The Leonardo

The Leonardo is on the pricey side, but it is worth it. This museum has something for all ages, especially with their rotating special exhibits. The Flight exhibit on the main level includes a WWII era plane that kids can pretend to fly, along with displays about flight, sound, and physics. Upstairs there are all kinds of activities: hands-on science experiments, craft projects, perception/optical illusions, a wall-mounted marble run, and a giant lego table.

Older kids will find plenty to learn, but there are activities for even very young children. And especially on cold days, it's a great open indoor space to use up some energy. The location also makes for a great outing - there are multiple food options right across the street -- thai, italian and mexican restaurants, and a delicious bakery. (There is also a coffee shop/cafe inside the museum.) The Leonardo shares an open courtyard with the public library, so there's space to run around outside. You can leave and return the same day with your ticketed hand stamp, and your kids will probably want to come back.

They also have monthly sensory-friendly days on the first Monday of the month.