The kiddos plus cousins recently invaded the Kentucky Science Center. We got to explore it much more than we had been able to before, and I left with more appreciation for all that it offers. The kids played with the sensory activities, the dinosaur and animal exhibits, engineering fun, the makerspace and so much more. We ended up spending a couple hours there, and we could have stayed longer if not for impending nap times. The facility was clean and so much for everyone to learn. Our family members, who were visiting from Philly, lamented the fact that they don't have a kids science museum like this by them. It was neat to see it through their eyes. We also ended up getting the membership that also includes the Louisville Zoo. As long as we visit twice, the membership will be a deal. The science center also hosts great events, including some fun ones for adults. Plus we need to go back and see a film in its theater. Like I wrote in my last review of the center, it's a gem! read more

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This review is well overdue. We've visited quite a few science centers and children's museum so I can't help but compare this spot to others. It's conveniently located in the heart of downtown Louisville alongside other museums like the slugger museum. We were lucky and able to find metered parking around the corner. My biggest complaint with this museum was the price $$$ to experience ratio. The price was on par with some of the nicer museums of this nature like Cosi in Columbus, Carnegie in Pittsburgh, etc but the experience wasn't up to the same level. It also felt like there were a lot of kids not being watched closely so we had to keep an extra close eye on our younger crew in this space. The museum features playscapes, hands-on experiences, space exhibits, creamy area, water play, etc. making it ideal for ages two and up. read more

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In short: fun for kids, not so great for adults. This isn't a museum but more of an indoor science play area for kids. We've been here twice in the last several years and both experiences were exactly the same. Same exhibits and the same 'old' feeling of worn out and dirty 'exhibits.' Some things are even broken. I was personally bored in here quickly. On the flip side, my son loves this place. He loves making paper rockets to shoot out to the floor below, building things in the construction/fort area, and watching the balls roll in the watershed exhibit. Making the weatherman video was a blast, as was playing with the air tubes that pushed out scarves. We spent a decent amount of time on each floor, with the exception of the top floor that didn't hold our interest at all. Then he was ready to go. We spent maybe four hours here each visit. We live about an hour and a half from here, so it's a bit of a drive. I was determined that we stay here longer than the time it takes to drive here. Might be worth the drive once or so to bring your kids, but not frequently unless you live nearby and your kids love this place. read more

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As a parent, I find this place completely overwhelming and chaotic, but my 5.5y/o and 18m old both love it. Do yourself a favor and arrive as soon as it opens, before the crowds, and it's lovely! Best kept secret is the construction zone. You can access it from the 2nd or 3rd floors, using the side staircases nearest the portland side of town. It's a less busy, fun space to decompress and my kids will play with the shovels and forts for an extended time. Outside drinks and snacks are permitted, but remember that you're traveling up and down stairs/elevators with whatever you bring in. Their snack options are basically just a vending machine, so we don't usually buy anything there. If you're able to buy a membership, I love having the dual membership with the zoo! read more

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Worth every penny! We stopped here during a day trip from Indy and completely underestimated it. Our three year old had a fantastic time especially in the construction site and the water table. Ample bathrooms. Parking lot that is $8 for members and $16 for all day. We liked it so much we paid for the membership for the year. The only food on site is a vending machine and Subway next door. A lot of interactive and engaging spaces for kids and grownups to play and learn together. read more

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I brought my 3- and 5-year-old nephews, and we really enjoyed it! We were there for over 2 hours and didn't get close to seeing all the exhibits. They were super engaged with several activities and played for an amazing amount of time (15 minutes or more before I coaxed them to the next exhibit). In several instances I was tempted to push the kiddos aside and tinker with the activity myself. It was also clearly vetted by parents. Plenty of bathrooms that even had stools for little ones to reach the sink, nursing areas, and an enclosed climbing area with transparent walls. (Cincinnati's Children's Museum has a much larger climbing area with lots of alcoves, but you can't see in at all. One time we adults had to climb many obstacles and twists and turns, following the crying to locate a scared kiddo.) It's not cheap for one day but not terrible. And the family pass is a great deal! read more

