Families come from all over the midwest to tromp around in an old fire station and learn about science. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, housed in a beautiful, brick 1883 fire house (and a sleek modern addition) is celebrating 20 years of education and fun this year. With a host of new exhibitions and plans for all kinds of winter programs, now's the perfect time to check out this award-winning museum.

Once inside this bright and cheery space, it's hard to know how to start. There are ten "themed" areas, each devoted to a different area of interest. In "How Things Work" kids can learn how tornados are formed, how gears and pulleys work, and how you can make waves with magnets. In "All About You" you can peer at X-rays, find out how much you weigh on Mars, and take a ride with "Mr. Bones." The "Light and Optics" gallery features a harp with no strings and a chance to mix colors at the Lights of the Round Table. The Museum's interactive video area allows kids to star in their own show, with a variety of background screens to choose from.

Four new exhibitions opened up this fall at the Hands-On. "Ambulance To the Rescue!" is our favorite and features a full-sized ambulance that kids and families can explore.

During the winter holidays, the Hands-On Museum is positively buzzing with activity. Coming up: "The Big Freeze" (December 26-30) which explores-you got it-cold. Learn how salt and ice make ice cream freeze (and get to taste the results!) Watch frozen flowers shatter. Take part in a liquid nitrogen demonstration and make your very own Eskimo snow goggles.

But any time of the year is the right time to explore the link between science and fun, and the Hands-On Museum is the place to do it. For more information, go to www.aahom.org or call (734) 995 5439.