Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
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Leonard's Department Store Museum

4.4
·5k reviews·Fort Worth, United States

A vibrant science museum with interactive exhibits, a stunning IMAX theater, and an immersive planetarium for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Monday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Leonard's Department Store Museum

Best Time

Monday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant science museum with interactive exhibits, a stunning IMAX theater, and an immersive planetarium for all ages.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"Kids really enjoyed it. Ages 6,7,11,12. They had a place for the littles to do hands on activities and a place for the older ones to do hands on activities."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Purchase tickets online for faster entry and to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends.

⭐ Planetarium Seating

Sit opposite the doors in the planetarium for the best, uninterrupted view.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Science Exhibits

Interactive Science Exhibits

Throughout the museum

Engage with hands-on displays designed for all ages, fostering discovery and learning.

IMAX Theater

IMAX Theater

IMAX Theater

Experience breathtaking visuals and sound with realistic films for an unforgettable cinematic adventure.

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium

Explore the cosmos with captivating shows, offering a stellar journey through space.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online

Save time and ensure smoother entry by purchasing your tickets in advance online. This is especially recommended for busy weekends or holidays to avoid long queues at the ticket counter. Reddit

Planetarium Seating Strategy

For the best planetarium experience, choose seats opposite the doors to avoid looking over your shoulder. This ensures an unobstructed view of the immersive projections. Reddit

Best Times

When
Monday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
School groups often depart
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This was our first time experiencing something like this and enjoyed it🥹✨ Highly recommend 10/10🤩😍 #dometheater #orbital #museum #texas #fypage #fyp #fypシ゚viral #fypツ
@wendy.aldaco
519.4K likes • 6.1M views

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Purchase tickets online for faster entry and to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends. Reddit

⭐ Planetarium Seating

Sit opposite the doors in the planetarium for the best, uninterrupted view. Reddit

Reply to @mrbaumtastic making DFW history accessible.
@raeadil
118.9K likes • 588.3K views
Vegas sphere who? The Omni Theater is a perfect date idea to do if you and your S/O are into space and love museums! Only $15 per ticket. This specific show we watched is called “Orbital.” If you’re ever in Fort Worth, this is a great place to go to with your family or for a date! #omnitheaterfortworth #fortworthmuseumofscienceandhistory #orbital #spacethings #interstellar
@marichuxo
47.1K likes • 438.8K views

🦖 Dinosaur Adventures

Kids who love dinosaurs will find this museum a perfect adventure with engaging exhibits. Reddit

✨ Realistic IMAX Films

Opt for realistic IMAX films over animated ones for the most vivid visual experience. Reddit

Visiting the NEW Omni Theater in Fort Worth, Texas in @Dockers® 😎 100% worth the HYPE! 🔋SAVE this for the next time you need something fun to do in Fort Worth or Dallas! 🎬✨ The brand-new Omni Theater at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is officially open, and is already one of my new favorite things to do in the city. With a giant 8K dome screen and immersive surround sound, it’s lik...
@hasanguy
31K likes • 1.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Ahead Online

Purchase tickets online for faster entry and to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends. Reddit

⭐ Planetarium Seating

Sit opposite the doors in the planetarium for the best, uninterrupted view. Reddit

🦖 Dinosaur Adventures

Kids who love dinosaurs will find this museum a perfect adventure with engaging exhibits. Reddit

✨ Realistic IMAX Films

Opt for realistic IMAX films over animated ones for the most vivid visual experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Leonard's Department Store Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that cater to a wide range of ages, making it a hit with families. The IMAX theater and planetarium are highlighted as exceptional experiences with impressive upgrades. While generally positive, some note it's smaller than other major science museums.

"Good museum, a little smaller than the Perot but a good amount of hands on activities for kids. The theater is amazing though definitely worth it. I suggest watching something realistic in the theater to maximize the experience. Animated items aren't as vivid."

Chih Chow

"Kids really enjoyed it. Ages 6,7,11,12. They had a place for the littles to do hands on activities and a place for the older ones to do hands on activities. They enjoyed those the most. It is much like the Perot Museum in Dallas but with different stuff. If you go to the planetarium, included with ticket, sit opposite of the doors. Otherwise you will be looking over your shoulder."

Daniel Lewis

"This was another great experience! I went as a kid, my kids went as kids and now they have upgraded everything to amazing picture and sound quality, and the seats are perfect!

Sad to say the helicopter ride from the past is gone, but it so amazing I can't count it against them."

