What is it?:
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located in Balboa Park, is the place to learn about science and astronomy in a family friendly and hands-on setting. It is also home to San Diego's only IMAX theater. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center seeks to inspire life-long learning by furthering the public's understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
What is there to see?:
The Science Center features more than 100 interactive science exhibits in five galleries, as well as major traveling exhibitions. Visitors can create colored shadows, design images with a sand pendulum, examine the vibration of guitar strings and get their hands on a variety of intriguing scientific phenomena. The Virtual Zone is perfect for adventurous and inquisitive visitors alike. While most exhibits are suitable for ages seven to 107, younger children will enjoy Kid City, a vibrant exhibition aimed at children ages six and younger.
What about the IMAX?:
The giant tilted IMAX® Dome screen, combined with the world's largest film format, create a super-realistic cinematic experience. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is home to the world's first, and San Diego's only, IMAX Dome Theater. Built in 1973, the Dome is 76 feet in diameter and made of 1500 triangular aluminum tiles. If you haven't experienced an IMAX film, this is a reason to visit the Fleet.
Is it a planetarium?:
Astronomy buffs will love visiting the Fleet. The popular Sky Tonight shows cover the sky in San Diego as it appears on the night of the planetarium show as well as some additional information on a particular astronomy topic. This extremely popular live planetarium show is perfect for backyard astronomers who want to find their way around the universe.
What else does it offer?:
Too many to mention here. The Fleet offers a host of educational programs for the general public and classrooms. One of the best days to experience the Fleet is to attend Family Science Days. On the third Saturday of every month, participate in hands-on activities designed for children and adults to work together to complement our interactive exhibits. Explore the fun and fascinating side of science! Come to the science table and make a free science experiment that you can take home with you! Family Science Days are from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., and are free with paid Science Center admission.
Your About Guide's Take:
Address: 1875 El Prado • San Diego, CA 92101. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is open daily at 9:30 a.m. and is open in the evenings during summertime, holidays and on weekends. Admission to exhibit galleries is $7 for adults (less for students and seniors). IMAX admission is extra.
For anyone with a curiosity about science, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a great place to explore. From young children to adults, there's something for everyone to interact with. Lots of the exhibit areas are hands-on and interactive, and are geared for the younger set. What they might see as just fun is actually educational. For adults, the IMAX theater gives you a chance to see the amazing IMAX films (check for schedules). And the Fleet has a whole slate of activities for astronomy buffs.
For those wanting even more immersive experience, the Fleet offers a host of educational programs for the general public.
Tip: For best enjoyment during weekdays, they recommend attending The Fleet after 1:00 p.m. This is when the majority of groups return to their schools and our Exhibit Halls will be more accessible to the General Public. If you would like to come early in the morning, please bear in mind you may be coming during a high traffic time. The heaviest traffic time for school groups are the months of March, April and May.
