I would absolutely love to give this place soaring reviews, but I honestly can't do that. I have given it multiple tries, I even have a year membership. However, it is a hot mess every single time I go. My frustration today was that 90% of the exhibits were closed due to a school field trip. The man checking me in did tell me there was a field trip present today with no elaboration past that. I figured that having it be a little crowded was no sweat and proceeded with my child anyway. I should have been informed at that point that the field trip was commandeering 90% of the museum and those areas were closed for the public. If I would have been told that I would not be able to access the children's area or planetarium, I would have just turned around and left.

While the above is frustrating, my review is based on multiple experiences/trips. Here is a brief recap of my thoughts: 1.) planetarium shows have never once been on time for me. 75% of the time, they are never played at all. I tried on more than one occasion to have someone start the showing only for them to say they are understaffed and proceed to never come upstairs to turn it on. 2.) Most of the animal tanks are completely filthy to the point where it is a struggle seeing some of the animals. It's really sad. 3.) interactive exhibits often have unclear instructions 4.) they layout of the museum and lack of signage/ staff presence always makes me feel like I'm somewhere I'm not supposed to be.

A few positives- 1.) I'm impressed by how clean they typically keep the play areas (minus animal tanks) 2.) I love having a lot of craft options in the arts and crafts area. Today we made ornaments.

You may ask- if you dislike this place, why do you keep returning? It's simple- Saving money. I bought the membership, so I will be darned if I don't get my money worth. Would I purchase again? Possibly. Not because of this museum though. They are a member of a museum network that grants members free/cheap tickets to other better museums (Cosi, the Highlands in Ashland). I'm all for saving that $$ and if I have to support a place I don't love in order to save a few bucks, I am not above it.