Sciencenter Ithaca
An engaging science museum in Ithaca, NY, offering over 250 interactive exhibits for all ages, plus live animals and outdoor play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Sciencenter Ithaca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An engaging science museum in Ithaca, NY, offering over 250 interactive exhibits for all ages, plus live animals and outdoor play.
"This place was INCREDIBLE!! Of everything we have done with my kids all summer, THIS place was an absolute favorite!!"
🎯 Pack Snacks & Drinks
You'll want to stay for hours! Bringing your own helps maximize exploration time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Lots of exploring to do, both indoors and out. Be ready to move!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Hands-on displays covering weather, light, sound, robotics, and more. Endless opportunities for discovery!
Touch Tank
Get up close with marine life in this incredibly engaging and popular exhibit. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Outdoor Tree House & Musical Instruments
A fantastic space for kids to play, climb, and explore sound with unique outdoor instruments.
Live Animal Encounters
See reptiles and other creatures up close, with engaging feeding demonstrations by knowledgeable staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for a Full Day of Discovery
Kid-Centric Fun for All Ages
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack Snacks & Drinks
You'll want to stay for hours! Bringing your own helps maximize exploration time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Lots of exploring to do, both indoors and out. Be ready to move!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and get the most out of the interactive exhibits.
📸 Capture the Curiosity
Plenty of photo ops, especially with the interactive displays and animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack Snacks & Drinks
You'll want to stay for hours! Bringing your own helps maximize exploration time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Lots of exploring to do, both indoors and out. Be ready to move!
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and get the most out of the interactive exhibits.
📸 Capture the Curiosity
Plenty of photo ops, especially with the interactive displays and animals.
🗺️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Some demonstrations, like animal feedings, have specific times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sciencenter Ithaca as an incredibly fun and educational experience for families, with a vast array of interactive exhibits that captivate both children and adults. The hands-on nature, live animals, and outdoor play areas are frequently highlighted as major draws. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors note that they could have stayed even longer, suggesting the value of planning for a full day.
"We brought our family with two kids and a teenager, and it was a great experience. We spent about an hour and a half exploring, but honestly could have stayed longer—there was plenty to do. The kids loved the hands-on activities and creative play areas, and even our teen stayed engaged with the interactive exhibits.
Overall, it’s a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon together. Highly recommend for families looking for something both entertaining and meaningful."
Chena Tucker
"OH. MA. GAWD!! This place was INCREDIBLE!! Of everything we have done with my kids all summer, THIS place was an absolute favorite!! We drove from an hour and 40 minutes away and it was 1000% worth it. We spent nearly all day here. We arrived a little after 12 and didnt leave until after 4, and the kids were NOT ready to go. The amount of exhibits this facility has is insane! And the things to do were endless. And.. these were not just regular "exhibits". I LOVED the variety and ALL the interactive aspects. You had everything from weather and tornados, to light reflection, sound waves, bubbles, robotics, and LIVE ANIMALS. (Just to name a FEW). The touch tank was incredible!! A favorite for sure! And the outdoor "tree house" with all the musical instruments and climbing was such a wonderful area for my two sons who both have SPD to just go wild. Building the damn was super fun, despite up not being able to get it 100% right! Haha.
I was incredibly impressed with the size as well. It was massive compared to other museums and interactive science centers we have been to thus far. Initially I was worried about that, given the distance and drive, but we we not disappointed at all!
I thought the community room filled with portraits and information on those who navigated the science world to be a wonderful and educational touch.
I also appreciated the fact that bathrooms were everywhere in the facility, especially for those of us navigating several children at once, its such a relief not having to run all over trying to get kids to the restroom.
We 100% will be coming back again!!"
Brittany Hosea
"Wonderful and very interactive place for young kids. Lots to play indoor and outdoor. Good learning opportunity for kids with interactive exhibits. Plenty of parking spaces. They also have mini golf which is a separate cost than the science center fee. Not too far from the downtown area."
Rohit Shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sciencenter is located at 601 First St, Ithaca, New York 14850. It's easily accessible by car and is not far from the downtown area.
