Vandenberg Launch Experience
The Vandenberg Launch Experience gives Central Coast families an unprecedented opportunity to launch rockets and experience the 21st century world of aerospace science through this exciting, hands-on educational exhibit. Kids will simulate a space launch using actual United Launch Alliance Control Center computer consoles, witness live feeds from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a 90-inch […]
Discovery Space Shuttle
The first installment in the Vandenberg Launch Experience, the Discovery Space Shuttle allows future astronauts to imagine they are launching a satellite or piloting a mission to Mars. Complete with a full simulation dashboard, children are motivated to be explorers, as well as provided a hands-on introduction into the aerospace industry. For more information, check […]
Catching Air
Giving children a hands-on understanding of the movement and power of air, CATCHING AIR allows them to choose, move and elevate items through floor-to-ceiling pneumatic tubes at the entrance of the museum. This exciting new STEM exhibit has been developed and funded by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Come in and give […]
Discovery Farms Produce Truck
An homage to Santa Maria’s bountiful valley, this whimsical produce truck playground offers every child a dynamic outdoor place at the entrance of the museum to play and lean about our local agriculture. Our repurposed truck includes an open space for climbing and stacking boxes, a rigging system for hoisting giant strawberries, a slide, and […]
Creation Station
If rummaging through drawers and bins is your idea of fun, you can spend hours in the Creation Station selecting recycled materials for creating one of a kind crafts with our low temp glue guns. Great for all ages, this space can dominate your visit if you don’t watch out.
Discovery Reading Tree
Children who climb into the DISCOVERY READING TREE will explore ourselves, our valley, our world and beyond through the magic of books. This specially designed reading area will give children of all ages a fun space to focus on bilingual story time experiences that encourage literacy in all disciplines – science, finance, arts, food, nutrition and protecting […]
Moxie Cafe
Healthy eating gets a modern, kid-friendly infusion in this updated cafeteria using the latest educational tools, such as “Eat a Rainbow,” to teach children about nutrition, portion size and healthy eating habits. The cafeteria brings the table to the farm, linking to our ranching exhibit, so families can truly visualize our bountiful valley’s connection to […]
Storm Drain
Learn the importance of clean water by following the path of rainwater from a backyard storm drain into the ocean. While crawling through our special storm drain, children will see common items that make their way to the ocean, posing the question, “Do I want that in my water?” There is also an interactive kiosk […]
Sunken Ship
Shipwreck! Topside you can take a turn at the wheel and make an imaginary voyage along the coast. Beware! Coastal and pelagic birds are above. Who knows what they had for lunch, but splerd, splat, and splood can be found around.
Discovery Tar Pits
Dig for fossils and recover bones to identify in Pit 21, o tribute to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Enjoy an informative interactive game with Leander the American Lion as you move him with your feet through the basin. He will need food and rest to successfully transverse the course. Don’t […]