Saskatchewan Science Centre

The Saskatchewan Science Centre is an interactive museum in Regina's Wascana Centre, housed in the former city power plant at 2903 Powerhouse Drive. The centre opened in 1989 in the converted industrial building, and the old brick structure, with its tall windows and large interior spaces, suits a museum built around machines, energy and experiment. It lies southeast of downtown, on the edge of the park, and it is one of the main attractions for families visiting the city. The building’s past as a power plant is part of the story, and the name of the street, Powerhouse Drive, recalls it.

The exhibit floor uses hands-on activities to explore subjects such as space, light, gravity, engineering, mathematics, nature, electricity, and Saskatchewan's environment. The centre describes more than 180 interactive exhibits, and visitors can push, pull, spin and build their way through the displays instead of simply reading about them. Typical activities include building structures, testing the physics of sound and motion, experimenting with electricity and light, and exploring how the human body works. Staff and trained presenters stage demonstrations through the day, often with loud and dramatic experiments that are particularly popular with children, and temporary exhibitions bring new themes and touring shows to the galleries.

The same building contains the Kramer IMAX Theatre, Saskatchewan's only IMAX destination. The screen is several storeys high, and films on science, nature, space and adventure fill it with huge images and powerful sound. Science-centre admission and IMAX screenings can be booked separately or as combination tickets, so visitors should check exactly what their ticket includes. Exhibitions, films, programs, and opening hours change throughout the year, and the official calendar and ticket portal provide the current schedule. Advance booking is useful for a particular film or timed program.

The centre is designed for families and school groups, but the practical exhibits and scheduled adult programs also suit independent visitors. Evenings for adults, workshops, camps and holiday programs extend the offer, and the centre runs outreach projects across the province. Because it is aimed at curious people of all ages, parents often find themselves as absorbed as their children.

The location in Wascana Centre makes it easy to build a longer day. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Legislative Building and the paths around Wascana Lake are all within reach, and picnic areas and cafes provide breaks between activities. The building is accessible, with lifts and wide aisles, and parking is available on site. Allow roughly two hours for the exhibits, and longer when adding an IMAX screening or a lakeside walk.