Have been here with my son twice and he enjoyed it each time. I agree with some of the reviews that state the place looks old and somewhat dated but I didn't feel the place was filthy. My son is 3 and I don't think he noticed that the place is older or worn. He enjoys the different exhibits and animals. I do always feel bad for animals held in small areas though but have noticed that most of the kids museums we have been to in CT have animal rooms. Easy to spend about 2-3 hours here. Have come on weekends both times. read more

Children's Museum Group - Preschools Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

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I have to say that when I brought my son to this museum a couple years ago there seemed to be more for him to do. The kids liked the dinosaur room but it didn't have a whole lot to do. They're 4 so they would've stood in front of the video screen and pressed the yes or no buttons all day if we let them. The animals were a big hit. They got to pet a chinchilla and met a hedgehog. They liked the turtles but ran through there in a flash. The camp ground in the basement peaked their interest a little. They pretended to toast marshmallows and played in a tent. We went through the whole place in an hour and a half. Luckily I have a reciprocal membership so I paid half price for three of us and my friend printed off one free pass from the library. I don't think I would've paid full price. They are going to be moving so I am excited for the new museum. read more

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We really like this museum. There are a ton of cool animals , including a bob cat here and my little one loves to explore. Some of the exhibits are a little too advanced for her , but she still loves touching and playing. The front staff are incredibly kind and their covid protocol keeps traffic controlled. I wish they had more of a stroller friend layout ( lots of small steps to the next place) , but a nice activity with a toddler for sure! read more

Recently we threw our little one's birthday party here. The staff is good with information and things like that but wasn't that happy on the party day as they had many confusions on the room allotment and no coordination among them. We entered and literally waited for 30 minutes for the room..... Only for this reason i'm cutting back on one star. We got the Whale scene room, had about four big tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. We were also assigned to a dedicated staff who was our guide for the whole event. The museum is old however has quite interesting activities for the kids. We go two animals petting chance which happened at the event room and all the kids loved it. The museum guide was explaining and letting all the kids to pet. Kids had tons of questions and learnt a lot of new stuff! Later everybody got the museum tour which had an animal exhibit, the dinosaurs activity area, gift shop.... Last was a planetarium show, the theatre was big enough to hold at least 70 people. The show was so much fun for the kids as it was an animated version. The museum also offers a little play area at the planetarium level. For sure this museum is enjoyed by kids. Overall a big birthday bash at the museum. read more

Stopped by while I was visiting a friend graduating from UConn this weekend and absolutely enjoyed bringing my 2 kiddos! My oldest really enjoyed the snakes and turtles, as well as the toy campfire. read more

Recently went for a birthday party here, it's one of the oldest museums in Connecticut...that said it needed a lot of care, it could really use a makeover. Everything is so old and filthy. "State of the art" digital science dome really? The planetarium show almost broke my neck. I understand it's old but, can't we give our children a better experience in a better environment. They deserve better. Apart for the planetarium show, the museum offers hands on activities, live animal encounter, multi sensory exhibits and demonstrations. Most of which are include if you'd a guest at the birthday. One thing I did like was being greeted by the giant sperm whale, I thought that was nice. read more

I was so excited to take my four year-old here as I have taken his older brother when he was young but not to this location saying I was disappointed is an understatement $30 for me and my four year old to go to the basement and pick from 4 lackluster rooms to have fun in Save your money and just go to the science center you can get in there for less and have way more fun read more

The entire place, top to bottom, is tired, filthy and sad. Dim lighting, ripped carpets, broken moulding, hot and humid interior temp, dull exhibits... and everything is covered in a layer of grime. This was our last trip, we won't be back :( read more

