Arizona Science Center

Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, The Arizona Science Center provides information and entertainment for people of all ages. With exhibits on solar energy, an interactive look at Arizona's unique weather patterns and The W.O.N.D.E.R. Center (inspired by the human brain) there's plenty to do and see. The museum also is home to an IMAX theater and planetarium, great for catching a show if you're interested.

Best and Worst time to go to the Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visitors who want to avoid large groups of kids should go in the late afternoon.

Must see/ Do at the Arizona Science Center
There's no better way to learn about your center of gravity than by riding the Evans Family Skycycle, a bicycle suspended nearly 15 feet in the air that travels from one end of the building to the other. This exhibit is recommended for ages 7 and up. Technology buffs won't want to miss out on the My Digital World Exhibit that highlights a variety of technology from the present and past. Visitors who are interested in biology and human anatomy should take a tour of the All About Me Exhibit.

Admission to the Arizona Science Center
Cost of admission varies depending on whether you are a museum member or not. Kids tickets for the museum and special exhibits, run between $10 and $12, while kids admission to the planetarium and IMAX is between$5 and $10. Tickets for seniors are in the same price range as kids. Adult tickets are a bit more expensive and run between $15 and $20 for admission and $7 to $10 for the planetarium and IMAX. Group pricing is available, just call the museum prior to your visit.

Parking and public transportation to the Arizona Science Center
There are two parking garages right near the Arizona Science Center. The Convention Center East Garage, located at the southwest corner of 7th St. and Washington and the Heritage Science Park Garage located on the southeast corner of 5th St. and Monroe. If you choose to park at the Heritage Science Park Garage, you can get a discount on your parking through verification at the Arizona Science Center. Don't want to drive? The Valley Metro light rail (east and westbound) stops very close to the Science Center grounds.

Food at the Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center is home to Fabulous Foods. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and features a variety of menu options including salads, sandwiches and paninis. Kid friendly options like PBJ and grilled cheese are available as well.

Insider tip for visitors to the Arizona Science Center
The first Friday of every month is "Adults' Night Out" at the Arizona Science Center. From 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. visitors that are 18+ can check out all of the exhibits for free! If you want a few drinks, a cash bar is available. A rotation of local DJs provide the soundtrack, and more often than not local artists do presentations inside the planetarium.

Author's bio: Chad Birt has lived in Phoenix for 9 years. He's a bike rider, bookworm and freelance writer.