Four Incredible Science Museums in the Midwest

Aug 22, 2025

Looking for a fun way to exercise your brain while being fully entertained? Look no further than these creative and fun science museums! Today’s blog is all about interesting destinations to visit for both kids and the kid at heart, and learn a little more about our world at the same time. Whether you want to learn more about the earth sciences through fossil exploration or historic artifacts, or you want to try your hand at a science experiment, or maybe you’d like to wonder what it’s like to wander amongst the stars, you’ll find a little something to satisfy every curious mind. Check out our picks for four incredible science museums in the midwest and plan your next family fun outing.

Michigan Science Center in Detroit is part of the Smithsonian network of museums and one of the 10 largest science museums in the US. It features 5 different theaters: The Chrysler IMAX Dome Theater, Dassault Systemes Planetarium, Toyota Engineering Theater, Chrysler Science State, and DTE Energy Sparks Theater, each hosting their own unique exhibit and themes highlighting life sciences, physical sciences, geology, and more. The museum hosts 220 interactive exhibits across the sciences including live shows and an observatory. The ExploreLAB offers a chance to check out fossils, dinosaurs, insects, and more. The Special Exhibit Hall features a rotating series of special exhibits for limited engagements. It’s a great opportunity to give your kids a hands-on, interactive STEM centered experience.

Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines is an immersive experience in the world of science, featuring interactive galleries and learning labs along with a planetarium and IMAX theater. The Star Theater is a 50-foot planetarium featuring a rotation of about 10-12 exhibits on space and weather related topics. Permanent Exhibits include the Small Discoveries exhibit for toddlers and kids to explore a realistic tiny town; “What on Earth?” focus on zoology, meteorology, and geology; “When Things Get Moving” is a physical sciences experience platform with hands-on mechanics and engineering; “Why the Sky?” focuses in space exploration and astronomy an lets you get up close with spacecraft; “Makers Studio” is a STEAM based learning exhibit allowing you and your family to create, design, and test one-of-a-kind creations; “Brick by Brick” is a LEGO centric exhibit showcasing architecture and engineering through play. These and many more rotating limited engagements and special events are a must-see if you’re in the area

The Science Center of Southern Illinois in Carbondale offers visitors numerous hands-on activities and interactive exhibits with STEM/STEAM focused activities. This museum is geared especially towards children. Explore the 65+ exhibits geared from infants through teens including dioramas, hands-on exhibits, sculptures, and more. You’ll find a play area for small kids that’s focused on learning through play.

Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is a non-profit science museum adjacent to both Lake Michigan and University of Chicago. The facility is known for its award-winning exhibits, numerous historic artifacts, and dozens of hands-on activities. Current Exhibits include “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing” which immerses visitors in comic books, props, and costumes; “Coal Mine” takes guests through a mineshaft for an inside look into a true-to-life coal mine; “The Blue Paradox” takes a look at our relationship with the environment and pollution; “U-505” is a real life German Submarine used during World War II on display; “Beyond the Surface” explores the artistry and history of X-Rays and photography; “Science Storms” explores concepts of weather and meteorology; “Pioneer Zephyr” is a historic train that pioneered modern rail travel and transportation; “Henry Crown Space Center” features artifacts and spacecraft, chronicling the history of space programs around the world.