So much fun, it’s scary!

Do crawling cockroaches give you the creeps? Are you particularly petrified on a plane? Are you feverishly frightened of falling? Explore popular fears in this heart-pounding, laughter-filled (and totally safe) exhibition about the often-dreaded emotion.

Discover fun, interactive fear challenges

Fear of animals
Can you reach inside an opaque box connected to terrariums filled with snakes and other creatures? It’s easier said than done!

Fear of electric shock
Think you can handle it? Feel your heart beat faster and your muscle tense as you anticipate a mild electric shock.

Fear of falling
Can you stay cool as a cucumber as you wait to fall backwards without warning? See how fear registers on your face.

Mr. Goose Bumps
Meet this larger-than-life animated figure that comes alive to playfully illustrate how his body changes when he gets scared.

Freeze Game
Can you outsmart a leopard? Play an immersive video game and collect fruit without being seen by the leopard. If he sees you move, he’ll pounce!

Make a scary movie
Like to be scared? Experiment with different soundtracks and frightening sound effects to create your own scary movie!

Fear Theater
Can you learn fear? Participate in a live demonstration by Science Center staff, experience fear conditioning first-hand and see how scientists measure fear in the lab.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear developed by the California Science Center and supported, in part, by the Informal Science Education program of the National Science Foundation under grant ESI-0515470. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Science Foundation.

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