Exploring Space and Science at the Great Lakes Science Center #WyndhamWeekends

***Disclosure: I received complimentary passes through the travel campaign with New Creative Media.   All opinions expressed are 100% my own and my family’s. Any additional expenses incurred were my own. ***

I am always looking for fun ways to make sure my kids continue to learn, even in the summer. Of course reading books and doing worksheets doesn't excite them much...It feels too much like being in school! 

During our Wyndham Weekends adventure, I was able to fit in a lot of educational activities that were just plain FUN. First, we learned about marine life at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The kids absolutely loved it, once they got past their fear of real life fish! (Hey, they're 3 and 4 years old!) 

The next day, we had my teenager with us as well, so we decided to hit the Great Lakes Science Center. Kyle is almost 15, and he is very interested in anything scientific. Whether it's space travel, electricity, how the human body works, or the science behind music and sound, he gets really excited. The Great Lakes Science Center offers all of these things and more, with loads of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. 

My kids seemed to really love being able to use all of their senses to learn about science. They were able to experience sights, sounds, textures, and more, all in one convenient place.  Plus, the Great Lakes Science Center is located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, convenient to the highways and several area hotels like the Wyndham at Playhouse Square. 

All 3 children were completely fascinated by the science behind sound and music. We're a pretty musical family, after all! I sing, and can dabble in guitar and piano, my husband plays bass, and my Dad does basically everything. He's been in a band longer than I've been alive. Being able to learn how sound waves travel and how different sounds are created was a real treat for my family, and the kids literally spent hours in this section. 

They also really enjoyed the medical section. Here, we learned how food travels through the digestive system, and they even had a real stomach to demonstrate! We also learned about how food acts as fuel, as well as how to make healthy dietary choices. Sophie and Xander even got to build their own strand of DNA in an interactive exhibit that's perfect for young children. 

Also, right now there is an AMAZING LEGO exhibit. Here, there are famous works of art replicated completely in LEGO pieces! There's Van Gogh, and even some iconic pop-culture pieces, including portraits of John Lennon and Tigger. Add to that replicas of some amazing architectural feats, and prepare to be completely wowed. They have some very talented builders here! 

Check out these great exhibits in the slideshow below:

Another wonderful exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center is the new NASA Glenn Visitor Center. This, as you can imagine, is packed full of exhibits that deal with space travel, past, present, and even a glimpse of the future. 

We had a wonderful time landing space shuttles, learning about gravity, and learning how space travel works. They had many hands-on activities that demonstrate exactly how astronauts make things happen while they're exploring deep, dark space.

My teen was absolutely sucked in to the space exhibits, and even told me he'd love to travel to outer space one day, if it ever becomes affordable. That may be a long way into the future, but hey, a kid can dream, right? 

We also got to see real space suits and even pose for photos with one! Kyle and Xander hammed it up, but poor Sophie seemed a bit confused. The kids also loved climbing the rocky terrain of Mars. This was really neat, and definitely made them see how different from Earth other planets are.

Check out our visit to space in the slideshow below:

In addition to these great exhibits, the Great Lakes Science Center also offers a 6-story OMNIMAX theater where you can catch great films like "Island of Lemurs: Madagascar" and "Journey to the South Pacific". 

We had a fantastic time beating the summer heat at the Great Lakes Science Center. The kids were awe-struck by all of the hands-on exhibits, and I loved seeing their faces light up as they learned new things about the world around them and beyond. If you're ever in Cleveland, definitely put this on your to-do list. Whether you're 3 or 93, you're bound to enjoy the wonderful world of science! 

How to COnnect :

The Great Lakes Science Center is located at:
601 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-694-2000

Hours:
Great Lakes Science Center is open Monday - Sunday from 
10 am - 5 pm. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.)


You can check out the awesomeness that is the Great Lakes Science Center on their website. 

You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest events and promotions!