The Funhouse Discovery Center - Orcas Island, WA - A Safe and Fun Place for People of All Ages

The Funhouse Discovery Center, also known as the Funhouse, is located in Orcas Island Washington was founded by local activists in the spring of 1999. The Funhouse is a non-profit organization that serves the children and young people of the community by fostering fun and learning through a wide variety of media and hands-on programming.

There are dozens of hands-on science exhibits, a computer lab, a complete audio and video production suite, a large library, and classrooms for various activities. The Funhouse focuses on children and young people ages 7-18 years of age. The Funhouse is located Eastsound, which is the largest community in Orcas Island. The exhibits at the Funhouse are interactive and focus on subjects and topics that engage young people's interest. Some of the more popular activities are the pitching cage with a radar gun where kids can see how fast they can throw the ball, as well as the fully equipped music studio complete with musical instruments. The video production suite is also heavily used as guests can produce their own videos. There is also a lounging and gaming are with a pool table and games available for use.

The Funhouse caters mostly to out of town visitors in the summer and locals during the rest of the year. They offer a wide variety of classes for all ages and interests year round ranging from Women's self defense to improve theater. There are also toddler classes and programs during the day.

For many visitors the science and learning exhibits are the highlight of the visit. The World Map exhibit offers up interesting facts and figures about areas all over the world. The map comes loaded with fiber optic lights that highlight the area being discussed in one of the over 20 audio reports. You'll definitely learn something new and interesting at this fun exhibit.

The Age Timevine is one of the most popular exhibits because of the inspirational messages and stories that are conveyed. This exhibit shows young and old people alike that it is never too early or too late to do something amazing in your life. You'll read and see pictures about a boy who graduated from college at the age of 11, you'll learn about the 101 year old woman, who still practices medicine as a licensed physician, the baby who water skied at six months old, and the 89 year old grandmother who can shot put a 16 pound ball over 11 feet.

Another favorite is the Rainbow Echo Room that takes the beauty of motion and cutting edge technology and fuses them together. Inside the animation studio you get recorded and then your movements are processed through a special computer animated processor that takes your silhouette and infuses it into a live 256 color rainbow of motion and color.

Admission prices are $7 per adult, $25 per family for one day passes. Membership prices are $50 per year for individuals, and $100 per year for families. Membership prices include unlimited free admission as well as discounts on classes and activities. July - August hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. September through June hours are 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Teen Night is offered Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 11 p.m.