Kids and science go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or Rochester and snow. You get the picture. And while we do have a fabulous science museum here in Rochester, sometimes it's good to get out of town. For that, there's one regional institution that rises above all others: the Corning Museum of Glass.

The Corning Museum of Glass, or CMOG as the hipsters call it, is one seriously cool joint. It offers one of the best science experiences in the region for kids while also showcasing art and history in beautiful form. See? Awesome.

Originally opened in 1951, the museum has greatly expanded over the years. What formerly was a space primarily filled with artifacts tracing the history of glass from the beginning of time, has now grown into a full-fledged juggernaut of hands-on activities and demonstrations. Visitors even have the opportunity to work with glass - an experiential perk certainly designed to ensure that even the most reluctant of kids will let loose in the museum once they realize all there is to do.

Among the "must-do" highlights is The Innovation Center, CMOG's award-winning hands-on science area. There, visitors discover the interaction between the science and technology of glass through the exploration of telescopes, periscopes, sound, and fire. One of the most striking objects is a faulty mirror glass intended to be used for the Hale Telescope. The size and magnitude of this piece will amaze, as will the amount of kids running around touching everything. A note of caution: bring the hand-sanitizer gel. You'll need it.

Demonstrations throughout the day include flame working, glass breaking (a crowd favorite since, well, smashing stuff is fun!), and optical fiber demonstrations, each focusing on glass as it relates to science, technology, and art. One of the most incredible is the hot glass show, where master glassmakers demonstrate the fascinating techniques used to fashion gorgeous hand-blown glass objects. Using tools, molds, white-hot ovens, and motion, what was once a blob of molten glass is transformed before the audience's eyes into a museum-worthy piece of artwork.

Those finding themselves inspired from watching all the demonstrations can take it to the next level with CMOG's Make Your Own Glass workshop series. Guests can sign up to do just about anything possible with glass, from flame working to sandblasting and even hot glass working, guided by experienced glassworkers.

Still, this is a museum, and as such, there are many traditional-style exhibits to view in the glass collection galleries. The sheer volume of this collection, which explores the history of glassmaking throughout near-Eastern, Asian, European, and American cultures over the last 3,500 years, is overwhelming. Recognizing this, CMOG designed the "Be A Glass Detective" series of to keep kids engaged in exploring the incredible artifacts housed in the galleries. Activities range from scavenger hunts to helping kids use photography to determine what everyday objects inspired certain glass creations. Still, even without all the extra activities, the historical section is sure to captivate imaginations.

One current art glass exhibit, "Voices of Contemporary Glass" (up through January 2011), is truly mind blowing. Packed with works from 87 artists that range from linear structures to the whimsical and abstract, it brings to light the artistic side of glass - a medium traditionally used in a utilitarian fashion.

From medieval-looking hooks dripping with glass, to sculptures of the human form, the glass art in this exhibit is at turns disturbing, beautiful, and poignant. As with any artistic outlet, the possibilities for expression are endless, yet glass art has something extra that is hard to define. Light refraction plays tricks on the eyes, changing each piece into a different work at every angle. Of special note also are several pieces in the Contemporary Art Gallery, specifically "It's Raining Knives" and "Evening Dress with Shawl." See if you can find them.

For you fully wired parents, CMOG has wholeheartedly embraced technology. In addition to a heavy presence on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, the museum uses podcasts to allow each artist the opportunity to share information on their artistic process with the audience. Parents can download activity sheets from the CMOG website, and families can plan their visit online before making the trip. Check the website for specific family activities, as well as for a full selection of studio classes for glass artists from the beginner to experienced.

Corning Museum of Glass

1 Museum Way, Corning

Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

$12-$14; ages 19 and under free | 800-732-6845, cmog.org