The hands-on science museum in Corona, Queens, with the big rockets out front, a Saturday Sensory Hour every week from 10 to 11 am with dimmed lights and quieter exhibits, free Sensory Sensitive Backpacks with headphones at the front desk, and a picture social narrative to read ahead.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; last entry at 4 pm, and some exhibits close earlier in the day. Saturday Sensory Hour: every Saturday, 10 to 11 am. Free Community Hours: Fridays, 2 to 5 pm, with reservations. The museum is also open on most NYC school holidays; its list includes Christmas Eve and the winter break week from the Monday after Christmas through New Year's Day.
“Every Saturday from 10am - 11am, we dim our lights and quiet our exhibits so that visitors can have an all around less stimulating experience here before it gets crowded.” nysci.org (Saturday Sensory Hour)
“There are also exhibits about light and energy on the main level. It can get really bright and loud here.”
“If I need a quiet space I can ask a staff member to open the Nursing Room on the Street Level or the First Aid Room on the Lower Level.”
“Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.” nysci.org (Visit)
The free Sensory Sensitive Backpacks hold sunglasses, headphones, fidget toys and a social narrative card with visuals that explains what to expect. They're lent for your visit.
The picture social narrative (March 2026) walks through the visit floor by floor: the rockets and the entrance, the admissions desk, the main level with exhibits about microbes, prosthetics and accessibility, math, and light and energy, the Mars Rover and Bubbles area and the Preschool Place, Rocket Park (mini golf if it's open), the Lower Level with the Design Lab, the Demonstration Area where science shows happen and the Maker Space, the Upper Level with City Works and Connected Worlds, the playground and the movie theater, the Dining Area and the science shop. Ask for a copy at admission.
NYSCI also posts sensory play guides and Visual Activity Guides, step-by-step picture instructions for STEAM activities, to use at home.
Light and energy exhibits, main level (can get really bright and loud)not stated
Mars Rover and Bubbles area (many different sounds)not stated
Movie theater, Upper Level (a dark room with dim lights that can get loud during the movie)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
Nursing Room, Street Level, or First Aid Room, Lower Levelquiet zone
The whole museum during Saturday Sensory Hour, 10 to 11 amquiet zone
General Admission: adults (18 and up) $22; children (2 to 17), students with ID and seniors (62 and up) $19. NYSCI Plus, with the 2D/3D Theater, Rocket Park Mini Golf and Science Playground (subject to availability): adults $33, children, students and seniors $30. Each add-on alone is $6 ($4 for most members) and is sold only in person at the desk on the day of your visit. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free Community Hours: every Friday, 2 to 5 pm, general admission is free for everyone (not mini golf, 3D shows or programs with fees). Reservations are required and open online that Friday morning, at 9 am or 10 am.
Access programs: Cool Culture pass (free for up to 5 people; bring the pass and ID to the front desk, no online booking), Blue Star Museums for active-duty military and families, ASTC Passport (free) and ACM (discounted) reciprocal members (book online, show your card and photo ID), Urban Advantage vouchers at the Admissions Desk (first come, first served), and Museum Employee plus one guest, Museums Council Pass, Teacher and Free Passes at the front desk with ID.
Parking in NYSCI's private lot is $15 per car during museum hours ($20 for group vehicles), free for Family Explorer, Family Premium and Family Pass members, and not available during the U.S. Open; prices may change during events. Enter from 46th Avenue and 111th Street. By transit: the 7 train to 111th Street, the Q23 or Q58 bus to Corona Avenue and 108th Street, or the Q48 bus to 111th Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
Outside food and drinks aren't allowed in the cafe, run by Butter Beans Kitchen. Strollers are allowed throughout the building, self-service lockers start at $5 (free for members), and a limited number of wheelchairs are lent free at the main entrance with an ID as deposit. Service animals are welcome; bikes and scooters aren't allowed inside.