Kentucky Science Center - Enclosed climbing area where you can see exactly what the kids are doing! - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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This is a great spot for kids. You can spend at least 2+ hours going through all the fun levels for learning and activities. You can pack a UPS truck, grab a shopping cart, water play, make music, learn about anaimals, make tents and so much more. read more

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The Kentucky Science Center can be summed up in one word: Wow! If you have kids (of any age) then I highly recommend making a visit! As soon as we walked in to door and were wowed by the main atrium we had a feeling we were going to have a good time. That was then reinforced by the amazingly patient and helpful ticket counter woman who saved us a BUNCH of money by jumping through hoop after hoop to verify our reciprocal membership at a museum in Chicago. (Thank you, kind lady!) From there we were off exploring. It's hard to choose where to start because there are so many things to do! From the areas where you can build things with different materials, to the air duct ball thing, to the tilt maze, to the electricity live demo! and, le pièce de résistance: the rocket launcher! We played and explored and LEARNED till we dropped! Honestly, this review does not do justice for how great this place is you just have to find out for yourself. Pay them a visit and thank me later! read more

We have a fantastic zoo/museum membership that allows us to visit various zoos and museums across the country. The Kentucky Science Center is one location that we enjoy visiting using this pass. While some of the exhibits are outdated and need to be freshened up, the overall experience is very enjoyable. You see children running around and experimenting with different hands on activities which I love! The stations they have are great for getting families to interact and think and problem solve while having fun. There's a small subway that's attached if you get hungry and they have a smaller theater that showcases educational films. We will be continuing to visit this science center and hope that it continues to do well! read more

I'm a Louisville resident so the Science Center has been part of our regular family time. We haven't been back since Covid and the free pass on the culture pass was the perfect reason to visit. The third floor is completely revamped with an exhibit called Uniquely Human. It spotlights the various ways we are different and why it matters. I'm hoping the Science Center will add interactive activities with their volunteers or workers, to help kids of all ages understand the messages. In addition to some areas being moved around, we noticed an expansion of space-related exhibits and displays for UPS. A makers studio was also open on the second floor, and people could take random, every day items to make art. Overall, the spaces felt nicely organized. The first floor continues to be for younger kids - the water display, quiet reading areas, play set and shapes/light blocks. It is very active and loud there, much different than the third floor. IMAX continues to be a fun activity for the full family. Check out available shows and times on the website. It'll be what brings us back ... my guys are getting older and other than reading information on the wall plaques, there isn't much to do. This was probably our shortest visit ever. Memberships available and dual ones include the zoo as well. Street parking with meters or the nearby parking lot, and you can pay by credit card. read more

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Wry disappointed it was a lot better back then during the 2000 era but they renovated everything and taken a lot of good exhibits out. Maybe I'm just getting old but I don't see my kids playing here consider how outdated everything is. $48 was overpriced. read more

Went to see the IMAX movie, Mesamerica. Tickets were reasonably priced, and the museum was closed to the public, which made it nice. However the museum staff didn't seem well prepared for the crowd. We were instructed to arrive at a certain time and details said the movie woukd start at an exact time and you would not be admitted after the movie began. None of tgat was the case. We got there 40 minutes early and tge movie started 15 to 20 minutes late. That was disappointing. However, the movie was as advertised. Calming, beautiful graphics, and well narrated. I was not particularly fond of the music but overall it was great. read more

Kentucky Science Center - The lobby - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

We enjoyed the lower level most. Our 3.5 year old was able to enjoy building, climbing, and exploring things that were his size as well as his academic level. There were also water tables open for exploration as well that even included smocks so children don't get wet! We entered the science center at 9:30 when it opened. We got about 30-40 minutes of play time in before big groups of students were let loose. I believe it was a summer camp. At that point, it became too crowded and kids were running everywhere with minimal supervision. For a parent with a membership, it was a little frustrating as there were 2 occasions where students weren't being watched and accidents happened. We will go again, but will likely go early or before they close. read more

