Explore Top Science Museums in Long Island

Whether you and your family are interested in astronomy, geology, the secrets of DNA, or other scientific topics, there’s a museum on Long Island to both educate and entertain. From the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, which highlights Long Island’s rich whaling history and its commitment to preserving these magnificent mammals, to the DNA Learning Center focusing on genetics, Long Island, New York, features an array of exceptional science museums. This guide aims to kickstart your family’s scientific exploration on LI.

Brookhaven Laboratory Science Museum

Teachers, take note: the Brookhaven National Laboratory Science Museum provides FREE programs and tours for children in grades 1 through 8. However, teachers need to arrange transportation for their students to visit the site. There are onsite programs as well as outreach workshops available for schools.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

This museum features exhibits that chronicle Cold Spring Harbor’s maritime heritage, alongside family programs held year-round. Moreover, children’s birthday parties can be hosted at the museum, which also organizes museum sleepovers on select days.

Cradle of Aviation Museum

The Cradle of Aviation Museum explores the history of aviation from dreams of flight to the first aircraft launched on Long Island in 1909. Visitors can see iconic planes, including a sister aircraft to Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” among various other displays highlighting aviation achievements.

DNA Learning Center

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Dolan DNA Learning Center offers free public programs. One Saturday each month from October to June, there is a Saturday DNA! program tailored for different age groups. The cost for participation is $15 per person with sessions lasting two hours. Additionally, teacher training workshops are offered to enhance educational experiences.

Garvies Point Museum & Preserve

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve showcases the cultural and natural history of Long Island through interactive exhibits centered on geology and Native American archaeology.

The Hicksville Gregory Museum – Long Island Earth Science Center

This museum presents an impressive rock collection, featuring fossils and fluorescent stones, alongside a replica of a Mosasaur skull. Various educational programs in Earth Science cater to all age groups, alongside tours for senior citizens, scouts, and other groups. For further inquiries, contact the museum directly.

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center (formerly Atlantis Marine World)

At the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, families can visit interactive marine exhibits, experience an extensive shark tank, and enjoy outdoor sea lion presentations. Therefore, it is an exciting destination for marine enthusiasts.

Long Island Science Center

The Long Island Science Center features engaging exhibits and interactive educational programs, promising to make science thrilling for children and their families. Furthermore, there are scout programs, teacher training, and themed birthday parties available. School programs and outreach initiatives provide age-appropriate hands-on activities for students ranging from pre-K to high school.

Science Museum of Long Island

This not-for-profit science activity center, unlike your typical museum, offers hands-on workshops that require pre-registration. Often organized during school holidays and weekdays, these workshops aim to enrich scientific learning. Furthermore, teachers and community leaders can arrange field trips to supplement traditional classroom instruction.

The Vanderbilt Museum

The estate of William K. Vanderbilt II, this former Gold Coast mansion is located on a sprawling 43-acre property that houses a marine museum, natural history specimens, and ethnographic collections. There is also a planetarium that hosts sky shows regularly. For more information on workshops and summer programs for children, check the Vanderbilt Museum’s website.