These Science Museums & Planetariums Are Worth Traveling For

Boston Children's Museum offers innovative exhibits such as introduction to new materials, games, puzzles and interaction with live animals. Several times per month, guest presenters speak about engineering, chemistry and kitchen science.

Massachusetts - Boston Children's Museum has exhibits about health, performing arts, visual arts, world cultures, and special workshops for kids 6 and older.

The LEED-certified museum was founded over 100 years ago and pioneered the concept of a hands-on exhibit in 1964.

During the visit, you will get many new ideas for playing with your children in a way that encourages their creativity.

Regardless of your child's interests, they will discover something exciting to do at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. From life-size dinosaurs to a 130-seat, full-dome planetarium, this awesome museum is a must-see for families.

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can climb, play and socialize in Playscape. Older children can dig for fossils at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, experiment in the Biotechnology Learning Center, interact with a Chinese cultural exhibit, and participate in staff-led activities.

ScienceWorks in The Dow Science Center houses frogs, a 30-foot creek, 20-foot rock climbing wall, and the planetarium.

Don't miss the Carousel where you can ride on beautifully painted animals, walk through a maze of mirrors and climb a tree house.

The 75-foot dome at Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco offers some of the most immersive planetarium shows in the world. The shows incorporate current scientific data and employ high-tech equipment to tell stories about stars, planets, black holes and the Earth.

The planetarium dome is made of 100% recycled steel.

The projection is so incredible that it makes you feel like you really are surrounded by the night sky. The aquarium which houses 40,000 live animals and the rainforest exhibit are a must-see as well. Read more about the California Academy of Sciences.

the Children's Museum of Phoenix offers children ages birth through 10 a variety of engaging exhibits, projects and programs.

Spend your weekend playing and learning in a fun, imaginative way.

You can replicate some of the activities that you find at the museum when you return home from your trip.

We take flying for granted when we travel, but seeing the history of aeronautical engineering first-hand makes us appreciate how much human ingenuity went into perfecting the modern airplanes.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas houses over 30 aircraft, the Apollo 7 spacecraft and tens of thousands of historical items.

This one-of-a-kind museum is fun to visit with the whole family.

Visit the National Museum of Mathematics in New York with your kids and you won't be disappointed.

This museum brings mathematical concepts to life with colorful exhibits, activities and presentations.

Your kids will interact with complex shapes through 3-D models, computer graphics and fun puzzles.

You may have an "aha!" moment yourself as you stroll though the cleverly designed museum spaces.

Housed in a Silver LEED-certified building, The Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Dover offers interactive exhibits which let children learn about natural history, dinosaurs, caves, submarines, aeronautics, world cultures, music and art.

Don't miss the interactive lab which give kids plenty of opportunity for experimentation and creation.

The Tech Interactive in San Jose was created to do exactly what its name implies: to promote innovation. Visitors learn how to solve problems through hands-on experiences, collaboration and experimenting.

Kids get to observe and participate in problem-solving activities which inspire their minds to think more creatively. This unique museum alone is why San Jose should be on your weekend getaway short list.

The Anchorage Museum is the largest museum in Alaska. It houses the new Thomas Planetarium which lets kids learn about the solar system though interactive demonstrations and films.

The 46-seat planetarium has a 24-foot dome screen, surround sound and 3-D graphics. At the Polar Lab you will find exhibits on natural resources, ecology, architecture and culture.

Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and his insatiable quest for knowledge, the Leonardo in Salt Lake City offers fun hands-on displays, water play, origami, an amazing science room, as well as unique temporary exhibits.

Kids can participate in guided activities and learn how to assemble a rubber band-powered car from recycled materials, or make the perfect paper airplane.