If your child loves to build, tinker, explore, or ask a hundred "why" questions a day, you might have a budding scientist on your hands. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly science museums near Davis that offer hands-on exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational fun for all ages.
Here's a roundup of science and STEM-related museums that are close enough for an easy day trip, and exciting enough to keep kids engaged from start to finish.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) – Sacramento
About 20 minutes from Davis, MOSAC sits beautifully along the Sacramento River and feels like stepping into the future. The building itself is impressive – modern architecture that somehow makes science feel exciting before you even walk inside.
The full-dome planetarium is absolutely worth the trip alone, but don't miss the outdoor nature trail or the galleries covering everything from health and space to sustainability and engineering. It's the kind of place where a 5-year-old can be fascinated by the same exhibit that gets a teenager thinking.
Parent tip: Plan for a half-day here – there's a lot to see, and the mixed-age appeal makes it perfect when you've got kids of different ages in tow.
Aerospace Museum of California – McClellan Park
If your kid has ever looked up at a plane and wondered how it stays in the sky, this is your spot. Located about 25 minutes from Davis at McClellan Park, this museum lets kids actually climb inside real aircraft – not just look at them through glass.
The museum does a great job blending aviation history with hands-on STEM learning. Kids can explore the science of flight, dig into space travel concepts, and attend workshops that make physics feel like play. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor space, which is perfect when you've got energetic kids who need room to move around.
Parent tip: This place is airplane and space obsessed kids' paradise. The outdoor exhibits mean it's great for active children who need space to explore.
Bohart Museum of Entomology – UC Davis
Here's a hidden gem right on the UC Davis campus – the Bohart Museum houses one of the largest insect collections in North America. I know, I know, bugs aren't everyone's thing, but this place has a way of converting even the squeamish into fascinated observers.
What makes it special is the live insect displays and the chance for kids to learn directly from UC Davis students who are genuinely passionate about their research. It's not your typical museum experience – it feels more like getting a behind-the-scenes look at real science in action.
Parent tip: They're not open every day, so definitely check their events calendar first. Works best for curious kids 6 and up who can appreciate the "cool gross" factor.
World of Wonders Science Museum – Lodi
This one's a bit of a drive (about 45 minutes from Davis), but it's worth mentioning for families with younger kids who want a more intimate museum experience. Located in downtown Lodi, World of Wonders focuses on hands-on learning without the overwhelming crowds you sometimes get at larger museums.
The exhibits cover everything from gravity experiments and basic circuits to sound and motion activities. What I love about this place is the staff – they're genuinely engaged and often run impromptu demonstrations that make the visit feel more personal.
Parent tip: Since it's a bit of a trek, consider making it part of a larger Lodi adventure – grab lunch downtown or explore some of the local parks to make the drive feel worthwhile. Check their website for current hours.
Whether your child is fascinated by bugs, stars, flight, or just loves to build and experiment, these museums offer real opportunities to learn through play. Each one brings something different to the table, so you might find yourselves becoming regular visitors to a few favorites.
Looking for more family activities around Davis and Yolo County? Check out our complete science and technology places directory or check out our current family events happening in Davis and Yolo County.