Greetings, adventurers! Next stop on our journey is none other than the fantastical world of WonderWorks, nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Brace yourselves for a topsy-turvy trip into the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), all wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind, upside-down building! This, my friends, is edutainment at its finest.
Now, walking into WonderWorks, I can tell ya, it's a bit like stepping into an alternate universe. Immediately, you're greeted with a display of scientific and historical wonders, a mish-mash of exhibits that charm, intrigue, and enlighten. From the heart-pounding thrills of the Space Zone and Extreme Weather exhibits to the mind-bending illusions in the Far Out Art Gallery, there's an adventure waiting at every corner.
But, y'all, let's not forget the heartstrings that this place tugs. The Titanic exhibit stands as a solemn reminder of the lives tragically lost in that ill-fated journey. It's a poignant touch amidst the interactive play, grounding our experience in a shared human history.
Now, you know me, I like to see the glass half-full, and WonderWorks was mostly a thrill. However, some exhibits did feel a tad overstimulating, especially for those not so keen on the flashy lights and sounds. And while the place offers an abundance of fun, the educational elements could sometimes feel a bit overshadowed by the spectacle. But hey, it's a theme park, right?
As we wrapped up our visit, I felt a sense of awe, mixed with a touch of nostalgia. WonderWorks, with its quirks and twists, reminds us of the wonder of curiosity, the thrill of discovery, and the importance of remembering our past. So, if you're craving a day of hands-on fun, mixed with a sprinkle of education and a dash of history, you know where to go.
So buckle up, explorers, because our journey continues! Stick around, and let's discover what more this wide world has to offer, together.
Topsy-Turvy Thrills: A Journey Through WonderWorks' World of Wonders!
Imagine a place born out of a top-secret experiment gone wild in the Bermuda Triangle, helmed by none other than Professor Wonder. The goal? To harness the power of a tornado! You heard it right! But like most good tales, things took a turn for the chaotic. The winds of the experiment grew mighty strong, ripping the lab from its foundation and carrying it hundreds of miles, where it landed upside-down in Pigeon Forge. And that, my friends, is the wacky story behind WonderWorks!
Now, I can see your brows furrowing. "If the building is upside-down, how do we explore it?" Well, that's where the fun begins! You've gotta step into the inversion tunnel to be turned right side up. After that, you're all set for a wild ride through more than 100 hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. It's like stepping into an upside-down world where science and fun are best pals!
Now, before we go deeper into these wild wonder zones, let me help you with the nitty-gritty – tickets! You can purchase your tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure right here: WonderWorks Pigeon Forge Tickets.
So, grab your tickets, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a thrilling journey through the world of wonders!
Artful Wonders & Imagination Galore: Get Ready to Play!
Hold onto your hats, creative explorers, and prepare for a quirky ride through the whimsical worlds of illusion, art, and pure imagination! Here's what awaits you at the Wonder Art Gallery and Imagination Lab at WonderWorks Pigeon Forge.
Wonder Art Gallery
Illusion Art Gallery
Prepare to be both deceived and delighted! Can you see a man's face or a garden harvest? In this world of illusion art, your eyes will dance and dart as they play tricks on you. Each piece is a wonder in its own right, designed to perplex, amuse, and amaze.
Dr. Seuss's Unorthodox Taxidermy
If you ever wondered where Dr. Seuss's whimsical characters originated, look no further! Inspired by real-life animals, Seuss created 17 fantastical taxidermy sculptures, complete with real bills, horns, and antlers. From the wild to the wacky, this collection showcases his innovative creativity like never before. The Cat in the Hat ain't got nothin' on these!
Imagination Lab
Wonder Brite
Channel your inner artist with a gigantic version of Lite-Brite! Create dazzling masterpieces by rearranging colorful pegs against a glowing black wall. Will it be a ferocious lion or perhaps a speedy race car? Let your imagination run wild and watch your creation come to life!
Dig It Sandbox
Ever fancied creating your own world? With this interactive sandbox, you'll be a master of your domain. Dig trenches, raise mountains, or craft sweeping flatlands – the augmented reality sensors respond to your every move. Whether it's a Jurassic playground or a bustling cityscape, you're in control.
Gear Works
Welcome, young engineers, to the world of gears! These toothy wheels are the heart of machines, making tough tasks a breeze. But how do they work? Arrange the gears, big and small, and watch as they spin and whirl at different paces. Experiment, explore, and discover the fascinating dance of mechanical marvels.
Discover Extreme Weather and Tackle Physical Challenges: No Limits at WonderWorks!
Our journey continues as we leap from the realms of imagination and art straight into the thrills and chills of extreme weather, exhilarating physical challenges, mesmerizing light & sound, and the vast mysteries of outer space. Ready for the adventure? Let's do it!
