45 years ago, there were only a dozen science centers and science museums in America. Today there are over four hundred. With so many options, it isn’t easy to choose just seven science centers to visit.
If you have a scientist, an author, a doctor, an engineer or an active kid at home, you’re going to love visiting at least one of these science centers and museums. Your kids will have fun and learn as Susanna Hornig Priest, editor of the Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Communication (Volume 1) said:
Science centers and science museums transport visitors into an energetic learning space and diverse play land of science phenomena, live demonstration, interactive exhibits, multimedia computer-based activities, collection-based activities and explorations involving scientific equipment within laboratory spaces.
1. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago (MSI) opened in 1933, is the largest science museum in America and have hosted more than 180 million guests.
Learn how a coal mine works, use a Tesla coil, create a tornado or simulate landslides. The museum covers topics from chemistry and engineering to manufacturing and space. There is something for every type of scientist and engineer in your family.
2. Exploratorium, San Francisco
Exploratorium is one of the best science centers for children ages five to 12. Children have 600 hands-on exhibits to explore.
The museum is located at Pier 15. According to the center, there are six days in 2017 when you can visit for free:
- Community Day (January 22, 2017)
- Pi Day (March 14, 2017)
- Mother’s Day (May 14, 2017)
- Community Night (after 5 p.m. on June 23, 2017)
- Community Day (September 23, 2017)
- Community Day (October 22, 2017)
3. National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC
The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most comprehensive air and space museums in the world. There are 60,000 artifacts and more than 20,000 square feet of archival materials. Learn about space history, see the historic aircraft and space artifacts including space suits, space food, engines, and photographs.
Admission is free and the museum is open daily except Christmas Day.
4. Museum of Science, Boston
Started by six men in 1830, the Museum of Science in Boston is one of the world’s oldest science museum. It started out collecting and studying natural history specimens and now houses over 700 interactive exhibits.
Among some of the top attractions in the museum: a 65-million-year-old fossil discovered in the Dakota Badlands in 2004, a butterfly garden, Planetarium shows and Thrill Ride 360 degrees.
5. Liberty Science Center, New Jersey
Liberty Science Center is located in Liberty State Park (near the Statue of Liberty), Jersey City, about six miles from New York City. This 300,000 square foot center has 12 museum exhibit halls and has the world’s largest IMAX Dome Theater.
The IMAX Theater seats 400 and has a domed screen 88 feet in diameter. Children under two are not permitted in the theater.
6. California Science Center, Los Angeles
The California Science Center, opened in 1998, has 400,000 square feet with four major exhibit areas. Children seven years and younger can explore the specially designed and age appropriate World of Life, Creative World, and Ecosystems.
The center showcases 400 species of live plants and animals and has a 188,000-gallon kelp tank with live kelp, fish, and other marine life. There is also a gallery about the urban ecology of Los Angeles.
Admission to the permanent exhibition galleries is free.
7. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Tampa
Tampa’s museum is among the smallest in this list even though it is the largest in the southeastern United States. It has 450 hands-on activities, a planetarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater.