each visit
its own magic.
No two days at COGNiTiON are ever the same — whether it's the crowd, our live animals being who they are, or a new exhibit. We got you. There’s no shortage of interesting things to discover. Somebody could be feeding a snake. Or exploring the dynamics of the our solar system in the Planetarium. Who knows? Your kiddo wants to be a pilot? We got you.
Families typically spend between 2 to 3 hours with us when they visit. Many families bring a snack or sack lunch. Not so DIY? We’re steps away from the restaurants of downtown Beulah… grab a bite and come back.
we are
A hands-on science & discovery playground : a fun place to play through interactive experiences for kids of all ages.
• Museum-style format with 15 different exhibits to explore.
• Adults accompany children.
• Staff are here to guide experience, present animals and assist guests.
we are not
COGNiTiON is not a child care facility or a drop-off center. To keep COGNiTiON a fun and safe place for Everyone, our staff cannot extensively attend to your children.
Children must be under guardian care & supervision.
attendance policy
Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult is responsible for their children's supervision / behavior.
Please help children follow posted rules and respect the materials.
With approval, a child under 12 may be supervised by an older sibling or teenage sitter.
Adults are encouraged to explore and participate in activities, as well.
We are happy to help support parents, but cannot take the role of care provider.
If these terms are not met, staff may bring a child to their parent's attention.
If disruptive / dangerous behavior continues, staff may ask the family to leave for the day.
What Google says:
we’re open*
Wednesdays-Saturdays
10am-5pm
Sundays
1pm-5pm
*We are closed Mondays & Tuesdays for field trips. If you want to visit on those days, gather a group and schedule a field trip. Click here for more info.
daily admission
Ages 2-4 $9 (per person)
Ages 5 and up $11
Admission covers you for the entire day, you can leave and return.
Special Rate (per person; through Museums for All)
$5 Admission for families with EBT/SNAP benefits.
Membership
Cost Varies
Covers UNLIMITED ADMISSION for 1 year from purchase date.
From Individual to Family Plus, Membership is a great way to save money and ensure unlimited fun. We have now included unlimited VR and Planetarium experiences and monthly payment plans. Because of generous donors, we are able to offer member scholarships currently to Benzie County residents and/or Benzie students. Please apply if cost is a limiting factor.
Our Planetarium Show and Virtual Reality experience in the Earth and Space Lab are now included with admission.
Planetarium Show
Experience interactive star tours, space exploration and more. Our new Planetarium offers another level of immersive adventures. In-the-round viewing for up to 25 guests per showing. Available one weekend each month, see showtimes. Tickets may be purchased ahead or at the door.
Virtual Reality
Chaperoned hands-on experiences such as simulated driving in traffic, flight, travel, space and more. Whole day rotations currently on Saturdays and Sundays. Check for VR workshops and additional VR exploration times under the Programs tab.
Tornado Simulator +$3 cash/$3.20 card
Get to ride out a EF-0 storm (78 mile an hour winds) in our new Tornado experience. Found outside in our Sound Garden (to help those with sensory issues avoid over-stimulating sounds) and can be accessed year-round.
Upcoming
Events
