Name: Winter WonderLab
Start: 2025-12-14T13:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-12-14T17:00:00-05:00
Location: 308 W 4th St, Bloomington, IN, United States, Indiana 47404

Celebrate the chilly magic of the season with a weekend full of winter-themed science fun for the whole family! Winter WonderLab invites visitors to explore how the natural world works in cold weather through hands-on experiments, sensory play, and interactive exhibits.
Recommended Ages: All ages / families
All activities are free for members / free with with museum admission. Not a member? Purchase admission and join the fun!
Special Deal: Sunday, December 14 is a Super Sunday – enjoy reduced $10 admission for all guests!
Celebrate the chilly magic of the season with a weekend full of winter-themed science fun for the whole family! Winter WonderLab invites visitors to explore how the natural world works in cold weather through hands-on experiments, sensory play, and interactive exhibits.
All activities are free with museum admission. Special Deal: Sunday, December 14 is a Super Sunday – enjoy reduced $10 admission for all guests!
From snow play to animal encounters, you'll discover the science behind winter in exciting and surprising ways. What happens when seasons change? Why does snow form? How do animals adapt? Come ready to investigate all things snowy, cold, and cool!
While you’re visiting look for special stations and activities:
Snow Play – Yes, it’s real snow—indoors! Experience the magic of winter weather without needing boots or gloves.
Fake Snow?! – Explore sodium polyacrylate, a super-absorbent material that fluffs up like snow but doesn’t melt!
Snowflake Making – Create unique snowflakes using our templates—including Star Wars and insects—or design your own. Big, small, intricate, or silly—no two are the same!
Frozen Science – Experiment with vinegar and baking soda to make fizzing, freezing reactions. Learn the chemistry behind this bubbly winter explosion!
Snowball Throwing – Try your hand at snowball physics! Explore the brachistochrone curve—the fastest path between two points—by throwing along a curve instead of a straight line.
Animal Adaptations – Meet WonderLab animal ambassadors like bees, corn snakes, and newts, and discover how they survive winter weather.
Scents of Winter – Sniff your way through the season with cedar, marshmallow, pine, peppermint, cocoa, and gingerbread—learn how chemistry creates familiar winter smells.
Large Ice Blocks – Head to the water and sensory tables to sculpt and explore colorful blocks of ice with squirt bottles, salt, and arctic animals—turn them into a frozen landscape!