In a world where science and technology is the way of the future, yet the emphasis that we place on such things is most certainly not stressed in our schools’ curriculum, The New York Hall of Science is a fantastic way for you and your children to explore science through the over 450 exhibits, demonstrations and workshops that live in this great expanse of a museum located in the middle of Queens.
The New York Hall of Science was founded in 1964 for the World’s Fair. It’ is situated next door to the New York State Pavillion and Unisphere, aka the spaceships and large world from the Men in Black movie. The fair was built on “a valley of ashes” as coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby. The property was the dumping ground for ashes from coal-burning furnaces as well as for horse manure and garbage which were later cleared by Robert Moses in preparation for the 1939-40 World’s Fair . Interesting enough, the ashes needed to be dumped somewhere, and Moses decided to use them for the bases for many of the highways and expressways that he developed on Long Island.
One of the most beloved “exhibit” for the boys was the donation funnel. We spent much time (and many coins), watching them swirl around the funnel, around and and around until they finally dropped into oblivion.
John was thrilled now to be able to see everything!
We started at the bubbles. Daniel loves bubbles, and with a little help from Aunt Meg, he was able to create them “himself”!
Ben was a pro.
The purpose of our trip was to visit the 300-square foot gingerbread village, Gingerbread Lane. They hold gingerbread workshops during the month of December which are free with admission. During January there is a day that you are able to take a piece of it home with you! The science center doesn’t encourage you to actually eat the once edible house, but it is a fun idea to take home a sugary showpiece to show your friends.
We roamed the museum between the school groups. Many of the exhibits in the museum are far more mature than the boys could understand. They were happy pressing every button that we came across, and enjoyed checking out the lizards in the giant glass tanks.
We visited the Preschool place, which was perfect for the boys. The amount of hands-on activities they have out was incredible. Learning while they were playing, we spent a great deal of time here before heading to lunch.
Lunch consisted of the items we brought as well as some add-ons from the beautiful cafe. We bought a hot pretzel and some juice. This was the one point when the excitement of what lay ahead in our trip disrupted the meal. Not wanting to sit and eat, we quickly inhaled what we had, and hurried back to discover more.
Even though many of the exhibits were beyond understanding for the boys, the amount of color, lights, buttons and things to see, far outweighed this fact.
Everyone, even the littlest ones, left the museum very happy!
The New York Hall of Science
(The museum in unbelievably easy to get to once you get off the Grand Central)
47-01 111th Street
Corona, NY 11368
(718) 699-0005
September 1 – March 31
Monday Closed (Except Open Mondays on January 20 and February 17, 9:30 am – 5 pm)
Tuesday – Friday • 9:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday • 10 am – 6 pm
April 1 – August 31
Monday – Friday • 9:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday • 10 am – 6 pm
Closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
PRESCHOOL PLACE HOURS
Free to the general public with paid admission. Preschool Place is designed for families; groups are not permitted.
September – June
Tuesday – Friday 9:30 am – 4:45 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10 am — 5:45 pm
Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 4:45 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5:45 pm
GENERAL ADMISSION
General admission is free for individuals and families from August 24 – September 9, thanks to generous support from the Arthur Ashe Learning Center.
Adults (ages 18 & older): $11
Children (ages 2 – 17): $8
Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Students (with college ID): $8
Senior Citizens (age 62 & older): $8
Members: Enjoy FREE general admission to NYSCI and discounts on special events.
COMBINATION TICKET
(Includes General Admission, Rocket Park Mini Golf and Science Playground)
Adults (ages 18 & older): $19
Children (ages 2 – 17): $15
Students (with college ID): $15
Senior Citizens (age 62 & older): $15
SCIENCE PLAYGROUND
$4 per person, plus general NYSCI admission fee.
Free for NYSCI Premium, Extended Family and Family Explorer Members.
ROCKET PARK MINI GOLF
$6 per person, $5 for children and seniors, plus general NYSCI admission fee.
Members: Family Explorer free, all other members $3.
3D THEATER PRESENTATIONS
$6 adults; $5 children, students & seniors, plus NYSCI admission.
Members: Family Explorer free, all other members $3.
FREE ADMISSION
Enjoy free general admission, September through June, on Fridays, 2 – 5 pm; Sundays, 10 – 11 am.
Free hours are suspended in July, August and September 22.
Hungry Travel Baby 
that huge bubble maker looks awesome.