TOP 10 Children's science museum in Carbondale, Illinois

The Science Center, located at 1237 East Main Street in Carbondale, Illinois, is a hands-on children's museum and a popular tourist attraction. With a focus on inquiry-based exploration, the Science Center aims to nurture and preserve each child's innate curiosity through interactive exhibits and programs. Established in 1992, the Science Center offers over 65 exhibits and welcomes around 70,000 visitors annually. As a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), the Science Center also provides reciprocal memberships with over 380 other museums across the country.

The University Museum, located at 1000 Faner Drive in Carbondale, Illinois, is a renowned tourist attraction and museum that first opened its doors in 1874 as a natural history museum. Over the years, it has transformed into a teaching museum that showcases the humanities, sciences, and arts. The museum's collection of roughly 70,000 objects offers a unique insight into the human story, highlighting the diverse cultures and histories of southern Illinois and beyond. With a focus on sharing the world with a region that is isolated from urban centers, the University Museum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale serves as a window into our past and present, shedding light on who we are and where we came from.