This review pains me to write however I should of checked previous reviews prior to making the drive out to West Hartford. From the minute we got out of our car I got a feeling it wasn't going to be a good visit. The outside sidewalks are cracked and in new of repair especially for a business that has so many children on their property. The landscaping is extremely overgrown and in desperate need for attention, this should of tipped me off for how the inside would appear hence the stained and ripped carpets. Overall, the "museum" is very dated and not well suited for a two year. I asked the cashier when we walked in if it was appropriate for a newly turned two year old as I reviewed the map and she stated there is a ton for him. Unfortunately she was greatly mistaken. Yes, there is a "toddler" area however it's a basic open space, I could of went to a park instead if I wanted him to just run around not pay $. Compared to other children's museums in the state this place is extremely dated and isn't up to the level that we are used to with interactive activities for a young toddler. They also had multiple camp groups that over powered several of the areas and weren't accessible. I wish our experience was more positive but it was the biggest waste of time and money. read more

I was expecting more. The kids liked it fine, but its not a destination museum. I don't think many kids would spend more than 60-90 minutes here and its definitely for a younger crowd. Best for 3-6 year olds. I just can't give a children's museum less than three starts, but this place was a bit of a disappointment. read more

The museum has interesting exhibits, and a nature center with animals. There is a room where you can sit and eat a lunch that you bring into the museum. There are a few vending machines if you didn't bring any snacks. There are lots of stairs in this museum. It is not really accessible to wheelchairs or strollers, as it does not have ramps. I am not even sure whether there are elevators. There is only one restroom area, and it is right near the main check in desk. So if you are anywhere else in the museum, you have to go all the way back to the main desk to use the restroom. That is a hassle with little kids. The bathroom was dirty and really needed attention. The carpet is fraying and needs to be replaced. Actually, the whole place could really use a renovation. My kids had a good time there, and I'm not sure they noticed the cosmetic issues. We decided to watch a movie at the planetarium. Afterwards my husband mentioned that it was blurry, and I had noticed that as well. I am not sure if it is older movie equipment, or what. The dinosaur exhibit has a wooden thing with dinosaur "bones" that is a puzzle on the wall, that is supposed to fit together. My kids tried to put it together but the pieces kept falling out because the wood is all worn down on the things that are supposed to hold the pieces in. So it's basically useless. This place was probably awesome when it was new, but it is badly in need of updating and renovating. read more

I have yet to step into this facility but I am already not a fan of their "Policy". I'm paying for my son's bday to be held here. We have 8 total kids coming to the party and parents. Both mom and dad are coming to the party with the exception of maybe one or two children..... we paid for 12 kids and 8 parents. What's to happen with the other 4 parents for the 4 kids that make up that 12? Oh you want us to pay for those parents that are simply there to keep their child/toddler from destroying their facility or climbing on dinosaurs or throwing sand all over the place. Yes I'm stating the worse case scenario but why would someone pay for a party and then pay for additional parents because the price isn't included. Well I took 2 stars off because of that. The appearance of the place isn't updated what's so ever. The girl that did the demo with the animals was VERY NICE. VERY!! She had the perfect tone with the kids. She was very informative and kept it all simple for the kids to understand. She was also great during the arts and craft section of our time. I can't remember her name but she had a piercing on her lip. Don't judge the book people!! SUPER NICE and had a GREAT AURA to her. The dinosaur section: Was OK. 2-3 stars The Lizard lair: 3-4 stars. They had big lizards and small. They take them out of the tanks from time to time. Imagination playground: 4.22 stars. BUT could use some painting on the walls. Something. Seemed very plan and sterile. Turtle town: 3 Gingerbread Lane: 3.22. That was cool to look at and to ponder on the effort that it took to create ALL those gingerbread houses. Overall: the worse part of my experience is hearing the concept or policy that they have for holding parties at their facility. But what put the icing on the cake is when I asked the person on the phone which we were dealing with, "Do you think it makes sense to have 12 kids and 8 parents?" And the person casually said, "yeah. All you have to do is pay for the additional 4 parents or so." The casualness of his statement wanted me to have my party at Chucky Cheese where I can at least see parents "gone wild" and see them fighting over the last Chucky cheese ticket coming out of the machine. (Lol) Would I return? Yes. Would I hold a party there again? NO. The casualness of that statement and that policy or Party Package make up is ridiculous!!!! read more

