Exploring Science at Calgary’s Telus Spark

Evan loves Telus Spark  and he is quick to correct me when I call it “The Science Centre”. Until this week, I had never been. Dewey took Evan months ago but, since it was later in the day, I didn’t see the value in paying for both of us to go. Currently (until July 7th), Telus Spark is discounting their admission price by 50% for people who hold Calgary Zoo memberships. The extra discount coupled with the extra time off from school meant that it was the perfect time for Evan and I to visit.

Telus Spark has exhibits on two floors, a presentation theatre, a dome theatre and the creative kids museum. You can view an interactive map to get more info on each area. In the main museum, Evan enjoyed many of the exhibits but he rarely stayed in one place long enough for me to explain the science behind the cool. His favorite activities were making snowflakes with the kaleidoscope camera right as you came in the door (see above), observing how wind affects grasses on the prairie and the interactive music centres where light and movement made music.

After exploring, we headed over to the Creative Kids Museum. Evan LOVES this part of the museum. There is a indoor climber that Evan really enjoyed playing in/on. It isn’t that big but it does seem to have quite a few different areas and activities that kept his attention. In addition, there are tables full of building toys of various descriptions, a gigantic water table center, a turntable to observe different types of wheels and much more. There is also a small area for the littlest of tots (under 3). The area is beautiful and is decorated with giant abstract trees. Honestly, I think Evan would have been happy to stay here the entire visit.

Last but not least, we saw two different presentations in the Presentation Theatre. The first one was On Fire! and the second was Here’s Looking at You which explored the human body. Evan really enjoyed both of the presentations. Both of the scientists were very personable and did a great job making the presentations interesting and fun. After we went to On Fire!, Evan heard the announcement for the next show. He looked at me and said “Let’s GO! We have to get a good seat!” I think that speaks for itself.

We did not take in a movie in the Dome Theatre this visit.

Overall, we really enjoyed our visit to Telus Spark. At $19.95 for adults and $12.95 (and $5 for parking), it is not an inexpensive day out. However, I think their yearly pass prices are pretty reasonable. Since it is quite close to us, we are thinking of buying passes. Definitely worth a visit!