Out and About Mom

Things to Do with Kids in Connecticut

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A Visit to the Connecticut Science Center

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Thank you to the Connecticut Science Center for giving my family complimentary admission for the purpose of writing this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

***NEWS FLASH! EVERYONE PAYS KIDS’ PRICE JANUARY 18-20, 2025! ***

SPECIAL EXHIBIT:

Just a couple weeks left to experience “Forest of Illusions,” the current traveling exhibit. It ends on Sunday, February 2, 2025! Here are a few pics from our visit. Be sure to check out their Events Listings for upcoming programs!

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The Connecticut Science Center

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Although we’ve been back to the Connecticut Science Center many times since it appeared on our blog for the first time (and second time update!), we haven’t featured it on the site again in more recent years. So it seemed about time to write about a new adventure at this old favorite.

In addition to seeing what’s new at the Science Center itself, it’s also fun to see the new ways my growing kiddos interact with the exhibits. As they get older they have new favorite spaces and activities. Whereas a few years ago we used to spend the majority of our time in the KidSpace area getting soaked with water play (Momsense tip: bring extra clothes–and possibly shoes– if you think your littles will be obsessed with the water play area too!), on this most recent visit the kids spent nearly a full hour building complicated rollercoasters in the Forces in Motion exhibit.

So today I thought I’d walk you through our visit this past fall, because a lot has changed since our 2014 post– with both the destination and the visitors 🙂

I’ve always been a sucker for venues with food service. For me, it’s like an added bonus for our outing because it means I can skip meal prep and cleanup for at least one meal that day. So I usually take advantage of the Science Center’s in house Subway to grab a quick lunch when we arrive (and sometimes even a snack before we leave!).

They have sandwiches, salads and even pizza here, so there are many options even for picky eaters (of the kid and adult variety 😉 ).

After lunch, we headed over to the glass elevators to start our adventure.

The elevators are located to your left after you enter under this sign. Please note that no food or drinks are allowed in the exhibit areas.

Here’s a look at some of the spaces we scoped out on this visit:

KidSpace was a favorite spot when my kiddos were little. They especially loved the enormous water tables, but there are other (less wet) activities as well.
On this visit, the Build-A-Coaster was the big winner for my crew. You can find this engineering activity in the Forces in Motion exhibit, along with other popular challenges like the toy car racing ramp.
You can also find the Sight and Sound exhibit in this same gallery.
Another one of our favorite activities is in the Engineering Lab section in this gallery.
Little Miss, who is now 7, enjoyed these building bocks while my teen son puzzled over the Build-A-Coaster challenge that was right next to this spot. Multi-age outing perfection!
Checking out The Sports Lab and the adjacent Genome in Me exhibit where we got to “solve a crime” using DNA evidence!
Energy City
The River of Life exhibit includes the always popular Critter Corner and the irresistible Stream Table 🙂
As you can tell by our attire, this visit was during warmer months. We were able to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and panoramic city views atop the rooftop garden, which is open seasonally and weather-permitting.
But even in winter you can still enjoy the views in the warmth and comfort of an indoor space from sprawling window walls.

Be sure to check out the Exhibit Page on their website to see what other activities await you at the Science Center!

The covered parking garage, the in-house Subway restaurant, plenty of in-exhibit places for parents to sit and supervise (and maybe even get to socialize!), bathrooms everywhere (potty-training parents rejoice!) and a stroller-accessible setup make this destination a stress-free choice for parents with kids of all ages and stages. Because we all know that convenience is king (or queen) when it comes to enjoying outings with our young children!

If you’ve been contemplating a visit to the Connecticut Science Center, consider this a friendly nudge to action. And if you haven’t been to this destination in a while, maybe it’s time to return! You’ll be amazed to see how much your children have grown 🙂

The Connecticut Science Center

250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut

Phone: (860) 724-3623

E-mail:  See here for email contact options

Find them on Facebook and Instagram!

Hours:

Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays during the school year (open Mondays and Tuesdays for most school vacation/holiday days, and for the months of July & August). Please check their website for the most current information.

Standard Hours: 10AM–4PM
Summer Hours: 9AM–4PM

***Please see hours for the Butterfly Encounter exhibit HERE***

Pricing:

Source: CT Science Center Website January 2025. See HERE for the most current pricing.

*Butterfly Encounter can only be purchased with General Admission.

Buy tickets at the Museum or in advance online HERE.

Details (2025):

Stroller Friendly: YES, strollers are permitted but please refer to this note from their website: “We strongly encourage the use of baby slings or carriers as alternatives to strollers. The interactive nature of our exhibit galleries does not easily accommodate oversize, side by side double seated, or jogging strollers. There is also very limited stroller parking. If you must use a stroller, please consider using a smaller, lightweight “umbrella” stroller. We do not have any strollers available for lending or rentals.”
Coffee Mug Friendly: NO, food and drinks (other than water) are not allowed in the exhibit areas
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES, paid parking is available in the attached parking garage.
Food for Sale: YES, there is a Subway restaurant located in the Museum. There are also vending machines and assorted snacks available from their Gift Shop.
Outside Food Allowed: YES, bag lunches and food from outside vendors are permitted but you cannot eat it in the exhibit areas. Water bottles are allowed in the exhibits. There are tables located on the Lobby Level specifically designated for families who bring their own food. These tables are available on a first come, first served basis.
Cash Required: NO
Age Recommendation: Toddlers to Teens!
Dress Code: Just be aware that there is a large water play area in the 6 and under KidSpace area. You may want to pack an extra set of clothes for your child.
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Birthday Party Venue: YES, find more information HERE.

You can also check out this helpful list of FAQs.

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