Go big or go home. Check out Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center Feb. 15
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Go big or go home! It’s time for one of McWane Science Center’s mightiest annual events—Big Machines Day. So secure those hard hats and gear up for a day of construction and discovery on Saturday, February 15 from 10AM-4PM in Birmingham. Buy tickets now!
If your kids love Bob the Builder or Fireman Sam, they’ll go silly for this event. Sponsored by Craneworks, this is the 11th year that kids and adults alike will have the chance to discover some of the coolest machines around, like fire trucks, police cars and excavators.
What’s especially exciting about the event is that kids of all ages are allowed to climb inside these hefty contraptions and explore all they have to offer. You’ll never see your kiddo smile as wide as when they are pushing those giant buttons and levers. They’ll also be especially adorable in the pink and yellow hardhats available for free during the event.
And it all takes place outside on McWane Science Center’s plaza on 19th Street North in Birmingham on Saturday, February 15 from 10AM-4PM.
Activate Your Science Skills
Climbing inside these impressive contraptions is just one of the exciting things to do during Big Machines Day. Check out these three activities taking place inside McWane Science Center that will activate your science skills.
LEGO Simple Machines
Fire trucks, dump trucks, cranes and other mighty machines are known for making exciting sounds and more, but how do they actually work? The answer—simple machines.
Beginning at 10:30AM, you’ll have the chance to build your own simple machine using one of the most popular toys to ever touch a kid’s bedroom floor—LEGOs.
Energy in Motion
Did you know energy and motion go hand-in-hand? Just as you require energy to move, so do machines. And the larger the gizmo, the more energy it takes.
At 1:30PM, discover how an inclined plane can be used to harbor different types of energy.
Design Challenge: Blue Blocks
The blocks may be blue, but there will be no room for sadness during this cool activity. At 2:30PM, head to McWane Science Center’s Imagination Playground for the ultimate challenge—using huge blue blocks to build your very own big machine.
Exhibits, Food and More
Need a break from the brawny machines outside? General admission gets you into McWane Science Center and all it has to offer.
- Swing by the food court or snack bar for tasty items like popcorn and candy.
- Discover the newest traveling exhibit, Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World.
- Watch a movie on the jumbo screen at the IMAX theatre. (Now showing: America’s Musical Journey.)
- Find cool souvenirs at the gift shop (members score a discount).
Check Out the Event
Are you ready to discover why Big Machines Day is one of McWane Science Center’s most popular events? Check it out on Saturday, February 15 from 10AM-4PM at 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Buy tickets in advance.
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