Many Puerto Ricans remember with nostalgia their school field trips to Parque de las Ciencias in Bayamón during the 1980s and '90s.
The excitement of boarding the school bus and the anticipation of arriving at one of the most recognized parks in the metropolitan area is now becoming a shared memory with a new generation.
After seven years of closure due to damage from hurricanes Irma and María, the park reopened this week with a renewed concept that includes technology-based attractions and activities designed to combine learning and fun for the whole family.
The well-known space, now managed by empresa Toro Verde under an agreement with the municipality of Bayamón and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, was renovated with an investment of nearly $20 million, adding 25 state-of-the-art educational attractions.
"I am committed to preserving the essence of one of Puerto Rico's most beloved and historic places. Our concept is to maintain its roots while incorporating unique elements and technology to make it a fun yet educational experience," said Jorge Flores, chief executive of Toro Verde and the park's new operator, at the relaunch.
Get to know the new attractions
From high-tech rides to immersive educational experiences, the park has entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
Here are some of them:
"Planet of transportation": the redesign includes a trackless train system to make getting around the park more comfortable and enjoyable.
The largest color-by-numbers piece in the world: yes, the largest in the world. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ certified it at the opening.
Instituto Aeroespacial: a themed museum developed in collaboration with NASA. It includes an exhibition hall, a gyroscope and an innovative virtual reality platform that simulates the experience of flying over landscapes.
Planeta de la Biodiversidad: includes a reptile area and an Instituto de Pequeños Exploradores for children.
Planeta de la Arqueología: the curious-minded can feel like archaeologists for a while, digging for buried treasures and learning about the history of Puerto Rico's indigenous population in a themed museum.
"T-Rex House": An impressive interactive dinosaur exhibit.
"Guinness World Records in Pictures": consists of six galleries with sensory elements in six domes around the park, each with a different theme.
Other attractions include the picturesque miniature village, Ciudad Torito, and the Laboratorio de Azúcar, an interactive space with a dessert area, a candy shop and an ice cream parlor.
A restaurant lineup for every taste
Another major addition is the broad dining offering under the direction of Toro Verde's executive chef, Ali De Paz. Previously, the park had only one fast-food option, but now there are more than 10 food spots:
Yunque Rainforest Cafe: Puerto Rican food in a tropical jungle-themed setting.
La Hacienda Aquilina: A tapas and small-plates restaurant with its own nursery.
Coffee Fantasy: For coffee and pastry lovers.
Asador Embiste: Quality BBQ led by Diego Hernández, the youngest pit master in Puerto Rico.
Gelatos: A variety of ice cream for hot days.
Food trucks: Several quick options.
Vegetarian and vegan options: All food spots offer meat-free and animal product-free alternatives.
"We hope entire families will come and spend the day, and we want them to be able to try and enjoy food at several spots, so I put together a complete marketplace and we tried to keep prices as reasonable as possible for the general public," the chef said.
An inclusive environment is promised
The park administration indicated that it has worked to ensure all visitors can explore every corner. The new design includes dedicated spaces to accommodate people with different sensory needs and ramps throughout the park to ensure accessibility.
What to know before planning your visit
The park will be open Thursday through Monday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $25 per person, and children under three get in free. You can reserve your ticket on the park's official website.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
