Get those mittens ready! Snow Day 2023 is coming up at the Science Mill this Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10am-2pm in Johnson City. The museum’s outdoor Science & Art Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with 35 TONS OF REAL SNOW! Try the snowball slingshot, ice chimes, DIY snowball launchers, and mini sled races, and watch a master ice carver showcase amazing chainsaw sculpting skills!

Photo from the Science Mill’s Facebook page; credit: Laura Hajar.

Snow Day activities run from 10am – 2pm in the Mill’s Science & Art Park. Snow Day 2023 activities include:

  • Snow pit: Jump right into the main event: more than 35 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 demos: Watch science and art combine as a 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!

Photo from the Science Mill’s Facebook page; credit: Laura Hajar.

  • Frosty bubbles: Marvel as a Science Mill educator creates swirling, “smoke-filled” bubbles from dry ice. (Check the schedule that day for demonstration times.)
  • Mini dry ice vortex cannon: 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 or head into the museum to pose for a photo booth pic with digital snow.

Photo from the Science Mill’s Facebook page; credit: Laura Hajar.

Tickets: Snow Day activities are free with regular paid admission! expedited entry for Members and pre-paid ticket holders get expedited entry! Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended for this popular event (but walk-ins are welcome!), and you can click here to reserve yours online. Ticket prices are as follows: 0-2 years old – free, Youth (ages 3-17) $9.50, Adults $11, Seniors (65+) $9.

Parking & Entry Points: Easy-access parking options available west of the Science Mill just off U.S. 290—keep an eye out for signs. Two entry points for a speedy check in: in front of the museum and at the Science & Art Park parking lot. (Note that the Science & Art Park parking lot is not handicap accessible).

Learn all about the Science Mill (and their future special events) by visiting their website.

Don’t forget to bring mittens or gloves to keep your hands warm!