Kentucky Science Center - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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The perfect place to sharpen curious minds! We absolutely LOVE the KY science center. From sensory experiences like the water table, to interactive activities like the UPS flight simulator: the science center has so much to offer children of all ages! Huge hits with my child are the giant UPS delivery truck and the shape store on the first level. We also enjoy the magna tile table on the second floor and absolutely adore (!) the fort building area on the third level. There children have the opportunity to build forts using their imagination and a vast variety of materials (pipes, sheets, cardboard boxes, you name it!). The staff is always incredibly helpful and kind. I highly recommend getting a membership to enjoy unlimited visits throughout the year. Especially on rainy days it is the perfect place to spend quality time with the family! read more

Kentucky Science Center - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Dirty!! Lots of the "exhibits" were broken or just not there. NOT worth the money for sure. I felt like I needed a shower after leaving that place! It's a shame because it used to be so nice but not anymore......go to the zoo or Louisville Underground instead! read more

Definitely on the pricey side. However, there's plenty to do for the kiddos. Very engaging and the staff is super friendly. read more

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It is full of great activities. You can be a updating driver and weather forecaster. They got got rid of what the forts. Great for homeschool fieldtrips read more

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I had the pleasure of accompanying my BFF to see Mesmerica 360 hosted by the Louisville Science Center. It was an amazing cinematic experience featuring music by John Hood. No phones allowed! You need to be focused and centered for the experience! It's all about what you take out of it. It featured birth charts, Luna. Galaxies, Gardens and more! It's Ann about being confidently you, creating your own reality, spreading happiness and being grateful! Live your life in your terms and live it out loud and proud! You only have 1! Love &Light read more

Our party of 7 loved it! Interactive exhibits for all ages. We got in free using the cultural pass. We did have to pay $10 for parking. read more

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Fun for smaller kids for sure. Worth the money I'd take my kids again. Several floors to explore.

We had a great time here! There's interactive activities for all ages. Free entry and membership with WIC. read more

Kentucky Science Center - Play area - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I highly suggest visiting The Kentucky Science Center! My family had the best time. There were so many options and exhibits for all ages! Well worth the trip and the cost of admission! read more

I think the Kentucky Science really is a great place to visit and is cool. I haven't been in years however the prices are a little steep. I was confused that it was $28 for both an exhibit ticket and you have to have a time slot. I was just going to come by whenever. I also called just now to inquire about a hat in the gift shop because on the website, you can't view it. The woman laughed at me and said I guess I'll let IT know. But for any business to have links that don't lead anywhere and you can't view an "online gift shop" via the website is bad SEO practice. She said the "online gift shop" probably was active at one point but it isn't anymore. I would recommend to not have links on a site that don't work! read more

Came here with the kids and they had a really good time, easily 4+ hours of enjoyment. The place is not cheap- with 2 kids, 2 adults and parking ~$70. I'd say this place is well worth a visit if your kids are 10 and under. Older kids and adults might be pretty bored. They don't have a restaurant per se but there is a subway adjacent that you can visit. We didn't add the IMAX show so can't comment on that. read more

My 3 yo Grandson and I had a great time today exploring the Science center! Loved the new exhibits! I didn't realize there was a Subway! We'll have to visit next time. $56 parking and admission. read more

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I've been to the Kentucky Science Center twice, that I can remember: Once as a child and once as and adult. Let me tell you, each experience has quite a different perspective. The KSC has a lot to offer; I was actually pretty pleased and surprised. There are multiple floors filled with fun and educational exhibits, along with a movie theater where they show different documentaries and scientific films. As a kid, this place was awesome. My grade school came here for a field trip and I felt like it was a land of never ending toys, gadgets and gizmos that we could all play with. The movies were fun and easy to enjoy at a younger age. As an adult, it's still pretty cool. You don't expect to learn as much as you do for a place that is more geared towards kids. But also, there are a lot of kids everywhere, with little to no supervision who are running around and screaming. A lot of the exhibits are also dirty, with garbage all over the floors and some places are sticky because of who-knows-the-heck-what. Although there are a lot of different exhibits to peruse through, quite a bit will be out of order, some not even having a sign, you just have to figure out that it's out of order for yourself. The prices aren't that bad. We only had to pay $5 on a Saturday evening, with regular admission being $13 and around $20 if you want to do the movie + exhibits combo. You can easily spend about 2 hours in here, maybe even longer depending on your kids. As a 23 year old childless adult, I probably won't make plans for myself to come back. I've seen it once, I feel satisfied. However, I think it's a fun time for those with families or from out of town. Just keep in mind that the KSC needs some maintenance and upkeep. read more

