How to Visit Exploration Place Science Exhibits

Exploration Place Science Exhibits is a dynamic, hands-on science center designed to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and deepen understanding of scientific principles through immersive, interactive experiences. Located in Wichita, Kansas, this award-winning facility blends education with entertainment, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore topics ranging from aerospace and engineering to environmental science and human biology. Whether you're a parent planning a family outing, a teacher organizing a field trip, or a science enthusiast seeking deeper engagement with STEM concepts, knowing how to visit Exploration Place Science Exhibits effectively can transform a simple outing into a meaningful learning journey.

The importance of visiting such institutions extends far beyond recreation. Research from the National Science Teaching Association confirms that experiential learning in science museums significantly improves long-term retention, increases interest in STEM careers, and enhances problem-solving skillsespecially among children and adolescents. Exploration Place stands out by prioritizing interactivity over passive observation. Its exhibits are not merely displayed; they are designed to be touched, tested, and tinkered with. This approach aligns with modern pedagogical frameworks that emphasize inquiry-based learning, making it a vital resource for both formal and informal education.

Yet, many visitors overlook key strategies that maximize their experience. Without proper planning, its easy to miss flagship exhibits, underestimate wait times, or fail to leverage available educational resources. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your visit to Exploration Place Science Exhibits is not only enjoyable but also intellectually rewarding. From pre-visit preparation to post-visit reflection, every element is crafted to help you engage deeply with the science on display.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Current Exhibits and Special Events

Before planning your visit, begin by visiting the official Exploration Place website. The exhibits rotate periodically to maintain relevance and introduce new scientific frontiers. Some exhibits are permanent, such as the Flight Lab and WaterWorks, while others are temporary, often tied to national science initiatives or partnerships with institutions like NASA or the Smithsonian.

Look for featured exhibits under the Current Exhibits section. For example, a recent temporary exhibit titled AI: The Next Frontier explored machine learning through interactive puzzles and real-time data visualization. If youre visiting during a special eventsuch as Science Weekend or STEM Career Dayexpect extended hours, live demonstrations, and guest scientists. Mark these dates on your calendar, as they offer enhanced access and unique learning opportunities.

Bookmark the events calendar and sign up for their email newsletter. Updates on exhibit openings, behind-the-scenes tours, and educator-led workshops are often announced exclusively to subscribers. Avoid arriving on a day when your desired exhibit is under maintenance or closed for setup.

2. Choose the Right Day and Time

Timing significantly impacts your experience. Weekends, especially Saturdays, are the busiest. If you prefer quieter exploration and more time with each exhibit, aim for weekdays between Tuesday and Thursday. Mid-morning (10:00 AM11:30 AM) is idealchildren are fresh, crowds are lighter, and staff are fully engaged.

Arrive within the first hour of opening. This allows you to experience high-demand exhibits like the Storm Chaser Simulator or Robotics Arena before lines form. Many visitors dont realize that Exploration Place offers early access for members or those who purchase tickets online in advance. Online ticketing also grants you priority entry, reducing wait times at the admissions desk.

Consider visiting during Quiet Hours, typically offered on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. These sessions are designed for neurodiverse visitors and those sensitive to sensory stimuli. Lighting is dimmed, sound levels are reduced, and staff are trained in inclusive engagement techniques.

3. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Exploration Place offers tiered pricing based on age, membership status, and group size. Adults, children (ages 317), seniors (65+), and infants (under 2) each have different rates. A family pass often provides better value than individual tickets. If you plan to return within the year, consider an annual membership. Members receive unlimited admission, discounts on workshops, and exclusive previews of new exhibits.

Purchasing tickets online is not just convenientits essential during peak seasons. The websites ticketing system allows you to select your preferred date and time slot, which helps the museum manage capacity and ensures a smoother entry process. Youll receive a digital ticket via email that can be scanned directly from your smartphone.

Group visits of 10 or more require advance reservation. Schools, scouts, and community organizations can apply for educational discounts. These bookings often include access to curriculum-aligned activity guides and pre-visit lesson plans for educators.

4. Plan Your Route Through the Museum

Exploration Place spans over 150,000 square feet across five thematic wings. Without a strategy, its easy to become overwhelmed or miss key areas. Start by downloading the official museum map from the website or picking up a printed copy at the entrance. The map highlights exhibit locations, restrooms, food services, and first aid stations.

Use a Zigzag Strategy to maximize efficiency: begin on the ground floor, explore one wing completely, then move to the opposite wing, and work your way back. This prevents backtracking and ensures balanced exposure to all exhibit categories. Prioritize exhibits that align with your interests or learning goals. For example:

• For physics and engineering: Focus on Flight Lab, Wind Tunnel, and Bridge Builder.
• For biology and health: Visit BodyWorks, Genome Explorer, and Heartbeat Station.
• For environmental science: Explore WaterWorks, Climate Lab, and Eco-Tower.

