Da Vinci Science Center
Da Vinci Science Center
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Da Vinci Science Center's mission is to bring science to life and lives to science. The brand-new facility in downtown Allentown features awe-inspiring exhibit galleries designed to ignite your curiosity and immerse you in the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Highlights include North American river otters and other wildlife, hands-on exhibits, and blockbuster traveling exhibitions that change several times a year.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
232 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
68
Average
34
Poor
13
Terrible
6
Paula J
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
We took our 5 year old there today. The center was exactly the same as it was 6 years ago when I was there for work with a summer camp. We were also very disappointed in the wear and tear of the exhibits. They are not taken care of or kept up with. I was glad we didn’t pay more than we did per ticket; however, I would not recommend this to others until updates are made.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmcd741
New Jersey16 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Wasn’t anything close to the class of the old location. Our grandchildren were extremely as they put it BUMMED OUT.
What they show is not whats in the new location. Very mis informed. Plus everything is an extra as well.
You cant bring in food …reason is they want to sell you very overpriced foods that weren’t very good at all.
Also parking is a cost. The old location wasn’t in a crowed sketchy area. We felt somewhat uneasy walking to the Center.
What they show is not whats in the new location. Very mis informed. Plus everything is an extra as well.
You cant bring in food …reason is they want to sell you very overpriced foods that weren’t very good at all.
Also parking is a cost. The old location wasn’t in a crowed sketchy area. We felt somewhat uneasy walking to the Center.
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina C
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Today I took my grandson to the Da Vinci Science center and was very disappointed. What happened to all the attractions/activities that was promised to still be in the new Center?? They seemed to have ignored the younger kids. And on top of everything else, I didn’t get any percentage off for being a member when I purchased an item in the gift shop. And now I have to pay for parking. You need a new director in charge who will cater to all age groups.
Written 11 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
Well where should I start, guess I Will start from the beginning. I decided to take my 2 children and my wife to the Davinci Science center the new facility in Allentown on Hamilton when we got there I purchased 4 tickets total 2 adults and 2 children which came out to about a $100 dollars then after I purchase the regular one day ticket the clerk advised me I should buy a yearly pass because they well have a lot of events like the sharks so my children heard that and asked to purchase purchase a yearly pass so we can see the sharks while the clerk was there listening so I told the clerk let me think about it an tell you later after me and my family try the exhibit.Then we were finished with seeing the facility so I went back to the clerk and told him my children really want to see those sharks so I would like to come again to see those sharks and special events but he never mentioned any other few except to pay another 100 dollars for the yearly pass so I am thinking this a great deal. The clerk says come back next month to see the sharks and I said sure. So when we came back me and my family of 4 were looking forward to seeing the sharks so when enter the facility we go to the clerk and show her our membership and how we paid about 200 dollars. Then clerk said where are you going you have to pay an extra fee to see the sharks I was like what I was never told I will have to pay more. So told the clerk I will like to speak to the manager.Then the manager came out and explained the same thing you have to pay extra for each person 7 dollars each for kids and 10 for you and your wife so if you do the math that is 34 dollars and with tax. The manager showed no sympathy so I said just give me a refund for the yearly pass and she said no I will have to ask another manager I will get back with you. So I waited a few days for a response no response. Then I called back spoke to another manager Eric He said the same thing no refund but he will ask another manager and get back with me. I waited and still no one reach out to me again.When I called again I spoke to Katlyn one of the main managers she was rude and showed no sympathy what me and my family been through when I explained what happened she said I can offer you is 2 children tickets to see the sharks the extra fee they call it and I was like that is all you can offer when I paid for a yearly pass for a family of 4 can at least give me a total of 4 tickets to see the sharks then she said no and I mentioned that is not good enough and still didn't show sympathy or sorry.Then I told her I guess I will have to give you a bad review then Katlyn the manager said that is ok give me a bad review and have a nice day. I never heard of such a response from a manager. I am a manager myself but never well the real reason I am doing this Review is because I don't you to go through the same issue before you purchase tickets ask a million questions because they are not going to tell you they are extra fees.