I'd give zero stars if I could. We traveled from Springfield, MA to checkout this place. It was dingy, dirty, depressing, dark, everything's outdated. The exhibits are lame. The animals are sad. The carpets nasty, the floor squeaks, the dimensions of the building are really strange. There's no light (sunlight or just a light, airy, happy feeling). And it's $15pp. Totally overpriced. Our local Children's museum in Holyoke is only $8pp and $4 if you have a library card ($3 if you have EBT) and it's state of the art, clean, fun and absolutely fantastic. I will never go to this place again and I highly recommend you stay away read more

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Children's Museum Group - Preschools Near Me - West Hartford, Connecticut

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What good way to keep your little one busy. This museum has has animals, hands on activities, a planetarium and so many steps. Word to the wise just carry the baby in and use a backpack. There is a place to park your stroller though near the front desk off to the side there are so many ups and downs throughout this building. There are a ton of activities with dinosaurs, sensory and a room with giant building blocks. The outside area seemed to have been a garden. This place is so much bigger then it looks. Take pictures if you can. All the kiddos there looked happy and I'm sure yours will too. read more

A very old museum that's screaming for a rehab or renovation. Not a lot of exhibits or activities inside. The only thing that was interesting was the live animals they have or animal sanctuary. The planetarium was nothing more then a few cardboards off mars and astronauts. read more

I'd recommend the planetarium show, very informative and create presentation.

I know, more stars would be better. And I would love to give it more stars. But, here goes. I do remember visiting when I was about the age that the kids are now, which is to say, I can barely remember it at all. So, with that in mind here goes. The staff. Very very friendly, I'm not sure what everyone else is on about the staff, but they were very respectful, very pleasant. The actual building, it's run down, of course it is, it's old. This is the kind of place I would absolutely support allocating a new building, and giving it some major upgrades. The displays are a bit run down, and some of the play areas are a bit disorganized. But if you have any children between the ages of 1 and 5, honestly it looked pretty decent. But that's all what *I* saw in the overall display and spaces and everything else. Of course, we didn't visit it so I could have fun, we went for the kids, and the kids really did enjoy it, and were having a great time the entire time we were there. I'll agree there is one glaring problem... It is NOT stroller/wheelchair friendly, be warned. read more

Fun place for kids, I'd say 2-10 years old. Lots of animals, bobcat, fenick foxes, ferrets, snakes, frogs and spiders/bugs are staples. They have "turtle town" with about 8 different types of turtles, and 2' turtle shells for kids to pretend to be turtles! Dinosaur room with interactive exhibits and lots of lizards. Play area with big shapes kids can build with and get some energy out. Play kitchen in a separate room that can be a good place to hang out if there is a school group visiting when you are there (no school groups allowed in that area). Lots of interactive exhibits in the lower area, and an area to eat your own food or grab something from the vending machine. A little expensive without a membership, but they are open on a number of holidays when schools are closed, which is a plus. read more

We attended a birthday party there and was disappointed. The place is old and run down. I brought all 3 of my children with me today and was shocked to find out that there are no ramps or elevators!!! I had to carry my 7 week old and chase after my 16 month old all while keeping an eye on my 4yo within the party. I was in no way prepared to do this. I have a double stroller and was expecting to use this throughout the facility. The kids seemed to like the exhibits especially the animals. We will not be back. I find it very disheartening that a children's museum is not stroller friendly and even worse not handicapped accessible!!! read more

