OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology is a world-class, STEM-based children's museum, captivating visitors with its hands-on exhibits that encourage independent thinking and exploration.
There are 65+ interactive opportunities filling the 17,280 square foot facility. Each are linked to the educational content standards of Ohio and Pennsylvania for children ages 0 to 14 (with EDUtaining programs for all ages)! See, touch, feel and learn all while having FUN!
Hands-On Experiences Galore
Since its doors opened on May 12, 2011, OH WOW! has been driving economic development in the Youngstown, Ohio area and serves as a cornerstone within the city's central business district.WOW! ZONE and Exhibit Experiences:
- Drive to Excel WOW! ZONE
- Avionics WOW! ZONE
- Brain Power WOW! ZONE
- The Suzi Solomon Early Childhood WOW! ZONE: Featuring KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
- Earth & Weather WOW! ZONE
- MicroElectronics Lab
- The Howard Solomon Engineering WOW! ZONE
- River of Knowledge WOW! ZONE
- Sound & Light WOW! ZONE
- Energy WOW! ZONE
- InspireWorks! WOW! ZONE
- House of Shine
- Sensory Sensitive Room
Recent phased renovations included moving the main entrance from Federal Street to Central Square. Executive Director Marvin L. Logan Jr. says, “This increases access and ensures safety for thousands of visitors each year while increasing the vibrancy of downtown’s Central Square Plaza.”
OH WOW! emphatically embraces the Principles of Universal Design with support from the Hine Memorial Fund of The Youngstown Foundation. This means that the environment within OH WOW! can be used by everyone, regardless of age, ability or economic status.
Universal design implementations include a limited-use elevator, a ramp leading to the Avionics WOW! ZONE, exhibits with larger control mechanisms, exhibits and counters of varying heights, and open access at the Hurricane Blast and River of Knowledge exhibits.
Get a Pass or Tickets to Visit!
There are many ways to visit the OH WOW! Children’s Center, including membership and general admission during operating hours. Opportunities for field trips and private or party rentals are also available. Tickets and memberships can be easily purchased on the OH WOW! Website.If you’re an educator or grandparent looking to take the kids to OH WOW!, there are opportunities to get your tickets at special rates. There are also passes from Mahoning Valley libraries. To get current pricing information, visit OH WOW’s website.
Special Hands-On Science Events & Programming
Check out the special events and programming held throughout the year at OH WOW!Silly Science Sunday
This free, annual street festival takes place in September and welcomes children to learn about science through hands-on STEM activities.Sensory Sunday
Every second Sunday of the month is Sensory Sunday, a free afternoon of sensory-friendly science. Pre-registration is required.Science of Brewing
OH WOW! is filled with STEM-related fun and events for the whole family, but this one is for adults only! At the yearly Science of Brewing fundraiser, adults ages 21 and older can enjoy food, wine, beer and spirits while exploring and participating in experiments.Plan Out Your Scientific Stay
Whether you’re from Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, Cleveland or Pittsburgh, why not make a weekend of it when visiting the OH WOW! Children’s Center? There’s no shortage of great food, entertainment or things to do in Downtown Youngstown!If you’re visiting from outside Mahoning County, there are plenty of places to stay, too! In fact, within walking distance from OH WOW! is the exquisite DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown, and numerous other hotels are within a 10-minute drive.
OH WOW! Children’s Center is Waiting!
Spend your day surrounded by science with the endless STEM lessons available at OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, conveniently located in the heart of Youngstown!Stay up-to-date on hours, events and more by visiting ohwowkids.org.
