Science East
A unique children's science museum housed in a historic jail, offering interactive exhibits in chemistry, physics, and robotics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Science East
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more hands-on time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique children's science museum housed in a historic jail, offering interactive exhibits in chemistry, physics, and robotics.
"A delightful experience for adults expecting an East Children Science Centre, with cool exhibits and a unique jail history."
🎯 Embrace the Kids' Focus
It's geared towards younger children, so let them lead the exploration and enjoy the hands-on fun!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Hands-on displays in chemistry, physics, and robotics that engage young minds and encourage exploration.
The Old Jail Setting
Within the museum
Explore the unique historical jail cells, offering a fascinating blend of science and local history.
Slime Making Activity
Activity area
A messy, fun, and memorable science experiment that kids absolutely love.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's a Children's Science Center
Book Ahead for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Kids' Focus
It's geared towards younger children, so let them lead the exploration and enjoy the hands-on fun!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
🧼 Slime Time Fun!
Don't miss the slime making activity – it's a huge hit with the kids!
📸 Heat Sensor Camera
The heat sensor camera is a surprisingly cool and engaging exhibit for all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Kids' Focus
It's geared towards younger children, so let them lead the exploration and enjoy the hands-on fun!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
🧼 Slime Time Fun!
Don't miss the slime making activity – it's a huge hit with the kids!
📸 Heat Sensor Camera
The heat sensor camera is a surprisingly cool and engaging exhibit for all ages.
🎈 Birthday Party Spot
Consider Science East for a fun and interactive birthday party experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Science East to be a delightful and engaging experience, particularly for younger children, thanks to its interactive exhibits and unique historic jail setting. While some exhibits may require maintenance, the friendly staff and fun activities like slime making make it a memorable visit. Travelers should note its focus on younger audiences and be mindful of potential overcrowding during special events.
"Will not attend any science east related event again after attending their Halloween event/fundraiser in Fredericton today. It was over crowded to the point of becoming hazardous. Fundraising is great, but when you purposely sell more tickets than your space can support- you are being greedy. Not well organized and way too many tickets sold."
Candace Purcell
"Science East is not to be compared to Science North or ON Science Centre. Science East has repurposed a jail with a children’s science hands on exhibits.
Very children friendly , designed for 10 and under. The exhibits were traditional and would be informative and interesting for children. An upgrade incorporating the 21th c Web based science would be appreciated however keep the children’s theme. A name addition adding “Children’ in the title would stop the disappointment of travellers expecting a North/ON Science Centre experience. The limiting factor is the Jail … all in all a delightful experience for an adult who was expecting an East Children Science Centre . The coolest experience was the heat sensor camera."
Geoff Ramalho
"We recently had my son's birthday party at Science East and it was a great experience! The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The children really enjoyed the science activity and exploring the museum.
We noticed quite a few of the exhibits were out of order or needed repairs, however. Hopefully they get some TLC soon!"
Melanie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Science East is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. It's accessible by car and public transport. Parking is available on-site, but can be limited during busy periods.
Yes, Science East makes for a great half-day or full-day trip, especially for families with young children.
The closest major airport is Fredericton International Airport (YFC), which is a short drive from the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Science East hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Admission prices are generally affordable and family-friendly. Check the Science East website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially for special events, to avoid disappointment and ensure entry.
Look out for potential family passes, group rates, or seasonal promotions on their website.
For special events, it's crucial to book well in advance as they can sell out. Be aware that overcrowding has been an issue in the past, so arrive early.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Science East is primarily designed for children aged 10 and under, with interactive exhibits focused on early science concepts.
Absolutely! The museum is known for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that encourage children to learn through play and experimentation.
The museum is housed in a repurposed jail, and you can explore some of the original jail cells, offering a unique historical perspective alongside the science exhibits.
Some reviews mention that a few exhibits may occasionally be out of order or in need of repair. It's worth noting, but doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience for most visitors.
While the historic jail building presents some challenges, Science East generally strives to be accessible. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Science East typically has a small snack bar or cafe offering light refreshments. It's advisable to check their website for current offerings.
Outside food and drinks may be permitted in designated areas, but it's best to confirm their policy upon arrival or on their website.
Yes, Fredericton has a variety of restaurants and cafes located a short distance from the museum, offering diverse dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside Science East, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in certain exhibit areas.
The old jail cells offer a unique backdrop, and the interactive exhibits provide fun opportunities for candid shots of children engaged in learning.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Be prepared for a focus on younger children's learning styles. While older kids might enjoy some aspects, the core experience is tailored for the under-10 crowd. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger school groups and maximize hands-on time with the exhibits.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Manage expectations by understanding it's geared towards younger children. If you have teens, they might enjoy the novelty of the jail and some of the more complex exhibits, but the primary audience is younger. It’s a solid choice for a few hours of fun and learning, offering a different kind of experience than a typical museum.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Setting: A Jailhouse Museum
While the jail's structure might limit the sheer scale of exhibits compared to purpose-built science centers, the team at Science East has done an amazing job maximizing the available space. Every corner is utilized for some form of experiment or interactive display, ensuring a packed and engaging experience for young visitors.
Interactive Learning for Young Minds
Reviewers consistently highlight how much children enjoy the hands-on nature of the exhibits. Even teenagers and adults in family groups found themselves engaged and having fun trying out the various experiments. This broad appeal underscores the success of their exhibit design in making science accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of ages, despite the primary target audience being younger children.
Navigating Special Events and Crowds
To ensure a positive experience, especially during popular events, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance and arrive early. This helps manage expectations and allows for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. Checking the museum's official channels for event-specific guidelines and capacity information is also a wise step.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit