Visiting a museum where you are encouraged to touch and interact with the exhibits is a rarity for children. Usually, they are informed to keep their hands at their sides and voices low. However, the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey is all about hands on. The museum, which opened in 1993, was designed with that specific purpose in mind with the hope of getting youngsters excited about science. Located in Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center is a Garden State main attraction.
Best and worst time to go to the Liberty Science Center
Since it is the largest hands-on museum in New Jersey, the Liberty Science Center is a popular destination for school field trips as well as camps during the summer. Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded especially in winter when outside activities are not as attractive. However, fall weekdays are quiet since most schools hold off on trips until later in the academic year, making September, October, and November a practical choice for visitors who wish to avoid the large groups. Small children may also prefer a visit later in the day during an off-peak time since it will allow them to explore the exhibits without a long wait time. If a film is on your agenda for a visit on a busy day such as Columbus Day or President's Day, online reservations are strongly recommended.
Must see/do at the Liberty Science Center
Make sure to stop by the Our Hudson Home exhibit, which focuses on the wildlife and ecosystem of the Hudson River. A step outside on the balcony treats visitors to a view of the Statue of Liberty. Those who love heights will want to explore Skyscraper: Achievement and Impact. In one section, patrons can walk across an actual beam suspended two-stories above the floor. It also contains artifacts from the World Trade Center. The Wildlife Challenge is open outside in seasonable weather and allows participants to take part in different physical activities in an obstacle course designed to mimic animal activity. It is not recommended for children under the age of six.
Admission to the Liberty Science Center
Tickets for the Liberty Science Center are available online or at the museum. However, teachers can only receive a discount if they purchase tickets at the museum in person. Discounts are offered for seniors, military personnel, and students. Schools and groups tours may also qualify for discounts and are encouraged to consult a Reservation Specialist by email or phone in order to better plan their outing. Children under the age of two are free, but are not permitted to view a show in the IMAX Dome Theater. Films are not included in the general admission price.
Membership to the Liberty Science Center includes free unlimited general admission for one year as well as free film passes. Along with other discounts, members receive complimentary visiting days to certain area museums as well as admission to over 300 participating science centers throughout the world.
Parking at the Liberty Science Center
The main lot at the Liberty Science Center can accommodate 750 vehicles and 60 buses. Additional parking is available at the NJ Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Station in Liberty State Park. The Light Rail Station is a three-minute walk from the Liberty Science Center. Patrons must pay $7.00 to park at the museum. Buses are required to pay a $10 fee. A drop off area is provided for visitors with Special Needs. However, it does not include parents with strollers. Patrons using the drop off area are advised to enter the facility at Phillip Street. Visitors with electric cars are welcome to park under the elevated solar panel. They can plug in and recharge their batteries without any added fees.
Public Transportation to the Liberty Science Center
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail provides NJ Transit riders with a stop at the Liberty State Park Station. Riders should take the sidewalk that leads directly under the NJ Turnpike Overpass after disembarking at the station. The Liberty Science Center is on the other side and is about a three-minute walk from the station. Passengers should validate their train ticket before boarding to receive a $3 discount on the general admission price at the museum. Riders can also pick up the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail via PATH trains by taking the PATH to the Pavonia/Newport Station or the Exchange Place Station and transferring to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Train riders can also find transfers to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail at Newark Penn Station and New York City's Penn Station.
The Liberty Landing Ferry provides service from the World Financial Center to Liberty State Park. After arriving at the pier, it is about a twenty-minute walk to the Liberty Science Center. Ferry schedules and routes frequently vary depending on the season and weather, so riders are encouraged to check the times and availability beforehand.
Food at the Liberty Science Center
Café Skylines is open daily from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm during the week and from 10 am until 4 pm on the weekend. The varied menu offers patrons meals and snack items. Patrons can choose from hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, sandwiches, pizza, chicken fingers, daily entrée specials, or a salad bar. Vending machines that house snacks and drinks are also available outside the café.
Visitors can eat in the main dining area, which sports a large eating area. Two smaller dining rooms also seat patrons and offer views of the Manhattan skyline. Governors Hall provides a more casual atmosphere where diners can eat and catch snippets of a live science show.
If visitors prefer, they can pack their own lunch and eat in one of the above mentioned dining areas. Catering for special events such as parties or other events being held at the Liberty Science Center is available as well.
Insider Tip for visitors to the Liberty Science Center
A trip to the Liberty Science Center can be overwhelming for little ones with so much to see and do. Younger children will really enjoy the I Explore exhibit on the second floor. It is specifically designed for ages two through five. Kids along with their adult caregiver can enjoy an assortment of hands on activities just their size. Target the middle of the afternoon if you are visiting on a weekday during the school year. Early mornings are a great time on the weekend. Budding scientists may also like the We Explore program that is led by one of the museum's Science Team Leaders.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.
