Cosmos Mystery Area

Everyone over the age of seven approaches the Cosmos Mystery Area (24040 Cosmos Rd., 605/343-9802, www.cosmosmysteryarea.com [1], June–Aug. daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Apr.–May and Sept.–Oct. daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed in off-season, age 12 and older $9.50, child under 11 free when accompanied by a parent) with a healthy dose of skepticism.

After all, visitors are told that they will change heights, water will run uphill, and a mysterious force will create all sorts of mind-boggling experiences. It’s a fun tour (about 30 minutes) where skepticism turns to confusion.

Children are confounded and hooked after the first narrated demonstration. Adults take a little longer, but by the time tour is over, everyone is scratching their heads wondering “How did they do that?”