trip to Crown Center - walk the link adjoining the two and enjoy this summer's FREE Curious George Exhibit, FREE creativity at Kaleidoscope, LEGOLand, Sea Life, and shopping and dining! 
• Be sure to visit the model railroad exhibit while you're there - it is at the far end of the Grand Hall and is truly one of the best model train displays we have ever seen.

A few photos from our day at Science City

Aliens & Androids Exhibit

Aliens & Androids Exhibit

Aliens & Androids Exhibit

Robotic Arms

Aliens & Androids Exhibit

Aliens & Androids Exhibit

Science of Energy Exhibit

Science of Energy Exhibit

Science of Energy Exhibit

Science of Energy

Science of Energy

Water Table

Science of the Sphere

Dancing on light up Floor

Shuttle Simulator at Science City

Digging for Dinosaur Bones

Dinosaur Exhibit