Liberty Science Center

Liberty Science Center sits inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City, so a science trip can turn into a park afternoon. The hands-on exhibitions are the main draw, alongside shows in the 3D Theater and programs at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, so it's worth checking what's playing before you go if a planetarium show is the reason for the trip. The center also runs field trips, camps, and stage shows, and takes birthday parties if you're looking for a venue instead of a backyard. Admission works differently here than at most science centers: instead of a day ticket, the center sells named memberships. An Individual Membership ($85) covers one named adult with unlimited free admission, a single-use pass for the planetarium, 3D theater, or a premium exhibition, and discounts at the cafe and gift shop. A Duo Membership ($165) adds a guest and a second single-use pass. The Family Membership ($255) covers two adults and four children under 18 with six single-use premium passes between them, and the Family Plus ($375) stretches that to eight people. The center opens at 10am and closes at 5pm every day of the week, including Sunday.

• Holographic Studios
• Hayden Planetarium
• Rose Center for Earth and Space

• Explorit Science Center
• Cox Science Center and Aquarium
• Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
• Discovery World
• Cape Fear Museum
• Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College