Yes, the Sciencenter offers ample parking for visitors, which is a convenient perk for families.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Ithaca does have a bus system. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes serving the Sciencenter's location.
Absolutely! The Sciencenter is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering hours of engaging activities for all ages.
Driving is a popular and convenient option, especially for families traveling from a distance. The Sciencenter is located in Ithaca, New York, and is a worthwhile destination for those visiting the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sciencenter is typically open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Admission fees are separate from activities like mini-golf. While specific prices aren't listed, the value is considered excellent by many visitors who spend several hours there.
Booking in advance is generally not required, but it's always wise to check their website, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to ensure smooth entry.
Information on discounts isn't provided, but it's worth checking the Sciencenter's official website or local tourism sites for potential deals or membership benefits.
While not explicitly stated, most museums allow re-entry on the same day. It's best to confirm with staff upon arrival if you plan to leave and return.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the interactive exhibits covering a wide range of scientific topics, the engaging touch tank, the outdoor tree house with musical instruments, and the live animal encounters.
Yes, it's highly recommended for young children! The hands-on nature and interactive displays are perfect for sparking curiosity and providing an immersive learning experience. +1
Expect a wide variety, including weather simulations, light and sound experiments, robotics, bubble stations, and building activities. The touch tank and live animal feeding demonstrations are also highlights.
Yes, there's a wonderful outdoor 'tree house' area featuring musical instruments and climbing structures, perfect for active play.
Most visitors spend at least 2-3 hours, with many staying for nearly a full day to explore everything.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Sciencenter itself may not have extensive dining options, it's highly recommended to pack snacks and drinks to enjoy during your visit.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is encouraged, allowing you to stay longer and manage your time effectively.
The Sciencenter is located near downtown Ithaca, which offers a variety of dining options. You can find local eateries and cafes within a short distance.
Ithaca has many family-friendly restaurants. Exploring the downtown area will reveal numerous choices suitable for children.
While specific picnic areas aren't mentioned, bringing snacks to consume during your visit is common practice. Check with the venue for designated eating spots.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture kids' excitement and the engaging exhibits.
The interactive exhibits, the touch tank, live animals, and the outdoor tree house area offer fantastic photo opportunities. The unique wall mentioned by a visitor is also a great spot.
Video recording for personal use is typically permitted. Many visitors share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography might require special permission. Always check with the venue if you have specific needs.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the fun. For more advanced shots, a camera with good low-light capabilities might be helpful for indoor exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The outdoor tree house and musical instruments offer a great space for kids to play and explore. Don't forget to pack snacks, as you'll likely want to stay longer than anticipated!
🎒 Budget Travelers
☔ Rainy Day Escape
With over 250 interactive exhibits, there's more than enough to keep everyone entertained and engaged for hours. It's a fantastic way to turn a gloomy day into a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engaging Exhibits for Curious Minds
Visitors consistently praise the hands-on nature of these displays, which cover a broad spectrum of scientific principles. From understanding weather patterns and the physics of light and sound to exploring robotics and the principles of building dams, there's something to captivate every curious mind. The museum excels at creating an immersive learning environment where visitors can actively participate. The touch tank, where guests can interact with marine life, is a particular highlight, offering a memorable and educational experience.
Beyond the core exhibits, the Sciencenter also features a community room with portraits and information about influential figures in science, adding an educational layer about the history and people behind scientific discovery.
Family Fun: Indoor and Outdoor Adventures
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Sciencenter boasts a fantastic 'tree house' area. This space is equipped with musical instruments and climbing structures, allowing kids to burn energy and explore their creativity in a safe and stimulating environment.
Many parents highlight the Sciencenter's ability to keep children engaged for extended periods, with some families spending nearly an entire day there.
The Science of Topography and Hydrology
Visitors can explore intricate models and simulations that demonstrate concepts like erosion, water flow, and the impact of different geological features. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the forces that sculpt the earth's surface and the importance of water systems.
This exhibit is a testament to the Sciencenter's commitment to showcasing diverse scientific disciplines in an engaging and accessible manner, making complex topics understandable and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit