Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
2 new exhibits open in Birmingham this month—LEGO® included
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Have a case of the Januarys? The gray skies, the cold temps—it’s enough to make kids and adults feel a little bonkers. The good news: two new exhibits opening this month at McWane Science Center promise a mood boost and plenty of creative fun.
Read on for details, and consider this your official excuse to escape the new-year funk—no coat required.
Playing with Light—Jan. 17 at McWane
The best way to shake off January’s gloomy weather is to experience something bright, playful and completely new. Say hello to Playing with Light—opening Saturday, January 17 in McWane’s Adventure Halls.
This brand-new, hands-on exhibit created by Scitech is packed with 23 interactive experiences that let kids and adults learn through play. Think light, lasers, lenses and more!
When you visit, you can:
- Freeze your shadow on the wall.
- Mix colored lights to create glowing combinations.
- Bounce a laser beam through a stream of water.
- Shake hands with yourself in a mirrored light display.
- Tinker with fiber optics + lenses.
- Paint with virtual brushes on iPads + project your glowing designs onto the wall.
Walk through a tunnel of 20,000 LED lights and discover the impact of white light on color. (Christian Sprogoe)
One can’t-miss challenge? Laser Dodge. Part Mission Impossible, part science lesson—you’ll attempt to reach your target without setting off an alarm by weaving through a maze of laser beams.
Parent tip: Expect lots of STEM learning in action—experimenting, problem-solving and more. Your kiddos will love it so much, they won’t even know they’re learning!
Bonus tip: Visit McWane’s website for recurring “Bright Ideas”—special activities led by the education team that explore a range of light concepts, from UV bracelets to graphite lightbulbs!
Event details
- When: Saturday, Jan. 17-Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
- Wednesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday 12PM-5PM
- Where: McWane Science Center—Adventure Halls, 1st floor
- Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
- Adventure Halls ticket only: Adults (ages 13+) $19.95 | Seniors (ages 65+) $18.95 | Kids (ages 2-12) $15.95 | Kids under 2, free admission
- Tickets (available online + at the door)
Brickology LEGO® exhibit—Jan. 31 at McWane
(L) Brickology graffiti walls (Bham Now); (R) Local creations (McWane Science Center)
Whether you grew up loving LEGO® or enjoy watching your kids’ creativity go wild, you’ll have a blast at Brickology.
Back for another season, this fan-favorite exhibit returns on Saturday, January 31, with all the hands-on fun you remember—plus some cool new twists.
Here are a few things you’ll get to experience:
- Design challenges that stretch your creativity.
- Ramps for wheeled creations, including one that’s a mighty 8’ tall!
- LEGO graffiti walls where you and your crew can leave your coolest creations.
- A mini-figurine maze where you’ll solve puzzles + race to the finish. (New this year!)
“Guests aren’t just building racecars, bridges and unique creations–they’re building skills, too! Through hands-on testing, redesigning and open-ended play, you get to explore physics and engineering concepts in a way that feels creative, playful and totally your own.”
Kayley Cook, Director of Museum Engagement, McWane Science Center
Parent tip: Kids aren’t the only ones who will get hooked—don’t be surprised if you’re the last one at the building table!
Event details
- When: Saturday, Jan. 31-Friday, June 19
- Wednesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday 12PM-5PM
- Tip: The Brickology fun doesn’t stop—expect even more to build + explore when the You Build It exhibit opens on June 19!
- Where: McWane Science Center—Adventure Halls, 3rd floor
- Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
- Tickets (available online + at the door)
January just got a whole lot brighter in Birmingham. Get your tickets to McWane’s now.
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