Great Lakes Science Center
Explore the wonders of science and space with interactive exhibits, a giant-screen Dome Theater, and real NASA artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more space to explore.
Great Lakes Science Center
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more space to explore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the wonders of science and space with interactive exhibits, a giant-screen Dome Theater, and real NASA artifacts.
"A fun and interesting place right in our backyard! Great place for kids to learn hands on."
🎟️ Book Dome Theater Tickets
Pre-purchase Dome Theater tickets online for specific showtimes to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
NASA Glenn Visitor Center
Third Floor
Explore real Apollo command modules and learn about space exploration. A must-see for aspiring astronauts!
+1
Dome Theater
Experience immersive films on a massive screen, from science documentaries to blockbusters.
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with hands-on displays covering everything from physics to biology. Fun for all ages!
TapeScape: International Tape Station
A unique, all-ages playground built entirely from packing tape. A temporary but unforgettable exhibit.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Dome Theater Tickets
Pre-purchase Dome Theater tickets online for specific showtimes to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📱 Check for Free Days
Look out for free admission days, but be prepared for larger crowds.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Use the connected parking garage for easy access, especially during inclement weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Dome Theater Tickets
Pre-purchase Dome Theater tickets online for specific showtimes to guarantee your spot.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
📱 Check for Free Days
Look out for free admission days, but be prepared for larger crowds.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Use the connected parking garage for easy access, especially during inclement weather.
🤫 Sensory Room Available
A quiet sensory room is available on the third floor for those needing a break from noise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Lakes Science Center for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that make science fun for all ages. The NASA space exhibits and the immersive Dome Theater are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While generally well-received, some note that it can become very crowded, especially during school breaks and free admission days.
"An employee noticed me doing sensory work with my excited kiddos as we were entering. She then told us about and guided us to the sensory room. As a family that has special needs, this kind of accessibility can make or break a successful outing for us."
Ashley
"What a fun and interesting place right in our backyard! Great place for kids to learn hands on and a fun time for adults to realize all the things we forgot about! The movies are amazing and well worth a Thursday night out in downtown Cleveland!"
Elizabeth Kane
"We visited on a Thursday morning in mid-April 2025.
We parked in the parking garage and planned to stay most of the day and also do the rock and roll hall of fame next door. There was construction going on outside so walking from one to the other wasn't so easy.
There is a cool corridor that goes from the parking garage to the science center itself so you don't have to go outside. We pre-purchased our tickets online and bought it along with the dome theater show. They let us change the timing at check-in to an earlier time. There were very few people there when we arrived. There was 2 groups in line in front of us but it moved very quick.
The kids were able to run around and do basically whatever they wanted for almost an hour before all the school groups arrived. It was spring break for us but the local schools were still in session. It got crowded really fast.
We tried to hide in the more obscure areas. The kids really liked the music area on the top floor. Also my youngest really liked building with the wooden sets on the main floor. When all the school groups left he had it all to himself and spent almost 30 mins building his own crane that was taller than him. Staff member stopped by and said that's the largest structure he'd ever seen someone build out of those parts.
We ate lunch and watched the dome video closer to noon when all the school groups were running around. Many of the school groups went to lunch and that's when we went back out.
We spent more than 4 hrs in the science center. I think the kids were finally started to get bored near the end and it was time for us to walk over to the rock and roll hall of fame.
The parking garage was open late as well and aligned with the late opening of the rock and roll hall of fame.
There is a quiet sensory spare up on the 3rd floor as well near the bathrooms. It was cool that they had such an area as it got really loud when all the school groups were there.
The museum store was large but had your typical science museum merch. I had a hard time finding anything that specifically had the museum logo or name on it.
Every staff person we interacted with the whole day from the ticket desk, to the different science kiosks to the museum store were all happy to help and very pleasant to talk to. Customer service here was just top notch.
Not sure if we would come back after spending over 4 hrs in there. But definitely worth the 1 visit."
David L.
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Lakes Science Center is located at 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114. It's easily accessible by car, and there's a connected parking garage. Public transportation options are also available in downtown Cleveland.
