Review: Exploreum Science Center in Mobile Alabama

If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity with your family, we recommend visiting the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Downtown Mobile, Alabama.

This science center has a variety of exhibits and activities that will engage and educate guests of all ages.

Read on for what to expect, tips, and our honest thoughts in our review of the Exploreum Science Center in Downtown Mobile, Alabama.

A hands-on science center is a place where people of all ages can learn about science through interactive exhibits and programs.

Visitors to a hands-on science center can expect to find a variety of exhibits that allow them to touch, manipulate, and experiment with scientific concepts. In addition, this hands-on science center offers various educational programs designed to engage and inspire visitors.

These programs may include demonstrations, workshops, and classes on topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science.

By offering a variety of engaging and interactive experiences, the Eploreum provides an ideal environment for learning about the world around us.

The Exhibits:

The Exploreum Science Center is a world-class educational facility that provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about science through hands-on experiences.

The four permanent galleries – Hands on Hall, Curiosity Factory, Wharf of Wonder, and My BodyWorks – offer more than 150 interactive science adventures.

In addition, guests can enjoy live demonstrations in the Science Squad Headquarters and in the Infirmary iHealthy Lab, as well as see a film in the PCI Digital Dome Theater.

The Exploreum is also known for its acclaimed traveling exhibits, which provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience.

Whether you’re a lifelong learner or simply curious about the world around you, the Exploreum Science Center is sure to provide an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

Hands-on Hall

The original exhibit gallery, Hands-on Hall, is a permanent exhibit with more than 50 interactive displays.

Dedicated to unraveling the basics of electricity, simple mechanics, magnetism, and much more, the exhibit is a great way for visitors to get a hands-on grasp of these concepts.

With exhibits that encourage pushing, pulling, and tinkering, the Hands-on Hall is perfect for those who want to learn by doing.

Moreover, the exhibit is always changing, with new displays and activities being added on a regular basis. As such, it provides an ever-changing source of learning opportunities for those who are interested in science and how things work.

Curiosity Factory

The Curiosity Factory is a permanent exhibit at the Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama. The exhibit is designed to encourage hands-on learning about science and engineering.

Visitors can experiment with different materials, build structures, and even test their stability.

Kelli Says

I especially loved the area that allowed us to make a parachute and test its effectiveness in a wind tube.

The Exploreum provides cloth, napkins, string, and more to allow you to build a perfect parachute.

As an adult, I had fun, but I bet my children would have had even more fun!

In addition to the hands-on activities, the Curiosity Factory also features a number of interactive displays that explain the science behind the exhibits.

Wharf of Wonder

The Wharf of Wonder is a permanent exhibit at the Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama. It is an optimal learning environment designed for ages 0-6. The exhibition takes place in a lighthearted environment that fosters self-assurance, creativity, and an interest in the world.

The exhibit features a number of interactive elements that promote tactile exploration, sensorimotor learning, and peer interaction. For example, visitors can climb aboard the S.S. Crichton sea vessel and take off on a shrimp-fishing expedition. They can also peek through the lighthouse and imagine the world from a new perspective. In addition, visitors can scoop sea creatures from the ball “ocean” and sort and weigh them at the fish market.

The Wharf of Wonder is scaled and designed to meet the physical needs of preschoolers, toddlers, and infants. It is outfitted with smaller steps, smooth crawling surfaces, and quiet rest areas.

This exhibit provides a rich learning experience for young children that will stimulate their imaginations and promote their scientific curiosity!

My BodyWorks

Focused on human health and anatomy, the exhibit features over 50 interactive displays that teach visitors about topics such as nutrition, exercise, and bodily functions.
One of the highlights of the exhibits is the 12-foot-tall beating heart display, which gives visitors a close-up look at this vital organ.

In addition to the informative displays, My BodyWorks also features 11 BeHealthy stations where visitors can track their own health progress. At the end of their visit, visitors can trade in their activity card for a personal health profile.

We spent the most time in this area as it was where we went first. We tried most of the activities and even learned things we didn’t know. The gigantic heart was incredible, and seeing the human heart compared to other animals’ hearts was fascinating!

Kelli Says

In the Ernest G. DeBakey Virtual Surgery Center, I learned that it is a good thing I am not a surgeon. LOL! I was terrible at it. But, the exhibit was engrossing!

However, my favorite was probably the reaction time test!

Turns out that my left hand reacts much faster than my right. That was fascinating to me because I am right-handed.

Ricky Says

The My BodyWorks was probably my favorite area at the Mobile Exploreum. The exhibit had many different sections that featured many hands-on experiences.

The colossal heart pumping as it encountered a blood clot, the station showing how hard the heart worked to pump blood through clogged arteries, and the station where you had to have a steady hand to operate were among my favorites.

However, the little boy in me really liked the station that amplified the sounds the body makes, like passing gas. 🤣🤣

PCI Digital Dome Theater

The PCI Digital Dome Theater at the Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama, is a former IMAX Dome Theater that has been converted to show digital giant-screen films.
The theater’s giant screen and digital projection system offer stunning visuals that bring educational movies and documentaries to life.

