Pennypickle's Workshop

Children of all ages can experience the wonders of Pennypickle's Workshop at the Temecula Children's Museum. Operated by Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, the workshop is full of hands-on inventions, a multitude of gadgets and many, many experiments. It is designed to help children learn about science and the world around them as they play.

Best and worst time to go to Pennypickle's Workshop
While Pennypickle's Workshop is open for various sessions throughout the week, it's the Friday evening Science Adventures that are a must-see. The professor and his sidekick, Beaker, take young scientists on many theme-specific journeys such as working with and investigating rockets, outer space, music, bugs and nautical science. Schools and youth groups plan field trips to the workshop year-round so it's best to check the "Busy-ness Schedule" online before making plans to attend.

Must see/do at Pennypickle's Workshop
Pennypickle's Workshop is composed of several rooms that target different parts of the imagination and focus on teaching various skills. "The Library" has a time machine and shelves of books that house a secret passage that leads to a mysterious black light maze room. "The Music Room" teaches about sounds and vibrations through a grand piano that has been turned into a "Philharmonica-matic," which is programmed play several different instruments. Finally, "The Kitchen" teaches about chemistry and physics through the use of various kitchen appliances.

Admission to Pennypickle's Workshop
Pennypickle's Workshop is open six days a week with two to three sessions each day and Science Adventures on Friday. Admission is very affordable with children under three years old admitted free. Additional admission fees apply for special events. The workshop also has a gift shop open six days a week.

Parking and public transportation to Pennypickle's Workshop
Free parking is available in the Temecula Civic Center parking structure down the street at Mercedes and Second streets with access on Mercedes Street. There is also a free lot behind the Temecula Children's Museum with access on Front or Main streets. Public transportation is available through the Riverside Transit Authority.

Food at Pennypickle's Workshop
Food is not allowed in Pennypickle's Workshop.

Insider tip for visitors to Pennypickle's Workshop
While all the Friday Science Adventures are for the whole family, they typically aren't for children younger than 3 or 4.

Author's bio: Mary Beth Adomaitis is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to visit exciting and new places with her family. In the summer of 2014, she drove cross-country from California to Ohio, visiting 14 states in two weeks.