This is part 2 of this article series. Click here to read part 1.

Nerd out at the Center of Science and Industry

The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio has been named the Best Science Museum of 2021 by USA Today. The expansive facility is over 320,000 ft² and contains over 300 interactive exhibits as well as a research facility for Ohio State University. Create animated shorts and drawings, or see the world’s largest traveling zoetrope at the center’s Animation Academy (opening June 26). Visit the Big Science Park and use a lever to lift a car weighing over 2,000 lb. Discover the journey of human life from conception and beyond in the phenomenal Life exhibit. Follow Poseidon on a journey through the sea and ocean in the Ocean exhibit. Discover ocean research in the Ocean Exploration Research Habitat and utilize the technology to explore the wonders of the sea. Commanding an underwater remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) and visiting a mini-submarine are also available at the center. Send an actual telegram and explore the same faux street set up, from the perspective of 1962 vs 1898, in the Progress exhibit.

Columbus, Ohio is also home to a phenomenal zoo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and an interactive wildlife exhibit, The Wilds. Board an open-air safari, which is about two hours long, to see rhinos, giraffes and even some endangered animals up close and personal.

Get dirty and play with heavy machinery in Minnesota or Texas

Extreme Sandbox heavy machinery. Source: Extreme Sandbox

Extreme Sandbox, which has locations close to Minneapolis and Fort Worth, is a magical place where one can live out their childhood dreams of driving a bulldozer, excavator, or wheel loader. Packages start at just $195 for 30 minutes of equipment use. The idea was thought up by the founder’s son while driving by a construction site one day. The Sandbox Concept was featured on Shark Tank and saw tremendous growth. All operators must go through classroom safety training prior to operating any heavy machinery. One can even operate a 10 passenger firetruck at the Minnesota location. Guests of all ages are sure to have fun in the sandbox but you must be age 10 or over to operate the mini-excavator and at least age 14 to operate the larger equipment. Younger guests are more than welcome to watch the equipment in operation or sit in the machinery while it is not running.

Get a hands-on aerospace experience

Get hands-on aerospace experience in a stunt plane.

Highly trained, FAA-certified flight instructors teach stunt plane lessons at Sky Combat Ace (SCA). The ultimate aviation experience awaits, starting at $299 per customer. The founder, a previous Air Force fighter pilot, started SCA as a dream to be able to fly friends and family as he took people up for “incentive rides” in the air force. Take flight in the highest certified performance aerobatic aircraft in the world, the Extra 330, which tops out at 253 mph and a max load of ± 10 G’s of force. Perform skilled maneuvers in the Super Decathlon 8KCAB which goes up to 155 mph and a max load of +6 to -5 G’s of force. Instructors will teach moves such as tail slides, spins, tumbles and even the Hammerhead maneuver. Best of all, a pilot’s license is not required to enjoy this aeronautical experience of a lifetime.

Get down with impressive Earth science

Awe-inspiring views at the Grand Canyon.

Summer is the perfect time to step away from the computer and reconnect with nature. The U.S. has some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Take a journey to the Grand Canyon to view the raised plateaus contrasting with the structural basins. Marvel at one of the most studied geological landscapes in the world. Interact with a vast array of wildlife, from the forests at higher elevations to the deserts at lower elevations. The Grand Canyon is home to over 75 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, 25 species of fish and 300 species of birds. Be prepared for the heat; the summertime temperatures in the Colorado River area may top as high as 120˚ F. Many tours are offered on vehicles such as Hummers, airplanes, helicopters, rafts and even via foot or horseback.

Explore fluid mechanics at the powerful Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls. Bob Collowan/CC-BY-SA-4.0

If fluid mechanics is of personal interest, a trip to Niagara Falls is a must. The sheer volume of water flowing, about 3,160 tons/s, is breathtaking. The three falls combined (Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil Falls) contain the largest flow rate of any waterfall on earth. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America. This is also an excellent place to visit for exploring green energy creation. In fact, Niagara Falls has the capacity to generate enough energy to power about 3.8 million homes. Opening late Summer 2021, the Niagara Parks Power Station will enable tourists to follow the amazing journey of a single water droplet at the outlet of Horseshoe Falls through the turbines of the Canadian power plant. Explore the exhibits, view restored artifacts and hear stories in the 115-year-old engineering wonder. There are also many ways to view the falls. Soar over Niagara Falls in an antique cable car designed by Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo in 1916. The cable car is suspended with the aid of six cables and takes tourists across the U.S. and Canada border four times each trip.

Whether getting outdoors is the main focus or visiting a STEM exhibit is top of mind, there is something for everyone across the country this summer. Don't miss out on exciting and educationally stimulating experiences of a lifetime.