Set a time limit for each exhibit30 to 45 minutes is ideal. Some exhibits, like the Space Exploration dome theater, have scheduled showtimes. Check the daily schedule board or app for show times and plan your route around them.

5. Engage with Interactive Elements Actively

The hallmark of Exploration Place is interactivity. Dont just observeparticipate. Each exhibit includes hands-on components designed to demonstrate scientific principles through trial and error. In Wind Tunnel, for instance, visitors can adjust wing shapes and airspeed to see how lift is generated. In WaterWorks, you can build dams, test water flow, and measure erosion rates.

Use the Question-Observe-Test-Reflect framework to deepen engagement:

• Question: What do you think will happen if you change this variable?
• Observe: What do you see? Note patterns, movements, or reactions.
• Test: Try different inputs. Change the angle, speed, or material.
• Reflect: Why did that happen? How does this relate to real-world phenomena?

Many exhibits have QR codes linked to short video explanations or downloadable activity sheets. Scan them with your phone to access supplementary content. Staff members, known as Science Explainers, are stationed throughout the galleries. Dont hesitate to ask them questionsthey are trained to guide inquiry and simplify complex concepts.

6. Utilize Educational Resources and Guided Programs

Exploration Place offers a suite of educational tools designed to enhance learning. At the Information Desk, request a Science Explorer Passport. This booklet includes challenges tied to specific exhibitssuch as Build a Bridge That Holds 500 Grams or Identify Three States of Matterand upon completion, you receive a small prize and a certificate of achievement.

For families, the Family Science Kits are available for rent at the front desk. These portable kits contain tools like magnifying lenses, thermometers, and data logs, allowing you to conduct mini-experiments as you move through the museum. Children as young as four can use them with adult supervision.

Look for daily demonstrations: Chemistry in Action shows colorful reactions in real time, while Engineering Challenges invite visitors to build structures using only spaghetti and marshmallows. These are free with admission and occur every 6090 minutes. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.

7. Take Breaks and Recharge Strategically

Science museums are mentally stimulating. Plan for breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain focus. The Recharge Zone on the second floor offers comfortable seating, charging stations, and quiet corners. Its ideal for reviewing notes or discussing what youve learned.

Snacks and meals are available at the Fuel Station Caf, which offers healthy, kid-friendly options. Avoid eating in exhibit areas to preserve the integrity of the displays. Instead, use designated dining zones. Hydration is keybring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains are located on each floor.

If visiting with young children, use the Nursing and Changing Room located near the main entrance. The museum also offers stroller rentals and sensory-friendly backpacks with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools.

8. Document Your Experience

Take photos (without flash) to capture memorable moments, but also use your visit as a learning journal. Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app on your phone. Record:

• One thing you learned that surprised you
• One question you still have
• One real-world application of what you saw

After your visit, share your experience with others. Create a short social media post, write a blog entry, or discuss your favorite exhibit with a friend. Teaching others reinforces your own understandinga well-documented principle in cognitive psychology known as the protg effect.

9. Extend Your Learning Beyond the Visit

Exploration Place offers a wealth of digital resources to continue your journey after you leave. Their online portal includes:

• Virtual tours of select exhibits
• Downloadable science activity packs for home use
• Video lectures from visiting scientists
• Weekly STEM challenges for families

Subscribe to their Science at Home newsletter, which delivers one new experiment or observation prompt each week. For example, a recent prompt asked families to build a paper airplane and measure how distance changes with wing curvaturedirectly extending the Flight Lab experience into the backyard.

Teachers can access the Classroom Connection portal, which provides lesson plans aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), pre- and post-visit worksheets, and assessment tools.

10. Provide Feedback and Stay Connected

Your input helps Exploration Place improve. After your visit, complete the short online survey sent via email or found on the website. Share what you loved, what could be improved, and what exhibits youd like to see next. Many new exhibits are developed based on visitor suggestions.

Follow Exploration Place on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. They regularly post time-lapse videos of exhibit installations, scientist interviews, and educational tips. Join their online community to participate in live Q&A sessions and virtual science fairs.

Best Practices

Set Clear Learning Objectives

Before entering the museum, define what you hope to learn. Are you seeking to understand aerodynamics? To spark your childs interest in biology? To find inspiration for a science fair project? Having a goal focuses your attention and makes your visit more purposeful. Write your objective on a sticky note and keep it visible during your tour.

Limit Group Size for Optimal Engagement

While group visits are encouraged, larger groups (more than 6 people) can disrupt the flow of interactive exhibits. For families, aim for 24 people per group. This allows each person to actively participate without waiting. If youre with a larger group, split into smaller teams and meet at designated checkpoints.

