The New York Hall of Science collaborates with local schools, families, and community-based organizations to co-design learning opportunities that improve access to and engagement with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

NYSCI proudly serves over 15,000 community members annually through various community programs and activities. Our commitment to co-designing programs and initiatives in collaboration with community members ensures that offerings are responsive to the diverse needs and interests of the community. NYSCI leverages the strengths and resources within communities, while also celebrating cultural diversity through programming, staffing, and educational opportunities. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, NYSCI is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that inspire lifelong learning and curiosity within the communities it serves.

We are excited to invite community members to visit the New York Hall of Science with family and friends during our weekly Community Hours. General admission is free each Friday from 2pm to 5 pm for families to have fun and explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on exhibits and activities.

Community hours are every Friday from 2pm-5pm. You can reserve free tickets during community hours online starting the morning of the Friday you want to visit. Tickets are also available in person but if you want to reserve tickets online, visit here.

Design Lab: Visitors are invited to engage in a variety of design challenges, interact with various materials, and be empowered to solve real-world problems. Visit each week to try a different rotating activity!

Makerspace: Learn and create together with your family. Visitors are invited to explore real tools and re-imagine everyday materials in a new way. Visit each week to try a different rotating activity, such as woodworking, soldering, 3D printing, and more!

In partnership with District 24 schools, NYSCI offers specialized events that invite families from the local community to visit NYSCI, explore exhibits, and engage in interactive STEM experiences together. These STEM Family Days incorporate culturally rich science and art activities to highlight the importance of cultural context in STEM education and a safe learning space that celebrates the diversity of STEM. Recent STEM Family Days have included designing and making lanterns with LEDs in celebration of Lunar New Year, and exploring the science and engineering behind traditional Mexican Piñatas. Through this approach, participants gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and cultivate an appreciation for the ways in which science intersects with their own cultural experiences.

Families Learning Together is a multi-day parent education program where adult caregivers and their children engage in hands-on STEM activities using simple everyday materials. Through a blend of collaborative and separate activities, caregivers deepen their understanding of STEM and discover ways to enrich their children’s everyday learning. Each family that participates receives a free STEM Backpack Toolkit, which contains science tools and an activity guide, empowering families to continue STEM learning at home. This is a bilingual program facilitated in English/Spanish. If you are interested in learning more, please email our team at communityengagement@nysci.org.

The Everyday Science Workshop is a one-hour program designed to foster exploration and discovery among local parents and caregivers through activities and discussions. These fully Spanish-English bilingual workshops highlight the ways that STEM learning opportunities occur in everyday activities, and can be implemented at NYSCI or at your school. If you are interested in hosting an Everyday Science workshop at your school, please email communityengagement@nysci.org.

NYSCI connects with families residing in or who have children attending schools in Corona or Elmhurst to provide information on upcoming events in English and Spanish, collect feedback, and share memorable community moments. Community members are welcome to request to join this group through Facebook. Acceptance is based on verifying community affiliation by filling out a form. https://www.facebook.com/groups/nysci.community

Discover everything NYSCI has to offer with our special Community Membership, designed for families living in Corona (11368) or Elmhurst (11373), or whose children attend schools in these areas. Enjoy exclusive perks such as access to NYSCI, the Science Playground, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and Member-only events. Please come to the visitor experience desk to purchase your membership, and bring along proof of eligibility such as a piece of mail, your child's report card, or ID.

This work is funded with leadership support by the Science Sandbox, an initiative of the Simons Foundation. Additional support has been provided by BNY Mellon, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Richmond County Savings Foundation, the Robin Hood Learning and Technology Fund. These programs are also made possible in part by public funds from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

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