EXPLOR*IT SCIENCE CENTER

At first glance, this converted house seems like it couldn't possibly hold enough to keep kids interested. But looks can be deceiving! From Winston the iguana who greets you to the Hissing Cockroaches in the kitchen (in a terrarium, not the cupboards), this is a quaint, hands-on center. Explor*It is aptly named. Kids are encouraged to touch and play with it all. The exhibits are simple and very interesting, like "backyard" type experiments.. We went on a weekday afternoon and were the only ones there. What sets it apart from other hands-on museums is the staff. Many of them are from nearby UCDavis. The young, soon-to-be family doctor who was on while we were last there spent a good half hour explaining energy and sound waves to my six year old. It's geared toward elementary students, and you may have a difficult time keeping track of your toddler (I did!). The reciprocal benefits grant entrance to many other science museums in the area, and make this a great bargain. Bring a picnic lunch for the outdoor area, or trek a hundred yards out back to a wonderful city of Davis park.