Dec 10, 2025 - Things to Do
Science Center of Iowa prepares to reopen popular exhibit
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"Small Discoveries" room under construction. Photo: Courtesy of Science Center of Iowa
After months of renovations, the Science Center of Iowa is preparing to reopen its popular "Small Discoveries" exhibit on Dec. 17.
The big picture: The permanent exhibit focuses on play and exploration for young children. The latest renovation includes updated features like an 8-foot water table and a mural station, Rob Burnett, SCI's vice president of science learning, tells Axios.
State of play: The exhibit, which was first designed in 2005, closed after Labor Day this year for refurbishment.
- The interactive water table is the largest feature, alongside a calming sensory space and play equipment, including talk tubes that allow kids to speak to each other from afar.
- While the previous rendition resembled a rural farm area, the new exhibit features more ambiguous structures to let kids use their imagination, Burnett says.
- Every part has been refurbished, except for "Friendly," a cow that visitors can pretend to milk.
If you go: 9am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; kids are $15 and teens/adults are $20.
- Libraries also provide free access via the adventure pass.