Admission isn't cheap but this museum has some great exhibits for kids. We've all seen the whale statue out front while driving by but it's taken years (and now a seven year old niece) to lure me inside. Parts of the museum are a bit rundown but we loved the wildlife sanctuary (reptiles! a bobcat! foxes! owls!) and the daily petting and feeding session. The blue planet /red planet was also super interesting and the nano world was probably our favorite exhibit (besides the animals). Overall, a fun, informative time for kids in West Hartford! read more

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Let's start with problem #1: This museum is not at all handicapped accessible. So if you have any problem with stairs, or a child in a stroller, skip it. Other reasons you might want to spend your day elsewhere: 2) If your children are over the age of 4, and like to learn things. This "museum" is so dumbed down, that my 6-year-old was bored. Where were they supposed to be "learning"? When they were making paper airplanes? Seeing themselves in the mirror? Playing with a Light Bright? Looking at bunny rabbits in glass cages? 3) If you don't want to have your kids screaming at you to buy them something ALL DAY. There was either a soda machine or gift shop incorporated into every exhibit. 4) If you would find it excessive to spend $55 for 4 people to enter what feels like a finished basement. The lighting is dark and artificial, and the whole place smells like paint and/or urine. And what's with the faux asbestos finish on the ceiling of the airplane room?? 5) If you don't like hearing constant announcements, either herding some birthday party to the cake room, or reminding you that if you don't get to the planetarium RIGHT NOW you will be locked out. (I'm somewhat frightened by the fact that this would also mean people are locked IN.) 6) If you want to see realistic-looking dinosaurs. These dinosaurs were definitely not "alive." I'm surprised to see in other reviews that people were impressed by them. So my advice: stop by and see Conny the whale. After your kids have run around inside the whale for a few minutes, get back on the highway, and go to ANY OTHER children's museum in Connecticut. If for some reason you're still determined to visit this museum, stop by your local library first, and pick up passes. Then at least you'll get in for half price. read more

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My toddler loved visiting - especially the imagination center. I do wonder, are those cages not way too small for the animals? They didn't seem to have room for comfort so I was concerned for them. read more

Great interactive children's museum! Exhibits encourage hands on learning, especially with various laws of Newtonian physics. The Planetarium show (currently in conjunction with Sesame Street) is about 45 mins and great for younger kids. There is also a special preschooler room. This is great when other exhibits get crowded with larger children. For preplanning, keep in mind there's no cafe or restaurant. Be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks. read more

I haven't been to the Children's Museum in over a decade and it's in desperate need of an upgrade. With that said, a good time can still be had. Connie the Whale is still out front for kids to have fun running up and down inside the large whale model. The entrance to the museum is a little dark and scary. My 3 year old nephew was totally turned off when he first walked in and was more than a little afraid to continue on. After coaxing the little sucker, he had fun running around and playing with all of the different exhibits. We went on a Saturday afternoon, and there wasn't really much staff around besides at the front desk and at a birthday party that was being held there. I heard they had a pretty cool movie at the Planetarium, but we didn't get a chance to check it out. As you work your way toward the back, there is a small "zoo" and mock dinosaur excavation and mining exhibits where the kids can play hands on. Out back there is a beat up mini Mini golf and there were cages, but not sure where the animals were. I hope this place gets some funding for an upgrade because with the new science center downtown Hartford, I'm not sure how many parents are going to keep bringing their kids back here. read more

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I live in RI so becoming a member wouldn't make much sense for my family. If we did live closer though I would since the museum is a bit expensive. The cost & the fact that the building is a bit outdated holds me back from leaving 5 stars but I don't see how a family couldn't spend a lot of time here enjoying all they have to offer. The Children's Museum in West Hartford is a great place. We especially love all the animals they have on display for the children. Turtles, snakes, lizards & even a bobcat to name a few. Even without all the other hands on activities you'd be busy just taking in the animals. Most of the displays are science orientated but there's enough hands on activities for smaller children to partake. There are Legos & those large blue foam blocks that kids can spend hours making stuff with. There's a few levels of displays to explore & many rooms to take in. I think on our last trip we completely forgot to take in 1 part of the museum. It's deceptively large & you could spend hours here. They rotate displays constantly & even have planetarium shows. It's good for all ages & easy to navigate. Don't forget the huge whale in front too! read more

