scitech hands on museum

If you live nearby and need an activity for a bunch of kids, this fits the bill. The exhibits are a little out-of-date but that's not something that a kid would ever notice. We took 9 kids ranging in age from 12 to 3 and they all complained when it was time to leave.Compared to the Children's museum in Glenview and Navy Pier, I'd pick this one any day. It's slightly smaller yet not nearly as crowded so you don't have to worry about losing kids or ordering tickets ahead of time to get in. The parking is free and easy - either on the street right outside or in an adjacent parking lot. There's a little gift shop, but it's slightly out of the way so the kids won't nag and there's a few tables if you want to pack a lunch or a snack.We didn't find any exhibits that were broken or out-of-order. I didn't think the place was unreasonably dirty or run down. Some of the exhibits were clearly from the 1970s and 1980s but, you know, science stays the same...

Oh what a poor attempt to serve the needs of kids and science. Poorly kept. Exhibits are old and out of date. That's not to say that learning is not taking place here. The people who run this place must be doing so as a hobby. Little professionalism is evident. The place feels like it is lacking resources and financial support. You can spend your money elsewhere and get a much better bang for the buck. Really? Really!

I remember going to this place as a child some 20 years ago and I remember loving it. There were a lot of the same exhibits there, and now that I am a bit older I still thought they were pretty interesting. The staff was helpful and the cost isn't unreasonable. Our two year old had quite a good time, my only complaint is that since there are so many children running about the exhibits get quite filthy. I am not afraid to get a little dirty, but some things were sticky (mainly in the toddler area) and for a little one that is a recipe for getting ill. Understandably the staff can't run around and clean up after every child, but they are about due for a good old deep clean. Still worth the trip, the kids find plenty of things to do to keep them happy and frankly so do the adults.

Really I'd like to give it 2 1/2 circles, it's not quite poor, but below average. It's been a few years since our last visit and the place needs work. Admission is $8 for everyone 4 and up (seniors are a little less, $6 I think), which is a lot if you are getting there at 1PM and the place closes at 3PM. It would be nice if they offered discounted admission after noon or 1. Many activities my children wanted to experience, were closed for "upgrading" and of the ones left, a few didn't work properly. The outside area was not open so we went from exhibit to exhibit and my kids were bored after an hour.The honeybee hive that was previously on the 2nd floor is gone, as is the room in the basement painted to make you feel like the room is shrinking/slanted. They have a wind attraction that simulates what it feels like to be in a 78 mph tornado, but that is an extra $2. On the plus side, on street parking was free.If you'd like a nice little children's museum that focuses on learning, I'd suggest the Discovery Museum in Rockford. Yes, it is farther, but the admission is the same $8, they are open until 5PM, parking is free and your kids will be engaged all day.

This museum is an hour+ from our home and still worth the drive. It is housed in an old post office--probably built in the 30's. If you are used to gleaming exhibits and modern halls, this will be a change. Many of the hands on materials are worn because, well, there's been many hands on. Much of the plexiglass surrounding machines is scratched. None of this detracts from children's attainment of science concepts. Many children's museums go a mile wide and an inch deep--not this one. SciTech goes a mile deep when it comes to scientific demonstrations. Many of the exhibits have the feel of prize-winning science fair projects. I'm certain some were designed by students. That may very well be why this place seems so accessible to young minds. It is worthwhile for elementary and even middle school students. There's a preschool area too but this is not the main focus (a refreshing change, actually). Just beware of the hours. It closes EARLY (3 pm).

We recently attended SciTech as part of a walking fieldtrip. Our school is close enough that we can walk downtown. We took 220 seventh graders to SciTech for 2 hours. The staff was amazing-they set up groups for us so each group rotated to different places within the museum. Each group had a guide and the kids enjoyed every minute of it! I was worried that they would get bored but there are so many activities, they all had something to do. One of our stations was a science demo and the staff mixes in science with some magic and lots of humor! I'm very excited to see all the great things going on at SciTech! We even used the cafeteria so the kids could take a short break and have a snack-teenagers are always hungry! We will visit again!

I apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during the Birthday Party you booked here in August 2013. I am the new Director of Operations and while I was not on staff at the time this happened, I would love to try and resolve this in anyway that I can. Since I began working here my focus has been guest satisfaction and while occasionally there may be misunderstandings, my goal is for every visitor to leave happy. Please feel free to contact me at (630) 859-3434 ext 214 so that I can improve any future experience you may wish to have at SciTech Hands on Museum.

There is always so much to do at the Scitech hands on museum. One will never be bored and it is a great place to bring your family for family fun!

It was nice to let the inner child out to play. It is a great place for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. I have to admit that I learned a few things myself.

My sons really enjoyed all the interactive displays. Nice museum! I believe this museum now houses the Chasing 4 Life vehicle.

I love this museum! It's the perfect size to feel comfortable to let the kids roam yet keep them entertained (and learn some great things hands-on too!) The outdoor physics park is really unique and in a beautiful setting overlooking the Fox River. Can't be beat- especially for the low price!

Really fun place for kids..lots to do and fairly priced..Parking is easy and there is enough to do for kids ages 4 and up..I think after about age 12 they might find it a little boring.

This is a great hands on place for kids. I used to take my class for field trips. The admission is a little high priced. It's a good way to spend 2 hours. You can learn a lot.

The former Aurora post office has been converted into a science museum. There are lots of interesting little exhibits for elementary school kids. There is a small area for toddlers (off limits to the bigger kids.) Worth going to and most of the exhibits are usually working. The only complaint is for the TV news simulation (which wasn't in focus) and that the museum could include more of a explanation of what's going on in the exhibit (so you can explain it to your kids, even if you don't understand it). Small cafe. Otherwise, a good time.

Good for kids 6-12. Many hands on things to explore. Don't miss the basement and the back/outside area of the museum. Across the street there are sculptures that sprinkle water on you when you walk between them. Bring a towle and let the kids run around there for a while afterwards.