We have been waiting a few years for Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint to re-open and let me tell you…It was worth the wait! The 107,000 square foot museum features four science, history and hands-on learning exhibits and strives to be an inclusive center for the entire community.
We attended the media preview to get the scoop and had such an amazing time exploring. This is for sure going to shoot to the top of our list for one of the best museums in Michigan!
The space has a great open air concept with exhibits thoughtfully laid out. It’s stroller-friendly for babes, and there is plenty to keep ALL ages engaged. I practically had to drag my crew out of there…They had so much fun!
Here’s what to expect to see on a visit to Sloan Museum of Discovery:
Discovery Hall Science Gallery
Our first stop was the Discovery Hall, where the exhibits focused on physical science. This area features a dramatic multi-story Spaceship Earth climbing structure, The Discovery Lab maker space, The Great Lakes Water Table, and many other interactive spots.
We spent a ton of time playing in the water area…There was so much to do! My kids enjoyed building damns, pressing alllll of the buttons and seeing where the balls would go after being placed in various chutes. It’s activities like this that may inspire future engineers!
The Hagerman Street Early Childhood Learning Gallery
The Hagerman Street Early Childhood Learning Gallery’s goal is to help prepare kids for kindergarten through play-centric exploration. The child-sized neighborhood allows kids to immerse themselves with imaginative play and educational activities, including a three-story tree house, an ambulance, shops, and more.
Despite it being geared toward littles, my big kids had a blast exploring this area too! They pretended to be EMS, dentists, post office workers and mechanics. They loved checking out at the grocery store, and there even was an adorable area to play house — complete with a kitchen, washer and dryer, and baby dolls. Kids are going to adore this area!
The History Gallery
The History Gallery showcases the lives of Genesee County’s inhabitants from early Native Americans through current day. This gallery also includes interactive “Story Stones” where guests can hear the voices and see the faces of people from the community.
We had a wonderful docent who discussed our history with Native American culture and how important the fur trade was for the Anishinaabe people. In fact, local members of the Chippewa Tribe even built the Wigwam and a birch bark canoe on-site. It was a great space and one where I hope more children begin to understand how important and sacred this culture is to our state.
The Durant Gallery
An extension of the History Gallery is the auto exhibition area – The Durant Gallery — named in partnership with General Motors. This gallery is perfect for car lovers as it will display Sloan’s collection of rare vehicles chronicling Flint’s rich industrial history, as well as the future of the automobile.
The Fun Gallery Exhibition Hall
This 24-foot-high gallery space will accommodate special touring exhibits, starting in July 2023.
Community Spaces
Coffee Beanery Café, a Michigan-based franchise, is located in the main lobby adjacent to a full-service catering kitchen. If you’d prefer to pack a picnic, there are plenty of shaded grassy areas on the campus of the Flint Cultural Center that are perfect.
Additionally, community rooms and multi-purpose rooms allow for birthdays, weddings, business workshops and group meetings. Additionally, there is a great gift shop, which features some great learning items for kids.
Admission, Hours & Location
Tickets to visit Sloan Museum of Discovery are FREE for Genesee County residents, otherwise they are as follows:
- Ages 12-59: $13 {add a planetarium show for +$4}
- Seniors 60+/Students with ID: $10 {add a planetarium show fo +$2}
- Children 2-11: $8 {add a planetarium show for +$2}
- Children under 2 are FREE
The Sloan Museum of Discovery is located at 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, Michigan. Parking is free and the museum has its own dedicated lot in front.
Hours are as follows:
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
{If you’re looking for more ideas for fun in Flint, check out this list.}
Visit www.SloanMuseum.org for tickets or more information or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
The $30-million project has been supported by grants and donations from foundations, businesses, individuals, and state government. Major supporters include the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, State of Michigan, GM Corporate Giving, and the Hagerman Foundation. Millage funding helps support operating and program expenses and allows free general admission for all Genesee County residents.
Thank you to all who made this possible…You are going to bring so much JOY to Michigan kids!
Make sure to put Sloan Museum on your radar…You will not be disappointed. {To see what the old museum looked like, visit this post!}
What Sloan Museum exhibit area are you most excited to see?
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