Dig for dinosaur fossils, feel your way through a pitch-black touch tunnel and discover a range of other hands-on exhibits at this huge family-friendly facility.
Jersey City’s premier attraction, the Liberty Science Center proves particularly popular among families with children, though its fascinating, science-focused exhibits are sure to engage visitors of all ages. Explore four floors of exhibits that focus on everything from the natural world, to space, to human communication.
The science center is dedicated to getting people of all ages engaged and excited by science and technology. Allow ample time to explore the 300,000-square-foot (28,000-square-meter) space, which contains 12 museum halls.
Space enthusiasts will want to start in the Universe Revealedexhibit on the fourth floor, where images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope are displayed. Engineering aficionados will enjoy the skyscraper displays on the first floor. Follow the exhibits chronicling the planning, design and construction of some of the world’s greatest high-rises. Don a safety harness and brave a walk across the steel beam above the gallery floor.
Step into the center’s wind simulators, which allow you to experience what hurricanes and tornadoes might feel like. Don’t miss the Infinity Climber, a huge climbing frame measuring 26 by 24 by 19 feet (8 by 7 by 6 meters). It can accommodate up to 50 climbers at once. The frame is surrounded by a protective net that catches climbers who fall off the structure. Other popular exhibits include the 80-foot (24-meter) touch tunnel. Crawl through the darkened space on your hands and knees and experience how it feels to navigate a space without the aid of sight.
In addition, the center features a live animal collection of more than 100 species. Head to the third floor to see cotton-top tamarins being fed, find out how bees make honey during an interactive show and dip your hands into a touch tank to feel sea urchins, snails and shellfish.
Find Liberty Science Center in Liberty State Park in Jersey City near the Hudson riverfront. The center is open daily. An entrance fee applies, with extra charges for IMAX shows and special events. Buy tickets at the door or in advance online.
