The New York Hall of Science in Astoria Queens boasts not one, but two NASA rockets. Yes, real rockets that have been in space.The museum was started as a pavilion for the 1964 World’s Fair but is now a hands-on science and technology center and includes 450 interactive exhibits. And what other Science museum can you play mini-golf?
There is so much to do that it’s hard to rattle off our favorites but here goes:
Rocket Park Mini- Golf – Your kids will have fun playing mini-golf with two real NASA rockets in the background as they play.
Science Playground – The museum boasts a 30,000 square foot outdoor science playground with exhibits that include a giant lever, Archimedes screw and water play area, wind pipes, a climbing net, slides, sand boxes and metal drums. Your kids will love jumping, climbing and just running around this huge space, once they have visited the Science Museum and they will learn science at the same time.
Sports Challenge – Even if your kids aren’t into sports, this Sports Challenge exhibit integrates science and sports. Your child will be able to test their skills in a variety of sports including baseball, rock climbing, drag racing, and surfing—all the while communicating the vital roles that physics, physiology, and materials science play in the sports’ world. My daughter’s favorite was racing drag cars and rock climbing.
Preschool Place – This is for the preschool set. This science-themed workshop boasts 22 hands-on exhibits designed for early learners to explore with their teachers and caretakers. My daughter loved playing in preschool place where she was able to turn cranks, push pedals and use cranes to hoist and transport foam bricks around the building area.
New York Hall of Science
Location: 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
Phone: 718-699-0005
Website: nyscience.org to check out all the latest exhibits and programs
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