What to expect:

We are a hands-on, nonprofit discovery center where children, families, and community members learn through interactive explorations rooted in STEM, art, and community connection.

Over 15 exhibits to explore, including but not limited to Crystal City, Maker Space, and Brain Cafe.
Our many animal ambassadors wait to greet you and show you their world.
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 — a year-round, outdoor space to help those with sensory sensitivities avoid over-stimulating sounds.

Our Planetarium Shows and Virtual Reality experiences in the Earth and Space Lab are now included with admission or Membership.

Planetarium Show — 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. Currently available the third weekend each month, see showtimes.
Virtual Reality — 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.

Non-Members:
- Ages 2-4: $9 (per person)
- Ages 5 and up: $11
  Admission covers you for the entire day, you can leave and return.
- Special Rate (per person; through Museums for All): $5 Admission for families with EBT/SNAP benefits.
Members:
- Covers UNLIMITED ADMISSION for 1 year from purchase date.
- Because of generous donors, we are able to offer membership scholarships currently to Benzie County residents and/or Benzie County students. Please apply if cost is a limiting factor.
Membership is a great way to save money and ensure unlimited fun, and there is a monthly payment plan option. Membership options and therefore costs vary.
WE ARE a hands-on science & discovery playground : a fun place to play through interactive experiences for kids of all ages.
- Museum-style format with 15 different exhibits to explore
- Adults accompany children.
- Staff facilitators are here to guide the experience, present animals, and assist guests.
WE ARE NOT a child care facility or a drop-off center. To keep 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.

We’re open:

Wednesdays-Saturdays
10am-5pm

Sundays
1pm-5pm

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