The girls and I (and Samantha’s BFF) took a trip down to New Jersey this weekend to have some fun at Liberty Science Center. We had a blast the last time we were there and were expecting nothing less than an amazing time. While that’s usually a recipe for disaster, I’m happy to report that Liberty Science Center totally delivered.
I was shocked (again) at how much there is to do there. While the girls spent a fair amount of time climbing around the Infinity Climber and checking out Infection Connection like they did last time, this experience was completely different.
Infection Connection
This time, the girls put on lab coats and goggles and sat down in the lab to learn how to test DNA samples for a virus. This was a major highlight of the trip for them. Not only did they get to look like scientists, but they got to do a hands-on science experiment.
The older girls also sat down with “patients” (which were basically mannequins) and got to learn how to diagnose their illnesses. They thought this was amazing, while Ellie was happy to run around crawling through blood vessels and riding the subway.
Touch Tunnel
Speaking of crawling, this time we got a chance to check out the Touch Tunnel too. The most popular exhibit there, the Touch Tunnel is an 80-foot, pitch black crawl-through tunnel that you find your way through entirely by touch. Since it’s so popular, the lines can get incredibly long. Luckily we got there early enough in the day that we went through it multiple times before it got crowded. The girls loved the infrared pictures that were posted from inside the tunnel and that they could email them to themselves.
Skyscrapers!
Skyscrapers! is a really cool. It shows off all of the engineering and design that goes into building the tallest buildings. While Ellie stayed on the ground level drawing skyscraper designs, the older girls put on harnesses and climbed 18-feet above the gallery floor to see what it’s like to be an ironworker walking around on steel beams.
There’s also an awesome Curtain Wall Test in this exhibit that shows how buildings are tested for weather resistance. You get to put on a poncho and sit in hurricane force winds and rain. It looked like so much fun, but there are age requirements for this one. Ellie was too young and the older girls were too young to go in without an adult. Bummer.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious
The Curious George exhibit is back by poplar demand through January 8, 2017 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of George’s debut. Perfect for little ones, it’s filled with activities that invite kids to learn through hands-on experience and problem solving—just like George. There’s an apartment building with lots of wheels and pulleys, a space rocket slide, a sidewalk produce stand, farm, city park, and construction site. It’s children’s museum heaven for young kids.
After spending hours wandering around, I was completely exhausted—and we didn’t even get to check out Bodies Revealed or the Nikola Tesla Lightning Show. You know what that means, right? We have to go back again soon!
Liberty Science Center giveaway!
I have 4 tickets to give away to one lucky reader so that you can check it out too! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. I’ll choose a winner next Wednesday. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
As a Liberty Science Center Ambassador for the day, I was provided with vouchers for my visit. All opinions are my own… and those of my highly opinionated children.
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
We went once when D was much younger – I think he would have such a blast going now! He was too little then to do the Infinity Climber and Touch a Tunnel and was a bit upset about it but now he could do all the exciting big kid activities!!
My 11-year old twins would absolutely love the Touch Tunnel!
Wow! I have been looking for stimulating new places to take my 4 yr old! I don’t think there is one exhibit that he would not like… Thanks for sharing!!
I still remember going when I was a kid, it was magical! I would love to take my 7 and 4 year old to experience science and engineering up close, especially with the Curious George area- we have read those stories so many times, I know they would just light up to see their favorite characters and to have the chance to play around with some of the things from the show.
Hi Jen, I love your writings and musings and refreshingly in the moment perspectives! Keep up the delightful creations… I absolutely get you on the trance part and being a word nerd! Reading and watching your sharings helps me to remember to keep my soul alive and doing what’s fun for me to keep me sane and happy! This looks like a great excursion and I would have a blast doing this with my boys! Isense it is the kind of place that would create fond memories in the days ahead 🙂
The touch tunnel is our favorite