Welcome to COGNiTiON.

Every visit to COGNiTiON holds its own magic. Whether it's the crowd, our animals, or a new exhibit — no two days are the same. Typically, families spend around 2 hours here. ( Feel free to bring a snack or sack lunch! ) Craving something fancier, instead? We’re steps away from the restaurants of downtown Beulah… grab a bite and come back.

we are

An interactive science playground : a fun place to play through hands-on experiences for kids of all ages.

• Museum-style format
• Adults accompany children.
• Staff are here to guide experience, present animals and assist guests.

we are not

COGNiTiON is not a child care facility or a drop-off center. To accomplish our mission of keeping COGNiTiON a fun and safe place for Everyone, our staff cannot extensively attend to your children.

Children must be under guardian care & supervision.

Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult is responsible for their children's supervision / behavior.
Please help children follow posted rules and respect the materials.
With approval, a child under 12 may be supervised by an older sibling or teenage sitter.
Adults are encouraged to explore and participate in activities, as well.
We are happy to help support parents, but cannot take the role of care provider.

If these terms are not met, staff may bring a child to their parent's attention.
If disruptive / dangerous behavior continues, staff may ask the family to leave for the day.

attendance policy

we’re open*

Wednesdays-Saturdays
10am-5pm

Sundays
1pm-5pm

**Closed December 25 for Christmas.

*We are closed Mondays & Tuesdays for field trips. If you need to visit on those days, gather a group and schedule a field trip! Click here for more info

daily admission

Ages 2 and older (per person)

$10
Admission covers you for the whole day, you can leave and return.

Special Rate (through Museums for All)

$5 Admission for families with EBT/SNAP benefits

Membership

Cost Varies

Covers UNLIMITED ADMISSION for 1 year from purchase date.

From Individual to Family Plus, Membership is a great way to save money and ensure unlimited fun. We have new options including unlimited VR and Planetarium experiences and monthly payment plans. Because of generous donors, we are able to offer member scholarships currently to Benzie County residents and/or Benzie students. Please apply if cost is a limiting factor.

Add Specials In the Earth and Space Lab

Planetarium Show +$5

Experience interactive star tours, space exploration, and more! Our new Planetarium offers another level of immersive adventures. In-the-round viewing for up to 25 guests per showing. Available one weekend each month, see showtimes. Tickets may be purchased ahead or at the door.

Virtual Reality +$7

Chaperoned hands-on experiences such as simulated driving in traffic, flight, travel, space and more! Whole day rotations currently on Saturdays and Sundays. Check for VR workshops and additional VR exploration times under the Programs tab.

Tornado Simulator +$3 cash/$3.20 card

Get to ride out a EF-0 storm (78 mile an hour winds) in our new Tornado experience. Found outside in our Sound Garden (to help those with sensory issues avoid over-stimulating sounds) and can be accessed year-round.

Take Impact Survey

Please consider a Donation to help us continue to provide new hands-on materials and live animal interactions at no added expense to the schools and families that visit.

please & thank you

Help measure our IMPACT after nine years of serving our community and help inform our future steps.

Is COGNiTiON meeting our mission ? Is our vision as aligned with our programming as it could be? We’re asking our ‘OG peeps’ to spend a couple minutes telling us what you think: What should we change, add, or lean into as we look at expanding our programs and ( possibly ) our facility. We are committed to growth that brings us closer to the true needs of our community of families.

Support