WonderLab Science Museum — Attraction in Bloomington

Have no idea what it looks like or what the experience is like. My son an I each drove an hour and a half from different directions, with pre-schoolers in tow to meet for a day of fun. We were unable to make reservations, unable to call ahead and be put in a waiting list. You have to go in person to put your name in a list. We arrived in Bloomington, had lunch, and got to our destination right after they re-opened from their lunch closure.(they close from 12:30-1:30) Called on our way to put our name on a waiting. Once there, the person at the counter told us she didn’t put us on the list with the call…we had to be there in person, and she had no way of knowing how long we would wait, or if we would be able to get in before it closed…so she offered us free tickets because my son explained this trip would equate to a three hour drive specifically for the WonderLab as our destination and the wait has undetermined. (We weren’t concerned with the cost of the tickets, it was the quality time we wanted with the kids.) Off we went to find somewhere to wait. After waiting with three kids (4yr, 3yr, & 6 months) at an ice cream parlor for an hour, we called back to check in our status, and we were told we had been taken off the list and our names surpassed. With only an apology for a miscommunication. “You didn’t sound like you wanted to wait,” she said. My son is in the healthcare industry and with staffing shortages he is lucky to get one day off a week. Bloomington is half way for both of us so we look for fun things to do with the kids there. This unfortunately won’t be one of them. I understand the limitations of COVID…but maybe take a minute to understand your customer. Take reservations, allow us to call ahead…make a plan with kids and no place to wait. Keep your free tickets…for us it’s the time we spent to have a special day with the kids that was...

Today, my son and I decided to visit the WonderLab Science Museum in Bloomington, expecting an engaging and educational experience for children. Imagine my surprise when I was told at the entrance that I had to purchase a ticket for myself at the same price as my child! The reasoning? Apparently, this is a museum, and as an adult, I’m also supposed to "enjoy the exhibits." But let’s clarify something. The International Council of Museums defines a museum as a nonprofit institution serving society, which collects, preserves, interprets, and displays tangible and intangible heritage. Where is the "heritage" here? This is essentially an interactive children’s play area where most adults have nothing to do except supervise their kids. This approach is not just unfair; it’s outright dishonest. The owners, hiding behind the fancy title of "museum," are essentially forcing parents to pay for the right to perform their parental duty — watching over their children. If you want to call this "family entertainment," then adjust your pricing and policies accordingly. As it stands, this feels more like an attempt to profit off parents rather than offering children a meaningful experience. This was my first and will be my last visit...

A hands-on science adventure perfect for families and curious minds! This place makes learning fun with interactive exhibits and exciting activities. It’s a must-visit for kids and adults, blending science, health, and technology into a playful and engaging experience.

The moment I walked in, I was drawn to the two-story Grapevine Climber, where kids were laughing and climbing through tunnels and platforms. I had fun experimenting with the bubble lab, creating giant bubbles and learning about surface tension. The live animal exhibits, including turtles and amphibians, added a natural science touch, making it feel like both a museum and a playground.

The staff was friendly and helpful, often jumping in to explain the science behind the exhibits. I loved that many displays are designed for hands-on exploration, from building machines to playing with circuits. It’s easy to spend 1–2 hours here, and there are plenty of spots for parents to relax while kids explore.

This place is more than a museum, it’s a space for curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, it’s a fun and educational stop in Bloomington that leaves you smiling and learning at...