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.

Something curious is taking shape in the Science Park…🐌✨A secret little laboratory inspired by the strange and wonderful...
09/02/2026

Something curious is taking shape in the Science Park…🐌✨

A secret little laboratory inspired by the strange and wonderful world of snails.

Glowing shell specimens.
A giant hand-cranked shell that grows before your eyes.
A little mystery, wonder, and plenty to discover.

Coming soon from local artists Wendy Marvel and Mark Rosen of +

The Snail Lab is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

09/01/2026

After 17 years of leadership and service to the Sciencenter, including more than seven years as Executive Director, Michelle Kortenaar will retire at the end of February 2027.⁠

“Michelle’s impact on the Sciencenter is immeasurable,” said Mary Opperman, Chair of the Sciencenter Board of Trustees. “For nearly two decades, she has led with heart, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to discover the wonder of science.”⁠

Read the full announcement and follow along for updates:
sciencenter.org/executive-director

Our summer hours are coming to an end!Monday, August 31, will be our last Monday open for the season. After that, we’ll ...
08/28/2026

Our summer hours are coming to an end!

Monday, August 31, will be our last Monday open for the season. After that, we’ll be closed on Mondays except during school breaks.

Be sure to check our website for our current hours before you visit!

Artist Spotlight: Rachel Feirman 🐝Local artist Rachel Feirman created our Pollination Mural, inspired by the beauty of T...
08/04/2026

Artist Spotlight: Rachel Feirman 🐝

Local artist Rachel Feirman created our Pollination Mural, inspired by the beauty of Tompkins County and the importance of pollinators.

Rachel hopes her work inspires families to learn more about pollinators and take small steps to help them, whether that's planting a pollinator garden or simply letting a few dandelions bloom.

07/31/2026

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Oh wait…☀️🌈

Join the Sciencenter team!Now hiring:Animal KeeperTraveling Exhibition Systems OrganizerLearn more and apply: sciencente...
07/29/2026

Join the Sciencenter team!

Now hiring:
Animal Keeper
Traveling Exhibition Systems Organizer

Learn more and apply: sciencenter.org/careers

07/22/2026

Q: What do beaded lizards eat? 🦎
A: Colin says… they’re adventurous eaters!

While a beaded lizard will eat almost any small prey they can fit in their mouths, they are notorious nest raiders! They love to climb trees or cactus to eat eggs, baby birds, or even an unsuspecting adult. Here at the Sciencenter, our beaded lizard eats primarily mice, but occasionally gets a goose egg treat!

What should Colin answer next? Ask your animal questions below!

07/17/2026

See the real-life Nemo and Dory at the Sciencenter, then catch Finding Nemo at the Hangar Theatre!

Visit the Sciencenter to receive a promo code for $5 off Finding Nemo tickets. The show runs July 24-26.

🐠 Explore our Coral Reef tank, then enjoy the show!

We're looking for kids ages 4-10 to be part of a Sciencenter photo shoot this Thursday, July 16.We have two 45-minute se...
07/14/2026

We're looking for kids ages 4-10 to be part of a Sciencenter photo shoot this Thursday, July 16.

We have two 45-minute sessions available:
9:00 am
9:45 am

If your child enjoys exploring the Sciencenter, we'd love to photograph them playing in our exhibits! Each participant will receive a $25 store gift card.

Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes Wednesday, July 15 at 3 pm.

Sign up: https://forms.gle/b1HVcyRF7rgrfqbo8

07/06/2026

The "How Many is a Million?" exhibit just turned 20! ⚙️🎉The first time someone turned the gear was on July 6, 2006, and since then, it's been spun 71 million times. 🤩 Have you turned the gears or broken the glass? Share your favorite memory in the comments!

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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