A visit to the Lafayette Science Museum is always a fun and educational way to spend a day. But this weekend the stars have aligned to create the perfect opportunity to enjoy a dino-sized experience like no other. Parents, look no further. Here are your family’s plans for the weekend. (Spoiler alert: It’s all free!)
1. POWERED BY STEAM
On Nov. 5 and 6, the Lafayette Science Museum is once again partnering with Cite Des Arts to present Steampunk & Makers Fair. The event will fill Parc International with steampunk-themed actors, vendors and performers, while the museum will host makers of all kinds. You can also attend panel discussions all weekend on topics ranging from prop building to Victorian literature.
2. LOOK TO THE STARS
The Planetarium curator has planned a special extended schedule of Planetarium programs for the weekend. This is a great way for stargazers to know what to look for in the night sky — and the perfect chance to get a sampling of its wide range of planetarium programs.
3. GAME TIME
Lafayette Science Museum has partnered with The Academy of Interactive Entertainment to bring six interactive gaming stations to the museum. The exhibit, dubbed Gamers Sandbox, was recently updated with 12 genre-ranging new games. From puzzles, to adventure, to goats, there’s something for everyone.
4. FLY THROUGH THE SKY
As part of Makers Fair, the museum’s second floor will be the site of exciting Drone Demonstrations this weekend. Visitors will get a bird’s eye view of exhibits through drone-mounted cameras. Don’t miss the high-flying fun.
5. TEAM PHENOMENA
This weekend the museum is also hosting Comeaux High School’s robotics club, Team 3616: Phenomena. The team, which allows students to come together to think, design, build, and collaborate on various robotics projects, will display its projects and host robotics demonstrations for the public.
6. THE CRAWL SPACE
The Crawl Space: Enter the World of Entomology features 19 terrariums that put the focus on beetles, bugs, millipedes, scorpions and more. You’ll see a variety of creatures, including some you’ll be glad are behind the glass, such as tarantulas and black widow spiders.
7. FOSSIL GIANTS FAREWELL
When you visit its featured exhibit, Fossil Giants: Dinosaurs and Mammals, you may find yourself nose to tusk with a mastodon. Or toe to claw with a cave bear. This exhibit has entered its third and final year with a breathtaking glimpse into the age of mammals: the Cenozoic, which began 65 million years ago. The centerpiece is a life-size model of a mastodon skeleton paired with fossils of mastodon teeth, including one from a specimen found near Avery Island. You can also get acquainted with a giant sloth, prehistoric rhinos, and an ancient camel.
8. LIFE IN 3D
This weekend, visitors will also get a chance to see public demonstrations of the museum’s 3D printers. Watch as these machines create three-dimensional plastic objects from digital models, right before your eyes!
9. MUSIC TO OUR EARS
Lafayette Science Museum recently unveiled a new Acadiana Music Experience exhibit, an interactive display featuring music, photos and memorabilia of traditional and contemporary artists in Cajun music, zydeco, swamp pop, country, blues and more. Visitors can browse through the screens of three kiosks filled with pictures, biographical information and music samples. The project was developed through a partnership with LSM, Lafayette Entertainment Initiative, KRVS Radio Acadie, the Center for Louisiana Studies and a grant for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
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10. FREE FOR ALL**
Experience this jam-packed weekend — and rediscover the Lafayette Science Museum — AT NO COST. It’s open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.mm and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 433 Jefferson St., in the heart of Downtown Lafayette.
For more info, click here.