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:
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 -
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