Science Museum Oklahoma(29)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
I'm going to start this post with one of those comments that old people usually make. I remember when this place was called the Kirkpatrick Center and Omniplex. That was a long time ago, but I still tend to call it that. Anyone under the age of 35 thinks I've lost my mind. "Okay, Grandpa J, let's get you to bed." But whatever the name of it is, I love this place.
The Science Museum Oklahoma has some of the most amazing things to look at and to interact with. When I was in sixth grade back in...let me get my calculator...1984, we took a field trip to the OKC Zoo and the Omniplex. It was one of the coolest things I had done up to that point. I was trying to be smooth and not get too riled up about how excited I was to be there, but I wanted to push every button, ring every bell, and climb inside a space capsule. The first two are encouraged, but they don't allow you to get inside a capsule. Rats!
Flash forward to 2025. When I walked in, I was immediately taken back to the feelings I had when I was a kid. Sheer joy and curiosity. I strategically showed up right when the museum opened in hopes there wouldn't be too many kids I had to navigate around. While there were eager kids and hopeful parents around, I managed to see most of the exhibits up close and personal without awkwardly standing in line behind a slew of munchkins. Not that I don't like kids. They're fine. I just feel weird being an adult male walking around a primarily kid-centric museum without a small person of my own in tow. That feeling quickly faded as I became enthralled by all the science. They've done a great job of making science accessible and entertaining. As I walked through the cavernous building, I actually saw a few things that I had seen all the way back in sixth grade. Of course I took pictures of them and stood there reminiscing. But there was so much stuff I hadn't seen before that I was trying to take in every aspect I could. I was like a squirrel in a nut factory going from display to display, oohing and aahing and snapping photos. It was heaven.
At the entrance they have a schedule of shows in the Planetarium so I signed up right away. When I sat down in the theater, there was a spacescape covering the entire dome. It was gorgeous. In addition to being a music nerd, art nerd, and a museum nerd, I'm a space nerd. The Hubble and now the new James Webb space telescopes have been sending thrilling photos that I thoroughly enjoy nearly every day. But back to the Planetarium. The emcee said the images were their Dome Saver. It took me a minute to connect Dome Saver to Screen Saver, but I got there. Clever! HA! I sat back in my seat hoping to see a space exploration or rocket launch, but since it was the earliest show, it was a cartoon about a rat that helps a robot get back onto her spaceship. I was a little disappointed, but the film was cute so I stayed. One of these days I'll go back to see a later show and get some much needed outer space.
Even though this fantastic museum is mainly focused on being for kids, it's 100% as much of a spot for adults. It definitely could be a date destination. I had a blast (pun intended) in the space section and the many other exhibit areas. It was like being a fresh faced kid all over again. I loved it. I think next time I'll bring someone with me to share the experience. Discovery, and pushing random buttons, can be way more fun with company. But I'm glad I went. You should go too. If you're making plans to visit, keep in mind that the OKC Zoo is next door and down the street is the Softball Hall of Fame and the Firefighters Museum. All worth your time and attention.
2020 Remington Place, Oklahoma City
405-602-6664
Jonathan Elmore ©2025
