Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing is one of those places that you really have to see for yourself. In all my years living and working in the Lansing area, I always heard what a great place it is to take kids. It wasn’t until my husband and I took our two-year-old daughter that I truly experienced what the impressive science museum has to offer right in our backyard.
Just like any place else, you are bound to miss some things during your first visit. Here are my top five tips for visiting Impression 5 Science Center for the first time with a toddler.
Pick the Best Day and Time to Visit
Our first visit was on a whim: after nap time and about two hours from closing on a Sunday afternoon. There weren’t many people there, so it was actually perfect for exploring. We could go at our own pace and not feel rushed to take turns with anybody else.
Our next visit was a little after opening on a Saturday. It was much busier then, so we had to zig-zag through the exhibits to enjoy the areas without crowds. It was still enjoyable, but it felt like we had to wait for others to move on before we could really spend time at certain exhibits.
No matter what time you plan your visit, the best thing about the setup at Impression 5 is that it is pretty spread out. Even if it is busy, you can easily find someplace to sneak off to create some precious memories.
There is an Upstairs
After the initial excitement wore off from walking in the doors, I have to be honest, I was a little underwhelmed. I really thought the downstairs was it. It was cool and all, but it wasn’t what I was picturing. Once we picked up a map and watched other families walk upstairs, we discovered there are only two exhibits downstairs. The other seven exhibits were upstairs, and they also have one outside. Rookie mistake.
Even though most of the action is upstairs, we do still like starting on the first floor to enjoy “Flow: A Water Experience” and the traveling exhibit. It is also nice to have the option to visit these exhibits again before we leave.
Our favorite exhibits are “Flow,” “Spectrum,” and “Chew On This.” All of the exhibits are great, but some of them I think we will enjoy more when our daughter is a little older.
There is a Baby and Toddler Room Upstairs
Speaking of younger children…the “First Impression Room” is great for babies and toddlers. The shoe-free zone with a pretty vigilant cleaning regimen is perfect for first-time young scientists. Our favorite highlights from the “First Impression Room” is the indoor playscape, slides, toys, books, and water area for ages birth to four years old. This room is made to let your child run around in a contained space. There is also an adorable sensory area for the littlest scientists.
Check for Discounts or Membership Perks
Although the entry price is pretty reasonable, don’t forget to check for promotions or even membership perks from your employers. We didn’t know this on our first visit, but when you work for Jackson National Life Insurance you get free entry (with proof of employment) because they have a corporate membership. Impression 5 Science Center also runs discounts and sometimes offers free visits during special events.
Pack a Picnic
If you visit Impression 5 Science Center in the morning, you will likely be done around lunch time. If your kid is as structured as mine, you know that lunch and nap has a very small window to stay on track. After you have visited all the exhibits, enjoy a packed lunch before heading home. The goal is to have your child nap in the car on the way home.
The upstairs has a little dining area near the vending machines. Claim your table and highchair fairly early, since space is limited. Our routine includes my husband running to the car to get our small cooler while I grab the table and highchair and get our little one ready to eat.
Bonus Tips
- Children have short attention spans, you may be moving through the museum fast. I felt like I enjoyed some of the exhibits way more than my daughter did. She was already on to the next cool thing, while I wanted to check out each little attraction in each area.
- Wipe your child’s shoes after “Pop: A Bubble Experience.” The floor can get slippery on the way in and out. This area can also get a little messy and leave your child’s clothes wet.
- Save the “Flow” exhibit downstairs for last, unless you want to visit it twice (mentioned above). You and your little one are more than likely going to get wet. They do have ponchos available.
We look forward to our next visit to Impression 5 Science Center and I hope these tips are helpful for your family as much as they are for ours.
Feel free to share your tips, tricks and suggestions below in the comments!
