Looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids? Perhaps it’s time to visit the Herrett Center.

The Huntington Canyon Mammoth is on display in the "Groaning Bones and Whispering Stones - Echoes in the Earth" exhibit.

Located on the College of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls, the Herrett Center is a sometimes-overlooked treasure trove that residents and tourists alike should not miss. An educational institution focused on art and science, the center includes a museum that is always free to the public, the Faulkner Planetarium, the Jean B. King Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Centennial Observatory, and the Rick Allen Community Room.

The museum is educational, visually pleasing, and just a plain fun experience for kids, kids at heart, and history buffs, with a little something for everyone. The museum includes over 18,500 artifacts and specimens from all over the world. Upon entering the gallery, you’ll feel like you’ve begun a journey through the jungle as you make your way through exhibits featuring archaeological finds, Idaho history and much more. There is even a little wildlife thrown in, with a live iguana, boa constrictor and brightly-colored frogs.

Norman Herrett's hand-built planetarium projector entertained thousand of school children at the Herrett Center's original Kimberly Road location.

The Faulkner Planetarium is another fun and affordable source of entertainment for the public. The current showing at the Planetarium is “Oceans in Space,” with show times Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 2, 4, 7 and 8:15 pm. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, and $2.50 for students. Up to five minor children accompanied by an adult can get in for $1.00 each, making this a great outing for families.

Norman Herrett believed the everyone should get a chance to view the surface of the moon and at The Centennial Observatory everyone can with one of the world's largest fully handicapped-accessible public telescopes.

For those interested in astronomy, the Centennial Observatory may just be your space. Featuring one of the world’s largest fully handicapped accessible public telescopes, visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the sun, bright planets and stars (weather permitting). The observatory also hosts monthly star parties on the second Saturday of each month, one hour after sunset. Astronomy Talk Nights also take place throughout the year.

For the art aficionados, don’t miss the Jean B. King gallery, with art exhibits that change frequently.

For those looking to get out and enjoy all that southern Idaho has to offer, be sure to head to the Herrett Center in Twin Falls.  For more information, visit the Herrett Center’s website at http://herrett.csi.edu.