If it can be flown, raced, cranked or built, the Whitaker Center (222 Market St., Harrisburg, Penn., about 120 miles from downtown D.C.) will let you join in on the fun with three floors of interactive exhibits.
Harness the power of wind turbines, construct bridges and assemble objects at the Science Center. Explore the weather and the planet at the Forces of Nature exhibit. The kid-sized cityscape, made for kids under the age of five, sends the small ones into their own world.
The Whitaker Center, a science-and-arts powerhouse, also features a performance space and IMAX theater. You have the chance to catch nearly any musical genre, from pianists to acoustic, plus dance performances. Guests have included George Winston, Garrison Keillor, the Cowboy Junkies and Robert Earl Keen.
The center also has a unique gift shop -- most likely a favorite shopping spot for "Bill Nye" (The Science Guy!) fan. It’s full of items like unique gems, science kits, novelties and yummy(?) bug candy.
The center is open Tues.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $12.50 for kids. Admission with an IMAX ticket is $18.75 adults and $16.75 for kids. Park at the Walnut Street parking garage.
