• PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EXPLORATION STATION
• INTERPLANETARY EXPERIENCES : The Exploration Station’s new rotating exhibits are all about our solar system and how it works. Visit explorationstation.org or call 473-1421 for more details.

Over the past decade, the Exploration Station in Grover Beach has entertained and educated kids of all ages. Named for the old fire station in which it was built, the nonprofit houses permanent exhibits on the human body, weather, and electricity. At the core of Exploration Station is the Interactive Children’s Science Center, featuring rotating exhibits such as a display about flight.

Last month, the Station unveiled its brand-new rotating exhibits: all about the solar system and how it works. The Grover Beach nonprofit has also kicked off several new Extended Experiences: special events for children for unearthing animal tracks, learning about water conservation, and even rocketry. (Some experiences are designed for ages 7 to 12; call for more information.)

Coming up at the Exploration Station is a Lego Club session set for Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., followed by a special Valentine’s Day Extended Experience titled “Cupid’s Chemistry and Bleeding Hearts.” Resident chemist Lana will lead an adventure in heart dissection and chemistry, interactively dissecting a sheep’s heart and making carnations change from white to colored.

Also coming up this month is a presentation by Pacific Wildlife Care featuring a live great horned owl and opossum, providing a rare glimpse of these nocturnal animals up close.

The Exploration Station is at 867 Ramona Drive in Grover Beach. The stations’ Interactive Science Center is open Thursday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for kids older than 3 and seniors older than 65. All others pay $3. Memberships are also available. Visit explorationstation.org or call 473-1421 for details. ∆