THE 10 BEST New York Science Museums (Updated 2024)
Science Museums in New York

THE 10 BEST New York Science Museums

Science Museums in New York

Types of Attractions
Museums
Museums
Traveler rating
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28 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • Carole M
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow. Who knew this place existed. Stumbled on it during a self planned color tour. Loads of fun facts and a really fun place, specially for Trekkies.
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer R
    Providence, RI49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were around visiting friends for NYE and came here to entertain the kiddos (6m and 5) We ended up coming back two days in a row. Great variety of science based interactive activities. The outdoor playground looks great but was closed due to the weather this time of year. I really enjoyed the small animals they had (lots of fish/lizards/snakes). Would Definitely recommend a visit if you have kids.
    Written December 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Evan K
    Honeoye Falls, NY4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is awesome so many exhibits and stuff to see it is truly a really good museum and family friendly. PS:the marks pizzeria is good for lunch when hungry.
    Written August 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sue r
    Bridgeport, NY214 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a very nice interactive science museum for kids, (adults will also enjoy it).. It is one of Syracuse's highlights. There are many fun hands on exhibits,with some downfalls. Sadly, there are also many exhibits that didnt work or were broken. The kids enjoy the kids exhibits- especially the multi story maze, with slides, tunnels and climbing stuff. . There is an area to eat in, sadly they dont sell any real food- only a vending maching for drinks and one for snacks (candy, chips, etc.) There is also a "concession" stand with candy to purchase for the movie. Speaking of which, it was a choice between Dinosaurs of the Antactic or a Planetarium type movie. Our 5 yr old chose the dinosaurs, which was a group of adults on an expedition , and he was soon bored with the adult level of the show. Parking is available at a $5.00 charge behind the museum , through the tunnel, in a parking lot, or you may be lucky to find on street parking. It was recommended to me (when I called) to bring outside food. I am glad I did.
    Written September 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Teflonhead
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    GREAT STOP!!! Superbly done. a superior collection of palentological whole skeletons, sea creature collections great stegosaurus models. Something for everyone.
    Written August 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy
    Conroe, TX1,375 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I haven't been to the Science Museum in 15 years. It has improved so much. A nice way to spend a couple hours. We had lots of fun.
    Written February 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrea F
    Chicago, IL284 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had fun visiting the hall of science. Our son is only 3 so we did not see everything. He really enjoyed the mini golf, bubbles, and the preschool area. We hope to visit again when we have more time.
    Written April 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ElisaRJohnF
    Rochester, NY5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had been to this museum many years ago. My husband more or less accidentally stumbled upon its web site, and we decided to go again. It was an interesting museum to visit, even if you are not an aviation fan. There's lots of local Buffalo regional history, and our docent Walt was really interesting.
    Written February 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mike s
    endicott45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Home for the Holidays event is amazing at Roberson! Businesses and private groups decorate the museum and mansion, either Christmas trees or their own cultural celebrations. We go every year and I can see, from the Director to all the staff, great improvements have been made to the total experience. Plan to spend at least 2 hrs. They also have a Planetarium (extra fee, and worth it!) The mansion takes you back to the 19th century Holiday times... and it's a breath of fresh air!
    Written November 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MNDoodles
    Stillwater, MN694 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Getting to Harris Hill where this museum is located takes you on very uphill and scenic roads. Upon arrival, it feels like you’re halfway to heaven. The views are gorgeous and the museum is extremely interesting. Here you can learn the history of gliding and see excellent examples of gliders dating back to pre World War 2 days. Museum exhibits are great. We were lucky to visit on a beautiful Sunday and the local gliding club was giving rides for only $140. My husband went up and loved it, about 20 minutes aloft. There’s a very good gift shop with items for kids and adults. Plan on 2-3 hours. We highly recommend this interesting and beautiful site.
    Written October 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • marissa v
    Philadelphia, PA154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was looking for something different to do with my young adult boys during a meet up in NYC and thought we would try The Museum of Interesting Things! It turned out to be less of a typical "museum" and more of an authentic NYC experience! I easily connected via email with the amazing host and historian extraordinaire, Denny and secured an appointment time. Upon entering, I knew we were in for a special treat. Denny presented us with many different objects from the 19th and 20th centuries, many related to film, sound and photography accompanied by the historical background and a chance to try out the objects ourselves! Denny is knowledgeable and personable, with a delightfully quirky sense of humor. If you are interested in going back in time, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, don't miss this! My only regret is that we didn't have enough time to go through each item in his apartment! I saw some gems hiding in there!
    Written August 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joan V
    Teaneck, New Jersey, United States17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I brought my 8 year old nephew here - he gives it a 10 out of 10 rating - I only gave it 4 out of 5 mostly because it falls a bit short of the promotional videos - which feature special nights for influencers - not real folks using the museum. This place is a great idea and the staff and execution of the idea are very well done. The experience mostly involves playing with giant piles of various foamy and silky tubs of material - not really slime in the old sense - more like Play-Dough or Silly Putty - but very tactical and fun.
    The best part was the make-you-own slime experience - where you get to pick the texture of slime you want, and the color and scent. And then mix it all together yourself. My nephew also love the slime lava floor - where you get to jump and play on an obstacle where the floor is made up of play dough like slime.
    I don't recommend paying extra for the Ultimate Experience, where they dump liquified slime on your head - Nickelodeon style. We bought those tickets and my nephew opted not to do that - that experience is just in a corner of the Sloomoo Institute and you see people waiting to get their protective ponchos on and standing and waiting and it did not look like enough fun to wait for that. My nephew just wanted to get to the Make Your Own slime and other more fun experiences - so not worth the money.
    The Institute says no children under 3 allowed for good reason. I think the sweet spot for the ages that will most appreciate this is 6-12. I saw lots of pre-teen girls here with their folks who were loving the experience.
    I have been wanting to check out this place since it opened and glad I did
    Written August 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nystraveler295
    Peekskill, NY4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My grandchildren had a great time at this museum in Poughkeepsie. We spent about 3 hrs trying the various exhibits. Outside we had a great picnic lunch overlooking the Hudson River.
    Written May 13, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TateCamillus
    Camillus32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed our visit to this nature center near Robert Moses State Park. It is actually called Nicandri Nature Center. We had our dog with us so we couldn't view the exhibits inside but they looked really interesting. We did one of the trails and will do more the next time. We sat and watched the bird feeders for a while and enjoyed that. Talked with a nature center staff for a while who was very knowledgeable. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful. It looks like they have a lot of fun activities for kids. Will return and explore more.
    Written August 24, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lauren R
    Wynantskill, NY287 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We do an unplugged day during the summer each week, and on one week we landed on MiSci. I've been wanting to take my children here for a few years, and we finally made time to do so.

    It is pricey to get in, and to go to the planetarium show as well. For 4 of us, it costs roughly $70.

    This museum is so hands on, I was impressed. So many different exhibits that the boys could try. They are younger, 11 & 8, so some of them we had to help them with, but they got the hang of it.

    The planetarium show was neat, very informative, and our boys got a lot of information from it.

    We spent about 2.5 hours here, and we did everything that we could. We wish it was a little bigger honestly. I wouldn't bring younger children here, unless some of their moving exhibits cater to them.
    Written August 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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