The Children's Museum, Connecticut facts for kids
| Established | 1927 |
|---|---|
| Location | 180 Mohegan Drive West Hartford, Connecticut, USA |
| Type | Children's museum, Science and Nature museum |
The Children's Museum is a special place for kids in Connecticut, United States. It's the oldest museum of its kind in Connecticut. It first opened in 1927 and was known by different names over the years. Today, it's mostly for younger children, aged 2 to 8. Each year, more than 200,000 people visit this museum. It's also one of the four oldest children's museums in the entire U.S.
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Discover The Children's Museum
The Children's Museum offers many fun and interactive things to do. You can explore exciting exhibits and learn about science. The museum is also home to over a hundred live animals. They also have special science and nature classes for kids.
A Look Back: Museum History
The museum started way back in 1927. It was first called the Children's Museum of Hartford. Later, it changed its name to The Science Center of Connecticut. This name was used until 2006. Since then, it has been known as The Children's Museum.
The Children's Museum Preschool
Did you know the museum also has a preschool? It's called The Children's Museum Preschool. This preschool is one of the oldest in the country. It's also special because it focuses on science and nature. Kids learn about the world around them every day.
Past Attractions: Conny the Whale and Planetarium
The museum used to have some very cool features. It had New England's second largest planetarium. This was a place where you could learn about stars and space. The planetarium closed in 2022.
Another famous part was Conny the Whale. This was a life-sized model of a sperm whale. The sperm whale is Connecticut's state animal. Visitors could even walk inside Conny! The whale was taken down in 2023. But don't worry, her tail was saved. It will be put up across the street in West Hartford.
Where to Find the Museum Today
The museum used to be at 950 Trout Brook Drive. This was in West Hartford. In 2022, the museum moved temporarily. Its new location is at 180 Mohegan Drive. This is also in West Hartford.
