RING IN A SEASON OF FAMILY FUN AT GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

December 1st, 2011

CLEVELAND (December 1, 2011) – Although the weather outside is turning frightful, Great Lakes Science Center is anything but as its ready to debut a slate of seasonal-themed events perfect for the entire family – from the brand new Parents’ Night Out: Science of Snow workshop to the annual New Year’s Eve Eve program.

“The holiday season is a hectic time for families, so that is why we’re offering such a dynamic mix of programs this year,” said Dante Centuori, director of creative productions at Great Lakes Science Center. “For instance, we’re having a new workshop that entertains – and educates – kids on the science of snow so parents can go out and finish their holiday shopping. We’re also having other programs – like our Polar Express Pajama-rama movie event – that give families a great excuse to spend time together in the middle of the busy season.”

Here’s a look at all of the family fun offerings this season at Great Lakes Science Center:

• Parents’ Night Out – The Science of Snow: December 9, 5:30 – 9 pm
It’s a kids-only event! Drop off your child for an evening of fun and exploration while you finish your holiday shopping or have a date night. Kids will enjoy the OMNIMAX film, Polar Express, a winter-themed science workshop and more. Grades: K – 6. Cost: $15. Stay until 10 pm for $10 more.

• Santa vs. the Snowman: Special Showings in November and December
Now showing on the giant OMNIMAX Screen, this animated film tells the hilarious tale of a lonely snowman who steals Christmas from Santa. The story features an epic-scale polar war fought with holiday defense mechanisms like a hot-chocolate squirt gun, giant igloo robot walkers and even a 50-foot tall toy soldier manned by Santa himself! Check GreatScience.com for show times.

• The Polar Express: Two screenings only – December 18 and 24
Special Event! The Polar Express Pajama-rama: December 18, 2:15 – 5 pm
For an afternoon filled with holiday cheer, come to the Science Center wearing your Christmas pajamas during this special holiday event. Tickets include admission to the movie and warm snacks before the show (S'mores, pretzel bites, hot cocoa, warm apple cider and fruit juice). All kids get a free sleigh bell after the movie. $15 ($12 members). This event will sell out so be sure to reserve early. Call 216-694-2400 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm).

Movie only: December 24, 11 am
Don't miss this special Christmas Eve screening of The Polar Express. Regular OMNIMAX rates apply. Stop by our OMNI concession stand and purchase our Polar Express special. Reserve tickets early by calling 216-694-2400 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm).

• Winter Break Camps: December 19 – 23 and 26 – 30; January 2 – 3
Build LEGO structures, experiment with dry ice, learn about the “science of color,” explore space in our STARLAB portable planetarium, conduct cold-weather experiments and more! Our Winter Break Camps educate and entertain with day-long sessions for kids in grades K – 8. Camps will be divided by age and camp content will be tailored to suit the campers’ grade level. To register, visit GreatScience.com and click on “Winter Break Camps.”

• New Year’s Eve Eve: December 30, 7 – 11:30 pm
An annual family favorite, perfect for the entire family! Ring in the New Year one night early with a countdown, ginger ale toast and a 2,012 balloon drop. Other activities include fruitcake explosions, carpet-skating, fake snowmaking stations, a hot chocolate bar, an OMNIMAX double feature and more. Advance reservations are required. $24 ($20 members). Call 216-621-2400 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm).

• Don’t Forget About Free Tuesdays!
Free Tuesdays make it easy to entertain kids this season! All youth 18 and under can enjoy free general admission to Great Lakes Science Center on Tuesdays when accompanied by an adult. Offer does not include OMNIMAX Theater.

About Great Lakes Science Center
Great Lakes Science Center is one of the nation’s leading science and technology centers and home to Northeast Ohio’s NASA Glenn Visitor Center. Its mission is to stimulate interest in and increase understanding of the sciences, with a particular emphasis on the interdependence of scientific, environmental and technological activities in the Great Lakes region. It features hundreds of hands-on exhibits, themed traveling exhibits, daily demonstrations, the awe-inspiring OMNIMAX® Theater and the Steamship William G. Mather. The Science Center is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discounted parking is available for guests in the attached 500-car garage. Great Lakes Science Center is generously funded by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. For more information, contact the Science Center at (216) 694-2000 or visit www.GreatScience.com.

###

Back to index