Kids get free admission Sunday at SC State Museum

Kids this time of year fall into two categories: Those who are excited that school starts in a few days, and those who are depressed that school starts in a few days.

Regardless of your child’s outlook, the S.C. State Museum has a deal that can help calm excited nerves or perk up a pouty mood.

Today is the final day of free general admission for kids 12 and under, offered by the museum as an end of summer perk.

What can the kids do at the museum? After watching the Olympics for several days, how about a trip to Rio de Janeiro (an additional $5 with free admission).

“Rio: The 4-D Experience” is playing at the museum’s 4-D theater. The movie summary: “When the last blue macaws on Earth, Blu and Jewel, are captured by bird smugglers, they must work together despite Blu’s inability to fly. The two embark on the adventure of a lifetime that has them dodging beach balls, umbrellas, carnival floats, and beach-goers as they try to escape the claws of evil cockatoo Nigel. This unexpected duo takes you on a journey through Rio de Janeiro, finding courage, friendship and love along the way.”

Jared Glover, a museum spokesperson, offers a few other ways to enjoy the museum:

Visit the Boeing Observatory (open from 1-5 p.m.) and get an up close and personal look the sun. “We have a really neat solar scope that will allow you to explore the sun with your own eyes,” Glover said. An astronomy educator will be there to greet you and talk all things solar.

Get a head start on your South Carolina history. “Show the teachers you’re ready by checking out our brand new exhibit opening today, (Sunday) ‘South Carolina and the Great War’,” Glover said. Guests get an in-depth look at how one of the world’s most devastating wars affected life in South Carolina; what life was like in the state on the eve of war, why America decided to join the war; and the efforts South Carolina took to build up forces. Guests will be able to experience what it would have been like for soldiers by walking through a life-sized recreated trench, complete with weapons and trench art brought back from the war. The exhibit will also detail how difficult life was during the war for South Carolinians back at home.

The App4That exhibit explores how smartphone applications have changed the way we live. Learn how apps have changed the way we listen to music, how students learn and how families interact with each other. The exhibit includes a recreated classroom where guests can sit and experience school life before smartphones, and examine the pros and cons of 20th century educational technology. “I think kids would really get a kick out of this exhibit, especially when they get to see all of the things their parents or grandparents had to use to get things done,” Glover said.