There is a parking garage directly connected to the Science Center, offering convenient access and protection from the weather.
Parking fees can vary, but the connected garage offers a convenient option. It's advisable to check current rates before your visit.
Yes, there's a cool corridor that connects the parking garage directly to the Science Center, so you don't have to go outside.
Yes, downtown Cleveland has various public transportation routes that can take you near the Science Center. Check local transit schedules for specific routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary for adults and children. It's recommended to check the official Great Lakes Science Center website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing Great Lakes Science Center tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your preferred entry time, especially for popular exhibits or shows.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and sometimes through special promotions or membership reciprocity programs. Keep an eye out for free admission days as well.
The Science Center typically operates from 10 AM to 5 PM on most days, with potential variations on Sundays and holidays. Always check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Yes, the Great Lakes Science Center occasionally offers free admission days, often presented by foundations. These are popular, so expect larger crowds and consider reserving tickets in advance.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the NASA Glenn Visitor Center with its Apollo command module, the immersive Dome Theater, and the interactive exhibits that make science fun for all ages. The TapeScape exhibit is also a unique highlight.
Absolutely! The Science Center is very kid-friendly with numerous hands-on activities designed to engage young minds and make learning enjoyable. +2
The Dome Theater features a massive screen for an immersive viewing experience, showing a variety of films from educational documentaries to popular movies. +1
Yes, the Science Center hosts various events throughout the year, including movie nights, special exhibitions, and themed celebrations like the Total Eclipse Fest.
Yes, there is a quiet sensory room available on the third floor, providing a calm space for visitors who may need a break from the stimulating environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Science Center offers food options for visitors. You can also find various dining establishments in the surrounding downtown Cleveland area.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to check the Science Center's guidelines regarding outside food and beverages. Some areas might be designated for eating.
Yes, the Science Center is located in downtown Cleveland, which has a wide array of restaurants and eateries to choose from, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific exhibit restrictions.
The rooftop offers great skyline views of Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland. The NASA exhibits and interactive displays also make for dynamic photo opportunities.
While personal photos are usually permitted, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. It's best to check signage or ask staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents often highlight the hands-on nature of the exhibits, which keeps children engaged and entertained for hours. The availability of a sensory room also makes it a more inclusive experience for families with special needs.
🧑🎓 Students and Educators
Teachers and students can benefit from the interactive displays that bring classroom concepts to life. The Dome Theater also provides opportunities for immersive learning experiences that can supplement classroom instruction.
💑 Couples and Adults
Adults can also appreciate the historical artifacts in the NASA exhibits and enjoy the interactive displays that might spark forgotten curiosities. The rooftop views offer a pleasant backdrop for a relaxed outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the NASA Glenn Visitor Center
+1Beyond the command module, the center delves into NASA's ongoing research and future missions, particularly those conducted at the nearby Glenn Research Center. It's an inspiring space for all ages, fostering curiosity about aerospace engineering and the vastness of the universe.
Visitors often express awe at seeing actual space artifacts, making this a highlight for many. It’s a fantastic way to spark interest in STEM fields and learn about the incredible achievements of space exploration.
The Immersive Dome Theater Experience
This theater is perfect for catching educational documentaries that complement the science center's exhibits or enjoying feature films in a unique setting. It's a popular attraction, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for evening shows or special screenings.
Many visitors rave about the quality of the films and the captivating visual experience, making it a worthwhile addition to a day at the Science Center. It provides a different pace and perspective compared to the hands-on exhibits.
Hands-On Learning and Interactive Exhibits
Exhibits like the Cleveland Creates Gallery presented by Sherwin-Williams encourage creativity and innovation, allowing visitors to experiment and discover. The TapeScape: International Tape Station was a particularly popular temporary exhibit that offered a unique, tactile play experience for everyone.
These interactive elements are frequently praised by visitors, who appreciate how the Science Center makes complex topics understandable and enjoyable. The ability to touch, build, and experiment is what truly sets this science center apart.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit