I'm a sucker for a science museum we were driving to Biloxi with the kids and thought this was a good stop to break up the trip. They had several hands on exhibits and the cafe actually has reasonably priced food. It's not the biggest museum but it good outing. read more

See all

This science center was top notch. I've traveled all over the globe going to science centers all along the way and this hands on experience is at the top of our list in experiences. The exhibits were very informative and easy to read my kids had fun learning and trying out the different hands on learning exhibits. They actually could play for hours there. This was good for young and older kids. My kids are teens. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - The sign outside of the Exploreum - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

We love this place. The preschool area is amazing. My children love it. We miss the preschool stem class so much. I would drive from Foley every week just to go to it. The body side is kind of a let down due to broken activities. We did enjoy the 2:30 class at the IHealth lab about popcorn. That was fun. I didn't realize they had labs throughout the day. We will have to go back to participate in those. The upstairs was fun with all the STEM activities. None of those were broken. We didn't go to the IMAX theater this time, but I definitely enjoyed the educational movies they have had in the past. read more

See all

It was 10 OCT 2020 and we were enjoying a quick getaway to Mobile & Gulf Shores, AL. We were looking for a kid friendly activity for our 8-year old and Yelp steered us to the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. In theory, this place is truly awesome and has been a "center of science learning and family fun for over 30 years". There are several permanent and traveling exhibits here and there's even a domed theater for an extra charge. The Exploreum contains 150+ hands-on science adventures in 4 separate galleries: 1. Scratch Factory 2. Discovery Zone 3. Wharf of Wonder 4. My Body Works If your child is a first-timer here, it can be a bit of a sensory overload, as our son did not know which gallery he wanted to see first. The good thing is that there is something here for all ages, and I enjoyed the "My Body Works Gallery". Unfortunately, a lot of the exhibits were not functioning properly as there were a lot of broken and non-functioning buttons and levers. There was an exhibit called "Fear" that I truly enjoyed, but I think it may be a bit much for some younger kids, as there are some creepy exhibits that include sadistic looking clowns, creepy dolls, coffins and a section of assorted phobias. During this COVID-19 pandemic, a hands-on science center for kids is a major undertaking to keep clean and sanitized. The center has increased health and safety measures in place to continue to protect the visitors and staff to include: o Daily temperature checks and masks for all Exploreum staff o Plastic balls have been removed from the Wharf of Wonder o Hand sanitizing stations available throughout the building However, I still saw a lot of fingerprints and smudges on the exhibits. With several of the exhibits not functioning properly, I'd save this for a rainy day experience if you need to get the kid(s) out of the house. A little maintenance would certainly go a long way in getting their rating higher. read more

See all

Honestly, kind of disappointed. I used to come here all the time with my family about ten-ish years ago, and I remember there being so much to do. We would spend a good four or five hours playing and interacting with the different exhibits. I came back with my husband and little brother, and we did everything in two hours. There were so many more exhibits that used to be here that aren't anymore. I wish there were a map of the museum and list of all exhibits on their website. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Map of the museum as of 6/2022 - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

Pretty cool place, it is fun for adults, too. We got a real kick out of this place. Goof clean fun. read more

See all

Great museum packed full of science games and activities for kids. The special Genghis Khan exhibit is especially a treat to see while here. They also have an IMAX theater and a small gift shop. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Genghis Khan Exhibit entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

See all

What a great museum. We have enjoyed the museum as annual pass holders so we decided to do the summer camps this year. The kids (age 4 and 7). Learned various fun things each week. There was a different theme each week. Every week the kids wanted to stay and tell us all About what they learned and did.. there was space week, med camp week, music week, earth week, Dino week, and etc. The staff were always there and ready to help. They knew our kids by name and us by sight. I would recommend visiting this museum... if possible check out the memberships so you can see the different programs, and consider the summer Camp. Awesome read more

The museum itself was decent from its small location. Not a lot of WOW to look around and the human body science area was a bummer due to a lot of the machines not working and it requested for a health card that probably didn't work like majority of the START buttons. To me, the place was just a giant in door playground for you as parents to be the orderlies to your own children's day care establishment that required you to pay for entrance fee. My kids enjoyed it bc well they are kids and they had enough to pull, throw, drag, run around, and be kids...but for adults, be ready to just enjoy the AC. The gift shop was nice, kinda expensive but it was expected especially in the location it was at. So, 2 Stars for the gift shop and letting my kids run around. read more

