North Dakota's Gateway to Science
Bismarck State College campus, Bismarck, ND
Hands-on science center in Bismarck with family-friendly exhibits, a young-child zone, and birthday-party options.
Science First is designed for younger visitors and adult caregivers.
Photo 1 of 3. Science First is designed for younger visitors and adult caregivers.
Editorial notes
What stands out
Good fit
- Mixed-age sibling groups who want more than a standard playground
- Families who like hands-on museums and interactive exhibits
- Birthday parties with a science-center backdrop
Consider another option if
- Kids wanting a purely physical climbing-and-sliding visit
- Families looking for the lowest-cost quick play stop
- Visitors who prefer an all-soft-play environment
Know Before You Go
- Supervision model
- Caregiver supervised
What to Expect
For kids
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Museum exhibits
- Sensory play
For caregivers
- Caregiver supervised
- Visit type
- Hands on museum play
Read more about this location
North Dakota's Gateway to Science is a hands-on children's museum and science center with interactive exhibits that work well for mixed-age family visits. For younger children, the Science First area offers a more age-appropriate play-and-discovery zone alongside the broader gallery's water play and interactive STEM exhibits. It is a good fit for families who want a longer indoor outing that blends playful exploration with museum-style learning.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | closed |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | $15 |
| Child admission | $11 for ages 3-17 |
| Member Admission | Free |
| Senior Admission | $11 |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Birthday Parties
Party or event options reported
Accessibility
Sensory Notes
The experience can range from calmer hands-on stations to busier group activity periods
Location
1600 Canary Ave
Bismarck, ND, 58501
Other options nearby
Free children's museum play space inside the Heritage Center with a climb-in treehouse, slide, and North Dakota-themed hands-on exhibits.
Jumped-Up
Indoor inflatable play center in Bismarck with toddler-friendly bounce zones, timed play sessions, and easy birthday-party booking.
Mini Gym
Small Mandan movement studio with open gym for young kids, parent-and-child classes, and birthday parties tied to Copper Dog.
Sources & Updates
4 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 5, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 5, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 4 public sources
Public sources
- North Dakota's Gateway to Science homepagegatewaytoscience.org
Checked: address, phone, email, party availability, operating status
- Hours and admissionsgatewaytoscience.org
Checked: hours, admission pricing
- Exhibits pagegatewaytoscience.org
Checked: Science First details, family exhibit positioning
- Birthday partiesgatewaytoscience.org
Checked: party availability
What changed
April 5, 2026
Verified hours, admission, exhibit fit for families, birthday-party availability, and official image assets.