The Louisville Science Center in historic West Main Street, founded in 1871 as a natural history collection, has experienced more than a century of growth to become Kentucky's largest hands-on science centre, visited by more than 550,000 people each year. A highlight of the centre is a 12,500 square foot (1,161 sq metre) permanent exhibit known as The World Around Us, featuring more than 40 interactive stations that challenge visitors of all ages to make use of their creativity and problem-solving skills. The centre also has a four-storey Imax theatre, a gift shop and restaurant.

Address: 727 West Main Street

Website: www.louisvillescience.org

Telephone: (502) 561 6100

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9:30am-5pm (Friday and Saturday open until 9pm); Sunday 12pm-6pm. Closed Thanksgiving and December 24-25.

Admission: Exhibits: $13 (adults), $11 (children 2-12), IMAX: $7; combination tickets available.