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LifeInER
Bethlehem, PA12 contributions
I just took my children (ages 6 and 8) to the center, finally, after passing it several times. Upon arrival, the building is new and neat and the interior is clean. However, after going to the exhibits, I was thoroughly disappointed. First, the building is misleading to the size of the exhibits. The area for exhibits is very small. The majority of the space is used for offices, classrooms, and an eating area. Upstairs is merely a hallway filled with exhibits surrounded by classrooms and offices. Most of the exhibits are self guided which does nothing for children who can't read. I even had trouble understanding the point of some of the exhibits because they do not have an explanation. At the time my family went, there were 6 exhibits closed in addition to an indoor/outdoor bee hive with no bees. I don't base my rating on this but given the limited number of things to do, I think this is excessive. Of the workers we saw, a couple of them were helping children with some of the more difficult or dangerous items but the rest seemed like guards patrolling making sure the children wait their turn. Lastly, and most important, the price was astronomical for the product. A family of four costs $41. We went through all the exhibits, then let the kids roam freely and we were still done in 1.5 hours. I think the center has a lot of potential and is a much needed place for children in the Lehigh Valley, but I will not go back until the center expands it's exhibits or the price matches the experience. My children did love the center but they don't pay the bill or understand value yet.
Written 20 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
exauctioneer
Marietta, GA147 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
In most situations, a museum designed primarily for children is also OK for adults. This one was not. The displays were intended to be instructional but many were in such poor condition that they either did not work at all or really failed to provide good demonstration of the principles they were supposed to show. No special exhibits were open and the "gift shop" contained very few things that were of educational value. Although we are seniors and generally know most of the principles being shown, one of us is also a retired school teacher so is a reasonably good assessor of this type of place. We have children, grand-children and great grand-children so have a bit of experience in teaching young folks. Neither of us thought that this place was worthwhile.
Written 16 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doreen G
Allentown PA65 contributions
I guess if you are taking children here it might be okay. My husband and I decided to see what it was all about and we were very disappointed. The exibits that were there were extremely boring. I don't know what I expected, perhaps something like the Franklin Institute. That was nit the case. Frankly, I would be surprised if kids would be entertained.
Written 19 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt S
22 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
I went down to the center with my family with high expectations based on the information collected before our visit. My 8 year old nephew said the place was "boring" and I never thought I would have agreed. Although "boring" isn't how I will describe it.
First, it's very small so I would recommend visiting with some foresight on how busy it may be. If possible. Granted I went on a Federal Holiday but was still surprised about what I felt was it being too cramped.
I really thought there would be more exhibits and felt that what was offered did not demonstrate scientific concepts in a manner that made it interesting or exciting. Granted, I believe a lot of people just interact with the exhibits just to interact with them and not really get the point. However, I thought the exhibits and portrayal of the related science could be a improved on.
A pet peeve of mine and not necessarily be blamed (or could it?) on the facility is adults "hogging" exhibits and not for demonstrative purposes. The other is kids that still play in areas they are obviously overgrown for (8-10 year olds in the pre-school room).
Personally, I will never visit the facility again. There are plenty of other great spots in the Allentown area to choose from.
First, it's very small so I would recommend visiting with some foresight on how busy it may be. If possible. Granted I went on a Federal Holiday but was still surprised about what I felt was it being too cramped.
I really thought there would be more exhibits and felt that what was offered did not demonstrate scientific concepts in a manner that made it interesting or exciting. Granted, I believe a lot of people just interact with the exhibits just to interact with them and not really get the point. However, I thought the exhibits and portrayal of the related science could be a improved on.
A pet peeve of mine and not necessarily be blamed (or could it?) on the facility is adults "hogging" exhibits and not for demonstrative purposes. The other is kids that still play in areas they are obviously overgrown for (8-10 year olds in the pre-school room).
Personally, I will never visit the facility again. There are plenty of other great spots in the Allentown area to choose from.
