WonderWorks (museum) facts for kids
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| Established | March 4, 1998 |
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| Collection size | Interactive science exhibits |
| Founder | John Morgan |
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WonderWorks is a super cool entertainment center in the United States. It has six locations, and each building looks like it's been turned completely upside down! It's a mix of education and entertainment, often called "edutainment." You learn awesome stuff while having a blast! Inside, you'll find tons of hands-on exhibits. You can learn about amazing science topics and even experience them for yourself.
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What is WonderWorks?
Each WonderWorks location is packed with fun, interactive exhibits. These exhibits focus on themes like space, physics, and math. Some locations also have a dinner magic show or a 4D XD motion theater.
The buildings themselves are really unique! They are designed to look like a building was ripped from the ground by a huge storm and landed upside down. This cool design was created by Orlando architect Terry O. Nichoson for the first WonderWorks in Orlando. He then helped design all the other locations too.
Most WonderWorks spots offer laser tag and a multi-story ropes course. The Myrtle Beach location even has an outdoor ropes course and a zip-line! Only the Branson location does not have a ropes course. Most WonderWorks are open every day of the year. It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours to explore everything.
Where to Find WonderWorks
You can visit WonderWorks in these cities:
- Orlando, Florida (opened March 3, 1998)
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (opened 2006)
- Panama City Beach, Florida (opened 2009)
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (inside the Broadway at the Beach mall, opened 2011)
- Syracuse, New York (inside Destiny USA, opened 2012)
- Branson, Missouri (opened 2020)
The outside of a WonderWorks museum is an upside-down building. Even the yard and decorations are upside down, and this theme continues inside!
The WonderWorks Story
The story of WonderWorks begins with a group of amazing scientists. They were led by Professor Wonder. Their secret lab was on a faraway island in the Bermuda Triangle. They were trying to create a man-made tornado.
But something went wrong! The tornado got out of control and picked up the entire lab. It carried the lab thousands of miles away. Finally, it landed upside down right where you see it today!
What's Underneath?
Each WonderWorks building landed on top of another building. Here's what's underneath each location:
- Orlando, Florida: A Warehouse
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: A Theater
- Panama City Beach, Florida: A Surf Shack
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: A Crab Shack
- Syracuse, New York: The 3rd Floor of Destiny USA
- Branson, Missouri: A Log Cabin
Explore the WonderZones
WonderWorks has different "WonderZones" where you can explore various science topics.
Natural Disasters Zone
In this zone, you can experience the power of nature!
- Tesla Coil: Watch 100,000 volts of electricity zap through the air.
- Earthquake Cafe: Feel what a 5.3 magnitude earthquake is like.
- Hurricane Shack: Experience winds blowing at 74 miles per hour, just like a real hurricane!
- How Cold Is It?: Put your hands in icy water that's 28°F.
- Trivia Wall: Test your knowledge about weather and disasters.
Physical Challenge Zone
This zone lets you test your body and mind!
- Bed of Nails: Lie down on a bed with 3,500 nails. Don't worry, it's safe!
- Wonder Wall: Create 3D images of your body on a giant pin wall.
- Bubble Lab: Make bubbles so big you can stand inside them!
- Pulley Power: Use a rope and pulley system to lift yourself up.
- Virtual Sports: Try out your athletic skills in a virtual world.
Light and Sound Zone
Discover how light and sound work in this exciting zone!
- Speed of Light: Test how fast your reflexes are.
- Recollections: Watch your shadow multiply into different colors and patterns on a wall.
- Strike a Pose: Create cool poses and see them transformed.
- Giant Piano: Jump from key to key to play music on a huge floor piano.
Space Discovery Zone
Learn all about space and what it's like to be an astronaut!
- Space Suit: See a life-sized copy of an EVA suit that astronauts wear in space.
- Mercury Capsule: Climb inside a copy of a launched space capsule.
- Land the Shuttle: Try to control a space shuttle as you land it.
- Astronaut Training Challenge: Experience the feeling of weightlessness, just like astronauts in space.
- Wonder Coaster: Design your own roller coaster and then ride it!
Imagination Lab Zone
Get creative and use your imagination in this fun lab!
- Wonder Brite: Arrange colored pegs to make cool shapes and patterns.
- Alien Stomper: Play a game where you send aliens back to outer space.
- Fun Express: Explore digital painting and create your own art.
- Gear Works: Arrange gears so they fit together and spin.
- The Adventures of Professor Wonder: Follow along with Professor Wonder's exciting journeys.
- Forensic Science Exhibition: Learn about the real work of a forensic scientist.
Far Out Art Gallery
This gallery is full of amazing art that plays tricks on your eyes! Look closely to find hidden objects and explore cool illusions in the paintings.
Other Fun Attractions
Besides the WonderZones, many locations offer even more excitement:
- Indoor Ropes Course
- 4D XD Motion Theater
- WonderWorks Laser Tag
- Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