Use the One Exhibit, One Question Rule

To avoid sensory overload, adopt a simple rule: explore one exhibit deeply, and ask only one meaningful question about it. For example, at the Gravity Well exhibit, instead of trying to understand every force at play, ask: Why does the marble spiral inward instead of falling straight down? Deep inquiry leads to lasting understanding, not rushed observation.

Encourage Open-Ended Dialogue

When visiting with children, avoid giving answers immediately. Instead, respond to their questions with open-ended prompts: What do you think is happening here? or How could we test that idea? This cultivates critical thinking and reduces reliance on passive learning.

Respect the Space and Equipment

Exhibits are delicate and frequently used. Always follow posted guidelines: no running near sensors, no touching screens with wet hands, and no leaning on mechanical components. If something doesnt work, notify a Science Explainer rather than attempting to fix it yourself.

Be Mindful of Accessibility

Exploration Place is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, tactile exhibits, and audio descriptions. If you or someone in your group has mobility, visual, or hearing impairments, contact the museum in advance to arrange accommodations. They offer sensory maps, guided tours with sign language interpreters, and large-print guides upon request.

Dont RushSpend Time with Fewer Exhibits

Its tempting to try to see everything, but depth trumps breadth. Spending 90 minutes on three exhibits with active engagement is more valuable than skimming through ten. Choose quality over quantity. Return for a second visit to explore what you missed.

Bring a Small Notebook and Pen

Even in a digital age, writing by hand enhances memory retention. Jot down observations, sketches of mechanisms, or questions that arise. These notes become a personal science journal that you can revisit later.

Plan for Weather and Transportation

Exploration Place is located near downtown Wichita, with ample parking and public transit access. If visiting during winter, check the weather forecast and dress in layers. Indoor temperatures are kept cool for comfort, so a light jacket is advisable. If using public transportation, plan your route using the citys transit app for real-time updates.

Use Technology Wisely

While apps and QR codes enhance learning, avoid letting screens dominate your experience. Set phone usage limitsuse your device for research or documentation, not entertainment. Put it away during demonstrations and interactive sessions to stay fully present.

Tools and Resources

Official Exploration Place Website

The primary hub for all planning: www.explorationplace.org. Here youll find exhibit descriptions, event calendars, ticketing, membership details, and downloadable educational materials. The site is mobile-optimized and updated in real time.

Exploration Place Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android, the official app includes an interactive map, exhibit wait times, daily schedule, and audio guides. It also features a Find My Way function that plots the shortest route between exhibits based on your location inside the museum.

Science Explorer Passport

A free, printable or physical booklet available at the front desk. It includes 12 challenges tied to key exhibits, encouraging active participation. Completing five challenges earns a sticker; completing all 12 grants a certificate and entry into a monthly raffle for science kits.

Family Science Kits

Available for $5 rental fee, these kits include tools like thermometers, rulers, magnifiers, and experiment logs. Theyre ideal for families wanting to extend learning beyond the exhibit. Kits can be reserved online in advance.

NGSS-Aligned Lesson Plans

Available on the Education Resources page, these lesson plans are designed for K12 educators. Each corresponds to a specific exhibit and includes objectives, materials, procedures, and assessment rubrics. All are free to download and adapt.

Virtual Tours and 360 Exhibits

For remote learners or those unable to visit in person, Exploration Place offers high-resolution virtual tours of five core exhibits. These include clickable hotspots with explanatory videos, scientist interviews, and downloadable worksheets. Accessible via the websites Learn From Home section.

STEM Activity Calendar

A monthly digital calendar featuring at-home science experiments using common household items. Examples: Build a Volcano with Baking Soda and Vinegar, Create a Rain Gauge from a Plastic Bottle, and Test Magnetism with Kitchen Utensils.

Online Community Forum

A moderated discussion board where visitors, educators, and parents share tips, photos, and questions about exhibits. Its a great place to find answers to niche questions like, How does the wind tunnel simulate real jet conditions? or Whats the best exhibit for a 5-year-old with ADHD?

YouTube Channel: Exploration Place Labs

Features 510 minute videos on exhibit mechanics, behind-the-scenes building processes, and interviews with visiting researchers. Subscribe for weekly uploads. Videos are captioned and include downloadable transcripts.

Local Library Partnerships

Many Wichita public libraries partner with Exploration Place to offer Museum Passesfree or discounted admission vouchers available for checkout with a library card. Check your local branchs website for availability.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Johnson Familys First Visit

The Johnsonsparents Sarah and Mark, and their children Emma (9) and Leo (6)visited Exploration Place on a Tuesday in April. They had read about the WaterWorks exhibit in a local parenting blog and decided to focus on it.

They purchased tickets online, arrived at 10:00 AM, and began at WaterWorks. Emma used the flow sensors to measure how water speed changed with pipe diameter. Leo built a mini dam with foam blocks and observed erosion patterns. They used the Family Science Kit to record their findings in a notebook.

