Open to the Public

The new SCI experience is modified to limit crowds and reduce the spread of germs. Precautions include timed ticketing, health screenings upon entry and restricted access to “high-touch” exhibits. SCI will be open on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and select dates. Advance tickets will be sold in two timeslots to ensure space for distancing and time for enhanced sanitation.

Hours & Ticketing:

• ALL visitors must purchase tickets in advance on the SCI website
  • Members are FREE but still need to reserve tickets in advance
• Ticketing Timeslots (both Saturday and Sunday): A limited number of tickets will be sold for each of these two-hour timeslots. Visitors will be checked in at the start of the timeslot and will be asked to exit at the end of the two hours. SCI staff will then clean the facility before the next group is allowed to enter.
  • 9:00-11:00 am
  • 11:30 am-1:30 pm
  • 2:00-4:00 pm
• Ticket sales are live now at www.sciowa.org/tickets
  • Members: Log in using your member ID to reserve your free admission.

Masks (Required):

Face masks have been shown to reduce the spread of aerosol droplets from individuals who may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. Face coverings are required for all visitors ages 5 and up as well as SCI staff. If you don’t have a face mask, one will be provided.

Health Screenings

Before entering the building, all visitors will be asked to show their tickets (printed or on a mobile device), have their temperature checked and answer a few health-related questions.

Exhibit Access

Open exhibit experiences currently include:

• Brick by Brick– Marvel at some of the world’s most iconic buildings and structures constructed entirely from LEGO® bricks and discover the engineering principles that make them possible.
• Small Discoveries – Imagine, experiment and play as you take a tour around Toddler Town, get your groceries in the Fareway market and create giant bubbles in Bubble Bay.
• Sock skating rink – Step into SCI’s indoor “snow globe,” and take a spin on our new sock skating rink! Made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface, this rink isn’t made of real ice – but it’s just as slippery! This all-ages experience is included with general admission – free for SCI members.
• What On Earth? – Come face-to-face with cold-blooded critters, explore Iowa’s native habitats and try your hand at forecasting weather in front of the WHO-HD Weather Studio green screen. (Note: WHO will not be broadcasting from SCI for the time being.)
• When Things Get Moving – Build and launch your own paper rocket, maneuver a ball through a giant air-powered obstacle course, harness the power of water and more.
• Why the Sky? – Explore the planets of our solar sytem, discover how study the universe and see a flight suit worn by Iowa-born astronaut Peggy Whitson. Please note: Exhibit is being renovated and some components may be removed.
• Star Theater planetarium – Immerse yourself in the night sky under the 50-foot, 360-degree domed screen. Planetarium programs will be offered during each ticketing timeslot.
• Mini exhibits Nano and Sun Earth Universe