The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Alabama, is one of the Southeast's premier hands-on science museums that the entire family will love.

Located in downtown Mobile, the Exploreum Science Center features interactive STEAM exhibits, a state-of-the-art digital dome theater, and special exhibitions like the Tiny Titans dinosaur experience.

Whether you're visiting Mobile for the day or looking for the perfect rainy-day activity, Gulf Coast Exploreum offers hours of educational fun for all ages.

I will say seeing some of the things we grew up with in a museum display of what used to be computer equipment made me pause for a moment. It is still shocking to think that tools we used and were excited about are now museum displays.

I was a science nerd kid and would have geeked out visiting the Exploreum as a kid. I could have spent hours with the Mobile science center hands on exhibits, walking through the different areas, and watching the science lab shows.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center spans multiple floors of exhibits. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring, or make it a half-day adventure if you want to catch a Digital Dome show and see all the Science Squad demos.

Current Exhibits at the Exploreum Mobile

The Exploreum features several permanent exhibits including the Hands on Hall, Wharf of Wonder for ages 0-5, and the ArcelorMittal Calvert Curiosity Factory. Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year-current and upcoming exhibits are announced on the Exploreum's website and social media.

Tiny Titans: Hatching the Past (August 2025 - February 2026)

The Tiny Titans exhibit is great for all ages. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love seeing fossilized dinosaur bones, authentic dinosaur nests, paleaontology activities, world class artwork, a dinosaur petting zoo, jurassic playland, dino dig pits, and a build-a-skeleton hands on exhibit to name a few.

Explore the science behind dinosaurs and how paleontologists uncover and study dinosaurs.

Two adult women and four children interact with a dinosaur exhibit to remove sand from a play excavation site

This exhibit is fascinating for adults and kids! There is so much amazing information about baby dinosaurs.

Hands on Hall

The Hands on Hall is where kids can dive into hands-on STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) all rolled into one interactive space. We loved watching the kids work through different challenges and experiments, either on their own or teaming up with other young scientists.

Inside the gallery, you'll find the Science Squad Headquarters, a lab space where big bang science experiments happen! The demos focus on physics and chemistry, and they're fascinating to watch. If your kids love experimenting and getting hands-on with science, this is the Mobile science center spot they'll want to spend the most time in.

Wharf of Wonder

The Wharf of Wonder is designed specifically for your littlest explorers ages 0-5. This hands-on area is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to discover the world around them.

The exhibit features activities that encourage dramatic play, tactile exploration, and interaction with other kids. If you're visiting with young children, this is where they can safely explore and learn at their own pace while you relax knowing it's designed just for them.

ArcelorMittal Calvert Curiosity Factory

The ArcelorMittal Calvert Curiosity Factory is one of the newer additions to the Exploreum, and it's packed with both classic favorites and cutting-edge technology. Kids can build on the Lego wall, experiment with parachute tubes, and test out the laser and earthquake tables.

Inside the Curiosity Factory, you'll find the ExploreTec STEM Lab, featuring 15 computer stations, 3D printers, robotics, and drones. This lab gives kids hands-on experience with the tech skills they'll need for future careers in engineering and technology. Note that the STEM Lab is only available through special bookings, but the Curiosity Factory itself is part of the permanent exhibits you can explore during your visit.

Science Squad Demos

Make sure to check the schedule for Science Squad Demos during your visit! These live demonstrations happen throughout the day at different times and locations in the science center. The Science Squad performs engaging experiments like Fossil Prints, Nature Pavilion explorations, the explosive Exploding Can demo, the mesmerizing Green Flame experiment, and Fossil Discovery activities. These demos are entertaining and educational-perfect for keeping kids engaged and excited about science!

PCI Digital Dome Theater (formerly IMAX)

The PCI Digital Dome is a larger than life cinema experience. The films shown rotate frequently so there is always a reason to go back and experience a new show.

Adults 21+ make sure to keep an eye out for Exploreum After Hours events. They feature movie nights, scavenger hunts, raffles, costume contests, trivia, and more fun.

Galileo: The Science of Antiquity (January 27 - May 23, 2026)

This exciting new touring exhibition celebrates Galileo Galilei's groundbreaking contributions to science, astronomy, and physics. The Galileo exhibit showcases how his fearless work shaped our modern understanding of the universe and paved the way for space exploration-even influencing humanity's journey to the moon!

The exhibit features hands-on interactive experiments that bring STEAM learning to life, focusing on physics, geometry, mathematics, and astronomy. Whether your kids are space enthusiasts or budding scientists, they'll love discovering how Galileo's pioneering work changed the world. This is a limited-time exhibit, so don't miss it during your visit to the Exploreum!

Explore this and more at GulfCoastJourneys.com!