Interactive STEM Learning with Kids: Visiting Science Museums in the U.S. and Canada

It's no secret that the realm of STEM careers is booming, and our little ones are getting a taste of it from a surprisingly young age. I mean, who would've thought my toddler would be learning to code at the age of three? With games on their tablets like Code-a-pillar and Osmo's Coding Awbie, that's exactly what they're doing! And while the classroom plays a significant role in educating our kids, there's a whole wide world out there filled with interactive, hands-on STEM experiences that will blow your little Einsteins' minds.

Now, when you think of a science museum, you might be picturing dusty exhibits and stern-faced educators droning on about the laws of physics. But hold on to your lab coats, because today's science museums are nothing like that! They're vibrant, hands-on, and downright exciting places where science and fun collide.

How to Visit Science Centers and Museums for Free

Here's a bonus tip for all you road-tripping, frequent-flying families. If you're a member of a science center or museum that's part of the ASTC Passport Program (Association of Science and Technology Centers) or ACM Reciprocal Network (Association of Children's Museums), you can enjoy some fantastic perks, including free general admission or discounted rates at over 300 participating museums when you travel. Just make sure to check the specific benefits and exclusions before you arrive. Generally, the museum you're visiting must be at least 90 miles away from your home, and you'll need to show your membership card and ID for proof of residence.

The benefits don't just stop at science museums either, there are also plenty of natural history museums and children's discovery centers thrown in the mix! Whenever we travel, I always make sure to check the ASTC and ACM lists to see if there are any participating institutions in the city we're visiting. Here are a few of our favorites that we've visited around the United States and Canada.

8 Great Science Museums in the U.S. and Canada

1. New York Hall of Science - Queens, NY

Let's kick off our journey right in our backyard at the New York Hall of Science, with over 450 exhibits waiting to bring science to life. Immerse yourself in Connected Worlds, where you'll become part of an interactive and animated realm that shows the interconnectedness of ecological systems. And who said learning couldn't be a hole-in-one? Take a swing at mini golf in Rocket Park Mini Golf, where you can tee off while discovering the wonders of space exploration.

If you have little ones in tow, there's a dedicated haven for them in Preschool Place. And for those seeking more hands on adventure, stop by the lower level, where the sprawling space houses the Design Lab and Maker Space. Here, both kids and adults are encouraged to take bold leaps, share ingenious ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on the world of engineering and design.

2. Liberty Science Center - Jersey City, NJ

Head across the river to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Dive into the latest mind-bending installation, The Building, 2023, and be prepared to have your perception of reality challenged. PBS Kids fans will rejoice, as the museum's frequently rotating special exhibit section is currently home to Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure.

For our pint-sized scientists, WobblyWorld is a must-visit wonderland, where they can explore the concepts of balance and motion while getting all their wiggles out. And if you have any train enthusiasts in your crew, they'll be in heaven at the sprawling 1,700-square-foot model train exhibition, a mesmerizing journey through the world of locomotives.

And finally, you won't want to miss Liberty Science Center's brand-new planetarium. In fact, it's the largest in the Western Hemisphere, offering an immersive cosmic experience that will leave you stargazing in awe.

3. Franklin Institute - Philadelphia, PA

In the City of Brotherly Love, the Franklin Institute reigns supreme. Kids here can't get enough of the hands-on exhibits. Whether it's sparking curiosity over the wonders of electricity, climbing through the chambers of a massive human heart, or putting your piloting skills to the test at the Air Show, this museum offers an interactive and kid-friendly approach to it all. For those kids who want to really get a workout, they can disappear into the 18-foot-high neural climb in The Brain exhibit or race against virtual pros in the SportsZone.

4. Museum of Science - Boston, MA

The Museum of Science in Boston has hundreds of interactive exhibits to choose from, there's almost no way to see it all in one day. Chill out as an Arctic explorer in the Arctic Adventure exhibit, interact with animal ambassadors during the Live Animal Presentation, or let your aspiring engineers unleash their creativity as they design, construct, and test solutions to real-world challenges.

For the dinosaur fans in your group, there's the chance to get up close and personal with life-sized models of these prehistoric lizards. And those with more of an eye toward the future will enjoy Exploring AI: Making the Invisible Visible which reveals the myriad ways artificial intelligence is already integrated into our lives. Science overload? Maybe. But your kids will probably love every electrifying moment.

5. Maryland Science Center - Baltimore, MD

In Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center offers a gateway to scientific wonders. On-floor experiments, pop-up science, and live shows encourage active learning on the Demonstration Stage. Newton's Laws take on life in one of the museums most popular exhibits, Newton's Alley, where everything is driven by people power. Explore the mysteries of the universe with Life Beyond Earth or get a blast from the past as a mini paleontologist in Dinosaur Mysteries. There is also a dedicated Kids Room for the science center's youngest visitors. It's a place where curiosity knows no bounds, and learning is an adventure.

6. The Discovery Lab - Tulsa, OK

Science museum meets indoor playspace at the Discovery Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma conveniently located within the sprawling Gathering Place riverfront park. Kids will love climbing through the giant tape tunnels in the Central Gallery, or launching balls through machines in Ballapalooza. Each gallery within this exciting newly imagined space is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that delve into captivating concepts of Energy, Geology, Hydro power, Music, and Math. But the adventure doesn't stop there. Step into the Imaginarium to experience four different Oklahoma landscapes in a fully immersive 360 degree projected reality.

7. Science World - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Let's hop up north to Science World in Vancouver, Canada. In their latest immersive exhibit, you'll get the chance to tag along with explorer and filmmaker James Cameron as he embarks on a deep-sea adventure aboard the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER. While the kids are marveling in the deep, grown ups will appreciate seeing props and costumes on display from Titanic.

No visit to Science World is complete without stopping by Eureka!—a gallery where light, sound, and water come together in a mesmerizing symphony of interactive fun. It's like a playground for budding scientists, and your kids will be in their element. For young architects and engineers, the Tinkering Space is the place to be. There they can build and problem solve to their hearts' content. And save some time to visit the Wonder Gallery with your tots. The space is designed just for them, filled with spots to climb, crawl, and play while learning about the world around them.

8. Ontario Science Centre - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

There is so much to explore in this colossal 6-floor museum, you might as well plan for multiple visits because absorbing all the awesomeness in one go is like trying to eat an entire cake without sharing. Got little ones who are eight and under? Sprint on over to KidSpark, the ultimate learn-through-play space, before it's pack to capacity and a full-on toddler takeover.

With the latest Dinos in Motion exhibit, dinosaur fossils come to life! Here, you'll get to play puppeteer with colossal metal dinosaur sculptures, wielding levers and pulleys, and more. In the permanent halls, prepare to push the boundaries of your understanding of the human body at Human Edge. Dive deep into the depths of the sea with Community Reef or embark on an intergalactic journey through the Space Hall. Finally, to get a more hands-on approach to science, you can't skip the classic Science Arcade or the futuristic Weston Family Innovation Center.

Whether you're crisscrossing the nation or venturing across international borders, there's a world of amazing STEM destinations waiting to be discovered and celebrated. While our own travels have taken us to a few Canadian gems, the ASTC network extends its welcoming arms globally, spanning continents from Australia to Europe, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. Science knows no boundaries, and the adventure of exploration awaits, no matter where you roam!

So, the next time your little one asks, "Why is the sky blue?" or "How does a rocket work?"—pack your bags and head to one of these incredible science museums. Watch as their faces light up with wonder, and don't be surprised if you find yourself having just as much fun. Are the museums in your hometown part of the ASTC or ACM network? Share your favorite destinations and tips with us in the comments below!