Crofton resident Betsy Finkelstein and her granddaughter Margot, 6, brushed off dinosaur bones, created a whirlpool of water, and learned about constellations on Wednesday — and all before lunchtime.
Finkelstein was visiting the Maryland Science Center, home to the “Dinosaur Mysteries” exhibit, the IMAX theater and Gunther von Hagen’s Body Worlds display — and most recently, named one of the 10-Best Science Centers for Familes by Parents magazine.
“This prestigious award attests to the success of our mission to engage families in the fun and education of exploration,” said Van Reiner, the Center’s president and chief executive officer.
The center was chosen out of more than 150 science centers nationwide. Reiner said that one of the biggest things that sets the Maryland Science Center apart from the rest is the people. “Number one, it’s the people, the staff and volunteers here in areas to answer questions, and to ask questions, and to share the wonders of science with our visitors.”
Margot ran around the Kids Room — an interactive learning center for children 8 and up — while waiting for the Davis Planetarium to open so she could see the “sparkling stars.” Her family has season passes to the center, and for good reason. “It’s educational, it’s hands-on, and teaches about all sorts of things,” Finkelstein said. “Studying from a textbook is not quite the same as discovering things for yourself, here at the center.”
The evaluation also considered factors like science demonstrations, special events, camps and classes, as well as smaller aspects like stroller-friendliness, dining options, and family restrooms.
“We want people to focus on the exhibits or live demonstrations, and not have to worry about where to store their stroller, or where they are going to eat,” Reiner said. “We want to be as accessible as possible, and make it easy for visitors to have fun. And easy to learn something as well!”
