Imagine a place where curiosity fuels exploration, and where your family can experience hands-on science beyond books and screens.
Welcome to the Liberty Science Center in the heart of Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
With its breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and an array of exhibits that excite learners of all ages, the Liberty Science Center stands as a beacon of learning and fun.
Whether youโre maneuvering through the famous black-out Touch Tunnel or gazing at the stars in the massive Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium (The Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium), every visit promises a new adventure.ย
Perfect for a family day out, this interactive science museum offers a blend of education and entertainment that will leave your kids asking to come back before you even leave.
Liberty Science Center FAQ
Enjoy the views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty from the 4th floor deck
Where is the Liberty Science Center?
The Liberty Science Center is conveniently located in Liberty State Park at 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey. Its central location offers easy access from the NJ Turnpike and stunning views of the nearby Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, making it an ideal day out for families.
Keep the family fun going after your visit to Liberty Science Center!
Check out our Guide to Unique Family Fun in New Jersey for more exciting adventures the whole crew will love.
How much does it cost to visit the Liberty Science Center?
Liberty Science Center Ticket Prices: $31 Adults/ $26 Children (2-12)
If you’re part of a local science center or museum in the ASTC Passport Program, you may be able to get free general admission when you travel outside your local area.
Exclusions may apply, and benefits vary. Check out the list of ASTC venues participating.
Parking at Liberty Science Center
Cost of Parking: $7
Parking is available outside of Liberty Science Center, providing convenient access.
The parking fee helps towards the maintenance of Liberty State Park.ย
What to do at the Liberty Science Center?
With four floors to explore, The Liberty Science Center is a treasure trove of activities and exhibits.
From the awe-inspiring Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium to interactive exhibits like the Energy Quest, Touch Tunnel, Dino Dig and Infinity Climber, thereโs something for learners of all ages.
The center also hosts daily science demonstrations and hands-on labs that engage children and spark their curiosity.
How much time is needed at the Liberty Science Center?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the Liberty Science Center.ย
However, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the museum exhibition halls, especially by participating in the various educational programs and special events held throughout the year.ย
What is the appropriate age for visiting the Liberty Science Center?
The Liberty Science Center is designed to engage visitors of all ages, from young children to the young at heart.ย
For younger children, the center offers specially tailored exhibits such as โWobbly World,โ a great place for ages two through five, allowing them to engage in activities that foster early scientific understanding in a safe and fun environment.
Older children and teens will find the more complex exhibits, like the “Skyscraper! Achievement & Impact” and the variety of live science shows entertaining and inspiring.ย
What Exhibits are at the Liberty Science Center?
As you plan your visit to the Liberty Science Center, hereโs a handy guide to navigating the exciting exhibits across its four floors.
Each exhibit is designed with the next generation of scientists in mind, aiming to ignite curiosity and enhance learning for people of all ages.
To maximize your visit and avoid end-of-day fatigue (with little ones), consider starting from the top floor and making your way down.
This strategy not only places you near the exit when itโs time to leave but also helps manage younger childrenโs energy levels, reducing the chances of them feeling overwhelmed or wanting to revisit past exhibits on the way out.
Fourth Floor: High-Tech and Natural Wonders
Lots of hands-on exploring at Liberty Science Center
Brain Games
Challenge your mental agility with a collection of interactive brain games. Our favorite was watching the robot solve a Rubikโs cube in just a few twists and celebrating its win!
Interactive ways to learn how energy works
Energy Quest
Explore how different forms of energy are harnessed in the Energy Quest exhibit. Itโs a hands-on experience that explains energy production, from renewable sources like solar and tidal to traditional methods like oil.
Learning how sediment and erosion affect our waterways
Our Hudson Home
Featuring a 20-foot-long interactive model of the Hudson River, visitors can manipulate water flow, create dams, and observe how these changes affect the environment.
The exhibit also includes giant aquariums, marine animals, touch tanks and an incredible outdoor deck space that offers stunning views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Third Floor: Engaging Science and Sensory Adventures
Infinity Climber at the Liberty Science Center
Dream Machine
This interactive sensory adventure combines colors, sounds, and scents with bicycle pumps and brass horns. Each station invites exploration into different sensory experiences, making it a unique encounter with science and your senses.
Infinity Climber
A web of hand-threaded wire hangs in the center atrium, offering a thrilling physical challenge. The structure, measuring 26 feet wide by 24 feet deep and 19 feet tall, allows kids and adults alike to explore multiple routes within its bounds. Safety is a priority, and the design ensures no one can fall to the ground below.
