Exploration Place offers visitors of all ages interactive environments, hands-on experiences, Kansas’ largest domed theater – the Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium – imaginative spaces, and outdoor recreation, all located on a 20-acre site along the scenic Arkansas River in downtown Wichita, Kansas.

Summer Camps at Exploration Place start June 1st.   For more information on their Summer Camp prices and Schedule, click here.

Exploration Place | 300 N. McLean Blvd, Wichita KS 67203

Phone: (316) 660-0600

******

It seems as though there is a fear for everything! But did you ever wonder why people get scared in the first place? And why our minds and bodies react the way they do when fear is a factor?

With Exploration Place’s new traveling exhibit, Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, visitors will get answers to these questions and more – all in a safe environment. The exhibit opens May 23 with special opening weekend activities.  This engaging, hands-on exhibit investigates the brain’s structures and pathways that drive the fear response. Visitors will discover why their hearts races, knees shake and body sweats when they’re scared. Turns out, these physical and emotional responses can save their lives.  Visitors will compare facial expressions to common emotions, visualize the representation of fear in pop culture and transport themselves into an immersive video game.

The events and education programs surrounding Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear will enhance the visitors’ experience, including extra fear challenges, a Summer Camp workshop, Live Science Shows and more!

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear Events and Programs:

• Members’ Night, Friday, May 22, 5 – 8 p.m.  Exploration Place members will be the first to experience the exhibit in this exclusive, members-only event. Members will save 20% in the Explore Store and encounter the new live science show, ScareFactor. Free for members.

• Fear Buster Challenge, Saturdays, May 23, June 20 and Sept. 5 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays, May 24, June 21 and Sept. 6, noon – 5 p.m. ♦ As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Guests will tackle some of the most common fears with special activities. Learn dance steps and be part of a flash mob. Walk through a narrow tunnel before the walls collapse. Speak in front of a crowd. Discover how geometry plays a part in creating a friendly clown. Find out how to properly interact with dogs and pet a pooch. Ride a scissor lift, nibble on strange foods and more! Fill your Challenge Card with your accomplishments and win a special prize. Included in general museum admission, free for members.

• Riverfest Discount Days, Friday, May 29 – Saturday, June 6 ♦ Visitors with Riverfest buttons will receive $5 admission to all Exploration Place exhibits and $2.50 admission to the Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium (per film).

• Fear Factor: Exploration Place Summer Camp, Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, Grades 1 – 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ♦ Participants will face their fears with a week of creepy crawlies, ooey gooeys and tantalizing terrors. Prices – Member: $125 Nonmember: $140. Registration required here or 316.660.0620.

• Live Science Show, ScareFactor, May – August  ♦ Visitors will uncover how movies manage to scare us so fantastically with sight and sound techniques. Located in the Kemper Creative Learning Studio. Included in general museum admission, free for members.

• Live Science Show, Parasitophobia, July – September ♦ Guests will encounter types of parasites, look inside their strange world and find out what makes them so terrifying. Located in the Kemper Creative Learning Studio. Included in general museum admission, free for members.

• Fears and Beers, Friday, August 14, 7 – 10 p.m. ♦ At this adults-only event, visitors will face their fears through special hands-on challenges with their friends. The course features clowns, enclosed spaces, heights, water and more. “Shots” of courage will be included. Prices – Member: $20 Nonmember: $25. RSVP: 316.660.0620

 Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear is open at Exploration Place through Monday, September 7, 2015, and is included in general museum admission, free for members.

The exhibit is locally sponsored by Charitable Foundation, Inc., Allstate Foundation, Agent Tracy Rutledge, Lori and Dan Hamel, Judy and Hew Goodpasture, Carlos and Linda Mayans and Dr. and Mrs. Tim Rohrig.

Special thanks to the Fear Buster partners: Butler Community College, Dance Vision in Motion, Kansas Aquatic Water Safety, Kansas Humane Society, Kansas Ringleaders Clown Alley, Prairie Pines and Toastmasters International, District 22.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear is developed by the California Science Center and supported, in part, by the Informal Science Education program of the National Science Foundation under grant ESI-0515470. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of National Science Foundation.

There are more great Exhibits at Exploration Place, including Making a Landmark, Bridging Art & Science, Kansas in Miniature, and more!

Follow on Twitter