A few people think lying on a bed of nails is an expression of stamina, bravery and tolerant to pain. For us, it means FUN!
Last weekend we were in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a family get-a-way. Pronounce Milwaukee as Muh-Wahh-Kee if you are local or Mill-Wahh-Kee if you’re an outsider.
Along the lakefront in downtown Milwaukee is a technology and science type museum called Discovery World. Discovery World bills itself as connecting, innovation, science, technology and the environment with exploration and learning through interactive exhibits and experiential learning programs. This just means educational fun for people of all ages.
To the left of the cashier, is a double-helix staircase which wraps around a 40-foot kinetic sculpture of a human genome. Take this to the 2nd floor for the “Bed of Nails” exhibit. This exhibit is where you can lie on a flat surface with thousands of nails that rise into your body then back down. The feeling is more of a dull nail or similar to someone poking you with a pencil.
Bed Of Nails At The Discovery World In Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This exhibit is a demonstration on the principles of pressure. Pressure is the application of force over a particular area. In mathematical terms, pressure is equal to force divided by area. With more force comes more pressure, and with more area comes less pressure. This is why a person wearing a high-heeled shoe exerts more pressure on the ground than an elephant does. An elephant weighs a lot more than a person, but its feet have more surface area than the pointed heel of a shoe. Enough on the how and why, just know that it is really awesome and very cool!
Teenager On A Bed Of Nails. Doesn't Hurt.
The museum has more exhibits for the young and old. Ally Cat’s favorite was the huge aquarium with glass floors and walk-through tunnel to view the brightly colored tropical fish. Older kids may find the gear exhibit with push and pull, water exhibit and Great Lakes section interesting.
Food is available and priced to what you would expect at other museums. Save a few dollars by bringing your own food and sit outside by the lake.
Admission cost is high though free if you have a Preferred Family Membership. This membership includes 2 national museum memberships – Association of Children’s Museum and Association of Science-Technology Centers for free admission to member museums across the country and Canada. (Earlier I wrote about using our membership for free admission to the St. Paul Children’s Museum in Minnesota.)
If you don’t go with the Preferred Family Membership, the cost is as follows:
Adult: $16.95
Child 3-17: $12.95
Child under 3: FREE
Senior 60+: $14.95
College Student: $ 9.95
