OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology

"OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology" is an exciting educational space located in downtown Youngstown. Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are hidden behind glass, an atmosphere of complete interaction reigns here. This place is designed to spark curiosity and encourage independent exploration in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The center is geared towards children from a very early age to teenagers, offering them the opportunity to learn through play. Bright halls and interactive stands turn complex physical laws and natural phenomena into understandable and fun experiments. It is one of the main family attractions in the region, attracting visitors not only from the city but from all over the USA.

The special value of "OH WOW!" lies in its ability to inspire. Here, every child can feel like a real inventor or scientist, whether launching a rocket, controlling water flows, or creating their own musical tracks. It is an ideal place for a family vacation where adults won't be bored either.

To help you plan your visit, we have collected the center's contact information. Its location in the very center of the city makes it easily accessible for tourists.

The main rule of this center is: you can touch everything! Visitors can expect numerous thematic zones, each dedicated to a specific branch of science. One of the most popular locations is the water experiment zone, where children can build dams, study the force of flow, and launch small ships. It is not only fun but also clearly demonstrates the principles of hydrodynamics.

Technology lovers will appreciate the opportunity to try their hand as engineers. Here you can construct your own mechanisms, build structures from unusual materials, and test them for strength. A particular delight is often caused by the wind tunnel, where you can see aerodynamics in action by launching homemade flying machines.

For creative natures, there are zones combining science and art. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, creating unique visual and audio effects. Also, the center regularly hosts live demonstrations and master classes, where staff show spectacular chemical reactions or physical magic tricks, explaining their scientific nature.

Getting to "OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology" is quite simple, as it is located in the heart of the city, on Central Square. If you are traveling by car, head towards the city center (Downtown). There are several public parking lots and garages in this area where you can leave your car during your visit.

For those who prefer public transport, it is worth paying attention to the WRTA (Western Reserve Transit Authority) bus network. The central station (Federal Station) is located in the immediate vicinity of the museum, making the bus a convenient option for traveling from different parts of the city.

If you are staying at a hotel in the city center, you will likely be able to walk to the museum. Taxi options or ridesharing services are also always available, which can drop you off right at the main entrance on the square.

The history of this amazing place began with a desire to create a space that would inspire children to study technical sciences. Initially, the organization existed as the "Children’s Museum of the Valley," but in 2011 a major rebranding and move took place, resulting in the modern "OH WOW!" center. The name was chosen for a reason — it reflects the genuine reaction of children (and adults!) when they first see scientific wonders in action.

Interestingly, the center occupies the historic McCrory Building. This allows the museum to combine modern technologies with the city's classic architecture, preserving the spirit of the past while looking towards the future. The building itself is an important part of the downtown architectural ensemble.

The center bears the names of Roger and Gloria Jones (The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center), known local philanthropists whose contribution helped turn this space into an innovation hub for young explorers. Their mission was to make STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) accessible and exciting for all children in the region.

A full tour of the center's exposition usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time for children to try their hand at most of the interactive zones and participate in experiments without getting too tired.

If your child is very passionate about science or loves constructing, the visit might stretch to half a day. The space is organized in such a way that it is easy to lose track of time, moving from one fascinating stand to another.

The center's opening hours may change depending on the season, holidays, or private events. There are also sometimes special hours for specific age groups or school excursions.

To avoid facing closed doors, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the attraction's official website before planning your trip.

After visiting the science center, it is worth taking the time to walk around the neighborhood. Its location in the historic center makes it easy to reach other interesting sites, many of which are within walking distance. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city's architecture and atmosphere.