The Exploreum’s commitment to providing an immersive educational experience for its visitors makes the PCI Digital Dome Theater an essential part of the science center.

Films shown in the theater are carefully selected to complement the Exploreum’s hands-on exhibits and programs. by providing insights into the natural world and the universe beyond.

The PCI Digital Dome Theater is a state-of-the-art facility that offers visitors a truly unique educational experience.

We watched Incredible Predators, which was a fascinating look at the world of major predators. Using advanced filming techniques, the film gave us an intimate look at the remarkable strategies these animals use to succeed.

Far from being simply a film about the kill, Incredible Predators engages viewers emotionally by telling the backstory of key characters. For example, we learned about a cheetah’s dilemma only after meeting her hungry cubs. This narrative approach makes for a more complete understanding of these supreme species and their struggles to survive.

Overall, Incredible Predators is a well-rendered and informative film that will leave audiences with a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Kelli Says

The footage was extraordinary, and it put us right beside the predators as they hunted on land, under the sea, and in the air.

I really liked sticking around for the “how” some of the videos were accomplished interviews after the film.

I also loved how they put the story front and center as opposed to the kill. Plus, that is much more child-friendly.

To be honest, I was concerned it was going to be full of gore. It wasn’t at all!

Ricky Says

The Digital Dome Theater and the Incredible Predator film was a great addition to our visit to the Mobile Exploreum.

The unique theater allowed for an outstanding experience as we watched different predators from different ecosystems at close range.

The film allowed us to be up close as they work to survive in their environment.

Excellent film and experience!

Traveling Exhibits:

While we were there, they had Illusions: The Reality of Deception. The Illusions exhibit at the Exploreum Science Center is a fascinating look into the world of optical illusions. From the ordinary to the extraordinary, visitors will learn about the history, science, and psychology of these phenomena.

The exhibit unveils the mystery behind optical illusions through hands-on activities, informational displays, and demonstrations. Visitors will discover how our brain perceives information and how illusions can trick our senses. They will also learn about various illusions, from simple visual tricks to more complex cognitive illusions.

This exhibit is a fun and educational way to learn about the science of perception and unfortunately, we ran out of time, so we didn’t get to see it. We really wanted to, so hopefully, we can get back there before it leaves in September 2022.

Things you should know before you go:

The Exploreum Science Center offers a wide variety of exhibits and programs for all ages.

Second, the Science Center is committed to education and offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults. If you’re looking to learn more about science, this is the place for you.

Third, the Science Center is located in downtown Mobile, Alabama. This makes it easy to explore the city and find other attractions nearby.

Where to eat

The Exploreum has a small cafe where you can grab a quick bite. You could also walk to any number of places in Downtown Mobile like:

Hours of Operation

Sunday & Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m through 4 p.m.

Note that the hours were accurate at the time of this review, but are subject to change. So, be sure to check their website before you go.

FAQs about the Exploreum

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission prices vary depending on age and whether you are a member or not, but we paid non-member prices.

Adults (13-64) are $18 for the Exhibits & Theater Combo
Youth (7-12) and Seniors (65+) are $16 for the Combo
Child (3-6) are $12 for the combo

Is the Exploreum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Science Center is fully accessible to guests with disabilities.

What hotels are near the Exploreum?

The Renaissance Riverview is right across Government Street and is where we stayed. So, we went out the hotel’s front door and right across the highway.

But, many hotels are within walking distance like:

Fort Conde Inn (4-star)
Hampton Inn & Suites (3-star)
Malaga Inn (3-star)

Can I buy souvenirs at the Exploreum?

Yes, the Science Center has a small gift shop with a variety of items for purchase.

How long should we plan to spend at the Exploreum?

You could easily spend a few hours at the Exploreum, especially if you plan to see a movie in the theater.

We spent about 2 hours there and simply didn’t have enough time to see everything and watch the film which was about 45 minutes long.

I think 3-4 hours makes the most sense, but if you have small children, you may need to plan even longer to allow them time to play!

Our Final Thoughts:

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a great place to take your family for an educational and fun day out. A variety of exhibits will engage guests of all ages, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, we highly recommend the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama. With hands-on exhibits, interesting programs, and a convenient location, it’s sure to please people of all ages!

Kelli Says

My personal favorite exhibit was the My BodyWorks exhibit, which is the most advanced health exhibit in the nation.

This exhibit taught me a lot about my body and how to take care of myself.

Overall, I had a great time at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Ricky Says

It’s not just for kids!

All in all, we had a great experience at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and educational activity in Mobile, Alabama.

Now, we are trying to find time on our busy schedule to go back and see the things we had to bypass due to time constraints.

DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are our own. We purchased our meal(s) ourselves and didn’t work with anyone on this review. So, if something is inaccurate that is on us.

Review: Exploreum Science Center in Mobile Alabama