Beyond the Barstow
Childhood in Archaeology
The Museum Is Now Open
Welcome to the Natural History museum of the Inland Empire!
Visit the Western Science Center, home of the Pacific Mastodon, in Hemet, CA! Opened in 2006, we are one of the largest natural history museums in Riverside County and serve California’s Inland Empire and beyond. Join us as we discover the past, explore the present, and promote a more sustainable future while preserving our region’s ancient history.
UPCOMING EVENTS
For campers entering grades K - 1st. A perfect camp for the curious young scientist! Each day campers will explore science through hands-on experiments, crafts, stories and games.
For campers entering grades 5th - 8th. Learn about many of your body systems through engaging activities and by dissecting a fetal pig!
For campers entering grades 5th - 8th. In this mini-camp you will learn how to create replica fossils by making your own mold, then casting and painting your fossil!
For campers entering entering grades 1st - 3rd. This special mini-camp is 3 days of fun for all Jr. Time Travelers! Come and explore different cultures throughout time and space with crafts, games, food and fun.
For campers entering entering grades 3rd - 5th. Have a rockin’ good time learning about earth, rocks and the stories they can tell us with this special mini-camp!
For campers entering entering grades 1st - 3rd. Explore and discover the fun of science with this camp! Young scientists will explore different science themes through hands-on activities and fun experiments.
For campers entering grades 1st - 3rd. Learn about how plants and animals thrive in the wide variety of terrains found in Southern California in this new camp!
For campers entering entering grades 3rd - 5th. A hands on camp for those who want to create, build, and fix. Learn the basics of tool safety, how to make use of plans, and get to make crafts to bring home and show off!
For campers entering grades 3rd - 5th. Celebrate some of your favorite fandoms through science and engineering activities!
For campers entering grades 1st - 3rd. Don’t try this at home! Or maybe your parents would just prefer you don’t try it there. Now’s the chance to try those messes and let us worry about the cleanup.