Discovery Science Center Focuses on Outdoors

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home
at the Discovery Science Center
June 20th-October 4th

The Discovery Science Center is Orange County’s only Smithsonian affiliate – and helps hundreds of thousands of students and families experience science each year. Their newest interactive and educational exhibit encourages families to spend time together outdoors, inspiring children to discover and care for the natural resources that sustain our world.

Location: The big black “cube” and outdoor life-sized dinosaur is very noticeable off Interstate 5 at Main Street. When I come from the south, I stay in the outside right turn lane–so I can make the immediate left into the parking lot at the first light. There is an attendant in the lot for paying the $3 parking fee (or to show your annual parking pass if you purchased one). MAP<

Highlights:

• Everything felt very authentic – just like the “real” visitor centers we frequent at all the wilderness areas we visit. The ranger station and lookout tower felt especially real – although kid-sized.
• My kids were enthralled with the campfire. Press one button to “light” the fire and hear it crackle. Then tip the water bucket to hear a splash and extinguish the flame. Pretend marshmallows on sticks made their way from the campfire to the tent and back.
• The next most popular attraction was the Woodsy’s puppet tree where kids can create a performance using cool audio effects and costumes. For readers, there are story starters posted promoting conservation messages.
• I found the exhibit to be very effective at bringing the outdoors inside. There were opportunities to learn about the water cycle, recycling, composting, urban ecology, tree planting, water safety and first aid.

Be Aware:

• My photos do not do the exhibit justice. I didn’t include photos of everything – so you should do some discovering on your own. It’s really worth a visit. Just make sure you follow up with a trip outdoors!
  
• Fee for parking and admission (Discovery Science Center website for info)
• Can be really busy on days with school field trips

Checklist:

• Parking in dedicated fee lot
• Exhibit is on the 2nd floor. After you pass the ticket counter, there are 2 stairways to your left. If you choose the stairway closest to the rock climbing wall, you’ll walk right into the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl exhibit.
• The elevator is straight to the back of the center (from the entrance). Take it to the 2nd floor and you’ll walk right into the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl exhibit.
• Restrooms are near the elevators.
• Nice and cool inside on hot summer days.

Suggestions:

• Check out Peace Love and Momminess post on Discovery Science Center
• After your visit, consider walking across Main Street to Santiago Park (pictured below).