OT: Feedback on Liberty Science Center

[Degaz-RU]

Thinking of taking the kids (ages 10 through 16) to the Liberty Science Center over spring break, in part to see the Titanic artifacts exhibit, but also just always wanted to visit there.

Would appreciate any feedback on your impressions of this place.

 

[RedSpartan]

I really want to take my daughter to see the Titanic exhibition as well. Any info would be appreciated!

 

[ejgonz]

My kids are really little (under age 6). We have a family pass and they love it. I'm not sure how older kids would like it. 16 seems old depending on how cynical they are. The 10 yo would like it I'm sure.

 

[RUJohnny99]

In a 3 way race between LSC, the Museum of Natural History & the Franklin Institute, I'd place LSC third (and I've been to all three in the last 6 months). But it's still interesting for the science minded. It's not as hands on as the FI & not as extensive as the AMNH.

I saw the Titanic exhibit in AC about 15 years ago. Getting the exhibit & an IMAX movie for an extra 10 bucks isn't a bad deal.

Also, if your kids really enjoyed the trip & you think they'd want to come again, upgrade to a membership before you leave. It's a year long pass for about the cost of 6 tickets, is tax deductible, and let's you come and hit one section at a trip without having to do the entire museum to get your money's worth.

 

[LevaosLectures]

We have a membership, and it is great for little kids, but I'm not sure how it will hold up for the older ones. The place could use a bit of sprucing up, to be honest.

 

[MoobyCow]

Even at 10 you're starting to hit the age where it isn't all that interesting for them. Sometimes they have cool live demonstrations which are nice, and the IMAX can have decent movies, but I don't know that I'd take any teenager there.

 

[ho26rus]

there was a time, a decade ago, that there were sleepover parties for 8-10 .
my kids loved it......... but as stated 14/16 might be a tad too old

 

[Upstream]

Don't know about the Titanic exhibition. But LSC is designed for kids between 6 and 11. Once you are older than 14, the only thing of interest is the Imax films or watching the younger kids have fun.

It is actually a shame that LSC is so narrow in scope. NJ is home to a lot of technological advances. A science museum in NJ should be great for all ages.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Don't know about the Titanic exhibition. But LSC is designed for kids between 6 and 11. Once you are older than 14, the only thing of interest is the Imax films or watching the younger kids have fun.

It is actually a shame that LSC is so narrow in scope. NJ is home to a lot of technological advances. A science museum in NJ should be great for all ages.

You tell the 16 year old it is for the kids and let him/her help the younger ones learn something. My sis in law went during a non-school week over xmas.. said it was really crowded.. had to park at the light rail station.. there were all kinds of presentations going on.. like one where someone was dissecting a sheep's eye and had it on a big screen. Just gross enough for a 16 year old.

 

[RutgersTwice]

Check your local library. Some have free LSC passes to borrow.

 

[ClassOf02]

I had my first awesome make out session as a teenager in the touch tunnel. Just sayin.....

 

[Boz29]

Go to Franklin Institute instead. So much better.

 

[RUtom]

Its more oriented to elementary school aged kids in my opinion.

 

[Son of Red]

Under 10, absolutely worth it. Over 10 will be bored and may plot to overthrow you.

 

[BLewis1968]

The 10-year-old may enjoy it. The 16-year-old will likely suffer through it for the 10-year-old's sake, so I second the idea of having them help with your youngest. And I also second the Natural History suggestion. That might be my favorite museum in the entire city, and it's for all ages. Can't get enough of that place.

 

[gRUntWork]

Each time I've gone to Liberty Science Center over the past 10 years (took the kids when they were really young, accompanied a class trip for 3rd graders), I've always come away feeling like: "That's it?" It always seems like there should be more stuff than there is. I've had much better impressions from the Franklin Institute, and also from the Boston Childrens' Museum. Unfortunately, LSC always comes in last when comparing to other equivalent museums... I want to like LSC, but come away feeling like I spent too much on admission, and had to pay for parking too!

However, I agree with the above consensus: under age 10, and you are fine, over 10 and they'll resent you for wasting their time!

 

[Abro1975]

LSC bored my 10 year son and his friends almost as much as the Newark Museum.

Now the Air and Space Museum and Spy Museum in DC were right up their alley.

 

[kapyoche]

My kids went to the 9/11 museum and loved it. It was their first time.

 

[Blitz8RUCrazy]

Go to the exploratorium in San Francisco. I went there last year, had a blast.