Thursday, September 4, 2014

Take the Kids to the New York Hall of Science

Since 1964, when it was built as part of the New York World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science has been enthralling adults and children. When it was first opened it was one of the very few science museums anywhere in the world. After going through a period of severe deterioration and then renovation, it reopened in 1986 to unexpected crowds of visitors, inspiring even more expansion of the facility.

NY Hall of Science
In 2004 the museum’s north wing was opened. This wing is called the “Hall of Light” and differs significantly in design from the rest of the museum. Because of the semi-transparent fiberglass insulating panel system on the slanted roof and walls of the upper floor, sunlight is able to enter, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. This special design has resulted in a LEED certification for the building.

The fifth annual World Maker Faire is coming to the NY Hall of Science on September 20-21. The Faire will host over 700 ‘makers’ exhibiting such amazing examples of modern technology and scientific achievements as personal drones, wearables, 3D printing, humanoid robots, and much, much more.

The Faire will be housed in the northwest corner of Corona Park in Queens. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Faire. The museum is certainly worth a visit any time of year. Hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5:45pm. Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4:45pm. Adults are $11 and children ages 2-17 cost $8. There is free admission in the winter/spring months from September to June on Fridays from 2-5pm and Sundays from 10-11am.