One of the best science museums in Central Texas is located in Johnson City, Texas. The Hill Country Science Mill has engaging hands-on exhibits and fun for all ages. With a few recent additions, the Science Mill needs to be on your summer bucket lists!
photo credit: Hill Country Science Mill
My children are big fans of hands-on museums. They like to take their time creating, building, and ultimately learning. So when the Science Mill opened a few years ago, we made a bee-line out to Johnson City to see what it was all about.
The Science Mill is filled with high-tech, hands-on exhibits created to engage kids with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) concepts. When we visited in 2015, my older kids were totally into watching the 3D Printer, creating cars to race each other, and trying to beat Mindball.
Recently, the Science Mill has brought in new exhibits and developed the outside garden, giving us more reasons for a return visit this summer. Here are some of the exciting new changes they have made:
5 New Reasons to Visit the Science Mill
Science Mill: Giant Wave Pendulum
This Spring, the Science & Art Park outside the Science Mill received a few new upgrades. With just a push of a button, your family can watch physics in motion on the Giant Wave Pendulum. This 40-foot-tall structure with a solar-powered automatic loader will simultaneously set in motion 12 simple pendulums of increasing lengths.
Science Mill: Fossil Dig
photo credit: Hill Country Science Mill
Also in the Science & Art Park, the fossil dig is very popular. Large stones line a dry creek bed that has hidden fossils cast into the rock. Children can excavate fossils using paleontological tools.
Science Mill: Tortoise Habitat
photo credit: Hill Country Science Mill
In December, two giant African Spurred tortoises, Speedy (male) and Tortilla (female), joined the Science Mill family. They have taken residency in a beautiful new habitat in the Science & Art Park. Visitors can also peek inside their burrow via an infrared camera on the iPads in the Lobby. And come watch their scheduled feedings on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:15pm.
Science Mill: Walk Inside the Kinetic Sculpture
One of my children’s favorite exhibits at the Science Mill is the Leonardo kinetic sculpture. It was redesigned so that you can enter into the center of the sculpture and actively interact with the “crazy” Rube Goldberg action of many balls in many paths. My kids will love this!
Leonardo Kinetic Sculpture from our visit in Spring 2015
Science Mill: Special Events
There are so many fun events that the Science Mill is hosting this summer:
Trash to Treasure – June 10
Bring your old toys, household items, recyclables and creativity to this one-of-a-kind art class! World famous artist, McKay Otto, will lead you in turning unwanted items into unique works of art. Ages 8+ are welcome. Two classes offered at 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Classes are free with admission, but space is limited.
Battle Bot Challenge – June 18
Outmaneuver, outsmart and out-flip dad this Father’s Day at the Battle-Bot Challenge. Join us for two exciting robotic duels! Challenge dad to a Flipper-Bot match or test your wrestling skills in the Sumo-Bot ring. Learn robotics as you battle to see who earns the title of robot champion! Event is free with admission.
Soar to New Heights – July 1
This 4th of July weekend we’ll be lighting up the Science Mill sky! Join us July 1st from 11am-3pm for Rocket Day. Launch rockets, test your skills on a foam rocket obstacle course and see the difference design can make at the paper plane runway. Event is free with admission. Wear your red, white and blue and prepare to blast off!
Flying Monsters 3D – Begins July 1
Adventure into the prehistoric through the eyes of pterosaurs as you soar alongside them in this 3D movie. National Geographic’s award-winning Flying Monsters 3D takes you up close and personal with the monsters that ruled the skies in the age of dinosaurs.
The Science Mill is always hosting something fun. Check their calendar online for more events.
Science Mill: Summer Hours
Summer is here, which means the Science Mill is open longer!
Summer Hours:
Closed Monday and Tuesday
10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday
12pm-5pm Sunday
Here is a quick peek of some of the other fun to be had at the Hill Country Science Mill, from our visit a few years ago:
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9 Things to Do at the Hill Country Science Mill
8 Fun Things for Younger Kids at the Hill Country Science Mill
Disclosure: My family was invited to visit the Science Mill. This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
