These Science Museums & Planetariums Are Worth Traveling For

I’ve always believed science should be fun—and these top science museums and planetariums totally prove it. If you’re ready for hands-on learning, mind-blowing exhibits, and some seriously cool space shows, this list is for you. I’ve visited a few myself, and every time, I walked away amazed (and honestly, a little more curious). Whether you're traveling with kids or just a science lover at heart, you’ll find something here to spark your imagination.

Highlights:

• Explore robotics, physics, and more at the Museum of Science in Boston – I’ve spent hours here geeking out over everything from electricity to live animal presentations. You’ll love the hands-on fun.
• Discover space and dinosaurs at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in D.C. – This place blew me away with its full-size aircraft and spacecraft. You’ll feel like a kid again (and your kids will too).
• Get curious at the California Science Center – I stood in awe beneath the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and trust me, you will too. Plus, there’s so much to explore beyond space.
• Visit Adler Planetarium in Chicago – I caught a sky show that made me feel like I was floating through space. If you love stars and science, you won’t want to miss this one.
• Learn through play at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia – Walking through the giant heart is a rite of passage! I’ve been more than once, and there’s always something new to discover.

Unique Science Museums & Planetariums:

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Why is it important to nurture a child's interest in science?
  • I’ve seen firsthand how kids light up when they discover something new about the world. If you nurture that early curiosity, it can grow into a lifelong passion for science. You don’t have to do anything big—just encouraging their questions and sharing in their wonder can go a long way.
• How can science museums make learning exciting for kids?
  • I’ve taken my kids to museums where one hands-on exhibit totally changed how they saw the world. When you give them the chance to build something, touch a fossil, or hear an enthusiastic speaker, it sticks with them. It’s those moments that make science fun and exciting—not just in museums, but later on at home and in school too.
• Where can families experience great science museums?
  • If you’re planning a family vacation, I always suggest adding a science museum to the list. There are some amazing ones across the U.S.—and you’ll come away just as inspired as your kids. It’s a great way to learn together and spark new conversations along the way.

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)

• • Ignite Creativity at Boston Children’s Museum in Massachusetts
• • Explore Endless Adventures at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana
• • Travel Through the Stars at Morrison Planetarium, San Francisco
• • Play, Learn, and Imagine at the Children's Museum of Phoenix in Arizona
• • If You Dream of Flying, Visit The Frontiers of Flight Museum in Texas
• • Get Hands-On With Numbers at the National Museum of Mathematics in New York
• • Spark Curiosity at The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
• • Innovate and Explore at The Tech Interactive in San Jose, California
• • Gaze at the Cosmos at Thomas Planetarium at The Anchorage Museum in Alaska
• • If You Love Science and Art, Dive Into Discovery at The Leonardo in Salt Lake City, Utah