UPDATE: Snow Day 2022 will be an entirely outdoor event.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Science Mill is taking extra precautions to keep hands-on science safe. All Snow Day 2022 activities will be held outdoors and we’re adding EXTRA snow—a total of 40 TONS!—to give our guests even more space for frosty fun. Additional portable restrooms will also be available in the Science & Art Park.
The museum building will be closed, including exhibit galleries and the Theater, except for check-in at the front desk, the Science Store, and lobby restrooms. Thank you for your understanding; to show our appreciation, all Snow Day guests will receive a 10% off discount in the Science Store. We’re also extending guests’ access to the Science & Art Park and the big snow pit until 4pm.
The Science Mill will be closed on Friday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 16 for Snow Day preparations and post-event clean-up. See you soon!
Snow Day is back! The Science Mill rolls out the white carpet on Saturday, January 15, welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy 40 TONS OF REAL SNOW. Bring mittens and gloves to try the coolest hands-on science, including the snowball slingshot, ice chimes, DIY snowball launchers and mini sled races. When you’re ready to chill, snack on treats from local food trucks and watch master ice carver Sean Leahy showcase his amazing chainsaw sculpting skills.
Snow Day activities run from 10am-2pm, with access to the big snow pit and the Science & Art Park extended until 4pm. Easy-access parking options available west of the Science Mill just off U.S. 290—keep an eye out for signs. Two entry points (front of the museum and at the Science & Art Park parking lot) available for a speedy check-in, with expedited entry for Members and pre-paid ticket holders.
Online ticket sales closed. Purchase tickets at the door! Walk-in’s welcome!
To help keep hands-on science safe, the Science Mill highly recommends that guests wear masks while inside the museum. Visit our What's New page or FAQs to learn more about the Science Mill's safety measures.
Snow Day Activities
Snow pit: Jump right into the main event: 40 TONS of real snow! Make snowballs, snow sculptures, snow castles and, of course, amazing memories together.
Mini derby sled race: Racers to the starting line! Design and build a custom derby sled to test against others. With a flip of the robotic starting gates, watch the sleds zip down our 10-foot-long multi-lane track. Check the precision timing system to see which designs slide by with the best times.
Live ice sculpting demo (11:30am): Watch science and art combine as master ice carver Sean Leahy transforms a block of ice into a glittering sculpture.
Snowball slingshot: Ready…aim…cool! Earn points for every target you hit; we’ll keep a leaderboard of top scores throughout the day.
Make-n-take mini snowball launchers: Design and build a mini catapult to take home. Experiment to see what features will launch a snowball farthest – it’s the physics of fling.
Arctic architect: Can you build a mini igloo strong enough to survive an ice storm? Use measuring scoops to create snow "bricks" and experiment with different stacking styles. Then put your igloo to the test against an ice cube launcher!
Frosty bubbles (10:45am & 12:45pm): Marvel as a Science Mill educator creates swirling, “smoke-filled” bubbles from dry ice.
Mini dry ice vortex cannons: Transform everyday items into a vortex cannon that shoots out dry ice “smoke” rings!
Ice chimes: Compose a snow symphony on a one-of-a-kind instrument that’s made of ice and powered by computer.
Snow-to booth: Snap a family portrait at our outdoor photo op!
Parking Information
Spots in front of the Science Mill on Lady Bird Lane will be reserved for ADA accessible parking. We will have expanded parking and a second entrance in the field on the west side of the Science Mill (see map). As you approach the Science Mill on Highway 290 from either east or west, look for Snow Day parking signs along the highway. If you’re using GPS, the address 111 W. Main Street, Johnson City, TX 78636 will get you to the parking lot. When that lot is full, visitors will be directed to Courthouse Square to park.
Schedule
Snow Day activities will run from 10am-2pm outdoors in our Science & Art Park; guests will have extended access to the main snow pit until 4pm. Activities include a 40-ton snow pit, a snowball slingshot contest, mini sled races and more hands-on activities, plus tasty food trucks and an ice sculpting demo by master carver Sean Leahy at 11:30am! Please note that the exhibit galleries, including the Theater, will be closed during Snow Day. Guests will be able to access the museum lobby, Science Store, and bathrooms from 10am-4pm.
Please enjoy snacks in the Science & Art Park; food and drinks should not be brought into the museum lobby.
Entry
Guests can use the main entrance at the front of the museum on Lady Bird Lane OR the backyard entrance on the west side of the Science & Art Park. Please note that the backyard entrance is not ADA accessible.
Tickets
Online ticket sales end at 5pm on Friday, Jan. 14 (the day before the event); however, tickets will be available to purchase the day of the event at both entrances.
Pre-paid ticket holders: No need to print tickets! Just provide the purchaser’s name to the staff at the entrance and show your photo ID.
Members: Snow Day is included in your year of free admission, so you don’t need to pre-purchase tickets. Follow signs to the Member check-in at either entrance.
Snow Day tickets are not refundable, but are transferable.
Restrooms
Portable restrooms can be found in the orchard near the Science & Art Park. Inside the museum, restrooms with changing tables are located upstairs past the front desk.
