San Francisco Chronicle (Sunday)
A science museum, lake, zoo offer family fun
Raquel Esquivel, age 9, and Ryan Pachoud, age 5, play at the turntable exhibit at the handson World of Wonders Science Museum in downtown Lodi.
For visitors who think that Lodi’s lush wine region is only for grownups, Lodians have a few words for you, like: “WOW.”
“Go jump in a lake.”
Or, if they really want to get your goat, “Go play with a Cotton Top Tamarin and Black and White Ruffed lemur.”
Lodi is as familyfriendly as it is Zinfandelfriendly, and while many visitors may want to head there to taste awardwinning wines, they may stay for a little space exploration at the World of Wonders Science Museum (WOW), or cool off at Lake Lodi, or enjoy the many friendly and even exotic animals at the Micke Grove Zoo.
WOW SCIENCE MUSEUM
If the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi seems a little familiar, it should. It’s modeled after San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
In fact, it was after a family visit to the Exploratorium in 2004 that WOW founder Dan Ingrum, on the way home to Lodi, decided that his community needed a similar learnbyexperience museum, and he set out to make it happen.
With the help of the Exploratorium, Ingrum and a dedicated army of fundraisers, teachers and other residents made it happen. It is now the premier museum of its type in the San Joaquin Valley, Executive Director Sally Snyde said.
“We advocate handon learning, or ‘edutainment,” Snyde says. “And it’s not just for kids. We emphasize discovery for all ages.”
Some of the favorite exhibits are Brainteasers, the Plasma Ball and an actual 8foot tornado, but this summer, one particular exhibit stands out: a replica of the moon, in which visitors can experience their own moonwalk on the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first steps.
The museum is so popular in the region that school field trips book up six months in advance, Snyde says, but big plans are on the way to making the museum much more accessible.
The new WOW Science Plaza will expand across its Sacramento Street location, creating a new science and cultural center. Among the highlights will be a stateoftheart planetarium, quadrupled exhibit space, four new classrooms, an openair amphitheater for both WOW and community use, a pedestrianonly Science Boulevard, a centrifugal force carousel showcasing Central Valley history, a Above: The Time in Motion exhibit at the World of Wonders Science Museum has been part of the museum since it opened. Below left: Children can meet a bearded dragon named Vinnie at the museum. Below right: Headwaters Kayak offers paddle boarding and kayaking.
fullservice dining facility, and a larger WOW Science Store. Look for that to open soon, Snyde says.
Meanwhile, visitors of all ages should stop by and play. Some of the special events coming up at WOW include National Farmers’ Day Oct. 12 and the Punkin Chunkin Nov. 2 (bring your own pumpkin to chuck).
MICKE GROVE ZOO
Many people don’t realize that Lodi has its very own zoo, or that it is one of the most renowned in the region. From reptiles to birds to mammals — and more — the zoo is a oneofakind attraction.
The Micke Grove Zoo staff strives to provide a conservationoriented collection with an emphasis on species facing survival threats, such as habitat loss and degradation, subsistence hunting, environmental pollution and illegal poaching and trade and more.
Every Micke Grove Zoo educational program provides information as to how each visitor can contribute to wildlife conservation and to a healthier planet for all living things.
The zoo offers a variety of
World of Wonders Science Museum:
Micke Grove Zoo:
Lodi Lake:
educational and interpretive programs to provide the community and visitors an upclose exploration of the natural world.
Have you always dreamed of visiting a zoo after dark? The zoo offers twohour special evening programs where visitors can make crafts, play games and go on a tour of the nocturnal animals. To top it off, enjoy a campfire, s’mores and other snacks. The next programs are on Sept. 6 and 20.
The zoo also brings some of its residents out to schools or other organizations for an upclose and personal look and works with local scouting troops to help them earn merit badges.
But it is, of course, the animals themselves who are the stars of every show, such as the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko, a Radiated Tortoise, a Golden Eagle or a beautiful Snow Leopard.
Tip for visitors: The animals are most active in the morning and evening hours, when it’s cooler, so you may want to plan your trip accordingly.
LODI LAKE
Many visitors wouldn’t expect it but located just a few miles from the center of town is one of the best places in Lodi to cool off during the hot summer months, Lodi Lake.
Located at 1101 W. Turner Road, the lake is an ideal spot for family picnics, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and guided boat tours. The public beach is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and there also is a boat launch on the lake.
The Lodi Lake Boathouse is open weekends April through October, and Wednesday through Sunday in June, July and August and offers kayak, Raquel Esquivel, age 9, plays with the smoke ring exhibit at the World of Wonders Science Museum.
paddleboard, canoe and pedal boat rentals.
The lake is a riparian habitat that is home to many species of mammals, reptiles, and fish and is in Lodi Lake Park with many
other attractions nearby.
“It’s really a jewel here in the middle of Lodi,” said Nancy Beckman, President and CEO of Visit Lodi! Conference & Visitors Bureau.