Extreme Weather Zone
Tesla Coil
Welcome to the electric domain of Nikola Tesla! Here, you'll witness the raw power of electricity, with some coils powerful enough to light up a bulb from 50 feet away. Brace yourself and become a human lightning rod, daringly interacting with a whopping 100,000 volts!
Earthquake Cafe
Ever wondered what a 5.3 magnitude earthquake feels like? Step into the Earthquake Cafe, and relive the infamous Quake of '89 that shook the San Francisco Bay Area. You're about to feel the Earth move under your feet!
Hurricane Shack
Experience the rush of a Category 1 hurricane right in the heart of the Hurricane Shack. Brace yourself against gusty winds blowing at a speed of 74 miles per hour. It's time to embrace the power of the storm!
How Cold Is It?: Feel the chill of the Titanic tragedy as you immerse your hand into icy 28°F water. This spine-tingling experience gives you a chilling glimpse into the unimaginable conditions the Titanic's passengers and crew endured.
Physical Challenge Zone
Physical Challenge Zone
Bed of Nails
Are you brave enough to lay down on 3,500 nails? Discover the principle of pressure as you prove that science can defy common sense. No, it won't hurt - we promise!
Bubble Lab
Fun for all ages, the Bubble Lab lets you play with soapy spheres in ways you never thought possible. Can you create a bubble the size of a basketball, or even step inside a giant bubble? You'll see rainbows dance on their surfaces as they catch the light.
Pulley Power
Test your strength in the Pulley Power challenge. As you hoist yourself up using ropes, you'll discover how pulleys make lifting heavy objects feel like a piece of cake. The more pulleys, the easier the lift!
Light & Sound Zone
Recollections
Bust a move in front of our vibrant screen and see your shadow multiply into a dazzling display of colors and patterns. The music's playing – it's time to dance like nobody's watching!
Strike a Pose
Play with shadows in a way you never imagined. Watch as a flash creates a cool silhouette of your pose. Will you become the new shadow artist?
Giant Piano
Jump on the keys of a massive piano and create music with your feet! Strum the strings of creativity and let the harmonious sound of music echo through the room.
Space Discovery Zone
Space Suit
Ever wondered what it feels like to wear a spacesuit? Don a life-size replica of an EVA suit and get a taste of astronaut life. Let's see if you can handle space!
Astronaut Training Challenge
Ready to experience weightlessness? This 2-person gyroscope simulates the sensations astronauts experience in outer space. Prepare for rolls, tumbles, and some serious space fun!
Mercury Capsule
Climb into a replica of the tiny one-man vehicle that was part of America's first human spaceflight program. Feel the compact space that was just enough for one astronaut, surrounded by switches, fuses, and mechanical levers.
Wonder Coasters
Strap in and hold on tight! Design your dream roller coaster and then take a ride on your own virtual adventure. Feel the adrenaline of a 360-degree, pitch-and-roll ride. If you're not a fan of loops and twists, switch to a virtual submarine adventure and explore the deep blue sea. The choice is yours!
Fostering Future Innovators: WonderWorks' Dynamic Approach to STEM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) – these four letters hold the key to the future. With an ever-growing demand for skills in these fields, WonderWorks is committed to igniting a love for STEM in every visitor, young or old. Their dedicated STEM programs are designed to inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Explore STEM Concepts through Fun and Interactive Programs
The WonderWorks 'I Think, Therefore I STEM' Program
This immersive initiative is at the heart of their commitment to drive home the critical importance of STEM education. By emphasizing hands-on physical science and art learning experiences, WonderWorks aims to spark the passion and creativity that can propel the U.S. to continue its global leadership in innovation and technology.
WonderKids Event & SM-ART Gallery
It all starts with a pencil! Wonderworks and the Wonderkids embrace the start of an artist, and creativity!
WonderWorks extends its reach beyond STEM to embrace the arts. The WonderKids event and the Smoky Mountain Youth Art Gallery offer platforms for young talent to shine, proving that art and science often go hand-in-hand.
Science Fair Partnerships
WonderWorks proudly supports local and state science fairs by offering prizes and assistance. Their partnerships provide a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their scientific prowess and innovation.
On-Site STEM Activities
Alongside their wealth of interactive STEM exhibits, they regularly host engaging activities and demonstrations. From the gravity-defying 'Drop the Egg' challenge to the chemically curious 'Get Slimed' experiment, there's always something exciting happening!
Science Fun Facts & Worksheets
Supplement your visit with their fun science facts and solar system worksheets, bringing complex scientific concepts to life in a way that's accessible and enjoyable.
