I practically grew up in the Exploratorium. I didn...

I practically grew up in the Exploratorium. I didn t realize it when I was 7 years old, but I was already grasping the fundamentals of physics, biology, geology, thermodynamics, and botany. I could solve binary arithmetic problems and explain to my friends why a bicycle stands up. Things like computer programming and physics were a breeze later on in high school.

Although it s no longer donation-only, today s Exploratorium is better than ever. I ve had a family membership for years and bring the family in often. This is one of the best places around to bring kids--they will have fun and can t help but learn along the way. When the new location first opened, I missed the old dark, dank, cavernous feel of the original location, but the location, capacity, and overall atmosphere of the new location seems natural now. The food and waterfront view aren t bad either.

I ve been to hands-on science museums around the world that have followed the Exploratorium s model, but the Exploratorium is the original and still the best.