The miniature golf course on-site features holes designed to teach scientific concepts like trajectory, slope, and centrifugal force.
The museum was founded in 1983 by a group of local parents and educators who wanted to provide more hands-on science experiences for children.
It features a 'Sagan Planet Walk,' an outdoor scale model of the solar system that spans throughout downtown Ithaca, originating at the museum.
The facility generates a portion of its own electricity through rooftop solar arrays.
The Sciencenter participates in the 'Museums for All' program to ensure accessibility for families receiving food assistance benefits.
It houses a permanent exhibit dedicated to the geology of the Finger Lakes region, highlighting local gorges and waterfalls.
The Sciencenter is a non-profit, hands-on science museum in Ithaca featuring over 250 interactive exhibits spread across 32,000 square feet. It emphasizes play-based learning through permanent galleries focused on physics, biology, and environmental science. The facility includes an outdoor science park featuring a miniature golf course that demonstrates principles of physics. The museum hosts an extensive collection of live animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It is an accredited member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. The site is designed to accommodate various age groups, from early childhood to middle school levels. An attached NASA-affiliated gallery provides exhibits related to space exploration and astronomy.
The outdoor science park, particularly near the oversized interactive sculptures.
Bring a change of clothes if visiting with younger children, as the water-based exhibits in the 'Water Play' area can lead to splashes.
Check the daily program schedule upon arrival to catch live animal feedings or science demonstrations.
Use the outdoor science park during warmer weather to take advantage of the hands-on physics installations.
Do not attempt to complete the full Sagan Planet Walk immediately before or after the museum visit, as the full scale model extends well beyond the museum grounds into the city center.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; usually open daily throughout the summer months.
Active supervision of children is required at all times; running is discouraged due to the proximity of scientific apparatus.
