New York Hall of Science
4.5(5,711)4.5 out of 5 stars, 5711 reviews New York, NY
About New York Hall of Science
A spacious and interactive science museum in Queens that grows with children from toddlerhood to their teenage years, featuring hands-on exhibits in space, biology, and engineering, an outdoor playground, and a family-friendly policy that allows outside food.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with kids of multiple ages looking for an educational day trip in QueensBudget-conscious families who prefer to pack their own lunchesKids who thrive on interactive, hands-on learningToddlers (ages 3+): Great for early hands-on explorationKids (ages 5-9): Reading skills at this age significantly enhance the interactive exhibit experience
Why families love it
- Hands-on activities like rocket building and science experiments
- An outdoor playground that is great for families
- A summer presenter program that allows teens to explain science concepts to younger kids
- Interactive exhibits covering space exploration, biology, and engineering
- Outdoor playground
- Rocket building activity
Insider tips
- Bring your own food and snacks to eat in the cafeteria to save money
- Be prepared for a lot of walking throughout the large facility
- Encourage older kids to read the exhibit signs to get the most educational value
Good to know before you go
- Visiting if you expect a highly dense, packed exhibit layout, as some spaces feel sparse
- Some areas of the large, modern building can feel empty and lack depth or variety compared to other major science museums
- Value
- Great value for families, especially with the cost-saving option to bring your own food, though some visitors feel the exhibits could have more depth for the price.
- Food
- Outside food is permitted and can be eaten in the cafeteria area
What parents say
"The museum is impressive in size and modern design, but unfortunately, it feels somewhat empty inside. It would be great to see more exhibits and interactive areas to make the visit more engaging and enriching. Compared to similar museums in Europe, this one lacks depth and variety. Adding more unique displays and creative concepts could truly elevate the experience and make the museum a standout attraction."
a month ago
"We love this science space! We have visited since they were 3 years old, and now they are older teens, just having had our last visit. It’s a wonderful place for kids who love science, filled with interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity. Such nostalgia fills me as I reflect on their journey—watching them grow and explore has been a joy. My twins are particularly passionate about science and is now preparing to become a presenter for the summer program. The excitement in their eyes as they practice explaining concepts to younger kids is heartwarming. I can already picture them"
a month ago
"I had a fantastic experience at the New York Hall of Science! It's an incredibly engaging and educational place for people of all ages. The exhibits are interactive and cover a wide range of scientific topics, from space exploration to biology and engineering. My kids loved the hands-on activities and the outdoor playground, which made it a fun day for the whole family. The staff were friendly, and the facility was clean and well-organized. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in science or looking for a great family outing in Queens!"
2 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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