Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Offering an abundance of scientific fun, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center seeks to inspire lifelong learning and enjoyment of science and technology in the community through educational public programs and hands-on exhibits.

There’s a lot of fun to be had at the Science Center—explore the gallery exhibits, watch an IMAX film and see a planetarium show. In the exhibit galleries you’ll find more than 100 hands-on science demonstrations,  including SO WATT!: An Illuminating Look at Energy—learn about the energy that is around you and the many ways that energy is converted into electricity. Then, in the Block Busters! exhibit you can build a free-form structure of a building, bridge and more with the use of wooden KEVA planks.

Kid City is a great place for children ages 1-6 years old to play—there you’ll find a miniature grocery store, a factory climbing structure, blocks, funhouse mirrors and much more. In the grocery store, children learn about counting, sorting, buying and selling as they pretend to work and shop. The factory climber is jam packed with chutes, tracks, pinwheels and more for children to explore the physics of the cause and effect relationship and movement. Other exhibit topics include space, water usage, video games, illusions, magnetism, aging and sounds.

Take a break from the interactive fun and enjoy an IMAX adventure on the Science Center’s huge dome screen. IMAX films run almost every hour with two to four different show options that shed light on scientific discovery, environmental issues and animal concerns, shared through documentary film making. Some of the films to see include Hubble—images of distant galaxies, stars and planets or Dolphins—a view from the life of a dolphin.

On the first Wednesday of each month, take a journey into the night’s sky and learn exciting facts about the solar system, planets, stars and more. There are two shows, one running from 7-8 p.m. and the other from 8-9 p.m. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase yours online in advance. Each month's first Wednesday covers a different topic ranging from season solstice and constellations to discussions of Saturn, Jupiter and the Milky Way.

Science exploration can work up a hunger, so grab a bite to each at the Galileo’s Café—serving pizza, sandwiches, salads, drinks and other snacks. Then, visit the Science Store where you’ll find educational toys, games, books and science kits to continue the learning at home. Admission pricing varies, depending on which activities you do. For general admission to the exhibits, general admission is $10. You can add one IMAX film for an additional $5 and a motion simulator ride for another $5.

HelloMetro Tip: Save some money and visit the museum every first Tuesdays for free and get discounts on IMAX films. First Tuesday free is valid only for residents of San Diego County, active duty military and local college students.  For  military families in the San Diego area, additional discounts are offered, including discounts on IMAX films, food and Science Store purchases.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.