Experimentanium Kyiv: Hands-On Science Museum for All Ages

Back in school, most of us had subjects we didn't like: math, physics, chemistry, geometry, history, literature and so on. With the humanities you could get by, memorizing dates and terms or turning to a textbook. Physics and math were another story, because it is hard to understand something you can't picture. And what beats a hands-on example? Nothing, really. That is exactly why the Experimentanium was created — a museum and play space where anyone can not only watch experiments but take part in them.

What makes this place stand out? It is a real science and entertainment center with more than 250 exhibits, and you can experiment with every one of them.

Mechanics, optics, acoustics, magnetism, electricity, anatomy — these are just some of the fields you can explore here. According to its founders, the center was modeled on similar interactive science museums in Europe and the United States. The idea is simple: the best way to learn something is to test it yourself.

Want to find out how lightning forms? A Tesla plasma ball will help. Wondering how you can build a bridge without a single nail? Take a look at Leonardo da Vinci's designs. Curious how heat is distributed across the human body? Switch on the thermal camera and see! There is also a Maxwell pendulum and a Wood's box that blows smoke rings. And those are just five of the many exhibits — a great way to prove to everyone that science is anything but boring!

Besides the exhibition, the museum offers lots of educational activities, tours and shows. That's right — here, lectures on specific topics are presented as shows for children. Isn't that great? At the "Acoustic Show" you will learn all about sound waves and how to make your own musical instruments. The "Chemical Reagents" program needs only 30 minutes to prove that chemistry can be tremendous fun. More into electricity? Then don't miss the "Tesla Show," where experts explain and demonstrate everything electricity can do in an entertaining way. Finally, there is "Kitchen Experiments," which shows how ordinary kitchen utensils can make for an interesting and educational afternoon if the internet goes down and the weather isn't good enough for a walk.

If you think that's all this place has to offer, think again. There are plenty of other attractions: mirror and laser mazes, a bed of nails, a tornado machine, a truck cab, a giant magnet, a puzzle shop and more.

Experimentanium is a great outing for kids and adults who want to have fun and learn something at the same time. Not sure how to get your child interested in science? Bring them here, and before you know it they will be running experiments at home in the garage or the kitchen. Who knows — one day their discoveries might change the world!

Address: 2A Verkhnii Val Street, Podil, Kyiv.