New York’s science scene stretches from neighborhood discovery centers to world-famous institutions, offering hands-on exhibits, specimens, and special programs that suit school groups, families, and curious adults. Whether you’re planning a weekend itinerary or compiling a longer museum crawl, the variety across boroughs means there’s something nearby for every interest and age.
There are 33 Science Museums in New York, ranging from the American Museum of Natural History to miSci. For each museum we list Location,Primary focus,Admission (USD) so you can compare where to go and what to expect — you’ll find below.
How much should I expect to pay to visit these museums?
Admission varies: some major museums charge standard adult prices (often $15–$30+ for special exhibits), others offer suggested or pay-what-you-wish entry, and small local centers can be free or low-cost. Check each museum’s website for current admission, discounts, group rates, and city pass options to save.
Which museums are best for families with young children?
Look for centers that highlight hands-on learning, interactive exhibits, and short exhibit loops so little ones stay engaged; children’s programs and dedicated discovery areas help a lot. Many listings below note primary focus and practical details to help you pick the right spot for kids.
Science Museums in New York
| Name | Location | Primary focus | Admission (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Museum of Natural History | Central Park West & 79th St, Manhattan, NYC | Natural history, paleontology, earth and space sciences, and cultural anthropology. | 28 |
| New York Hall of Science | 47-01 111th St, Corona, Queens, NYC | Hands-on interactive science and technology for all ages, with a focus on STEM learning. | 22 |
| Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum | Pier 86, W 46th St, Manhattan, NYC | Maritime, aviation, and space exploration history and technology, featuring the Space Shuttle Enterprise. | 36 |
| New York Aquarium | 602 Surf Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NYC | Marine biology, aquatic wildlife conservation, and ocean ecosystems. | 30 |
| National Museum of Mathematics | 11 E 26th St, Flatiron, Manhattan, NYC | The beauty and wonder of mathematics through dynamic, interactive exhibits. | 25 |
| New York Transit Museum | 99 Schermerhorn St, Downtown Brooklyn, NYC | The science, technology, and engineering behind New York’s public transportation system. | 10 |
| BioBus BioBase | Multiple locations, Harlem & Lower East Side, Manhattan, NYC | Community-based life science exploration with high-powered microscopes and real scientists. | Free |
| SPYSCAPE | 928 8th Ave, Midtown, Manhattan, NYC | The science and technology of espionage, code-breaking, and cybersecurity. | 44 |
| Brooklyn Children’s Museum | 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NYC | Interdisciplinary, hands-on exhibits for children, with a strong emphasis on science and nature. | 15 |
| Staten Island Children’s Museum | 1000 Richmond Terrace, Livingston, Staten Island, NYC | Hands-on, interactive exhibits for children focusing on science, art, and world cultures. | 8 |
| Cradle of Aviation Museum | Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY | Aviation and space exploration history, with a focus on Long Island’s aerospace heritage. | 16 |
| Long Island Science Center | 40 Peconic Ave, Riverhead, NY | Hands-on, interactive STEAM exhibits and educational programs for children and families. | 15 |
| Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium | 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY | Natural history, marine specimens, and astronomy in a historic Gilded Age estate. | 10 |
| Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center | 334 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor, NY | Public genetics education, biotechnology, and the history of DNA research. | Free |
| South Fork Natural History Museum | 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY | Natural history and ecology of the South Fork of Long Island. | 10 |
| Custer Institute and Observatory | 1115 Main Bayview Rd, Southold, NY | Public astronomical observatory with historical telescopes for stargazing and education. | Free |
| Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum | 75 N Water St, Poughkeepsie, NY | Hands-on learning for young children with a focus on science, literacy, and art. | 16 |
| Westchester Children’s Museum | 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY | Interactive exhibits focused on physics, engineering, and creative play for young children. | 10 |
| Hudson River Museum | 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY | A hybrid of art, history, and science, featuring a state-of-the-art planetarium. | 10 |
| miSci | 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, NY | Physical sciences, technology, natural history, and astronomy with a planetarium. | 12 |
| New York State Museum | 222 Madison Ave, Albany, NY | New York’s natural and cultural history, including geology, biology, and paleontology. | Free |
