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Best Science Museum

By Readers' Choice On 1/30/25 at 12:09 PM EST

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From gigantic dinosaurs to rocket launches, the exhibits at these science museums make them some of the best attractions for budding naturalists and future astronauts. Whether you're more interested in living creatures, exquisite gemstones or stargazing, you'll find a center in our list below that inspires your mind. Escaping the heat of summer or rain of spring with wound-up kids? Many of these museums feature play areas where kids can move around and work with their hands, a perfect break from the usual "don't-touch" displays.

These 10 science museums were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona

Lowell Observatory

Photo courtesy of Lowell Observatory Photo courtesy of Lowell Observatory

Famous for its discovery of Pluto, the Lowell Observatory is a fascinating place to visit during the day or at night. When the sun is out, spend time in the Orbits Curiosity Zone, a hands-on area for space-obsessed kids. Once the moon appears, enjoy a Rooftop Stargazing Tour or a viewing of the historic Clark Telescope, but be sure to get in line early as it is a popular experience.

2. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) | Portland, OR

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Photo courtesy of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Photo courtesy of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Set on the banks of the Willamette River, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry invites explorers of all ages to an afternoon of learning and fun. Let the kids get out the wiggles in the Science Playground, which has a climbing area, and then, sit back for an exciting laser show in the planetarium. No visit to OMSI is complete, though, without a tour of the USS Blueback submarine.

3. Science Museum of Virginia | Richmond, VA

Science Museum of Virginia

Photo courtesy of Science Museum of Virginia Photo courtesy of Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia boasts The Dome, the largest screen in the state, offering the chance to feel like you're flying with birds over water or to hear Matthew McConaughey narrate innovations in medicine. Prefer to keep your hands busy? The Forge, an open makerspace, leads workshops and challenges daily, and The Mix is a teen-focused area for older kids interested in STEM.

4. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago, Illinois

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Photo courtesy of Heidi Peters/Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Photo courtesy of Heidi Peters/Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and has hosted more than 180 million people since its opening. Guests rave about the U-505 Submarine, a coal mine exhibit (where you descend into a "working" mine) and the various trains on display. Note that some attractions are ticketed separately and should be reserved in advance to ensure entry.

5. Field Museum | Chicago, Illinois

Field Museum

Photo © Field Museum, Lucy Hewett Photo © Field Museum, Lucy Hewett

One of the best natural history museums in the world, the Field Museum boasts a collection of almost 40 million artifacts and specimens. Highlights of this collection include Sue the T. rex, intricate jade carvings from ancient China and the Maori Meeting House, originally built in the 1880s in New Zealand. The on-site Field Bistro restaurant, a good spot to break up your visit, serves locally sourced food.

6. Science Museum Oklahoma | Oklahoma City, OK

Science Museum Oklahoma

Photo courtesy of Science Museum Oklahoma Photo courtesy of Science Museum Oklahoma

Load up the kids and drive to Science Museum Oklahoma for over 390,000 square feet of educational fun. Children love adventuring through CurioCity, a village with eight distinct neighborhoods, and challenging their bodies with activities like a climbing wall at Power Play. Unlike many other institutions, Science Museum Oklahoma doesn't charge extra for entrance to its planetarium, so take advantage and see a show while there.

7. American Museum of Natural History | New York City, NY

American Museum of Natural History

Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

At the American Museum of Natural History, dinosaur skeletons greet you at the entrance, 94-foot-long blue whales appear to swim overhead and elephants stand midstride as you rest beside them. But not every creature here is fossilized or a model; the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium features 80 species of vibrant, fluttering butterflies. Tip: Consider purchasing a CityPASS to see five top NYC attractions, which include this museum.

8. NASA Kennedy Space Center | Merritt Island, Florida

NASA Kennedy Space Center

Photo courtesy of NASA Kennedy Space Center Photo courtesy of NASA Kennedy Space Center

Watch science and history unfold before you at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. You can see rockets launch, chat with real astronauts and train to live on Mars. Don't miss the space shuttle Atlantis, the centerpiece of an exhibition that has more than 60 interactive areas that follow NASA's past, present and future. And if you have the time, hop on a bus for a behind-the-scenes tour of the center.

9. Exploratorium of San Francisco | San Francisco, California

Display at Exploratorium

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

With more than 650 hands-on exhibits, "Please touch" might as well be the slogan of the Exploratorium of San Francisco. Here, you can watch sand move from your voice's vibration, learn about the tidal cycles of the Bay and experiment with light beams. On Thursday evenings, the center turns into an adults-only space, where you are encouraged to unplug and play!

10. California Academy of Sciences | San Francisco, California

California Academy of Sciences

Photo courtesy of California Academy of Sciences Photo courtesy of California Academy of Sciences

From the moment you see its living roof of rolling green hills, you know you're in for a completely immersive experience at the California Academy of Sciences. Inside, you can journey through a tropical rainforest, coming face-to-face with 1,600 live animals, before heading downstairs to see one of the most biologically diverse aquariums in the world. Be sure to say hi to the albino alligator, Claude, while you're there!

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Laurie Jo Miller Farr headshot

An award-winning contributor to luxury lifestyle and travel magazines, Laurie Jo Miller Farr specializes in deluxe hotels and destination marketing. Based in New York City, she is a dual U.S./U.K. citizen, having spent half a lifetime in London. Formerly serving as the tourism promotion director for the city's official tourism boards in both NYC and Boston, she recently relocated from San Francisco, where she edited a weekly travel newsletter and co-hosted a podcast. Follow her @lauriejmfarr.

Sarah Morgensen headshot

SJ Morgensen is a professional freelance writer who writes about U.S. travel, culture and cuisine. She has a background in financial services, holds a BA in history and is naturally curious. Her work has been featured in numerous digital and print publications including Arizona Highways and Northwest Travel and Life Magazine. Follow her quest to visit all 50 states and all 63 U.S. national parks and for budget-minded travel inspiration at theprosperousblonde.com.

Stacey Wittig

Stacey Wittig loves to go deep to uncover the spirit and culture of a place. A writer and book author, Stacey has bylines and photos in a variety of digital and print publications including National Geographic Traveler, Forbes, The Telegraph, Arizona Wine Lifestyle and quite a few guidebooks. When she's not walking solo across Spain, Italy or France, she's hiking her home turf in Flagstaff, Arizona with her husband Dan. Read about her adventures at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.