Shining the Spotlight on STEM Careers
STEM fields are witnessing rapid growth, creating a wealth of career opportunities. At WonderWorks, they believe it's vital to highlight these exciting paths and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. Their 'Celebrating STEM Careers' exhibit showcases a diverse range of STEM careers, giving visitors a taste of the thrilling possibilities that await in these innovative sectors.
STEM Grants & Resources
There's a wealth of support out there for budding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. WonderWorks is proud to guide you towards valuable resources, including grants provided by the Department of Education, Grants.gov, the National Science Foundation, and NASA.
At WonderWorks, they're not just about fun and games – though there's plenty of that! Their goal is to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of the STEM subjects. They're there to help guide today's curious minds into becoming tomorrow's leading innovators.
A Fun-Filled, Interactive STEM Adventure with Room for Improvement
Upon entering WonderWorks, you are immediately struck by the sheer volume of interactive exhibits and activities on offer. It's an impressively diverse array, from a climbing wall and space walk that mimics a high ropes course, to a wealth of hands-on scientific demonstrations.
One of the highlights was the space walk. It was a thrilling experience, although the long queue time detracted from the overall enjoyment. We also learned some exciting science facts while exploring the different sections. A particularly memorable moment was plunging our hands into freezing water mimicking the temperatures of the Titanic's icy depths – an immersive, if bone-chilling, educational experience.
However, WonderWorks is not without its challenges. The venue was extremely crowded, leading to long lines and extended wait times for many of the attractions. This overcrowding issue seemed to detract from the overall experience, with the venue appearing to struggle with effective crowd control.
Further, while there are plenty of activities for younger children, some elements of the venue seemed less engaging for adults or older teenagers. Several of the interactive games and exhibits were also out of order during our visit, which was disappointing.
As for the pricing, it's essential to note that while the cost of entry can seem high (for the most current pricing, please check the official WonderWorks website), the range of activities and exhibits on offer does provide a decent value if you plan to spend a significant amount of time there. However, the cost may be a factor for families on a tighter budget or those who find their visit cut short by overcrowding or faulty exhibits.
In conclusion, WonderWorks provides a unique blend of fun and learning that can offer a great day out, particularly for families with children under 12. However, improvements in crowd management and maintenance of the exhibits could significantly enhance the overall visitor experience. Regardless of its shortcomings, it is a place that fuels curiosity and makes science fun, which is a commendable achievement in itself.
Signing Off From WonderWorks: A Unique STEM Adventure!
In summing up my time at WonderWorks, I find myself swinging between 'Yes, let's do this again!' and 'Hmm, maybe once was enough'. It's an experience I'm glad to have had, and the lessons I learned have stayed with me long after my visit.
There's something innately satisfying about immersing yourself in a world where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are not just subjects in a textbook, but a hands-on, tangible exploration that sparks curiosity and wonder. But, it's also true that the high entry price and the crowd control issues did put a bit of a dampener on the overall experience.
If in the future, Calum and I find ourselves with a little group of budding scientists in tow, I can see us making a return trip to WonderWorks. The venue seems to cater best to the younger crowd, turning abstract scientific concepts into fun, interactive exhibits that can keep kids engaged for hours.
After wrapping up our day at WonderWorks, we headed over to the Hard Rock Cafe for a bite. With our bellies full of delicious food and our hearts filled with the day's adventures, we got ready for our next stop: the Titanic Museum. But that, dear readers, is a story for another time. So, stay tuned, because our journey is far from over!
That's all for this post! If you've visited WonderWorks and discovered any hidden treasures or have tips to share, I'd be thrilled to hear about them. If you're in the process of planning a trip and have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Assisting fellow travellers is always a pleasure, and I make it a point to respond to every email I receive (sara@sarajourneys.com). Until we meet again, journey safely!
P.S. For those curious to see more, you can find all our travel photos on the SaraJourneysMore Instagram page.
Other American Destinations
Y'all Come On Down to Dollywood: A Grand Adventure in the Heart of Tennessee
A Guide to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: From Dollywood to the Smokies
The Island in Pigeon Forge: Tennessee's Hidden Gem
Disney's Magic Kingdom: A Realm of Wonder Reviewed
EPCOT: Your Ultimate Guide to Disney's World of Wonders
Wild Wonders and Magical Realms: A Deep Dive into Disney's Animal Kingdom
Action! Adventure! Hollywood Studios – Your Starry-Eyed Guide to Disney's Movie Magic Wonderland!
Read More
A Rootin' Tootin' Review of Dolly Parton's (Dixie) Stampede in Pigeon Forge
Titanic Museum: Stepping Aboard History in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee