Children's Museums
Sciencenter
📍 601 1st St, Ithaca, NY 14850🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Sciencenter
Children's museum with hands-on learning. Children's museum exploring science & nature, with interactive exhibits, education programs & camps. Sciencenter received the 2025 Community Partner Award for its commitment to inclusion and barrier-free experiences, demonstrating recognition for creating accessible science education. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,490 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Best For
- All ages
- Key Features
- 250+ interactive exhibits, live animals, engineering spaces, water play areas
- Notable
- AAM accredited; built by 2,200+ volunteers in early 1990s
- Programs
- Membership available; volunteer opportunities
💡 Did You Know?
- Sciencenter received the 2025 Community Partner Award for its commitment to inclusion and barrier-free experiences, demonstrating recognition for creating accessible science education
- The museum features over 250 interactive science exhibits, making it a large-scale hands-on learning facility with diverse content spanning multiple galleries including Energy, Build Space, and Watergates
- Sciencenter is launching a bilingual 'Bridges to Bioengineering' traveling exhibition in Spanish and English, expanding accessibility for Spanish-speaking families in the region
- The museum offers dedicated 'Science Together' programming specifically for ages 0-4, representing early childhood STEM engagement initiatives
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan to spend at least 1.5-2 hours exploring; visitors report there's significantly more to see than initially expected, with interactive exhibits and creative play areas engaging all ages from toddlers to teenagers
- Take advantage of the dedicated toddler area and outdoor playground if visiting with young children; these spaces are specifically designed for younger visitors and mentioned frequently by families
- Ask staff for guidance on activity stations and learning objectives; reviewers noted that clearer signage or staff explanations would enhance the educational experience and help visitors understand what children are meant to learn at each exhibit
- Don't miss the special events like the wildfires program or upcoming exhibits (Turtle Travels for 2026, Bridges to Bioengineering); visitors highlighted these as particularly well-organized, hands-on learning experiences
- Consider attending Science Together activities (ages 0-4) or family math programs like Math Fun with MathHappens; these structured programs provide guided, age-appropriate learning experiences
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