Sloan Museum is a blog supporter and advertiser for Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood. All opinions expressed belong to me.
In case you haven’t noticed, we love Sloan Museum! Have you seen their latest plans to expand and remodel? The museum is going to be EPIC once it’s re-opened in 2021! Check out the planning here.
Until then, Sloan continues to host its special exhibits at the Courtland Center Mall in Burton.
The latest exhibit is the Robot Zoo, and my kids LOVED it. It’s probably our favorite special exhibit we’ve visited this year, and we spent lots of time exploring and playing on a rainy day.
This special exhibit is open through September 8, 2019, so it’s perfect for some summertime fun!
ABOUT THE ROBOT ZOO
At the Robot Zoo, kids can explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work! This exhibit reveals the magic of nature as a master engineer.
Robot animals and hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors, how a giant squid propels itself, and how a fly walks on the ceiling.
We loved that The Robot Zoo was a cool mix of science and hands-on learning. It’s fun to explore the insides of a chameleon, rhino, squid, platypus {my favorite!}, house fly and bat. They were all really neat.
When asked what their favorite parts were, my oldest {8} said she liked seeing the chameleon change colors, my middle {6} loved hanging like a bat, and my youngest {4} enjoyed making the squid race. There truly was something for all of my crew to enjoy, and I love that they learned along the way, too.
We all got a kick out of the camouflage area and we tried so hard to be a floating head – ha!
Additionally, there was a platypus puzzle area, swat-a-fly game, and a neat area where kids could learn how a grasshopper jumps and how the lungs of an animal work.
The space was very open yet chained off in some areas, which made it easy for me to watch my little ones run around.
This exhibit is recommended for ages 4+ though I am sure the younger ages would enjoy it as well!
The exhibit is surrounded by historic vehicles from Flint & Genesee County history and the Wisner’s Whizbang Emporium family gallery is inside as well and a neat spot for kids to explore and play games.
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
- If you’d like to pack lunches or snacks, there is a dedicated area with tables outside the exhibit to enjoy food, and there are also some small snacks and drinks to enjoy in the gift shop.
- The mall does not have a food court, but there is a Mexican restaurant called El Cozumel Mexican Grill inside. Otherwise, there are plenty of dining options surrounding the mall.
- There are restrooms inside the exhibit, including a family restroom.
- For nursing mamas, there is a private mother’s room available near the kid’s play area.
- There is a gift shop at the entrance/exit. There are lots of neat things, but it’s easy to bypass if budget doesn’t allow for a trinket.
TICKETS
- Genesee County Residents: FREE
- Members: FREE
- Non-Residents: $8 adults, $7 seniors 60+, $6 youth ages 2-11
- Children 1 and younger: FREE
- Other Discounts: FREE for ASTC members, veterans, active duty military families, and teachers!
Genesee County residents and members may call 810-237-3450 to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are also available at the door.
In addition to regular tickets, birthday packages are also available and cost $100+.
LOCATION AND HOURS
The Courtland Center mall is located at 4190 E. Court St., Burton, MI 48509. Sloan Museum is accessible through the Court St. mall entrance, next to El Cozumel Mexican Grill.
HOURS
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Last admittance at 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about the Robot Zoo at the website. You can also follow Sloan Museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more.
Additionally, there are some other really fantastic options for things to do in Flint, and many are low-cost. Here’s a list of extra fun to experience in the area!
Have so much fun if you visit!
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