Photo: Ankit Patel
Photo: Joseph Flores
Photo: Constantia Oomen
Explorit Science Center
★4.5(96 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 5-12. The hands-on exhibits and educational programs are specifically designed for elementary-aged children who are curious about how things work. Younger preschoolers may enjoy some activities but might find content geared above their level, while older tweens will appreciate the more complex workshops and experiments.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Explorit Science Center is a hidden gem in Davis that transforms science learning into hands-on fun for elementary-aged kids. With interactive exhibits that encourage touching, exploring, and experimenting, this community-focused science museum offers rotating workshops and programs that keep curious minds engaged without the overwhelming crowds of larger Bay Area museums.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on interactive exhibits where kids can touch, manipulate, and experiment with scientific concepts
- ✓Rotating themed workshops covering topics from robotics to nature science
- ✓Summer science camps that provide week-long deep dives into STEM topics
- ✓Live animal encounters and nature-based learning opportunities
- ✓Small, intimate setting where staff can provide personalized attention to curious kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their website for special Saturday workshops and themed science programs before your visit,these fill up quickly and offer deeper dives into specific topics
- 2.Visit on weekday afternoons when school groups have cleared out for a more relaxed, hands-on experience with the exhibits
- 3.Parking is available on 5th Street and nearby residential streets; the center is also very bike-friendly if you're exploring Davis by bicycle
- 4.Ask staff about their current featured exhibit,they rotate regularly and staff are enthusiastic about helping kids get the most from each experience
- 5.Plan to stay for at least 90 minutes to give kids time to fully explore and participate in any drop-in activities
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons or Saturday mornings are ideal. Weekdays after 2pm offer quieter exploration time, while Saturday mornings often feature special workshops and programs. Avoid school field trip hours (typically 10am-12pm on weekdays) for a less crowded experience.
What to Know
Admission is affordable and family-friendly (typically under $10 per person). The facility is wheelchair accessible with free street parking nearby. While there's no café on-site, downtown Davis restaurants are just a few blocks away for pre or post-visit meals.
Seasonal Notes
Summer camps run June through August and require advance registration. The center may have reduced hours during university breaks since Davis is a college town. Check for special holiday-themed science workshops around Halloween, winter holidays, and spring break.
Nearby Eats
Head to Sophia's Thai Kitchen (3 blocks away) for mild, kid-friendly pad thai and fried rice, or stop by Redrum Burger for classic burgers and milkshakes just a short walk from the museum in downtown Davis.
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