It’s raining, it’s snowing…it’s New York, the weather isn’t always on our side. Don’t let bad weather keep you from getting out and enjoying yourself. Here are 8 fantastic museums that are not just educational but have incredible exhibits that will interest and entertain everyone.
Museum of the Earth – Ithaca
Any buddy paleontologist will love this museum. This museum is all about dinosaurs, fossils, and prehistoric earth. They are tons of exhibits that journey through the history of the earth. This museum is extremely kid-friendly. They have a Discovery Center featuring lots of hands-on exhibits including a fossil search, where kids can keep their finds.
Rochester Museum and Science Center
This museum has a variety of exhibits that range from hands-on to the classic dioramas that I personally loved as a kid. Learn about the weather, see what it’s like to be in an earthquake, and learn about the natural history of New York State and the different indigenous cultures from the United States and around the world. While you’re there, take in a star show at the Planetarium.
The MOST – Syracuse
My kids love hands-on science museums and the Most is one of the best. Step into enormous larger-than-life replicas of organs and see how the human body works, pilot a flight simulator, Enter the Discovery Cave and learn firsthand the marvels of our earth.
Buffalo Museum of Science
The Buffalo Museum of Science gives visitors an up-close and enlarged view into the world of bugs, demonstrates how weather affects our earth, explores the artifacts of the ancient world, learn about extinction, and visit the museum’s collection of prehistoric creatures.
The Strong Museum of Play – Rochester
The Strong National Museum of Play is a world-renown museum that focuses on learning through play. Kids will have a blast immersing themselves in the vast number of interactive exhibits. Shop at a pretend Wegmans, stroll down to Sesame Street, have an adventure in a giant-themed playground that revolves around book genres, or become a superhero. Don’t forget to visit the Toy Hall of Fame.
If you think this museum is just for little kids, think again. There is so much for older kids and teens to do!
Jell-O Gallery – LeRoy
Visit the museum that tells the story of America’s favorite dessert. Kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt and the prize at the end even more.
Memorial Art Gallery – Rochester
The Rochester Memorial Art Gallery has an impressive collection of art and artifacts. They have relics from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as Medieval Europe and the Far East. Enjoy viewing paintings from some of the most famous artists in the world as well as pieces of modern art.
Corning Museum of Glass – Corning
Enter the world of all things glass. View galleries of artwork made completely out of glass, learn the history of glass and see how it evolved over time. Watch glass blowing demonstrations and even create your own souvenir.
Do you know of a great museum that isn’t on our list? We want to hear what you think. Please leave us a comment below.