The Museum will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving).

The Idea Factory

Griffin MSI’s youngest guests can conduct their own play-filled scientific investigations.

Play leads to understanding

Young scientists aged 10 and under (and their families) are invited to a research facility built just for them, chock full of opportunities to test and observe theories of construction, simple machines, light, magnetism, air pressure and more.

What to expect

The youngest guests can test toy truck speeds on differently shaped roads and see how spheres zoom across the room through air tubes. Older siblings can lift heavier shapes with a crane to test weight distributions. Kids of all ages will agree on fun of the Water Spectacle, a hydrodynamic playset for spraying, splashing and floating objects, and yes, rain slickers are available. Designed for families, Idea Factory features a family restroom, nursing room and timed capacity control.

Related Experiences

The Great Train Story

The Great Train Story

This model railroad can whisk you cross-country in minutes, or fascinate you for hours.

Pioneer Zephyr

Pioneer Zephyr

All aboard the Pioneer Zephyr!

Transportation Gallery

Transportation Gallery

Historic vehicles that have flown, chugged and sped into the record books.

The Blue Paradox

The Blue Paradox

Explore the pervasiveness of plastic pollution and the steps we can take to address it.

  • The Great Train Story

    The Great Train Story

    This model railroad can whisk you cross-country in minutes, or fascinate you for hours.

  • Pioneer Zephyr

    Pioneer Zephyr

    All aboard the Pioneer Zephyr!

  • Transportation Gallery

    Transportation Gallery

    Historic vehicles that have flown, chugged and sped into the record books.

  • The Blue Paradox

    The Blue Paradox

    Explore the pervasiveness of plastic pollution and the steps we can take to address it.

Inspire the inventive genius in you