Photo: The Leonardo
Photo: Cindy Long
Photo: Jules Maas
The Leonardo
★4.3(2,635 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2.5-4 hours depending on your child's engagement level and any special workshops👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers enjoy the sensory experiences and simple building activities, while elementary and middle schoolers can dive deep into the robotics, flight simulators, and complex creative challenges. Even teens interested in STEM or art will find engaging exhibits.🧡 Saved by 24 families
About
The Leonardo is a hands-on wonderland where science, technology, and art collide in the most kid-friendly way possible. Unlike traditional museums, this interactive space encourages kids to touch, build, create, and experiment with exhibits designed to spark curiosity and innovation. From digital art installations to engineering challenges, it's a place where learning feels like pure play.
Highlights
- ✓Flight Lab with aviation-themed activities and simulators
- ✓Interactive art installations where kids can create digital masterpieces
- ✓Hands-on engineering and building challenges
- ✓Special rotating exhibits featuring everything from animation to space exploration
- ✓Tinkering stations with real tools and materials for creating inventions
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings right when they open for the quietest experience and full access to popular exhibits without waiting
- 2.The Flight Lab with aviation simulators is a huge hit,head there first before lines form
- 3.Check their website for rotating exhibits and special workshops that may require advance registration
- 4.Street parking can be tricky downtown; use the nearby parking garage at 111 E 200 S for easier access
- 5.Allow kids to spend extended time in areas that capture their interest rather than rushing through,this isn't a walk-through museum
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are ideal for avoiding school groups and weekend crowds. Winter months are perfect for this indoor attraction when outdoor activities are limited. Arrive right at opening (10 AM) for the best experience.
What to Know
Admission is moderately priced with family packages available; check for free or discounted days through library programs. The museum has a small café for snacks, but you may want to plan lunch at nearby restaurants. Stroller accessible with elevators to all floors.
Seasonal Notes
Exhibits rotate throughout the year, so repeat visits offer new experiences. Summer often features special camps and workshops. Holiday-themed activities and exhibits appear during winter break. Check their calendar for Science After Dark events (adults-only evenings).
Nearby Eats
The Pie Pizzeria (249 E 400 S) is just two blocks away and beloved by families for creative pizza combinations and casual atmosphere. For something quicker, Café Zupas (multiple downtown locations) offers soups, salads, and sandwiches with healthy kids' options.
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