Got boys and men in your house?  Got girls who love sports? Well, what are they more excited for . . . . Christmas, or the home-hosted Superbowl coming up in the next few months?  Wanna be a hero?  How about if you can combine BOTH of those worlds for them in one visit, without having to travel very far to do it?

The Liberty Science Center, about a half hour away at 222 Jersey City Boulevard, right off the Turnpike, in Jersey City, can afford you this opportunity.  If you’ve never been here, you are missing out.  It is a New Jersey treasure, easily reached from home.  Its everyday exhibits are virtually ALL interactive, informative, fun, and will burn into the memories of every child and adult that visits.  But it’s the seasonal exhibits you might want to focus on right now.

In honor of the upcoming Superbowl here in New Jersey, the Liberty Science Center is hosting Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Running from September 28, 2013 – March 2, 2014, it comes just in time for the “Big Game” at MetLife Stadium.   Gridiron Glory combines sports, history, and culture into an exciting, interactive exhibition. It is appropriate and equally exciting for guests of all ages, complete with rare historical artifacts, hands-on fun, chances to meet NFL alumni, and a “Hometown Heroes” section showcasing the Giants & Jets teams.

Ever want to see the actual The Tiffany’s-crafted Vince Lombardi Trophy?  It’s there!  How about the 1917 game ball used by Jim Thorpe?  Also there.  Along with items from the famed Immaculate Reception game, jerseys worn by the most famous pros, and much, much more.   Exhibits allow guests to compare their bosy size to that of a football player’s, try on actual professional football equipment, make a call as a referee in the NFL instant replay booth, and examine, up-close, the coach-to-quarterback communication devices.  You can even try out the training camp gallery, trying out the kicking simulator, the passing station, vertical and broad jump, and the step-over drill.  It’s an opportunity to REALLY get a bit of the look and feel of what a professional football player’s life is like.  Just in time to better appreciate the Superbowl.

And since it IS the holidays, after all, why not end your visit with The Polar Express, as seen in IMAX?  That well-loved family movie is BEST seen in high-sensory experience.  And IMAX provides just that.  You can purchase a combination ticket, or do a’ la carte, and maybe even walk around the museum a bit more to see some of the many different things it has to offer.  Its well, well worth it.  And they offer different discounts for teachers, students, and military members.  Check out www.lsc.org  for information on movies, exhibits, times, and ticket prices.

 

Football and Christmas . . . . . perfect together.