The Kirby Science Discovery Center features more than 80 interactive exhibits for all ages plus live demonstrations. Visitors can explore seven different exhibit themes throughout the center. In the Air and Space area, visitors can step into a gondola and launch a working model of a hot air balloon, fly a space shuttle simulator, pilot a model plane in a wind tunnel, step into a space suit and learn about gravity and orbits. In the Peak Performance area, visitors can hear their own heartbeats, learn about the dangers of drunk driving, operate a working model of lungs and compare their jumps to those of a professional basketball player. Digital Discovery explores the new world of computers.
Visitors can try out new technology and surf the Net, as well as explore new computer innovations.
Children ages 6 and younger explore pioneer life in Big Sioux River Banks . Kids can play in a flowing stream with boats, dams and waterwheels, catch fabric fish, and pretend to be a pioneer storekeeper, trapper or Native American farmer. Kids can also find out where rain comes from as they pretend to be water droplets on a slide illustrating the water cycle. Nature Works teaches visitors about the many uses for farmers' crops, how insects see, owls hear and bats navigate. The area also features live animals native to the region, including snakes, lizards, turtles and a working bee hive.