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Museums

Arizona Science Center

📍 Central City, AZ

3.9(1,617 Google reviews)💰$👶All ages

Interactive science museum with four levels of exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities. Perfect for curious kids who love experiments and learning through play.

Hands-on activitiesGreat planetariumRegular new exhibitsMilitary discountsGood gift shop
★★★★★Featured review by Shannon

We’ve been visiting the Arizona Science Center for years, and it never disappoints. They regularly feature different showcased exhibits throughout the year, keeping each visit fresh and exciting. One section we always appreciate is the Reduced, Reused, Recycled area—an engaging and important reminder of how we can all help conserve resources. The gemstones and natural elements displays are another highlight, showcasing fascinating specimens from Arizona and beyond. The center is full of hands-on activities—from sound experiments to weight distribution challenges, and even the thrill of riding a bike across a tightrope. The planetarium is always a standout for us—beautiful, immersive, and worth the extra cost. The 3D movie theater is also well-kept and enjoyable. We also love that they offer the Blue Star Museums program for military members and veterans—ID holders plus up to six guests get free entry (planetarium admission not included). The gift shop is reliably interesting, with unique finds every time, and the on-site restaurant usually serves really good food (though last time we visited it was under construction). Whether it’s a date night, an outing with friends, or a fun family adventure, the Arizona Science Center is a place we’re always happy to return to. Highly recommended!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Perfect for curious kids of all ages who love hands-on learning and interactive science experiments. The planetarium and rotating exhibits make it worth multiple visits throughout the year. Particularly great for military families with the free admission program, and staff go above and beyond to create memorable experiences.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Check for special traveling exhibitions like Pompeii that may be your main draw
Budget extra for planetarium tickets - reviewers say it's worth the additional cost
🎟️Military families bring ID for free admission through Blue Star Museums program
🚗Visit during weekday or non-holiday periods to avoid crowds

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
3.9

1,617 Google reviews

Hands-on interactive exhibits100%
Planetarium worth extra cost80%
Rotating special exhibitions80%
Great for repeat visits60%
Military family benefits40%
S

Shannon

7 months ago

We’ve been visiting the Arizona Science Center for years, and it never disappoints. They regularly feature different showcased exhibits throughout the year, keeping each visit fresh and exciting. One section we always appreciate is the Reduced, Reused, Recycled area—an engaging and important reminder of how we can all help conserve resources. The gemstones and natural elements displays are another highlight, showcasing fascinating specimens from Arizona and beyond. The center is full of hands-on activities—from sound experiments to weight distribution challenges, and even the thrill of riding a bike across a tightrope. The planetarium is always a standout for us—beautiful, immersive, and worth the extra cost. The 3D movie theater is also well-kept and enjoyable. We also love that they offer the Blue Star Museums program for military members and veterans—ID holders plus up to six guests get free entry (planetarium admission not included). The gift shop is reliably interesting, with unique finds every time, and the on-site restaurant usually serves really good food (though last time we visited it was under construction). Whether it’s a date night, an outing with friends, or a fun family adventure, the Arizona Science Center is a place we’re always happy to return to. Highly recommended!

A

April Peyer

2 months ago

My Aunt is on hospice and has limited time left, I bought tickets to see the space exhibit as her bucket list was to go stargazing. She’s in a home and can’t be in her wheelchair for long so we scheduled this visit in lieu of trying to drive her out to flagstaff or superstition and cause more issues for her. Upon checking in, I mention my aunt is on hospice, this was a bucket list item for her and they scheduled a PRIVATE viewing about 10 min before the actual show. Cameron was amazing and showed us the Milky Way, nebulas, anything we wanted. My aunt was so happy she was crying. I was crying we all were crying. Thank you for this small kindness.

D

D T

2 months ago

This is a very nice science center. We have been to quite a few around the country since the membership at our home science center gets us free or discounted admission through the ASTC network. We were visiting during the Christmas holiday break and it wasn’t too crowded. We also visited the Pompeii exhibition. This was our main reason for visiting the science center. It was a very interesting exhibit and I’m glad I was able to see it.

K

Kenna

3 months ago

This is honestly my favorite place. I have been going ever since I was a small child and it still manages to amaze and intrigue me after many years. There are all sorts of exhibits and immersive experiences. The new Dorrance Dome is fun too.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Arizona Science Center features four levels of interactive exhibits, the Dorrance DOME planetarium, Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, and hands-on activities like the Evans Family SkyCycle. The center includes a Learning Lab, rotating exhibitions, live demonstrations, and special programs including camps, workshops, and after-hours events for adults.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:30 – 16:00
Wednesday10:30 – 16:00
Thursday10:30 – 16:00
Friday10:30 – 16:00
Saturday10:30 – 16:00
Sunday10:30 – 16:00

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