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This place is fun for kids, they loved every thing in it and can't wait to get back . The place was clean and neat. Lot's of fun and activities for kids and family to enjoy over the weekend read more

Kentucky Science Center - 3D movie at the science center theater - Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Overall average. The 3D movie Dinosaurs of Antarctica was very boring. Place needs to get better in maintenance. Essentially it's three floors of activities. My toddler started running around but then seemed to be getting bored. The ticket price is close to 30 dollars for an adult! For this place it's not worth it.. read more

Used to love going here, but today it was awful. There was hardly any exhibits for the kids to play on, and it was extremely expensive. Everything was very disorganized, thrown all over the floor and half of the displays didn't even work. On top of that all of the parents were just letting their kids runs around without supervision. I am never returning to this place. read more

This is a beautiful center located in downtown Louisville. It has many different exhibits for sensory and lesson seekers. The parking is convenient and the center is nearby many other local attractions. read more

Nice downtown location and plenty to do for kids. It's night nearly as nice as COSI in Columbus, The Museum Center in Cincinnati, or The Children's Museum in Indianapolis. But those are world class museums. The Kentucky Science Center is worth a visit. We even went back a second time in the same weekend at the request of my 9 year old. read more

We recently visited the Kentucky Science Center for the first time to actually attend one of the first night screenings of the Louisville International Festival of Films. Never having been here before I didn't know what to expect. There was even a red carpet and quite a few of the actors from the movie were there. Truth be told, I wasn't even aware of this place, and now I feel bad that I took so long to discover it. I was (well..still am, actually) a huge science nerd from WAAAY back in the day, and the Science Center is right up my alley. Our visit was for an event (We saw one of the movies that was featured during the festival titled "Manipulated" with our friend Chase Masterson), so our ability to really explore was highly limited. We got to meander around the ground floor (which is SO effing cool), and then take the elevator up to the floor the theater is in. Other than that we didn't get to see much...but that's what return trips are for, isn't it? :) I was impressed and surprised by the theater at this facility. It's much bigger and nicer than I would have expected, and the screen is ENORMOUS. It was great for watching the movie we were there to see. The parabolic mirror in the entryway is so friggin' awesome I don't even have words for it. I'm pretty bummed we didn't get to see as much of the Center as we'd liked, but you can bet I'll be back!! read more

Mesmerica was truly special and great. Was a total relaxing state of mind. Music was superb, atmosphere was mesmerizing.

This is a fun place to spend some time with the family, if you come be sure to try and get into one of the imax productions because they are very cool! Admission is not too expensive and I would also recommend getting the dual membership to the zoo if you are getting season passes. They require masks so make sure you bring those because the free ones aren't that great. I found out while I was there if you have an ebt card or wic you get a free membership. The kids had a blast and the staff was very friendly. read more

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Finally getting around to reviewing the Science Center. A staple for anyone with children, whether you're visiting Louisville for the day, or are multi-year members like us. Plenty of options to keep kids coming back, especially the rotating 3rd floor exhibits. We mainly stick to the usual areas (haven't done the movie option much); with so much to do, we easily spend a few hours regularly. Also lots of great "schools-out" camps for kids during the winter and summer, that my kid especially enjoyed. And ask about their membership option to combine with the Louisville Zoo! read more

