If you have never taken a field trip to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, this may be the time to go.  Now through January 3, catch the Springs and Sprockets exhibit where at the press of a button, sculptures come to life!

Per the Life and Science website:  "Once again, the Museum is transformed into a world of mechanical marvels and artful wizardry. This festive holiday exhibit features five large mechanical themed sculptures, including Santa’s flying reindeer and a 17 foot holiday train locomotive made of barrels and oil burners. Gerberich’s work has been featured in the famous Macy’s store windows as well as on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s Today Show, and The New York Times."

The museum of Life and Science is known for its many wonderful hands on exhibits and it's extra special that they have something spectacular such as this planned for the holiday season.  Some of the other highlights of the 70-plus acre campus that you can experience include a railroad, a butterfly conservatory (one of the largest on the East Coast!), a nature park with bears, lemurs and wolves, and a radio-controlled sailboat pond!  When you step inside the actual museum building you will sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, or learn about the science of global communications. See more than 75 animal species of Carolina Wildlife and more!

The museum is located in Durham at 433 West Murray Avenue. You can call them at (919) 220-5429.  Cost of admission is $12.50 for adults and $9.50 for children.  Children under 3 are free.  Museum hours are usually Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sundays from noon - 5 pm.  Check the website before you go by clicking here and see their full calendar of events!