Sciencenter

Sciencenter Inspiring a community of curious, collaborative, critical thinkers through 250+ hands-on science exhibits, live animals, and educational programs.

An unforgettable experience awaits you at the Sciencenter! Get ready to climb, splash, think, build, and bounce your way through four exhibit galleries filled with full-body science fun. From Astronomy to Zoology, the Sciencenter offers something special for visitors of any age or ability.

│More to Explore│

◦ Live Animals ◦
From colorful snakes to beautiful sea stars, visitors can meet and touch

many of our critters in our two live animal zones: the Connect to the Ocean Touch Tank and the Saltonstall Animal Room.

◦ For Toddlers ◦
Designed for smaller hands, littler bodies, and inquisitive minds, the Curiosity Corner is a vibrant play space welcoming Sciencenter visitors ages four and under.

◦ Discovery Space ◦
Dig into your favorite science topics by lifting the lid of our 20+ fun and engaging discovery boxes.

◦ Outdoor Science Fun ◦
Explore sound, motion, water, and more outdoors in the Science Playground (April 1 - November 30, weather permitting) . Challenge a friend to a round of mini-golf on our new 18-hole course, opening July 4, 2014. Or explore the solar system on the Sagan Planet Walk, our 3/4-mile walking tour from the Commons in downtown Ithaca to the Sciencenter. Plan your visit and view our calendar of events at www.sciencenter.org. The Sciencenter is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available free of charge. Brown bag lunches can be enjoyed in the Community Room or Science Park.

06/17/2026

Q: What do you feed the lionfish and the axolotl?
A: Colin says… dinner time is very different for each!

Our lionfish mostly eat a special fish food we mix up in-house, while our axolotl usually enjoys crickets. We like to keep meals varied for both of them to make sure they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live long, happy lives.

Curious about our animals? Ask Colin! 👇

This is the final week of our exciting field trip season! ✨️ Be sure to check our field trip numbers so you can plan aro...
06/15/2026

This is the final week of our exciting field trip season! ✨️ Be sure to check our field trip numbers so you can plan around the busiest days.

Science Park is ready for play! Thanks to the hard work of our exhibits team and .org volunteers, the lower level is ope...
06/13/2026

Science Park is ready for play! Thanks to the hard work of our exhibits team and .org volunteers, the lower level is open for the season with a fresh layer of Fibar.

06/13/2026

Dive into an underwater adventure! What can you do in your watershed to protect our oceans? Find out in Ocean Bound! 🌊

The Sciencenter developed this exhibition with funding from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Planning a visit? ✨️Check our field trip numbers to plan around the busiest days. Most groups depart at 1 pm.
06/09/2026

Planning a visit? ✨️Check our field trip numbers to plan around the busiest days. Most groups depart at 1 pm.

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean Day! 🌊🐠

Our coral reef tank is a reminder of the beauty and diversity beneath the waves. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet are home to more than 25% of ocean life.

What's your favorite ocean animal? Share it in the comments! 💙

We're teaming up with  and  for the very first Move for Museums weekend on June 27–28, and we want YOU on Team Sciencent...
06/04/2026

We're teaming up with and for the very first Move for Museums weekend on June 27–28, and we want YOU on Team Sciencenter!

Getting involved is easy:
✅ Register for Move for Museums
✅ Choose Team Sciencenter
✅ Collect flat donations or per-mile pledges
✅ Walk, run, or bike anywhere you like

Every mile and every dollar supports hands-on science learning in our community.

Ready to move for a cause?
Register: https://charity.pledgeit.org/moveformuseums

Science Park Update 🚧Starting June 2, the lower level of the Science Park will be closed for a few weeks while we add ne...
06/02/2026

Science Park Update 🚧

Starting June 2, the lower level of the Science Park will be closed for a few weeks while we add new Fibar to the ground.

The upper level is still open and ready for play! We'll keep you posted when the lower level reopens.

Thank you for your patience! 🌞

Vote for the Sciencenter for Best Museum in Finger Lakes Favorites before voting closes on Friday, May 29 at 5 pm!While ...
05/26/2026

Vote for the Sciencenter for Best Museum in Finger Lakes Favorites before voting closes on Friday, May 29 at 5 pm!

While you’re there, you can also vote for us in:
Nonprofit Organization
Place to Buy a Gift
Family Attraction
Mini Golf

Every vote counts, and we’re so grateful for yours 💙

fingerlakesfavorites.com

Founders’ Day at the Sciencenter is TODAY!⁠ 💙We're celebrating the day we first opened our doors in 1993 with our origin...
05/22/2026

Founders’ Day at the Sciencenter is TODAY!⁠ 💙

We're celebrating the day we first opened our doors in 1993 with our original admission price: just $2.50 all day long.

Friday, May 22
All day admission for $2.50

Address

601 1st Street
Ithaca, NY
14850

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(607) 272-0600

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