Science

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center Crank a crane, touch a tornado, sort seafood, tromp through an outdoor woodsy cabin. 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport, MS; +1 228 897 6039. Fee.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Discover the organisms living in a tree trunk, go nose-to-nose with an alligator (behind glass), take a walk at the bottom of the Pearl River. 2148 Riverside Dr., Jackson, MS; +1 601 354 7303. Fee.

Russell C. Davis Planetarium/Ronald E. McNair Space Theater Explore outer space by watching large-format movies, sky shows, or a laser-light concert on the planetarium's domed ceiling. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, MS; +1 601 960 1550. Fee.

StenniSphere and NASA Stennis Space Center Watch an engine test, land a virtual space shuttle, go aboard the re-created International Space Station. Exit 2 on I-10, West of Bay St. Louis, Stennis, MS; +1 228 688 2370.