See all

Boring for older kids (10 and 12) we haven't been in over two years and it was the same tired exhibits. Made me sad we spent over $45 to get in. The Exploreum was better when it was on Dauphin St years ago. Save your money and go elsewhere. A lot of things are broken. The whole Body Works section needs to be revamped and don't even get me started on the pitiful Christmas themed area that they have. The best thing about this place is the IMAX. Do better Mobile. There are reviews on here about the same issues from over two years ago. Mobile needs to cough up some money to improve the place and put some new things in. read more

Haven't been to the Exploreum in a long time until recently. My friend was interested in the "Drugs: Costs and Consequences" exhibit, so we made a trip to Mobile to see it. The Exploreum is not an overly large building and it's age is definitely beginning to show. The first floor has an exhibit for the human body. A lot of the activities or panel you can view are interactive and informative, but quite a few panels were broke or clearly wore down. The "special exhibit" was upstairs and this was great to walk through. Had a lot of information on various drugs, from how they were made and brought into countries to how they affect individuals, families, and communities. Again, not a large area but they crammed a lot of stuff on their exhibit floor. The other side of the building has a Dome Imax which an amazing experience to watch movies or specials in. I wish they offered more regular movie showings like the Dome Imax in Birmingham does, I'd come to the Exploreum more often for that experience. There's also a play/learning area for kids in the back. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - The front of the Gulf Coast Exploreum - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

Love this place!! Every time I go I am amazed! The grandchildren always love it! This last time we saw the Panda movie. How adorable! The Ghengis Khan Exhibit was excellent!! The children's section is always a delight!! read more

This place is fantastic! We visited at opening, planning on leaving by noon for lunch and then heading home. The morning went as planned, but after lunch everybody wanted to head back to explore more of the museum! So the museum has something for everyone in the family. There is a medical section which has activities from as easy as putting the body parts where they go on a life sized outline to playing video games to help someone with diabetes. Another section explains and let's you do practice medical procedures. They emphasize health and tap into people's competitive nature with tests of strength, reaction time, and coordination. The small kids go for "The Wharf" play area which has a shallow ball pit and a kid sized boat. There are big foamy blocks perfect for fort building as well. For the older scientists in the group you can design your own paper airplanes and trial them in a wind tunnel. Then MacGyver your own parachute out of coffee filters, string, and Dixie cups. (Then test it out!) I could go on but you should just go ahead and explore it for yourself! Tip: Don't miss the outside courtyard part with the whisper disks, levers, and pulleys! If I lived close enough I would have annual passes for the family. The Gulf Coast is so lucky to have this place! read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Go forth and explore! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

It has lots of stuff for smaller kids. I say up to age 12. They even have a fun section for little babes. The only complaint is some of the body works stuff needs recalibration and PARKING! There are two hour spots that fill up fast and the other parking area charges $7 a full day. The staff was really friendly and helpful. read more

See all

Great place for the family. Much to see and do. I would def return. Just be sure to let the folks at the counter know if you don't want the imax movie or they will charge you for it. Our mistake. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

This place has potential to be great, as they have the space. I felt like the exhibits and activity were lacking compared to other children's museums. However, you can't beat the price. It was $11 for two adults and our daughter is still under 2. It was dead on a Thursday afternoon, as we only saw one other child there. We had the entire baby/toddler area to ourselves. Overall my kid had a good time. She loved the ball pit and climbing onto the slide. Great indoor activity during a hot summer day. read more

Great place for the kiddos. Mine are 6 and 3 and it's perfect for them. We visited on Monday so it wasn't very crowded. They have IMAX movies too if that's what you like. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Stuff for daddy to do too. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

The Exploreum is weird. On presentation, you'd think you were walking into a mini Smithsonian, and yet...when we were there, half the exhibits didn't work in this 'hands on' museum. At least I don't think they did; Things were working, indeed, but but when you went to play the laser harp, for example, some propeller thing would start flying 20 feet away. Push a button here, a reaction happens in another room. Maybe the planets weren't aligned or something. I'm not completely illiterate, but I found the explanations of physics exhibits difficult to understand, and therefore - boring. We're not all Stephen Hawking, guys, can we take it down a notch? So we attended a science presentation in a small auditorium, but we didn't know what would be presented. Little Daughter, age 5, was able to suspend her belief that they were cutting open a real sheep's eye, so she got through it. Some hand sanitizer throughout the place wouldn't be overkill. All these sniffly little kids putting grimey little hands and sometimes faces on the exhibits, to the point you can see a build up of their little paw prints - yuk. (Sorry - I'm a nurse -I push elevator buttons with my elbow or shirt sleeve. What can I say? There's alot of crud out there.) Parking is every man for himself. The lot didn't have an attendant, but when we left the Exploreum, it took the barrier FOREVER to let the car in front of us to figure out that it was OK to raise up and let him out. This was a Sunday, and there was no one to call. I can't remember how long it took, but it was somewhere around the time it take for an elephant to give birth, which, if you didn't know, is the longest of any land animal, and that's something I didn't learn at the Exploreum. Anyhow, C decided to make a break for it, and tail the other car while the barrier was still up, hoping to high heaven it didn't come crashing down on the roof. It didn't. But it would have been funny if it had. Definitely worth half the exhibits not working. Then again, I would have felt bad for the damage to his car. But only after I laughed really, really hard. read more

