Holiday Break Boredom Busters
Bring the kids to the Washington Pavilion and enjoy all of the activities available to families!
Please note that we will be closed Monday, January 1.
Regular Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center daily admission rates apply. Members are FREE.
Kirby Science Discovery Center Activities
Engage in live science demonstrations at our Avera Stage Science! Investigate the world around us with Preschool Science activities, blast off to space, explore weight distribution with over 2,000 nails on our Bed of Nails, and discover the science behind what makes you special and unique in our Genetics: DNA Building Blocks demonstration. These are just a few favorites from our library of 9 rotating Stage Science demonstrations .
*Daily at 11:15 a.m. | Preschool Science
*Daily at 2:15 & 3:15 p.m. | Stage Science Experiments
View December Stage Science Experiments (PDF)
Demonstrations and films are subject to change. Please check with Box Office or Kirby Science Discovery Center staff. *View Kirby Science Discovery Center Hours
New Year's Eve Kirby Science Discovery Center Balloon Drop
Join us on December 31 for a kid friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration! Engage in hands-on science activities before ending the day with a balloon drop at 5 p.m. Help us count down the seconds before dropping prize filled balloons from the 3rd floor of the Science Center to the 2nd floor of the Science Center.
Explore the Kirby Science Discovery Center
Movies in the Wells Fargo CineDome
“The Polar Express”
Bring the family to the Wells Fargo Cinedome and enjoy a magical story of friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. "The Polar Express" will play at 1:45 p.m. every day the Kirby Science Discovery Center is open as well as 5 & 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through January 4, 2018. Enjoy cocoa and cookies available for purchase at concessions!
Join us for special "Polar Express" hands-on activities on Saturday afternoons from 3:30 - 5 p.m.
December 30 | Don’t miss your last opportunities for some hands-on Polar Express activities from 3:30 - 5 p.m.Conduct the mini train exhibit, create a train out of recyclable materials, design a conductors hat, and discover the science behind our magical insta-snow polymers.
“Amazon Adventure”
View our newest film, Amazon Adventure, which brings you on a journey to the visually stunning and bio-diverse Amazon rainforest with the true story of explorer Henry Bates and his 11 year journey as he risks his life for science in the 1850's.
"The Light Before Christmas 2D"
The Candleman teaches Katie and Makean that Christmas is more than just presents. See this educational mission film before it departs on January 4, 2018
Visual Arts Center Activities
Art Scavenger Hunt
Explore the Visual Arts Center and challenge yourself to complete a scavenger hunt. Turn in a completed Scavenger Hunt at the Visual Arts Center front desk for a prize!
Crafting in the Raven Children's Studio
Join us in the Raven Children’s Studio for an engaging craft activity and create a happy tree sculpture based off Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree or design a holiday card for your family and friends.