The Children's Museum: New Location, New Focus

The new site of The Children's Museum in West Hartford gives children the opportunity to imagine themselves as scientists of all kinds as they move from room to room. Start in the newest exhibit, Curiosity Lab, and move on to CT Wildlife or Learning Lab and then spend time with the dinosaurs in the Paleo Lab.

Curiosity Lab opened only a month ago to stellar reviews from families. In the Lab, children are given the opportunity to pretend to be chemists and to don white coats, play with beakers and measure and concoct with magnetic molecules. They also can investigate "boulders" and see how wind affects light objects. Or maybe they'll want to try out the microscopes and magnifying glasses.

The museum left their well-known Trout Brook location in 2022 and moved into the current temporary space in the rear of Emanuel Synagogue. The move resulted in the Museum having to downsize their displays considerably and re-focus the exhibits and offerings for families with children in the 2-8 age group. But, their mission is still the same: serving the families of Greater Hartford.

Related: Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

The Children's Museum in West Hartford: Must-See Things

The Museum boasts over 100 animals for children to see and learn from. From spiders to turtles (lots of turtles), chinchillas to rabbits, there are many adorable critters. The Museum kept all but a few of their collection from the old location. As they consider themselves a sanctuary, many of these animals are rescued or re-homed from the community and are comfortable being handled and shown off to patrons.

Animal Demonstrations are weekday mornings at 10:30a and Saturdays at at 2p. 

 
Say hi to the cool critters in the care of the Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the Museum's Facebook page.

The Paleo Lab exhibit was brought over to the new location basically intact; everyone knows toddlers and preschoolers loves dinosaurs. Kids can see the life-size creatures, learn about them and walk in their footsteps (so to speak). It is still a favorite attraction.

Also on-site is the preschool associated with the museum. Now, because it is located just a few steps away, the preschool employs the Children's Museum exhibits into their daily schedule. Those lucky preschoolers have a unique opportunity to learn and explore.

Related: Visiting the Stepping Stones Museum in Connecticut: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Visiting the Children's Museum in West Hartford

The Children's Museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays and toddlers under 2 are always free. Admission is $15 for everyone 2 and over. Note: the temporary home of the museum has stairs, which limits the facility's accessibility. Strollers are not permitted.

Food is permitted in the museum, provided it doesn't contain peanuts. The museum does not have an onsite cafe, but there are a number of dining options a short drive away.

The museum's Roaring Brook Nature Center (in nearby Canton) is a delightful spot to explore nature. They host birthday parties, nature clinics, wildlife programs, and more.

Related: Connecticut Museums Guide