Harsco Science Center

Yesterday, we went to the science center at Whitaker Center in Harrisburg.  The main reason for our trip was the Titanic exhibit, but the science center was included in the admission price. 

My son is 2-1/2, so many of the exhibits were way beyond what he would understand, but there is a special section just for kids under 5 called KidsPlace.  There is a play area, a warehouse to climb in, a supermarket, a wooden ambulance, a huge water table, building blocks and a stage. 

We loved the supermarket.  It had bins of pretend produce, canned items and plasticware.  There is a scanner that has a red light and beeps with a manual conveyor belt (unfortunately, it wasn't working).  There was also a manual scale and a pretend cash register.  For a kid that loves grocery shopping, it is amazing.

There is a permanent collection that has a wide variety of things to do.  You can see the list at the website.  There is also a Forces of Nature section that looked really interesting, but since we also did the Titanic exhibit, and my son was so fascinated by the supermarket, we ran out of time.

The Carnival of Health seemed to be very popular.  There were a variety of games that had a carnival feel.  It certainly seems like that could be inviting to even the least interested of kids.

It was not overly crowded.  You would just have to wait a few minutes, if at all, to see each exhibit.  I would definitely recommend making the trip.

Butterflies

If you are looking for something different to do with your kids, how about the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary in Jim Thorpe?  It is a hands-on attraction with live butterflies, poison dart frogs, interactive displays, and an art space.  They have a variety of programs, including hand feeding butterflies.

There is also educational information on attracting butterflies to your garden.  You can watch butterflies emerging or even adopt a caterpillar.  Thursday mornings, there are special programs for preschoolers.

If you would like to learn more about butterflies, there are some websites that can be very helpful.

The Butterfly Website and The Butterfly Site probably have the most in-depth information that I have found.
The Children's Butterfly Site has information that is geared toward kids.
Butterflies and Moths of North America has tools for identifying the ones that you find.
North American Butterfly Association offers memberships and has information on a variety of butterfly topics.