We got a family membership which is a great deal because I can take my child as often as I want. She loves the kid's area and it's appropriate for all ages. I love the featured exhibits that come through as well as the IMAX. I do wish they'd repair the health exhibit, because it is really cool when everything is working. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - The little kid's area is pretty cool. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

Meh. We have been to the Exploreum twice. The first time was in 2009, and it was fantastic. Everything worked, the exhibits were a ton of fun for my young son. Fast forward to 2014, and we have been stationed here again, so we decided to take our kids. It was so disappointing. At least a third of the body works exhibits were broken or functioning incorrectly. The butterfly 'exhibit'was just a bunch of dead butterflies pinned to boards on the wall. Try explaining that to your four-year-old daughter. We thought it would be like the butterfly room at the zoo we lived near in NC. Overall, I found it too expensive for what you actually get to see. It looks large from the outside, but most of that is atrium and the IMAX dome. We won't be visiting again, and I don't think I'd recommend it to tourists. read more

Smallest science museum I've ever been too. I'm glad it was free for military, or I would've gotten a refund. One side has a small kid play area with cheap paint, and the other side has a "my body exploring" that would be decent if 1/2 the machines weren't broken. All in all I'd never come back and waste my time or money. read more

This place has the potential to be great but it wasn't. Over half of the exhibits didn't work which was a huge bummer. There were only 4 different areas with 10-12 different activities tops. I wanted the human body part to be fun but almost nothing worked in there. It was over $75 for a family of 6 to visit this place. I wouldn't recommend wasting money on this science museum read more

We started with the IMAX was broke. The idea of hands on activities sounded great but a lot of them were broken! They advertised a lot about a penguin exhibit. And there were 4 birds total. Overall we were not impressed and will not be upset if I never went back. read more

Gulf Coast Exploreum - Amusement Parks Near Me - Mobile, Alabama

Very hands on, great place for ages 8 and up and probably best for middle school age children. We visited with our group aged 4-7. I think our 7 year old had the most fun although the 4 year olds did run around and push every button in the place and seemed to have fun. There are many many hands-on build your own "experiments" (for lack of a better word) in the exploreum and if the adults can find their inner kid, they can have great fun building and playing alongside their kids. A really great place for little minds to explore and investigate. There is a section dedicated for little ones 4 and younger but for the most part this place is really for ages 7-8 up through maybe middle school/early high school. The health section is interesting and could appeal to high schoolers. Particularly those considering careers in health care. The DaVinci exhibit was a huge hit with all of us, particularly the interactive build-your-own section. This is a great exhibit on early robotics! We did not explore the IMAX so I will not review that. Along the way, exploreum staff members were friendly and helpful! It was clean and orderly on our visit today. Overall: recommended! Definitely geared towards kids and their inquisitive minds! read more

My husband and I took some close friends and their children here on a mid Sunday afternoon. It's a very spacious exploreum museum, but there's not a lot of guidance in my opinion. There really does need to be a tour offered or something. Some of the rooms are just large tables with different activities to do, but if your child can't read or if you have multiple children it becomes a task trying to help them because there weren't any employees around to ask for assistance. The human body exhibit was interesting and educational mainly because I am a scientist and I want the facts rights there , BUT a lot of the exhibits within that room were out of order. Upstairs was where we found the future of science exhibit. At first, I thought this may be neat, but then I came to believe it was way too far fetched for me and just couldn't go with it. If you like scyfy, it may be right up your alley. I'll pass going next time, the admission cost wasn't worth it especially since many things out of order read more

We are that family that goes to every science center possible when we travel. This one was perfectly priced ($12) for its size and the amount of stations that were not working properly. This place has a great play area for those under 5; a fun area for making your own paper airplanes, parachutes, etc and testing them out; a fun health area where you can test your own body's health in several ways - a lot of these were not working well though; and a very small area for exploring light and sound. It would be a very boring place if one didn't take the time to read the boards at each station and try each thing out. For our kids who are 6 & 7.5 and love science it was very fun and took us about 90 minutes to get through the whole place so for the price it was a fun morning. 3/5 stars is for how many things weren't working properly/overall appeal. read more

My kids love this museum. There's no reason to give it anything less than 4 stars. The person who reviewed and said it was too small either didn't realize there was an upstairs, or was too picky. The mess hall in Pensacola is about 50 times smaller, but we still love it and go there. The only thing I'd say is they could have more coupons available for larger families. read more

I took my 20 month old there Feb 2013 He couldn't do everything but he had a blast running around and touching everything. The ball pit area is designed to put the kids in a harbor with bells and whistles so they can make noises. There were a lot of older kids there that day. That was ok if some got too rough most entertainment areas had sections for under 2yrs old. In that area was also a semi secluded changing area and breast feeding area. I look forward to going back here again and would highly recommend it to others. I have visited a lot of children's science museums and I would put this one in my top 10. The children's science museum in Nashville, TN is currently my #1 read more

Just ok, and very overpriced for what it is. We spent maybe an hour and a half here. A lot of the interactive, computer based activities were broken, and the extra $$$ dinosaur exhibit was tiny and not particularly interesting. read more

GreaT for 5 to 95. Don't miss it. You'll love every minute!! Lots of hands on and lots of learning. Can't make it through here any faster than several hours. Challenging for young and old. A real Gem!! read more

Honestly, there's no way this museum is worth the money they charge to get in. There were about 2.5 exhibits, but half of the devices didn't work. Additionally, the advertised STEM Wonderland, which was said to open November 9, was not open at the end of November. All in all, a really disappointing experience. The museum has a lot of potential with interactive experiences for kids, but it's just not worth the money yet. read more

Visited for the first time today. Many of the exhibits do not function properly, but there were enough informational exhibits to make it worth the visit. They have a small cafe with reasonably priced food. We did not visit the IMAX mainly because the pricing was way too expensive for a short movie. My daughter is 5 and had a lot of fun. Her favorite part was the Wharf. The wharf is a small playground with a ball pit and a mock boat. It's only for children 5 and under. read more

The Exploreum is kind of like a mini version of the Smithsonian. I used to come with my kids as a chaperone on school trips, but since they've gotten older, we have not been in a while. Well, we decided to visit again, and I saw it that it has not changed a bit. The museum's exhibits are pretty cool, and a lot of them are hands on. But, you just can't really enjoy them much because there are huge groups of kids running around the place and crowding around everything. And I also agree on the hand sanitizer. You can see all the tiny handprints collecting on many of the surfaces inside. The Exploreum always features a new movie every month or so. We watched an IMAX movie about Megalodon and also saw the exhibit. Overall, nothing really special about this museum. read more

Excellent! Had a great time and learned a lot at the DaVinci exhibit. First class facility. Highly recommend. We didn't do the theater this time, but we will be back. read more

I started off rating this experience as a awesome rainy day experience as we wanted to get our stir crazy kids out of the house during a rainy week. I ended up changing it because the kids would've enjoyed this trip whether it was rainy or not. I'm military so my family and I received exhibit entry for free (all military now until Labor Day Weekend) and we only paid $15 for the Lemur and $16 for the Hubble Telescope IMAX show. I think my wife and I enjoyed all the working exhibits as much as the kids did. The best time to go is during the weekday before the field trips start. We had the entire place to ourselves. My 5, 4, and 3 yr. old kids learned so much!!! read more

Great museum for the kids. Been here a couple of times and the chocolate exhibit was wonderful. My daughter, an avid candy fan, loved it. I loved to see her smile and be so amazed at a museum. We will definitely come back here when I can get time off from work. read more

We had an amazing time here! Tons for kids to do and adults!!! Amazing boat simulators. Great for all ages! Perfect educational and fun trip. read more

I've been here several times and now have a Family pass for the year. This place is fun. My 2nd grader enjoys coming here. Every year the 2nd graders from my son's school take a field trip to the Exploreum in October. They have hands on exhibts illustrating some science facts which the kids (and adults) can play with. They also have an IMAX theatre. They have a whole section that's devoted to healthy eating and exercise but in a fun way. They also have "extra" shows/exhibits several times a year. We enjoyed the special Australia exhibit last November, they had Kangaroos, Wallabys, Sugar Gliders, etc and small Australia themed things to do throughout the facility. They just opened an exhibit on Megaladon (giant shark) and my son has asked to go this weekend. I'm assuming this extra exhibit will be structured in a similar way to the Australia one, although I don't think they'll have a Megaladon in a Fish Tank! The snack bar is nothing to write home about, is pricy and doesn't have much of a selection. Eat at one of the restaurants within walking distance and then come back to enjoy the exhibits some more. read more