McWane Science Center
4.7(4,921)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4921 reviews Birmingham, AL
About McWane Science Center
An interactive, multi-floor science museum offering hands-on educational entertainment, live animal encounters like petting stingrays, and specialized areas like Itty Bitty City, highly enhanced by a membership that offers free parking and reciprocal discounts.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking multi-hour educational entertainmentHands-on science learning for elementary-aged childrenValue-seeking families who can benefit from membership perksToddlers and younger children (specifically for Itty Bitty City)Ages 6 to 10 (highly engaged with interactive tools and exhibits)
Why families love it
- Three floors of interactive educational exhibits and science wonders
- Stingray petting touch tank and live fish exhibits
- The 'Fire and Ice' live science demonstration
- Itty Bitty City area for younger children
- Monthly special events such as 'Big Machines Day'
- Stingray petting section
Insider tips
- Consider purchasing a membership for free parking, gift shop discounts, and reciprocal admission to other science centers
- Eat at the food hall located just across the road to avoid expensive on-site food and vending machines
- Check the monthly calendar for special events like Big Machines Day
- Be mindful of the age limit for Itty Bitty City as older kids will age out of this section
Good to know before you go
- Buying food or drinks from the on-site vending machines due to high prices
- On-site food and vending machines are expensive
- Value
- Highly worth the money, especially when utilizing a membership which pays for itself through free parking, gift shop discounts, and reciprocal entry to other science technology centers. On-site food and vending machines are noted as expensive.
- Food
- On-site food and vending machines are expensive
- Accessibility
- Numerous clean bathrooms available throughout the facility
What parents say
"I highly recommend this place for every age. We have a membership for our grandchildren who are 10,8 and 6. We spend hours here learning and having fun. There is so much to do and explore. They have many fun activities that go on monthly. We caught big machines Day, and it was a blast ! You also get discounts with the membership. Free parking and discounts into other Science Technology centers and the gift shop too! Honestly, it is money well spent."
2 months ago
"I loved the McWane Center. There are three floors full of educational wonders for my son to enjoy. We got to see so many live fish and learn so many interesting facts about all aspects of nature and science. There was even a section where you could pet a stingray."
2 weeks ago
"McWane Science Center was so much fun. It was very educational and overwhelmingly full of educational entertainment. I love the the Fire and Ice experience. Absolutely, fun to watch and mind blowing. The results of the experience were more than I expected. Just overall, family friendly. It's definitely worth the money."
5 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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