Are you looking for ideas on how to spend your spring break? It doesn’t have to be all about surf and sand. In fact, there are some great finds that are designed to feed your passion and your mind.

This month, Vaughn College has narrowed down some of the top college spring break destinations for the knowledge seeker. There’s something for everyone. From the traveling thrill seeker to those who want to stay close to home, this year’s spring break can be one for the books. (Oh, wait. Forget we said books. You’re taking a break from those!)

If you are looking to stay closer to home but still get out and enjoy a spring break trip, check out our top picks for places to visit in New York City. They’re not only fun but educational. (Forget we said the last part.)

The Hayden Planetarium

Explore the solar system and experience a virtual joyride of the universe at the Hayden Planetarium. Located on Central Park West in Manhattan, this $210 million planetarium will leave you with your head in the stars―and beyond. It’s a great day trip to take alone or with your friends.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

This military and maritime museum is a favorite among plane and aviation buffs. Centered on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is a permanent fixture on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It showcases the cruise missile submarine USS Growler, the British Airways Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise, among other transports. A trip to this military and maritime museum makes for a fun day out.

New York Hall of Science

You can’t drive through Corona and Flushing, Queens without seeing the landmark fixtures of the 1964-65 World’s Fair. The New York Hall of Science, which was originally founded during that time, remains a key part of the science education community. It offers 450 exhibits, demonstrations, workshops and activities relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Also on display are the Mercury-Atlas D and Gemini Titan II rockets. Whether you’ve been there before or thinking about going, a spring break trip to visit the New York Hall of Science is a great idea! It’s literally in your backyard.

If you’re looking to travel for spring break, here are our top picks for individuals interested in science, engineering or aviation.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Experiencing the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an engineer’s dream. While most thrill seekers and tourists would see this as a breathtaking experience, engineering enthusiasts can appreciate the technical accomplishment of its structure. Did you know the Skywalk is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale? That’s some serious engineering. Find out how to get to the Grand Canyon Skywalk on your spring break trip!

National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, located in Washington, D.C., is the ultimate playground for aviation enthusiasts. The museum houses the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. For New York City residents, it’s about a five-hour drive―and well worth the spring break trip―to experience aviation history at its finest. Plus, admission is free.

Hale Telescope

Galactic thrill seekers will marvel at the Hale Telescope, located at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California. Built by Caltech, the Hale Telescope is one of the world’s largest and most powerful reflective telescopes. Did you know the Hale Telescope has shown us thousands of asteroids and provided us the first direct evidence of stars in distant galaxies? Wow, that’s technology that’s literally out of this world!

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, located in Chicago, Illinois, is the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere. With so much to see and do, it’s best to put a plan together before your visit. You can find out all this museum has to offer as a fun college spring break destination.

Boeing Aviation Center

If you ever wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest, the Boeing Aviation Center is one destination to consider for your spring break trip. Located in Mukilteo, Washington―which is about an hour drive from Seattle―the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour provides visitors entry into the Boeing Everett Factory. There, visitors can view all stages of construction of aircraft, which includes the 747, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. The tour includes several other exciting exhibits throughout the Center. Did you know the manufacturing complex holds the Guinness World Record for the largest building in the world by volume? It measures 472 million cubic feet and covers 98.3 acres! The structure of the complex is a wonder in itself.

How ever you decide to spend your time off, Vaughn wishes you and all other students and faculty a fun, safe spring break.