Next, they moved to BodyWorks, where they tested their reaction times using light sensors. Emma was surprised she reacted faster than her dad. They asked a Science Explainer why reflexes vary between people. The explanation about neural pathways sparked a 20-minute conversation.

They skipped the IMAX theater to avoid crowds and ended their visit at the Climate Lab, where they simulated carbon emissions and saw real-time global temperature graphs. Sarah took photos of the graphs to show Emmas science teacher.

Afterward, they completed the Science Explorer Passport and submitted feedback online. Two weeks later, they received a free family pass for their next visit. Emma wrote a short report for school titled How Water Changes the Land, which won her classs science fair.

Example 2: A High School Physics Class Field Trip

Mr. Delgados 11th-grade physics class of 28 students visited Exploration Place as part of their unit on forces and motion. He reserved the group visit two months in advance and downloaded the NGSS-aligned lesson plan for Flight Lab.

Students were divided into four teams, each assigned a different challenge: calculate lift using wing shape data, measure drag coefficients in the wind tunnel, compare thrust-to-weight ratios of model aircraft, and design a paper glider that flies the farthest.

Each team recorded data in logbooks and presented findings to the class after the visit. One group discovered that a curved wing generated more lift than a flat one, which they later replicated in a classroom lab using a fan and lightweight materials.

The visit was so impactful that Mr. Delgado created a follow-up project: students designed and 3D-printed their own wing models. Three students entered the regional science fair, and one won first place in the engineering category.

Example 3: A Teachers Independent Learning Journey

Dr. Lin, a retired biology professor, visited Exploration Place on a weekday to reconnect with hands-on science. She spent three hours in BodyWorks, testing her own blood pressure, heart rate variability, and lung capacity using the same sensors used in medical clinics.

She scanned QR codes on each station and watched videos on cellular respiration and neural signaling. She took notes, sketched diagrams, and emailed herself questions for further research. One questionHow do biofeedback sensors detect subtle muscle tension?led her to a journal article on electromyography.

She returned the next month to explore Genome Explorer, where she compared her own DNA traits (via a simulated analysis) with those of other species. She wrote a blog post titled Rediscovering Wonder: A Retirees Journey Through a Science Museum, which was later featured on the museums website.

FAQs

How long should I plan to spend at Exploration Place?

Most visitors spend 35 hours. If you want to deeply engage with exhibits and attend demonstrations, plan for a full day. If youre short on time, focus on 23 core exhibits and allocate 4560 minutes per one.

Is Exploration Place suitable for toddlers?

Yes. The Tiny Tots Zone is designed for children under 5, with soft play structures, water tables, and sensory walls. All exhibits are supervised, and staff are trained to assist young learners.

Can I bring my own food?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in exhibit areas, but you may bring them into the designated picnic area near the entrance. Sealed water bottles are allowed throughout the museum.

Are there any exhibits that require reservations?

The IMAX theater and some live science demos require timed tickets, which are included with general admission. You can reserve your showtime at the ticket counter upon arrival.

Do I need to be a science expert to enjoy the exhibits?

No. All exhibits are designed for multiple levels of understanding. Simple explanations are provided alongside advanced details. You can engage at your own pace and depth.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All floors are accessible via elevators. Wheelchairs and scooters are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms and exhibit counters are ADA-compliant.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are welcome in all areas. A limited number are available for rent at the front desk if needed.

Are there discounts for seniors or students?

Yes. Seniors (65+) receive a 15% discount. College students with valid ID receive a 20% discount. Proof of status must be shown at admission.

What if I have a food allergy?

The Fuel Station Caf offers allergen-free options and clearly labels ingredients. Staff can provide detailed ingredient lists upon request. You may also bring your own meal to the designated picnic area.

Can I volunteer or become a Science Explainer?

Yes. Exploration Place recruits volunteers aged 16 and older. Training is provided. Visit the Get Involved section of the website to apply.

Conclusion

Visiting Exploration Place Science Exhibits is more than a tripits an invitation to think like a scientist. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you transform passive observation into active inquiry. Whether youre a parent, educator, student, or lifelong learner, the key to a meaningful experience lies in preparation, engagement, and reflection.

The exhibits are not static displays; they are dynamic tools designed to provoke curiosity, challenge assumptions, and reveal the hidden mechanics of the world around us. The most powerful moments occur not when you read a label, but when you adjust a lever, test a hypothesis, and say, I didnt expect that.

Use the tools, follow the best practices, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Let your visit be a catalystnot just for knowledge, but for wonder. And remember: science isnt confined to the museum walls. The real discovery begins when you carry that curiosity home, into your classroom, your kitchen, your backyard, and your everyday life.

Plan your next visit. Bring a friend. Try something new. And never stop exploring.