As an adult, I was captivated by the interactive exhibits, the bird feeders hanging just outside the windows, and the detailed but simply-worded explanations of nature and science. My five-year-old son would have stayed in the Tower all day, though, climbing up net ropes and sliding down twisty slides.

Apart from the Tower, my son's favorite part was the planetarium show we watched, Flying Monsters, which was about pterosaurs. It was about 40 minutes long, and it was produced in such a way that it held my child's attention and mine. We both learned new things, too (which is saying a lot for my dino-loving kid).

We only had a couple of hours here, but I suspect that we'll come back the next time we're in town.

We go here frequently with our younger son and teenagers and we always have a great time. It offers lots of hands on activities and has a small zoo and aquarium with a touch center for sea creatures. It may be small in size but offers big fun for all ages.