Impression 5 Opens SMASH: A Nuclear Adventure

I attended a media preview for Impression 5 opens Smash: A Nuclear Adventure. All opinions belong to me.

I’ve blogged about Impression 5 many times and all the reasons I adore this Lansing-based gem.

This interactive science center is always evolving, and giving us more reasons to visit. There’s so much to explore for ALL ages, which is why this spot is one of my top recommendations for families looking for some fun!

I’ve loved watching my children “grow up” at Impression 5, first enjoying the infant room, then moving on to the bubble area and the water experience — FLOW, and now onto the more sophisticated exhibits that continue to capture their brains and make them question, “How does X work?”

The museum recently opened SMASH: A Nuclear Adventure, and I love that this permanant space is one more reason to bring my science-loving kiddos here. In fact, I may have learned a few things too!

About SMASH: A Nuclear Adventure

From atoms and isotopes to cosmic rays, SMASH: A Nuclear Adventure encourages children and families to explore the world of nuclear science. The hands-on exhibit is inspired by the life-changing nuclear science research happening now at Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and in the future at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). {You may have noticed the new building on MSU’s campus!}

The 1,500 square-foot interactive exhibit provides a dynamic space for children and families to explore atoms, smash them, create rare isotopes, observe cosmic rays and challenge their understanding of what’s possible through discoveries in nuclear science.

There’s even series of videos that highlight people who contribute to the work happening at MSU’s NSCL and FRIB. As a mom of both daughters and a son, I love that there was equal gender representation. This really helps me to bring home the narrative I’m often telling my kids — you can truly be ANYTHING you want to be.

I mean, how cool would it be to say you have a nuclear scientist in the family? You never know what may spark a child’s interest, and that’s exactly why these types of exhibits are important to our community.

In the exhibit room, children can also add or remove neutrons to create and test stable or unstable isotopes of argon in this interactive “Build an Isotope” activity. Fantastic for hands on learners!

The exhibit also continues Impression 5’s ongoing building renovations, including introducing air conditioning and improved HVAC to the second floor of the building. 

Overall, if you haven’t visited I5 recently, SMASH is one more reason to add this gem to your list of future fun activities!

Location & Hours

Impression 5 is directly south of the Lansing Center on Museum Drive. There is limited free parking. If the dedicated lot is full, check out the parking under the bridge for affordable rates.

Address for GPS:
200 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48922

Hours:

• Closed Mondays!
• Tuesdays — Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

Admission

Entry to Impression 5 is $8.50 for adults and children ages 2 and up and $7 for seniors. Age 1 and under are free.

For extra savings, make sure to check out the membership options, which are affordable and offer reciprocal benefits to select museums across the state and country.

Local Food Options

There is a lunch area at the museum if you’d like to pack a peanut-free lunch to enjoy there. However, if you’d like to explore Lansing for some grub, a few of my favorite spots within a few miles of Impression 5 include:

• Soup Spoon Café {delicious variety of food}
• Weston’s Kewpee Burger {historic spot with amazing olive burgers and malts}
• Lansing Brewing Company {during the day it’s super kid-friendly}
• Golden Harvest {Eclectic breakfast/brunch spot, but be prepared to wait!}

Additional places to go around Lansing with kids can be found at this post.

Make sure to follow Impression 5 on Facebook and Twitter or visit impression5.org for more info.

Have a blast if you visit!