If you think the American Museum of Natural History is just a bunch of dusty dinosaur bones, think again. On the first Wednesday of the month, the the Museum serves up cocktails and conversations about some of the most fascinating topics in science. It’s informal and informative, but you have to be 21 and over to attend.

Get your geek chic on at the Secret Science Club. Every month, the smartest and hippest people in science head over to Brooklyn’s Bell House for music, drinks, films and lectures on everything from fossil hunting to hybrid flowers and plant evolution. Don’t miss out on their annual Taxidermy Contest–prizes go to the best stuffed beast.

Sure, New York’s light pollution makes it difficult to see the stars. But stargazers looking through the powerful telescopes on top of Columbia University’s Pupin Hall can see the Pleiades, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Even if the weather is cloudy, come for the bi-weekly lectures about the latest topics in astrophysics. Free and kid-friendly, too.

The philosophy behind Storefront Science is that learning is fun. Founder and science educator Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone created a space for kids to play and be inspired by science. Kids come for after school programs, day camps and weekend programs. Children explore topics in natural science, engineering and physics. You’re never too young to start learning.

Now in its fifth year, the World Science Festival attracts eminent scientists, artists, performers and philosophers from all over the world. The 2012 festival (from May 30 – June 3) will be held at different venues all over the city. Bring your children to the science street fair and events like Cool Jobs and Mathemagician and stay to listen to Nobel Laureates talk about the cutting edge of science.