A Jones

What People Like

Hands-on activities for all ages
Amazing IMAX theater
Engaging planetarium shows

What People Dislike

Smaller than some museums

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parking can be a concern, but the museum advises checking their website for the most optimal parking locations. Travelers suggest planning ahead to avoid stress on busy days. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to the museum is available on their official website. It's a viable option for those looking to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, can help secure better parking spots. Consider visiting on a Monday morning for a less crowded experience. Reddit

Sunday visits can be busy. It's advisable to research parking options in advance or consider public transport to ensure a smooth arrival for birthday celebrations or family outings. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, ride-sharing services can drop off visitors near the main entrance, offering a convenient alternative to parking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased online through the museum's official website for a faster and smoother entry. Reddit

Yes, planetarium shows are typically included with your general admission ticket, offering great value for your visit. Reddit

Ordering your tickets online in advance is the best strategy to avoid long queues at the ticket counter. Reddit

Check the museum's website for potential discounts, such as for students, seniors, or military personnel. Group rates may also be available. Reddit

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the museum, but booking online is highly recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Kids of all ages enjoy the hands-on activities, with specific areas for younger and older children. Dinosaur exhibits are also a big hit. Reddit

The IMAX theater offers a powerful experience. For very young children, consider the film's content and their sensitivity to loud sounds and visuals. Reddit

A typical visit can range from 2-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit and if you attend planetarium or IMAX shows. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum features dedicated hands-on activity areas for both toddlers and older children, ensuring engagement for everyone. Reddit

The planetarium has tiered seating. For the best view, sit opposite the doors to avoid distractions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining options aren't detailed, many museums have cafes or snack bars. It's best to check the museum's website for current offerings. Reddit

Museum policies on outside food and drinks vary. It's generally recommended to consume them in designated areas or outside the exhibit halls. Reddit

Museum cafes can be a bit pricier than external options. Budget accordingly if you plan to purchase meals or snacks on-site. Reddit

The museum is likely located in an area with various dining options. Exploring the surrounding neighborhood can offer a wider range of choices. Reddit

Many museum cafes are increasingly offering diverse dietary options. Inquire at the cafe or check the museum's website for menu details. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Always check for signage. Reddit

The IMAX theater with its large screen and the visually engaging science exhibits offer great photo opportunities. The planetarium can also provide unique shots. Reddit

Tripods and selfie sticks are often prohibited in museums to prevent obstruction and potential damage. It's best to confirm the museum's specific policy. Reddit

Some exhibits, especially those featuring sensitive artifacts or temporary displays, may have 'no photography' signs. Respect these restrictions. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for indoor exhibits. A smartphone with a decent camera can also capture great memories. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Leonard's Department Store Museum is a dream for families. The museum offers separate hands-on activity areas for younger children and older kids, ensuring everyone stays engaged. Reddit Dinosaurs are a big hit, making it a perfect adventure for little paleontologists. Reddit The IMAX theater provides a thrilling visual experience, though parents might want to consider the film's content for very young children. Reddit

Pro-tip: Book tickets online to skip the lines, especially if you have energetic kids in tow. Reddit Consider visiting on a Monday or weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and give your children ample space to explore and learn without feeling rushed. Reddit

✨ Budget-Conscious Travelers

While admission fees apply, the value at Leonard's Department Store Museum is high due to the extensive interactive exhibits and included planetarium shows. Reddit Packing your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy outside the museum can help save on dining costs. Reddit Look for potential discounts online or inquire about family packages if available. Reddit

Visiting on a weekday afternoon can sometimes mean fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience without needing to rush through exhibits. Reddit The sheer amount of engaging content means you can easily spend several hours here, making it a cost-effective way to entertain for a significant portion of the day. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Interactive Exhibits

Leonard's Department Store Museum excels in its hands-on science exhibits, making it a fantastic destination for curious minds of all ages. Unlike passive museums, this venue encourages visitors to touch, experiment, and discover. There are distinct areas catering to different age groups, ensuring that both toddlers and teenagers can find engaging activities. Reviews highlight that the museum is comparable to the Perot Museum in Dallas but offers unique experiences. Reddit

The interactive nature of the exhibits means that learning is an active process. Children can explore scientific principles through play, fostering a deeper understanding and a lasting interest in STEM fields. The museum is praised for having something for 'absolutely everything kid that goes no matter the age,' with even older teens enjoying the interactive spaces. Reddit

Visitors often mention the dinosaur exhibits as a particular highlight for younger guests, making it a perfect adventure for families with children who are fascinated by prehistoric life. The commitment to providing a dynamic and engaging experience is evident in the variety and quality of the hands-on displays. Reddit

The IMAX and Planetarium Experience

The IMAX theater at Leonard's Department Store Museum is a standout feature, consistently receiving high praise for its amazing picture and sound quality. Visitors note that the upgrades have significantly enhanced the viewing experience, making it a must-do part of any visit. For the most immersive experience, it's recommended to watch realistic films rather than animated ones, as they are described as being 'more vivid'. Reddit

Similarly, the planetarium offers a captivating journey through the cosmos. A key tip for maximizing this experience is to sit opposite the doors. This strategic seating choice ensures an unobstructed view, preventing you from looking over your shoulder and detracting from the celestial spectacle. Reddit

These cinematic and astronomical attractions are not just add-ons; they are integral to the museum's appeal, providing a different dimension of learning and entertainment. The combination of interactive exhibits and high-tech theaters makes for a well-rounded and memorable visit. Reddit

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