Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California

Sometimes I get the impression that an otherwise perfectly good science museum just threw in a couple interactive elements so they could justify an extra five to ten on the ticket price. Not so the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, California. If you’re traveling the West Coast with kids this summer, drive down to this groovy SoCal city for a science museum that really gets it right.

You’ll know it when you see it. The Discovery Science Center’s 10-story photovoltaic cube might be little more than background to daily drivers on the I-5, but first-timers can’t help but be a little shocked. It’s a striking presence and just a taste of what’s to come.

For the reasonable adult admission of $12.95, there’s really a lot to see and do. The hot exhibit right now is the temporary Robots & Us, hosted daily through September 7. Kids have the chance to design simple robots, pilot more sophisticated contraptions and explore the inner-workings of even the most complex life-mimicking machines. It may startle at times, you may even breach the uncanny valley, but what you won’t get are any bored faces.

Of course, that exhibit will be transforming and rolling out soon. There are plenty of permanent exhibits that more that make it a worthy trip:

• Perceptions – several cool mini-exhibits, but the favorite has got to be the massive pin art wall. It’s a dream come true for any kid (of any age )
• Science of Hockey – this newer exhibit is really just an excuse to take shots at a hockey net, but they throw in some … information … and stuff…
• Air & Space – fly a plane, feel the power of aerodynamics, see incredible real-life flying machines up close.
• Techno Arts – I’m no scientist. I’m a writer. I value the artistic over the scientific, and that’s why I love Techno Arts. The super-cool Laser Harp lets kids experience a neat technological trick while also creating music. Perfect.
• Dino Quest – this massive exhibit features some of the best educational dinosaur models in the world. Kids love this one.

Coordinators at the Science Center have done future guests the kindness of posting their incoming field trip schedule, so plan ahead and try not to show up at the same time, lest you and your child be overwhelmed by the onslaught.

The Discovery Science Center is located along Interstate 5 in Santa Ana, California. It’s the building right next to the giant cube. Adult admission is $12.95; just $9.95 for the young’ns. The museum is open daily. Learn more.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away in the neighboring town of Costa Mesa you’ll find the Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa Hotel, one of our preferred hotels in the area. Free parking, free Internet, free breakfast, located two miles from the Airport, cool sundeck, free pass to 24-hour fitness. There’s lots to like about these Express hotels.

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