More than 700 hands-on exhibits, including life-sized dinosaurs, state-of-the-art technology and galleries with ecological, medical and environmental activities. The planetarium re-creates the experience of being in outer space at its Boeing Space Station. The DNA gallery focuses on genetics and biotechnology. The facility also houses the Omnimax Theater with its huge, wraparound screen. Different traveling exhibits are offered in the Exploradome. If you are going with children, plan on spending an entire day there. Monday-Thursday and Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Friday 9:30 am-9:30 pm, Sunday 11:30 am-4:30 pm. The planetarium closes at 4:30 pm on Friday. The Science Center offers extended summer hours, staying open until 5:30 pm Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and until 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Free admission, but various fees are charged for the Omnimax Theater, Discovery Room, traveling exhibits and the planetarium. Parking is US$8 per vehicle. 5050 Oakland Ave. (in Forest Park), St. Louis. Phone 314-289-4444. Toll-free 800-456-7572. http://www.slsc.org.
