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Best Inland Empire Science Attractions For Kids

science attractions - san bernardino county museum
(credit: San Bernardino County Museum)

Taking the kids out to explore the Inland Empire is always fun. But, if you can add some educational enlightenment along with the fun, that's even better. The Inland Empire offers up some of the best scientific workshops, centers and locations and we've compiled a list of the best science attractions in the area just for you.

penny pickles
(credit: Penny Pickles / Facebook)

PennyPickles Workshop
42081 Main Street
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 308-6376
www.pennypickles.org

Located in Temecular, Pennypickle's Workshop is the 7500 square foot home and workshop of "Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle". Professor Pennnypickle cluttered his home with hands-on inventions, gadgets, and fun experiments that are perfect for kids to learn as they play. With lots of things to get your hands on, especially interactive science ones, this fun museum is a creative, well-themed and unique place for kids to visit. Tickets are extremely reasonable as well.

western science center
(credit: Western Science Center / Facebook)

Western Science Center
2345 Searl Parkway
Hemet, CA 92543
(951) 791-0033
www.westerncentermuseum.org

Take the kids to see science right in their own backyard! Located in the city of Hemet, the state of the art Western Science Center contains Native American artifacts and Ice Age fossils that were unearthed during construction of the Diamond Valley Lake. In fact, the largest mastodon found in the western United States at this very location. Opened in 2006, the museum has been designed to offer world-class facilities for just about one million specimens discovered during the development of the Diamond Valley Lake. Make sure to check out Science Saturdays on the first Saturday of every month for a hands on family event.

riverside live steamers
(credit: Riverside Live Streamers)

Riverside Live Steamers
1401 Iowa Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 779-9024
www.steamonly.org

Every kid loves trains. So, why not take them to the mecca of steam locomotives? Located within the Hunter Hobby Park the Riverside, Live Steamers is a large scale railroad club that is dedicated exclusively to steam locomotives. Visitors are offered the chance to 'see, hear and smell what steam locomotion is all about' at this locomotive paradise. The public run days are the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from 10am. to 3pm with the last train leaving Hunter Station at 2:40pm.

jurupa mountains discovery center
(credit: Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center)

Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
7621 Granite Hill Drive
Riverside, CA 92509
(951) 685-5818
www.jmdc.org/museum

Take the kids to learn about natrual science at it's finest. The Ruth and Sam Kirkby Earth Science Museum contains the largest collection of Chinese Dinosaur Eggs for public display in North America. In addition, the museum exhibits display dinosaurs, florescent minerals, fossils, indian artifacts, ivory, mining, petrified wood, rocks, minerals and sea shells. Admission to the museum is free but donations are always welcome.

san bernardino county museuem fb
(credit: San Bernardino County Museum)

The San Bernardino Museum
2024 Orange Tree Lane
Redlands, CA 92374
(909) 307-2669
www.sbcounty.gov

The San Bernardino Museum gives children and their families the opportunity to learn and explore endless unique cultural and natural science collections related to the Inland Empire region on 3 large floors. For a kids favorite, visit the exploration station, a live animal and nature gallery full of exotic animals that are touchable.

Desiree Eaglin frequently visits Southern California's best open green spaces-most especially during the holidays. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. You can find her on Twitter too.

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