Pattern Pod at the Science Museum

A hands-on gallery for preschoolers: boats to float, blocks to stack, and light and sound to play with.

Race down giant friction slides, watch lightning experiments, then get hands-on with everything else. Plan more time than you think.

A roaring T. rex (fair warning for small kids), then Triceratops and Iguanodon fossils up close.

A big pirate galleon to board, a treehouse and plenty of sand. Your kid will head for the ship first.