The Liberty Science Center

(credit: Liberty Science Center)

222 Jersey City Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 200-1000
lsc.org

(closed on Mondays)

See Also: The 5 Best Museums For Dates

The Liberty Science Center is an expansive science museum with the largest IMAX dome theater in the United States. It also offers a cafe with surprisingly tasty food. Make a day of it by exploring the varied and extensive exhibits – including the largest exhibition of skyscrapers in the world with artifacts from the World Trade Center, an I-Beam walk two stories above the exhibition floor and an earthquake shake room – before beating the summer heat in the air-conditioned theater’s comfy seats before a documentary shot entirely in 3D. Adult ticket $15.75; children’s $11.50. The IMAX theater is $9 for adults and $7 for children.

Rice To Riches

(credit: Rice To Riches)

37 Spring Street
New York, N.Y.
212.274.0008
ricetoriches.com

Already exhausted your frozen yogurt, milkshake, gelato and homemade ice cream options? Looking for a new twist on a cool and refreshing dessert? This is sweetness like you’ve probably never seen. In a skinny city where places like Pinkberry make a business of encouraging visitors to top their non-fat concoctions with healthy additions like fruit and nuts, Nolita’s Rice To Riches offers heaping portions of their trendy take on comfort food while encouraging the overindulgence (the walls are lined with phrases poking fun at thin girls and fitness freaks). Try the Rocky Road or French Toast flavors. It’s a bit pricey, but even the smallest size is big enough for two to share.

The New York Public Library

(image courtesy of the New York Public Library)

455 5th Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 930-08000
nypl.com

If the arctic blast of air conditioning isn’t enough to entice you, stay for the atmosphere. Give the children an art lesson or take part in any of the free offerings for families. Flying solo? It’s easy to get lost in this place, with everything the Bryant Park institution has to offer. The Library is also hosting childrens’ events across Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island this week (for free) where you and the little ones can hide out from the heat. Check their website for more information.

New York Aquarium

(credit: New York Aquarium)

602 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, New York
(718) 265-3415
nyaquarium.com

Explore the air-conditioned halls of the Aquarium to see sea lions splashing around or check out other underwater creatures. You can also catch daily shark feedings. Adults $13; Kids (3-12) $9; Kids under 3: Free!

New Jersey Children’s Museum

(credit: New Jersey Children’s Museum)

599 Valley Health Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201)262-5151
njcm.com

Running out of things to do with the kids this summer vacation? This Paramus museum is a great bet for the youngsters. Exhibits range from historical (dinosaurs, fossils), to fantasy-based (princesses, knights) and modern (a fully interactive television studio). $10 for adults, $10 for kids. Babies are free.