I had high expectations for the Exploratorium afte...

I had high expectations for the Exploratorium after such high reviews and enjoying previous exploratoriums in Canada. This one is huge with an open floor plan. That being said, all of the activities are interesting and science based, however, if the Exploratorium is crowded, you have to be patient to try each one. After the waiting, reading about the inventions, and taking pictures, we got tired real fast. So if you want the full effect of the Exploratorium, make plans to spend at least three hours (if you want to try everything). My kids are 4 and 8 and weren't into the reading so much. I actually wished they had workers in science labs to share and add to the effect of making each item more enjoyable. Despite that, most of the concepts there will reinforce science concepts your kids are learning in school. I expected the environment to be colorful and lively, but it felt like walking through an ancient, tin, drab war station or something, (I guess that's a scientist dream, but not mines). Overall, it was a good, not great experience.