| Museum of Science & Technology | 500 S Franklin St, Armory Square, Syracuse, NY | Hands-on science exhibits, a domed IMAX theater, and a planetarium. | 15 |
| Sciencenter | 601 1st St, Ithaca, NY | Hands-on science museum with over 250 exhibits for kids and families. | 10 |
| Corning Museum of Glass | 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY | The art, history, and science of glass, including live glassblowing demonstrations. | 22 |
| Museum of the Earth | 1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY | Earth science and paleontology, with a focus on the history of life in the Northeast. | 12 |
| Cayuga Nature Center | 1420 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY | Environmental science and the natural history of the Finger Lakes region. | 10 |
| Roberson Museum and Science Center | 30 Front St, Binghamton, NY | A blend of art, history, and science, featuring a digital planetarium. | 8 |
| Rochester Museum & Science Center | 657 East Ave, Rochester, NY | Science, technology, natural science, and local history, with a planetarium. | 20 |
| The Strong National Museum of Play | 1 Manhattan Square Dr, Rochester, NY | The history and science of play, with a focus on toys and video games. | 25 |
| Buffalo Museum of Science | 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY | Natural sciences, anthropology, zoology, and astronomy. | 19 |
| Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve | 4050 North St, Blasdell, NY | A public fossil park where visitors can dig for their own 380-million-year-old fossils. | 15 |
| National Soaring Museum | 51 Soaring Hill Dr, Elmira, NY | The history, science, and technology of motorless flight. | 10 |
| The Wild Center | 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY | The natural history of the Adirondacks, featuring live animals and immersive exhibits. | 23 |
Images and Descriptions
American Museum of Natural History
A world-renowned museum featuring iconic dinosaur halls, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hayden Planetarium. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the natural world, from ancient life to the cosmos.
New York Hall of Science
With over 450 hands-on exhibits, this museum in Queens makes science fun and accessible. It’s especially fantastic for curious kids and families who love to learn by doing, featuring a science playground and design lab.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Explore history and technology aboard the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid. See the Space Shuttle Enterprise, record-breaking jets, and a guided missile submarine. Perfect for fans of military history, aviation, and space exploration.
New York Aquarium
Located on Coney Island, this is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the US. It’s a great destination for families to see sharks, sea lions, penguins, and learn about marine conservation efforts.
National Museum of Mathematics
The only museum of its kind in North America, MoMath makes math fun and engaging. It’s perfect for families and students who want to explore mathematical concepts through hands-on puzzles, rides, and exhibits.
New York Transit Museum
Located in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, this museum is a must for engineering and history buffs. You can explore vintage subway cars and learn about the immense technical challenges of building the system.
BioBus BioBase
These community labs offer a unique, free opportunity for kids and adults to use research-grade microscopes and interact with real scientists. It’s perfect for fostering a love of biology at a local level.
SPYSCAPE
This immersive experience lets you test your own spy skills through interactive challenges. It’s a fun, high-tech adventure for teens and adults interested in cryptography, psychology, and the world of intelligence.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
As the world’s first children’s museum, it offers a wealth of interactive exhibits. Kids can explore ecosystems, learn about different cultures, and engage in sensory play, making it a top spot for young families.
Staten Island Children’s Museum
Located on the grounds of Snug Harbor, this museum provides a fun learning environment for kids. Exhibits let them be a bug, build structures, and explore the natural world in a playful way.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Chronicling over 100 years of flight, this museum features an incredible collection of aircraft, from biplanes to lunar modules. It’s a dream for aviation buffs and families, complete with a planetarium and 3D theater.
Long Island Science Center
A great spot for kids on eastern Long Island to explore scientific principles through play. This center focuses on making science accessible and fun with a variety of interactive exhibits that change regularly.
Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
This unique destination combines a historic mansion with natural history collections and a state-of-the-art planetarium. It’s ideal for visitors who appreciate history, science, and stunning views of the Long Island Sound.
Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center
Located at a world-famous research institution, this center offers exhibits on DNA and genetics. It’s an excellent, free resource for students and anyone curious about the building blocks of life.
South Fork Natural History Museum
A beautiful museum dedicated to the unique ecosystems of the Hamptons. With live animal habitats and nature trails, it’s a perfect stop for nature-loving families and adults looking to learn about local wildlife.
Custer Institute and Observatory
As Long Island’s oldest public observatory, Custer offers a chance to look through powerful telescopes with the help of knowledgeable volunteers. It’s a magical experience for anyone curious about the night sky.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Situated on the Poughkeepsie waterfront, this museum is packed with interactive exhibits designed for children to explore concepts in physics, biology, and engineering. It’s a fantastic destination for families with young kids.
Westchester Children’s Museum
Housed in the historic bathhouses at Rye Playland, this museum is all about hands-on discovery. Kids can build, climb, and experiment, making it an engaging destination for families with toddlers and elementary-aged children.
Hudson River Museum
Overlooking the Palisades, this museum offers a unique mix of experiences. The planetarium is a major draw for science lovers, offering star shows and films that make it a great cultural outing for all ages.
miSci
The Museum of Innovation and Science explores the region’s legacy of invention, from GE to modern tech. With a planetarium and hands-on exhibits, it’s a great educational outing for families in the Capital Region.
New York State Museum
This massive museum offers a comprehensive look at the state’s scientific and cultural heritage. Highlights include the Adirondack wilderness hall, mastodon skeletons, and a stunning collection of gems and minerals. A must-visit in Albany.
Museum of Science & Technology
Housed in a historic armory, the MOST offers a wide range of exhibits covering everything from earth science to life sciences and technology. The IMAX theater is a huge draw for an immersive cinematic experience.
Sciencenter
A nationally recognized hands-on science museum, the Sciencenter is designed for playful exploration. It’s a beloved Ithaca institution perfect for families with children to engage their curiosity in a fun, interactive environment.
Corning Museum of Glass
Explore 3,500 years of glass artistry and innovation. The museum’s extensive science and technology section and live demonstrations make it a fascinating visit for those interested in materials science, chemistry, and engineering.
Museum of the Earth
Home to one of the nation’s largest fossil collections, this museum takes you on a journey through geological time. See massive whale skeletons and the famous Hyde Park Mastodon. A must for dinosaur and fossil lovers.
Cayuga Nature Center
With live animals, a six-story treehouse, and outdoor trails, this center offers an immersive way to learn about the local environment. It’s great for families who enjoy a mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.
Roberson Museum and Science Center
This unique center offers diverse exhibits, but its science wing and digital planetarium are highlights for science enthusiasts. It’s a great place to explore astronomy and natural history in the Southern Tier.
Rochester Museum & Science Center
This large museum complex offers three floors of interactive exhibits, a stunning planetarium, and a nature center. It’s a premier destination in Western New York for families and anyone interested in a broad range of scientific topics.
The Strong National Museum of Play
While focused on play, The Strong features extensive exhibits on the technology behind video games and the psychology of play. It’s an incredibly fun and educational museum for all ages, especially gamers.
Buffalo Museum of Science
Explore everything from dinosaurs to space in this classic natural science museum. With exhibits on weather, biology, and an observatory, it offers a comprehensive and traditional museum experience for curious minds in Buffalo.
Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve
This is a unique, hands-on experience rather than a traditional museum. You can actually find and keep real Devonian Period fossils. It’s an unforgettable adventure for amateur paleontologists and families.
National Soaring Museum
Located atop a ridge known as the “Soaring Capital of America,” this museum is dedicated to the physics and engineering of gliders. It’s a fascinating niche museum for aviation enthusiasts and science lovers.
The Wild Center
A stunning museum that brings the Adirondacks indoors and outdoors. With its famous “Wild Walk” treetop trail and live animal encounters, it’s a premier destination for learning about ecology and the natural world.