Challenge your senses in the Touch Tunnel
Touch Tunnel
Recently reopened, this 80-foot tunnel challenges visitors to navigate in complete and total darkness, using only tactile cues and guidance from the right-hand wall. Suitable for kids 7 and older without adult supervision, it offers an immersive experience of sensory deprivation and trust.
Wall of microbes at Liberty Science Center
Microbes Rule
Dive into the microscopic world in the Microbes Rule exhibit, which uses hands-on exhibits and advanced technology to showcase microbes’ benefits and essential nature. Interactive elements help kids understand the spread of germs and the role of vaccines.
Learn about animals and their habitats up close at Liberty Science Center
Wild About Animals
Get up close with over 100 species in their live animal collection, including cotton-top tamarin monkeys, naked mole rats, and red-footed tortoises. This exhibit emphasizes biodiversity and provides engaging educational encounters with various animal species.
Kids learn firsthand about the effects of energy
Wonder Why
Packed with physical interactive features, this area encourages scientific inquiry through physical challenges like hanging bars, a climbing rock wall, and demonstrations of energy effects. Itโs an excellent spot for hands-on learning and fun.
Detailed beach scene at The Great Train Set exhibit
The Great Train Set
Step into the world of the 1950s Lackawanna Railroad and the surrounding area and experience the meticulously detailed model train set.
This amazing model includes 425 feet of track, models of New Jersey railway stations, a coal mine industry, suburban homes, bodies of water, 5,000 miniature trees and shrubs, 400 figurines, a drive-in movie theater, and various shops and businesses.ย
Got a train lover in the family? If The Great Train Set was a hit, keep the excitement rolling with our Guide to the Best Interactive Train Museums in New Jersey...packed with hands-on exhibits and incredible locomotive history.
Second Floor: Stellar Explorations and Prehistoric Discoveries
The Infinity Climber takes center stage at Liberty Science Center
Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium
The largest planetarium in North America, this facility offers a breathtaking view of the cosmos with its 89-foot full dome. It provides an immersive experience of the night sky and distant galaxies. They even have family-friendly shows like the Taylor Swift Laser Show and One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.
3D Science Theater
Enjoy a 3D Movie at the J.D. Williams 3D Theater as an add-on to your general admission ticket. 3D movies are generally 25 minutes long and ideal for those 5 and older. (Check Out What’s Playing Now)
A special room designed for the youngest visitors to Liberty Science Center
Wobbly World
Tailor-made for tiny tots, Wobbly World invites the youngest adventurers to explore a playful environment to learn about balance, motion, and cause and effect.ย
Here, children can interact with the vibrant playground, balancing, spinning and exploring, bringing the colorful structure to life. It’s the perfect spot for little ones to discover physical principles through delightful, hands-on activities, all within a safe and engaging setting.
Outdoor shaded Dino Dig area to dig for fossils while enjoying a great view of NYC
Dino Dig
Step outside into 60 tons of sand and find yourself at the edge of an archaeological site at Dino Dig.
This shaded outdoor sandpit with stunning Lower Manhattan views allows kids to unearth dinosaur bones using the tools provided. It’s the perfect blend of education and outdoor fun on a nice day.
Cosmic Cafรฉ
The museum offers a variety of basic dining options, including classic burgers, veggie burgers, French fries, chicken tenders, and an assortment of snacks.
Additionally, there is a grab-and-go station with salads and sandwiches, or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch from home.
First Floor: Foundations of Innovation
Hands-on learning at the Skyscraper Exhibit
Skyscraper Exhibit
This exhibit is tailored to a slightly older audience and features excellent engineering examples at its best.
Younger children will still be captivated by the exhibit, as they explore construction mechanics using interactive simulators to operate excavators and cranes.
The exhibit features significant yet respectful September 11 artifacts that are approachable for kids but still powerful.
Extensive gift shop with souvenirs in all price ranges
Gift Shop
Wrap up your visit by stopping at the extensive gift shop. With items spanning all price ranges, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a memento that captures the day’s discoveries.
Are You Ready to Plan Your Visit to the Liberty Science Center?
With four floors of museum exhibition halls to cover, the Liberty Science Center promises a day filled with discovery and fun for the next generation of scientists.
From touching the stars at the Nation’s largest Imax dome theater to uncovering dinosaur fossils at the Dino Dig, this interactive science museum has something to spark the curiosity of every family member.
Don’t forget to start from the top floor and work your way downโit’s a great way to ensure you see everything without missing a beat and end your visit smoothly.
Make the most of your day by taking the ferry to NYC after your visit!
The ride itself is a fun experience, and once youโre across the river, there are plenty of Free Things to do in Manhattan to keep the adventure going.