Written 17 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
22TravelingMama
Riverdale, NJ63 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We went on school break with three boys ages from 4 to 8. Each section had many exhibits that they could not wait to explore. All three of them loved that virtually everything could be touched and was interactive. The water areas where you could build a dam to stop the flow of water as well as the location where you could continually change the path for the rubber ducks to flow/race from one end to the other were a huge hit. The small touch tank had a half dozen or so things for them to touch with varying textures.
We have been to numerous science centers, some of which are larger; however, the interactivity and access at this one was better than others. It was also the first time we ever had an employee of a science center come over (on his own initiative) and explain and assist the kids with an exhibit to help them learn and enjoy. Another unique feature is the well thought out consideration for adults because there are nice seating areas in almost every section where the adults can watch the kids explore, but also take a break if they need it. Lastly, the gift shop had a nice selection and in the scheme of science center/museum gift shops had very reasonable prices.
For a planning note - there is nothing onsite for lunch, but you have two options: there is an area with tables where you can eat your own lunch; or in less than a mile there are several fast food or sit down restaurant options.
We have been to numerous science centers, some of which are larger; however, the interactivity and access at this one was better than others. It was also the first time we ever had an employee of a science center come over (on his own initiative) and explain and assist the kids with an exhibit to help them learn and enjoy. Another unique feature is the well thought out consideration for adults because there are nice seating areas in almost every section where the adults can watch the kids explore, but also take a break if they need it. Lastly, the gift shop had a nice selection and in the scheme of science center/museum gift shops had very reasonable prices.
For a planning note - there is nothing onsite for lunch, but you have two options: there is an area with tables where you can eat your own lunch; or in less than a mile there are several fast food or sit down restaurant options.
Written 25 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda A S
Wilkes-Barre, PA26 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
This is a fun and educational Center. Took my granddaughters ages 6 & 3 and they didn't want
to leave. There was a pre-school room with large soft blocks to stack and build, story books, counting area, many activities to keep a preschooler occupied for sometime. There are two floors of learning activities and fun things to do. Admission is 4-12 $8.95; adult $11.95 well worth all they
have to offer a young mind.
to leave. There was a pre-school room with large soft blocks to stack and build, story books, counting area, many activities to keep a preschooler occupied for sometime. There are two floors of learning activities and fun things to do. Admission is 4-12 $8.95; adult $11.95 well worth all they
have to offer a young mind.
Written 9 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DSCAllentown
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Hello, general admission is $14.95. If you would like to see the DINO-LIGHT shows, tickets are an additional $3. Thank you.
Written 26 December 2018
This was my favorite place when I was younger. My boyfriend is from England so he hasn’t ever been to a place like this. I’m 20 and he’s 21 do you think it would still be a fun experience?
Written 28 November 2017
It’s really for younger people but can be fun if you realize that before you visit.
Written 12 April 2018
jal7l
Dunmore, Pennsylvania
I was wondering I had a question regarding about your Museum I have disability and I cannot walk very far and what I was wondering was if you had Mobility. Available for me to use while I was there? If so are they for rent? next line thanks for your help and input sincerely Jeffrey Lee send
Written 3 March 2017
Sorry but I don't know. Your best bet would be to call the museum.
Written 4 March 2017
How was the birthday party? How many people did you have and what level? I cant find any review for party
Thanks
Written 1 February 2015
A Tripadvisor member
It was a school trip, we had over 30 kids, all 4th graders. There were birthday parties there at the same time and they were for about 10 or 12 kids. All in all, it's well run and they keep things organized and moving along. Like all "children's museums" it gets LOUD so if you have kids who don't handle massive sensory overload, maybe not the best choice. But if you come knowing that it's going to be a little loud and crazy, it can be fun. There's a really big room for the kids to sit and eat, and they also have all kinds of smaller rooms for group lessons and experiments. Would definitely recommend for kids party for kid aged maybe 7 to 12, perhaps some older kids would like it too.
Written 2 February 2015
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