The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is a place of wonder and discovery for families. Founded in 1927, it’s the fourth oldest children’s museum in the United States and serves over 200,000 visitors each year. Your kids will love the hands-on exhibits focused on science and nature, designed especially for children ages 2-8.
Located at 180 Mohegan Drive, the museum offers a perfect blend of learning and fun. You can visit Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Saturdays from 1 to 5 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum’s recent move has brought new energy and focus to this beloved Connecticut institution.
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The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is a fantastic place for kids to learn through play. You’ll find a variety of interactive exhibits that make science and nature fun and accessible for younger children. The museum focuses on hands-on activities that encourage creative thinking and lifelong learning.
Your children will love the multi-sensory exhibits and wildlife sanctuary. The museum offers special demonstrations, workshops, and events designed to engage curious minds. It’s the perfect spot for a family day filled with educational entertainment.
Did you know The Children’s Museum also has its own preschool? Located right on their West Hartford campus, it integrates science experiences into early childhood education. This unique approach helps young learners develop a foundation of scientific curiosity.
For nature lovers, the nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton extends the museum experience. You can explore animal exhibits, join nature programs, and even go hiking or bird watching. The center also includes a Wildlife Clinic that helps injured animals.
Rating: 4 (564 reviews)
Location: 180 Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117
Contact: (860) 231-2824
Website: Visit Website
The Children’s Museum Preschool
The Children’s Museum Preschool offers a unique “Where Learning is Child’s Play” approach that will captivate your little one’s imagination. This NAEYC Accredited Early Learning Program focuses on child-centered activities that foster curiosity and a strong desire to learn in a safe, nurturing environment.
Your child will thrive with teachers who hold degrees and years of experience in early childhood education. The play-based philosophy helps children develop not only academic skills but also important social abilities that will benefit them throughout life.
What makes this preschool special is the amazing access to the museum itself. Children visit the museum and wildlife sanctuary monthly, plus enjoy special visits from community helpers like firefighters and dental hygienists. You’ll love the family events and the included Museum Membership that extends to your family.
The preschool offers both full-day and part-day options year-round, giving you flexibility for your family’s schedule. Your children will come home happy and excited about their day, eager to share all they’ve discovered through hands-on learning experiences.
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Location: 180 Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117
Contact: (860) 523-7449
Website: Visit Website
History of The Children’s Museum
Founded in 1927, The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is the fifth oldest children’s museum in the nation. It started as a simple one-room natural history museum in The Pond House at Elizabeth Park in Hartford.
From these humble beginnings, the museum moved to Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford in 1958. This location served as its home for over 60 years, until 2022 when it returned to Hartford.
You might be surprised to learn that the museum was formerly known as The Science Center of Connecticut until 2006. Throughout its changes, it has maintained its commitment to educating young minds.
The Children’s Museum Preschool, established in 1946, is another important part of its history. This highly respected program features a science-curriculum that has helped shape young learners for generations.
Today, the museum serves over 200,000 visitors each year and primarily focuses on children ages 2-8. When you visit with your family, you’ll be experiencing a piece of Connecticut’s educational heritage!
The museum complex now includes the Travelers Science Dome at the Gengras Planetarium, adding to its educational offerings. Throughout its nearly 100-year history, The Children’s Museum has evolved while staying true to its mission of inspiring young minds.
Exhibits and Attractions
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford offers exciting hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and learning. The museum features multiple levels of interactive exhibits and over 100 live animals that children can observe up close.
Interactive Science Exhibits
Step into a world of discovery where learning happens through play! The multi-level museum is packed with exhibits designed to capture your imagination and develop curiosity about science and the natural world.
Your kids can explore various hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging. Each exhibit encourages active participation rather than passive observation, helping children develop problem-solving skills while they’re having a blast.
The museum’s design caters to different age groups, ensuring even the youngest visitors can find something fascinating to explore. Science concepts come alive through interactive displays that let children experiment, observe, and draw their own conclusions.
Don’t miss the opportunities for STEM learning disguised as play. These exhibits change periodically, so there’s always something new to discover on repeat visits.
Live Animal Sanctuary
Get ready for some amazing animal encounters! The Wildlife Sanctuary houses over 100 animals, making it one of the museum’s most popular attractions.
You’ll see a variety of creatures including:
- Turtles (many different species)
- Chinchillas
- Rabbits
- Spiders
- Other small mammals and reptiles
Each animal habitat is designed to provide both comfort for the animals and excellent viewing opportunities for curious kids. The sanctuary creates perfect learning moments about habitats, animal behavior, and conservation.
Staff members are often available to answer questions and sometimes offer special demonstrations or feeding sessions. These up-close experiences with animals create memorable moments that foster respect for wildlife.
The sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe animals that many children might not otherwise encounter, making it an educational highlight of your museum visit.
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