The Perot Museum Should Be on Your To-Do List for Summer 2021!

One of the biggest perks of living in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro is having access to the Perot Museum! This museum is rated as one of the "Top 10 Best Science Museums" in the country. It is generously packed with intriguing exhibits that will keep you busy.  Most of the exhibits are hands-on which makes the experience magical for children. For instance, while they may read about how fast a cheetah runs, the opportunity to physically run next to a virtual cheetah in a race makes this knowledge more exciting.  The curators of this museum bring science to life!  In today's post, I'll tell you more about the Perot Museum's summer offerings.

Let's start with the schedule. Now that we are at the tail end of the pandemic, the Perot Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Members may enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum and The Science of Guinness World Records  from 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10-11 a.m. every Sunday.

You will want to buy your tickets in advance.  Museum general admission is $20 for adults (13-64), $13 for youth (2-12) and $18 for seniors (65+). Museum general admission is free for members. Children under 2 are always free. The Science of Guinness World Records™ requires a surcharge of $8 for adults (13-64) and seniors (65+), $6 for youth (2-12) and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $5 for all age levels. Visit the Perot Museum website here for tickets.

Highlights of the summer offerings include:

U.S. DEBUT! THE SCIENCE OF GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (through Sept. 6, 2021). Discover the marvels of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS holders and the science (and secrets) behind their triumphs. Learn what it takes to crash through these seemingly impossible ceilings, the physical and mental thresholds humans possess, and the STEM principles that explain their awe-inspiring feats. Dozens of engaging exhibits – from the largest Pac-Man videogame, to reaction competitions, basketball, speed drumming and a dance-a-thon – will challenge and encourage all ages to go behind the scenes and discover the discipline driving these fascinating accomplishments. Presented by Highland Capital Philanthropies, the popular Science of Guinness World Records is supported locally by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District and, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. A surcharge is required.

THURSDAYS ON TAP. From 6-10 p.m. each Thursday, the adults-only event gives grown-ups exclusive after-hours access to explore all five levels of the Museum including, for a limited time only, The Science of Guinness World Records™ exhibition. Outside, ticket holders can enjoy local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music and games. Tickets – which include admission to the Museum and The Science of Guinness World Records™ exhibition – are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Guests must be 21 years of age with valid ID. Alcohol and food will be available for sale. Guests are encouraged to eat and drink outside on the Plaza. Please drink responsibly. Purchase in advance at perotmuseum.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

THE WHYNAUTS – At a time when education systems are facing the challenges of the pandemic – and field trips are on hold – the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is launching an engaging
10-part, STEM-focused virtual series called The Whynauts. Designed to make science relevant, exciting and accessible, the academically aligned episodes feature charismatic scientists along with diverse youth actors ages 10-15. They will lead students on a fun, knowledge-packed journey of science exploration through the Perot Museum exhibit halls and some of North Texas’ best-known landmarks, including the Dallas Zoo and the Trinity River. The digitally enhanced adventures – with dialogue offered in English and Spanish – are available at perotmuseum.org/whynauts.

STAIRCASE PROJECT (through Sept. 6, 2021). Calling it a “bold and inspiring tribute to African American leaders who made momentous contributions to science,” the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, in partnership with the African American Museum, Dallas, announced earlier this year local architect and emerging artist Daniel M. Gunn as the winner of the Staircase Project design competition. Gunn’s larger-than-life image, titled “GIANT STEPS – Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements of African-American Leaders in STEM,” has been installed since January on the Perot Museum’s multi-story, outdoor staircase facing Field Street. The Staircase Project is presented by Kroger. Information about the African-American STEM giants depicted on the staircase can be found at perotmuseum.org/STEMleaders or by scanning the QR code located next to the staircase.

Once you have your tickets, you'll want to look up directions and plan to park in a nearby lot. The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For parking information and other details, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.

Personally, we visited the Perot Museum this morning to check out the museum and Science of Guinness World Records exhibit.  I don't want to spoil too many surprises, but I'll share a few photos to give you an idea of what to expect at the Science of Guinness World Records exhibit.  We started by registering at the front of the exhibit.  The registration allowed us to check in for different games and competitions to compete for daily and world records. We visited around 10am which allowed my children to claim some of the daily records. I'm sure that placing at the top was more challenging as the day went on, so you may want to visit this exhibit earlier in the day if you have competitive little ones.  

As I mentioned earlier, I don't want to spoil too many surprises, so I asked my family members to each choose their favorite competition for me to share with all of you.  My oldest son chose the World's Largest Pac-Man game. He won third place for the day. My preschooler didn't place at the top, but he still had a blast!

My preschooler is obsessed with LEGOs. He recommends the fun LEGO build competition that rocked his little world!

My husband and I loved the giant 3D puzzles. We enjoy family puzzle nights, so these puzzles took things to a new level!

The Science of Guinness World Records exhibit is packed with many other competitive hands-on activities that are perfect for curious and energetic children!  Every child in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro should visit this attraction.  The whimsical experience is sure to create happy childhood memories!

We hope that you enjoyed this glimpse into our visit to the Perot Museum and the Science of Guinness World Records exhibit!  The museum is open daily this summer and provides whimsical childhood experiences.  A trip to the Perot Museum should be on every parent's to-do list for summer 2021. It's a nice opportunity to bring science to life for curious children!