It's hard for me to give this place a low rating because we enjoyed the little explorers program so much and bonded with one of the staff members. Alas, they've ditched the program, the one thing that made my membership here truly worthwhile. The staff member we bonded with went out of her way to show my kids various animals and to enjoy crafts and other creative outlets with them. I don't know why they got rid of the program. The truth is that this place is really, really run down and is a disappointment compared with Kid City and Stepping Stones, our other favorite children museums to visit. I don't understand how there is so little funding for improvements especially given how high their rate is to get in. I wouldn't recommend spending your money here. There are better places in CT. read more

The good: Lots to do; friendly staff; wide variety of activities; dinosaur exhibit, though small, was pretty cool; fun hands-on animal activities. The bad: VERY much in need of refurbishment (many exhibits didn't work). Also, no food (though there's a Whole Foods right across the street). In sum: Our 3- and 5-year-olds really enjoyed the exhibit. read more

Echo most reviewers that it need facelift. Esp. Loooks bad compared to stepping stones in Norwalk. But appearances aside, has some nice exhibits...reptiles were good, Lego's interlocking wood planks. My 6 y.o. did get some science experiences out of it. My 3 y.o had fun with almost all the exhibits. We got a pass from the Fairfield library which got us 2 admissions free with 2 bought so it made the cost v benefit comparison better. Advice is to go there early at 9am on Saturday before any crowds. Has no cafeteria but does have tables and chairs area with 2 snack machines. They came out and did free animal encounter with a gecko. read more

I want to love this place. It's in West Hartford - good central location, close to lots of local restaurants and on a nice day, close to the center which is always fun to jaunt around in. The staff were friendly, the Elementree Forest was amazing and there are some neat animals. However, It is extremely run down and due for a major rehab. You can barely see through the bottom of many of the tanks because they're all foggy and scratched. The price is ridiculous for what you get. For the hefty fee - they should certainly be doing more to update some of the exhibits. Thankfully, we can get half price tickets from our library which will be the only reason we return sometime. Feel that children 1-5 benefit most - anyone older would likely be somewhat bored. read more

Wow this place needs a major overhaul. I'm amazed they can't fix the numerous broken activities or hire more staff to help engage the kids (or at least tell you where to go - much of the space just leads to a locked door) considering it was $50 (!) for 2 adults and one 2.5yr old. Yes, this price included the "In Your Backyard" planetarium show which was incredibly outdated and hardly utilized the planetarium screen. I really hope they move this to an entirely new location and leave every dirty, broken, outdated activity/display here. Honestly I'd like my money back! read more

I think that they are trying here but we were really very unimpressed. My four year old was rather bored with most of the museum except for the "It's a Nano World" exhibit. The rest of the place didn't seem very interactive and felt rather run down. Some of the exhibits were in disrepair or closed. My heart hurt most for the animals there though. Many of the tanks looked dirty and unkempt - would people want to live that way? The huge turtle didn't even have a space that seemed big enough for it. I understand that museums are heavily based on private funding and culture distribution always seems to fall toward the bottom of the list but this place is a dud. If you don't mind the drive, the Museum of Science in Boston is mind-blowing and a far greater experience for all ages. read more

When I think of a children's museum I expect something a bit larger. This was a good but albeit small space. It is definitely focused more on the science/learning aspect rather than imaginative play. This was a great bonus. We took advantage of the groupon. Admission for 2 for $18. We opted to see a planetarium show & paid $5 extra. The plantation show was outdated but my 5 year old still enjoyed it. We spent 3 hours wandering & exploring. It was a great way to beat the heat. I wouldn't drive out of my way to come back here, but if I lived within an hour drive I'd make the trip again. read more