Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
2 exhibits to experience right now at McWane + an epic May the 4th event
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sponsored
Looking to keep the kids busy this spring or geek out over Star Wars with friends? You’ll want to head to the McWane Science Center. We’ve got all the details on two must-experience exhibits your whole family will love this April, week-long events like Robotics Week and an amazing May the 4th day filled with costumes, light sabers and more.
McWane’s current exhibits
McWane has some of the coolest and most unique exhibits in Birmingham—each offering something special for all ages.
Right now, you can experience two—Curious George: Let’s Get Curious and Earth Matters.
Both can be found on McWane’s Adventure Halls for a limited time only. Here’s a look at each:
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious
Your kiddos will go bananas for this Curious George-loving exhibit. Featuring a variety of interactive, hands-on activities that will teach math, science and engineering.
Don’t worry—adults can play too!
Exhibit Details:
- When: Now-May 5, 2024
- Where: McWane’s Adventure Halls – 1st floor
Ad
Earth Matters
This exhibit is perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to keep our planet healthy and happy.
Through interactive activities, you’ll learn about:
- Big issues like biodiversity, rising global temperatures + how to manage carbon emissions
- Endangered species
- Inner-workings of a tree
- Large-scale visualizations of changes taking place in our natural world
- Sustainability efforts
Exhibit Details:
- When: Now-May 12, 2024
- Where: McWane’s Adventure Halls – 3rd floor
Psst—Earth Day is Monday, April 22, and McWane will be celebrating a couple of days early on Saturday, April 20.
This important day is one of the world’s largest environmental initiatives spanning 192 countries and 150,000 partners.
To show your love for our planet, stop by McWane to check out the Earth Matters exhibit as well as special interactive Earth Day programming. You and your family will learn how to make positive changes to help save our planet.
Get your tickets to McWane now.
Robotics Week at McWane—April 10-14
Think robots are cool? Me too! And the technology, engineering and math needed to make them work is truly incredible.
Whether it’s an Earth-saving bot like Wall-E or a daily gadget like an iPhone, I highly suggest celebrating the robotics industry at McWane—especially during Robotics Week, April 10-14.
On these exciting days, McWane’s Education Team will offer all sorts of exciting hands-on STEM experiences for all ages to discover and enjoy.
Ad
National Volunteer Appreciation Week—April 24-27
Did you know McWane is one of Birmingham’s nonprofits? This means it relies heavily on many amazing local volunteers to ensure those in Birmingham and beyond have access to science, exhibits, classes, summer camps and more.
Here’s how volunteers helped McWane in 2023:
- 21,000 volunteer hours
- 120 summer teen volunteers
- 53 school year teens
- 50 adult volunteers
- 21 teen volunteers
- 15 volunteer groups
Amazing, right?
During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 14-20, McWane will be giving a huge shoutout to the amazing people who help spark creativity and wonder every day.
I know I’ll be joining in to say thanks. Will you?
Movies in IMAX at McWane
Nothing beats watching a movie in McWane’s IMAX Dome Theater. With its enormous screen and incredible surround sound, you won’t just see a movie, but feel like you’re actually in it.
This April, you’ll discover educational documentaries and feature length films for your entire family.
Here are some to add to your must-see llst of movies playing right now:
- Cities of the Future (documentary)
- Godzilla X King Kong
- Mesmerica
- Secrets of the Sea (documentary)
View the full list of IMAX films + buy your tickets.
Ad
What’s happening at McWane this May
May the 4th at McWane
Celebrate May the 4th at McWane Science Center in Birmingham. (Maddi Miller / Bham Now)
Star Wars fans, you won’t want to miss this fun-filled day at McWane.
Along with getting to dress up as your fave characters, you’ll get to geek out over tons of thrilling programs all day long.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- Cities of the Future (IMAX documentary)
- Droid building workshops
- Lightsaber demos
- Photo ops with the 501st Legion costume group
- Tinker shop activities
- Video games
Attend May the 4th at McWane on Saturday, May 4 from 10AM-5PM.
Summer Camps at McWane
Wondering how to keep the kids entertained and learning this summer? I feel you.
My suggestion is to sign them up for one of McWane’s many summer camps.
They offer Half-Day Camps for ages 4K-Kindergarten and Full-Day Camps for kids in grades 1-7.
McWane members also score a discount at registration!
Check out the full list of camps and register now.
Stay up to date on what’s happening at McWane by visiting their website + following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Sponsored by:
