Museum of Science

Museum of Science is off SR 28 (Monsignor O'Brien Hwy.) at 1 Science Park. With mouths agape and eyes wide, young schoolchildren huddle beneath a menacing, lifelike T. rex as other pint-size visitors marvel over prehistoric fossils. Thunderous claps and dramatic sparks draw crowds into the Theater of Electricity, home to what is said to be the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator. Similarly entrancing are the winged creatures fluttering about an indoor butterfly garden, where wannabe entomologists scrutinize such species as swallowtail, viceroy and milkweed.

Three levels of educational adventures await the inquisitive, with gallery themes running the gamut from paleontology to medicine to technology. Stocked full of computer activities, 3-D displays and scientific equipment, the museum encourages a hands-on approach to learning. Understand momentum and harmonic motion by playing in the Science in the Park exhibit space, discover varied ecosystems in New England Habitats or touch a 50,000-year-old meteorite in Cosmic Light. The Yawkey Gallery focuses on topics related to the Charles River and includes fish and turtle aquariums, while the Live Animal Care Center allows a sneak peek at some of the stars of the Live Animal presentations. With effects you can feel and smell, check out what is on screen in the 4-D Theater where such animals as sea lions and penguins are closer than ever before.

Picnicking is permitted. Food is available.