Science

California Science Center Ride a bike across a 1" cable 43 feet in the air; see actual flown Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space capsules; learn about homeostasis from Tess, the 50-foot body simulator. 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA; +1 323 724 3623. Parking fee.

Exploratorium Learn how cacao beans turn into chocolate candy; observe live mouse stem cells at the Microscope Imaging Station; crawl through the Tactile Dome; watch robots battle in a broadcast of the Robot Sumo Competition. 3601 Lyon St., San Francisco, CA; +1 415 561 0360. Fee.

Humboldt State University Natural History Museum Follow the evolution of local species, from ancient brachiopods to Saber Tooth cats; watch honeybees making combs, feeding their young, and caring for their Queen at the Bee Hive. 1315 G St., Arcata, CA; +1 707 826 4479.

Lawrence Hall of Science Measure height in nanometers; experience an earthquake at the quake fault model; follow water's journey from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Bay. Centennial Dr., Berkeley, CA; +1 510 642 5132. Fee.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Uncover the mysteries of Megamouth, the world's rarest shark; meet prehistoric giants like Tyrannosaurus rex and allosaur at the dinosaur exhibit; learn to find fossils and take bone rubbings at the Discovery Center. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA; +1 213 763 3466. Fee.

Ocean Institute Use glowing plankton to examine breaking bubbles and learn the science of the seas; board the 70-foot R/V Sea Explorer for an educational expedition on the Pacific; dissect the fish caught at sea to study marine biology. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA; +1 949 496 2274. Fee.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Grow up rapidly at the Aging for All Ages exhibit where the latest in computer morphing technology enables visitors to see what they'll look like in the future; compare your appearance at any age with and without the effects of smoking, obesity, and exposure to sunlight. 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA; +1 619 238 1233. Fee.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Explore the known universe as it is projected overhead at the Planetarium; stroke a live shark in the touch pool at the Sea Center; discover the heritage of the local Chumash Indians at displays examining their lives and culture. 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd., Santa Barbara, CA; +1 805 682 4711. Fee.

Shasta Dam Admire the second largest concrete dam in the United States; ride an elevator to the interior of the station to learn how hydroelectric energy is created; watch the sunset behind Mount Shasta as it towers over the structure. 16349 Shasta Dam Blvd., Shasta Lake, CA; +1 530 275 4463.