Hawaii Childrens Discovery Center

Take a break from beach going or make the most of a rainy day by bringing the kids to the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center. Located in downtown Honolulu across from Kakaako Waterfront Park, the CDC is full of hands-on, interactive exhibits that let kids learn while playing with family and making new friends.

The Hawaii Children's Discovery Center is ideal for kids in preschool and younger elementary school children. Four main galleries are spread through 45,000-square foot center: "Fantastic You" gives kids an inside look at the human body, with puzzles, games, and a giant stomach you can walk through. Role-play a variety of different jobs in "Your Town," from an auto mechanic with kid-sized tools to a news anchor or camera operator on a TV sound stage. "Hawaiian Rainbows" is a great way to show kids a little bit about the history and heritage of Hawaii. Kids love playing in the general store and harvesting fabric pineapples in the pineapple garden.

"Your Rainbow World" is a favorite with preschoolers, and gives them the chance to dress up and play house in kid-sized versions of typical homes in India, the Philippines, Japan, China, and Korea. Stir-fry felt noodles for dim sum in the Chinese house. Have a tea party in the Japanese house. Or stamp cloth like traditional Indian fabric makers. And the "Tot Spot" has interactive activities for the youngest visitors, even pre-walkers.

Kids can easily spend hours on end here, so plan ahead for snack times and bathroom breaks. Food, drinks, and gum aren't allowed in the CDC, so you'll have to eat anything you bring outside. There is a café on site, too—and it's cash-only. Leilani Y. on Yelp offers this practical tip: "There is also only one set of bathrooms down on the first floor so keep in mind for your potty-trainees!"

There is also the "Just for You, Kid!" gift shop, where you can pick up games, toys, and other souvenirs of your day at the Hawaiian Children's Discovery Center.

Note: Children under the age of 1 receive free admission