Fly a Drone, Build a Bulb on Powerful Journey Through New York Energy Zone

Take a powerful journey through the past, present, and future of electricity at the New York Energy Zone. You can have fun flying a drone or building a bulb all while learning along the way.

The fully-immersive and hands-on experience at the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone has more than 40 interactive exhibits. And it's all free!

Your electrifying experience begins with a 3D movie that takes you back in time with Nikola Tesla. Then you're off on a journey through the mysteries of electricity where interactive exhibits, activities, and videos meet you at every turn.

Build a Bulb

The first stop introduces you to early power and the man behind the light bulb - Thomas Edison. It's where you'll learn to build your own bulb to see if you can find the light. I actually made it work and got to take a picture with the inventor himself.

Solar, Wind & Microgrids

Your journey moves into current power and how it's delivered to people today. Learn how we bring power from all different sources as you create a power plant, microgrid, solar, and wind installation all while keeping track of your progress with your personalized power pass. It's not as easy as it sounds. But it sure is fun!

You'll even become a control room operator and feel the intensity of trying to keep everything up and running. It's intense. My heart was racing.

Fly a Drone

If all that's not cool enough, you even get to fly a drone, fixing power line problems along the way. I was pretty good at this one and I even have the picture to prove it.

Future of the Grid

The final stop is a look behind the curtain, literally. Step into 'The Future of the Grid,' and get your groove on in an electric dance party before becoming surrounded by what's to come in the years ahead.

Making Learning Fun

There are conference rooms and classrooms for large groups and school trips.

If learning was this much fun, I may have paid attention a little more in class and actually learned something.

Step into Energy Zone as we go on the road for an inside tour.

Energy Zone Hours

Check out this gem 7 days a week. The John S Dyson New York Energy Zone is located at 35 Utica Way in front of the Utica Zoo and is open from 10 am - 5 pm. Admission is free!

Learn more at NYPA.gov.

The Energy Zone will also be open Fri-Sun during Utica Zoo Bright Nights on December 16, 17, and 18 until 8 PM.