Boston Museum of Science...so much good stuff!!!
Written: Jun 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: something for anyone curious about our world!!
Cons: can be expensive..check for library passes,discounts!
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| kevlog's Full Review: Boston |
We had the good fortune to visit this museum over the Memorial Day holiday when most Bostonians had gone to Cape Cod's beaches. We literally walked right up to the ticket counter (this is UNHEARD of!) and got our tickets (discounted thanks to a library pass-look into this! We paid 2 bucks a person!). We immediately went to the live animal show and were treated to a private showing! It had been a while since we'd been there, and they have completely re-done the animal show area. It's like a small amphitheatre now with comfortable carpeted bleacher-like seating, and a simulcast of the show on large screens above the stage. The animal of the day was an owl (I think most of the shows I've seen have been owl shows) and we all enjoyed the good humor of both the trainer and the owl! The show lasts around 20 minutes, and kids get to ask questions and view the animal up close after the show. My kids couldn't touch the owl though due to extra sharp talons and the risk of their fingers being mangled. :-O
Before I forget I have to say this...The virtual fish tank is NOT TO BE MISSED! An entire wall of colorful screens is filled with 3-D fish that museum visitors create themselves. At a computer terminal my son designed a bizarre tropical fish and then released it into the 'tank.' We were thrilled to see his creation swim by in living color. Meanwhile my daughter was able to "feed" all the virtual fish by pressing some buttons at another station. Pretty neat stuff.
If you have kids, don't miss the 'Discovery Center', over near the Omni Theatre. Many hands on activities for the kids (It's almost like a Children's Museum within the Science Museum), and live animals,aquariums, reptiles, even humongous millipedes that gave my wife nightmares for days. There's also a toddler play area and my 8 year old son was disappointed that he couldn't join my 5 year old daughter inside. He kept busy though with puzzles, magnets, bones (yikes!), and much more.
Some other highlights: There's an exhibit on the 'BIG DIG', Boston's sometimes scandalous, overbudget highway project. You'll learn all that goes into building a highway, and you can even design your own on a computer and see if it would really function. Great for boys and girls who love to use cranes,bulldozers, and matchbox cars in the sandbox.
Now showing at the museum is a Giant Reptiles exhibit, featuring mechanical alligators, lizards, snakes etc. This is similar to a giant Dinosaur exhibit touring science museums around the country ,only the focus here is Reptiles only. The huge rattle snake was pretty impressive when it jumped up at us as we walked by.
Other standard shows which are all great include laser light shows, Planetarium Shows, and an electricity show in a specially designed theatre where lightning literally flashes and cracks before your eyes and actually strikes the cage surrounding the demonstrator! This show is memorable! I saw it as a kid and still love it! The Mugar Omni Theatre features IMAX films like 'Dolphins' and the new Michael Jordan film. Imax films cost extra and require a special ticket. They tend to run every hour.
The main exhibit halls are huge and are filled with old favorites like a giant wave tank, a model of a T-Rex,(always good for a thrill) and much much more.
Food: There used to be a single Friendly's restaurant which limited food options at the museum, HOWEVER, there are now several choices in a sort of food court located near the gift shop (allow time for the gift shop!). We bought some individual pizzas that were actually quite good, and topped the meal off with ice cream (still Friendlys).
There is a large parking garage at the museum but I hear it can fill up, so I recommend taking public transportation. The Green Line will drop you off almost at the door of the museum at the 'Science Park' stop.
Have a great visit and thanks for reading.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kevlog
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Member: Kevin
Location: Southeastern Massachusetts
Reviews written: 233
Trusted by: 283 members
About Me:
I am constantly overwhelmed with the richness of life.
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