It's definitely more of a kids' museum than a science museum, but a really nice one! The entire first floor is for younger kids (they say 8 and under; I would say 5 and under). Compared to our kids museum at home they have SO much! There's an incredible water play area, a UPS truck (complete with packages for the kids to "deliver"), an air tube system that kids can shoot scarves through, and a roller coaster design area, as well as all the standard preschool toys (Kaboom blocks, pretend play areas, book nooks, climbing structure) and a dedicated area just for babies and toddlers with toys and stuffed animals. They say the second floor is for ages 5 & up, but my almost 2 year found plenty to enjoy there, including the various building toys (MagnaTile, K'nex, etc.), the wind tunnel and the "mummy" room with taxidermied animals (including an alligator and polar bear!). There are also a few rooms with a more science-y focus, including a room on space and a room about weather and water treatment. I do agree with the criticisms that the video and computer interfaces are out of date - like early 1990s era - but fortunately there aren't too many of those. And the third floor seemed weirdly sparse, almost like they had recently torn down an exhibit and weren't sure what to put in next. There was a "personality" exhibit where you could fill in the blank on "I am ___" and add them to a wall (sounds silly, but some of the responses were amusing) and a display where you could see the stages of embryonic/fetal development, but those were about the only things worth seeing on that floor and there was a lot of empty, open space. It's free for ASTC museum members, which was amazing for us - we went every day of our Louisville trip and our toddler was in heaven and never wanted to leave. Regular admission is a bit steep at $17 for adults, but kids are $13 and kids under 3 are free. The museum store is nice (ASTC members get a 10% discount on all purchases) and I appreciated that you aren't forced to walk through it on your way out. read more

This was a fun place to go waste a few hours on a rainy day. Like some of the other reviews said, a lot of the activities are missing pieces or broken, but honestly, kids don't seem to let that stuff bother them. My daughter (5) had a really good time. It's not the type of place that we would go every week, but it's definitely a must do at least once. read more

This place is absolutely filthy. Every bit of it could use a serious scrub!! Will absolutely not be bringing my kids here again. For the high price tag, I expect more. read more

Our five year old grandson was visiting from out of state and the Science Center was towards the top of the list of things to do with him. Despite the fact that several end of summer camps and schools were visiting, the Science Center absorbed the masses of young children. All three floors have oodles of hands on science experiences. We also were there at the perfect time for a demonstration on liquid nitrogen. The Science Center demonstrator was engaging for all ages from 3 yr olds - 99 yr olds. It was far more than just a show but very educational with lots of memorable science facts. After the demonstration the presenter stayed around to accommodate people and questions that maybe weren't included in the presentation. There are no discounts on admission (Senior, Military, AAA, etc.) but the facility was will worth the admission price. If you live close by and will visit more than once there is a membership which might be worth the purchase. read more

Only have an hour? No problem! This place was worth the single hour my sister and I spent there with our kids, ages 7, 2.5, 1.5, and 4 months old. My hometown (clarksville, to) was going to be under a tornado watch so we decided to pack the kids up and drive the 3 hours north to have a fun day out. We ended up at KY Science Center to run them around and explore. Worth it! The admission prices are decent. Not expensive. There is so much to do here, we didn't even get to scratch the surface in the one hour we spent playing and exploring. We hit the water play area first. The kids could have easily spent hours playing there! There's an area for nature exploration, a giant play shopping center, a light room, a giant light bright, and x-ray play with light tables all to the left when you walk inside passed the admissions counter. To your front you'll find a giant road building system to make your own track for balls to run down. Next to it is a ton of pool-noodles hanging to walk through. And to the far right of the platform is a movable mirror maze. Perfect for toddlers. There's a (smaller than most children's museums) climbing structure right when you walk in to the right. If you go further in to the right, there's a toddler and infant area. You'll find the train tables there. There is an area where you can close a small door to keep toddlers from running everywhere. This is where you'll find a nursing nook for any nursing mothers. There's tons in there for little ones to play with! Upstairs you'll find the educational exhibits. From polar bears to mummies, bridges to satellites. The second floor is definitely geared for those who want to explore the sciences of various things. If we lived in the area, we would for sure get a membership here. We will be back again if we're ever in the area! read more