When people have immersive experiences with STEM/STEAM topics, they can become more excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Whether you’re looking to spur curiosity in a young (or young at heart!) mind over spring break, summer vacation or just looking for something fun and inexpensive or free to do locally, visit these seven local destinations in Madison, Wisconsin, to enjoy hands-on activities and explore science with kids or adults.
Seven local stops to explore science, tech, engineering and more
Wisconsin Science Museum
Located in Madison, the Wisconsin Science Museum focuses on scientific discovery. The hands-on experiences inspire learning across many topics, like lasers, nanotechnology or cancer treatment. The space also showcases unique historic instruments that connect to research happening in Wisconsin. Admission is FREE!
Bonus! Learn science at home with one of four fun hands-on projects and step-by-step instructions.
UW Geology Museum
Take a peek into Wisconsin’s deep history at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum. Take a self-guided tour as you touch ancient rocks, view sea creatures that used to live in oceans that once covered Wisconsin, explore a model of a cave alit with minerals that glow and see a complete mastodon skeleton. Admission is free.
Visit the Geology Museum or read an article on The Mysterious Mastodon to learn more about the famed Wisconsin fossil.
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
Do you know how the water we use each day is cleaned before it returns to streams and rivers? Take a tour of the District’s Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. You’ll learn about the treatment process and the steps you can take to reduce water pollution. Plant tours are free, but must be scheduled in advance.
Learn about our plant tours or take a virtual tour of the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Washburn Observatory
Go out of this world! On the first and third Wednesday of each month September-May and every Wednesday June-August the public can enjoy free viewing sessions with the UW-Madison Astronomy Department at Washburn Observatory. Admission is free, but observing is weather dependent.
Check out the Washburn Observatory page for updates, hours and other viewing opportunities.
MMSD Planetarium
Can’t get enough space exploration? Every month during the school year, the MMSD (Madison Metropolitan School District) Planetarium multi-media theater offers themed public shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are available for purchase but can sell out due to popularity.
Stargaze and learn about stars and constellations via a unique visual and auditory performance at the MMSD Planetarium.
Leonard R. Ingersoll Physics Museum
Another University of Wisconsin-Madison treasure, the Ingersoll Physics Museum has over 65 exhibits in its space. Get hands-on with physical concepts ranging from mechanics to modern physics in a kid-friendly environment. It’s free to visit and explore.
Preview the museum exhibits and learn about what you’ll find on their website.
The Botany Garden & Greenhouse
The UW-Madison Department of Botany opens their gardens and greenhouse to the public, Monday through Friday. The Greenhouse is divided into 11 climate zones and features more than 1,000 species representing aquatic, desert and tropical communities. Don’t forget to check out the koi fish!
Enjoy the laboratory of learning and oasis of tranquility at The Botany Garden and Greenhouse. Or, check out the D.C. Smith Greenhouse, also located on the UW-Madison campus, to plant additional seeds of environmental stewardship in youth.
Before visiting any location, check with the organization to verify their hours and whether they are open to the public. In addition, watch for additional STEM activities, museums and fun places to visit with children, kids, teens or adults in the Culture & Society section of our blog!
Article written by Amy Steger
