Discovery Lab for the Win – Again and Again!

Mama, when I’m grown up, “I want to work at Discovery Lab so I can have the keys and come here all the time!” My five-year-old grandson recently said this to his mother, and I can’t think of a better recommendation for Discovery Lab! It’s a big hit for families and kids of all ages. When my daughter asks her kids what they want to do, it’s a unanimous decision to go to Discovery Lab.

When Discovery Lab was in the Owen Park Recreation Center location, we only made it there a few times a year. It was far away from our South Tulsa home, and although the kids enjoyed it, it wasn’t somewhere they begged to go. When Discovery Lab moved to 31^st and Riverside, my daughter and her family bought a membership and began visiting frequently. A membership makes good financial sense if you plan on going often. Another benefit of membership is special times and events for members only.

I had to find out why my grandkids loved this place so much, so when they invited me, I happily accepted. We visited on a weekday morning, so the parking was abundant. It was only a short walk to the door, something I could appreciate. The kids were so excited and couldn’t wait to go inside. As soon as we walked through the doors, I could see why. The doors opened into one huge bright, light, and colorful space. Although it takes up 57,000 square feet, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

The first thing I noticed was the overhead tape tunnels and slide. Callister loves the tape slide and went down it so many times that I lost count. We also spent a lot of time in the Hydro area. Both kids, 22-month-old Sylvia and five-year-old Callister, were fascinated with all the water-themed activity areas. Water is one of my great loves, so I was happy to hang out in that area with my grandkids!

Callister loves Discovery Lab so much that he ended up going to four weeks of summer camp. He was signed up for the first week, which focused on Dinosaurs, and he loved it so much his parents signed him up for three more weeks covering various topics. He has loved every single week and learned so much!

Why We Love Discovery Lab

I decided to interview my daughter and her family to find out why they love it so much. Their responses:

Alexandra (the mom)

I love the fact that Discovery Lab is indoors, so we aren’t dependent on weather conditions to attend. Even though my kids are three years apart, it has activities that both can enjoy. Also, membership is affordable and has some great perks.

John (the dad)

My favorite area is the wind tunnel, where the kids can run around and play with parachutes and experience the effects of wind.

Callister, five years old, about to start kindergarten

The ball area is my favorite part of Discovery Lab. I like playing with the other kids and pretending we’re on ships having battles. I loved going to the camps and learning about science. I love science. The entire place is just so fun!

Sylvia, twenty-two months

Her mom will speak for Sylvia: She loves the water area because she can play in the water and get her hands wet. She also loves to go to the “Little Lab” area, which is for kids four and younger. She likes the rotating activities and the special activity on Monday mornings at 11.

The entire family

The tape slide is a favorite of everyone in the family except maybe Alexandra. Alexandra says both kids would happily spend all day going down the tape slide. Sylvia still needs an adult with her on the slide. (Safety reminder: If you slide with a child in your lap, make sure their legs are on the inside of your legs.) When she gets to the bottom of the slide, she immediately begins begging, “More, more!” That’s a testimony of how fun Discovery Lab is for the entire family!

Important Information about Discovery Lab

Hours

• Monday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Member-Only Hours

• Monday Mornings 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Contact

• 918.295.8144
• 3123 S. Riverside Dr. Tulsa, OK 74105