Exciting Science Places to Visit in Connecticut

The list below contains places of interest for your emerging young scientist. Each listing contains the location of the facility, URL address, and a brief description from their website.

Ambler Farm (Wilton, CT) “Our educational programming has grown substantially to include a range of dynamic offerings for all ages led by both staff members and volunteers. All activities encourage engagement–whether it is with the land, with food, with animals, with history, or with other people. Our special annual events – many of which are now Wilton traditions – bring the community together to enjoy the best of what the farm offers and celebrate the cycle of the New England year.” http://www.amblerfarm.org/

Bartlett Arboretum (Stamford, CT) "Today, nestled among the historic landscape of Southwestern New England the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a natural preserve like no other in this region. The property features 91 acres of irreplaceable open space highlighting the best of what Connecticut's native landscape has to offer: magnificent award-winning Champion trees, charming gardens, wildflower meadows, red maple wetlands and boardwalks, woodland walking trails, varied wildlife and native habitats. For weekend gardeners to budding young botanists, the Bartlett offers a place to relax, learn and play." http://bartlettarboretum.org/

Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, CT) "Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for families, students and you! We have a proud history of over 80 years as Connecticut's only zoo. And, as an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP), we are committed to the preservation of endangered animals and are continually developing strategies that will protect species and preserve their wild habitats. Open year-round and exhibiting almost 300 animals - including several endangered species such as tigers and bears - the Zoo is a great place to spend the day (and to visit often for our many special events)." http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/

Bruce Museum (Greenwich, CT) "The Bruce Museum promotes the understanding and appreciation of Art and Science to enrich the lives of all people." www.brucemuseum.org

Connecticut Science Center (Hartford, CT) "The Connecticut Science Center is bringing the world of science to the center of Connecticut. Innovative, hands-on exhibits and programs will come alive inside our stunning new building overlooking the Connecticut River in Hartford. As a must-see attraction for everyone, and an inspiring family learning destination, the Connecticut Science Center will be the place for people of all ages to Imagine, Discover, and Explore the world of science." www.ctsciencecenter.org

Discovery Museum (Bridgeport, CT) "From three floors of hands-on fun with science to High-Definition movies and daily Planetarium shows, all included with admission to the museum!" http://www.discoverymuseum.org/

Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill, CT) "We are one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath our geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. Surrounding our Exhibit Center are more than two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur State Park Arboretum, containing more than 250 species and cultivars of conifers, as well as katsuras, ginkgoes, magnolias and other living representatives of plant families which appeared in the Age of Dinosaurs." http://www.dinosaurstatepark.org/index.html

Earthplace (Westport, CT) "The mission of Earthplace is to educate the public about nature and the environment. Visitors can learn about nature by exploring the hands-on museum exhibits in Natureplace and the Ecology Resource Lab. Get up close to wildlife in the Animal Hall and outdoor Connecticut Birds of Prey exhibit area. See what plants are found in Connecticut in the Native Plant Courtyard. Take a walk on our 62-acre property on one of the trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Wheels-in-the-Woods IV, a universal design nature trail. Hunt for the five letterboxes along the trails. Examine the beautiful Connecticut Wall of Nature, a tile wall of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants that are found in Connecticut. Visit a garden designed to attract birds and butterflies." http://www.earthplace.org

Greenwich Nature Center (Greenwich, CT) "The mission of Audubon Greenwich is to motivate people to conserve, restore, and enjoy nature, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats, through education, land stewardship, science, and public policy advocacy" http://greenwich.audubon.org

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (Mystic, CT) "Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is so much more than an aquarium. It's not just a place to visit ocean life, it's a unique experience in living marine creatures and the latest discoveries of our underwater world." www.mysticaquarium.org

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (Norwalk, CT) "The Maritime Aquarium inspires people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound and protect it for future generations. A vibrant and entertaining learning environment, the Maritime Aquarium achieves this goal through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education." www.maritimeaquarium.org

New England Air Museum (Windsor Locks, CT) "The New England Air Museum is owned and operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association, a private, non-profit educational institution organized in 1959. Located at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, the Museum is the largest aviation museum in New England. This educational organization is dedicated to preserving and presenting historically significant aircraft and related artifacts, engaging visitors through high-quality exhibits helping them to understand aviation technology and history and inspiring students through innovative and hands-on educational programs." http://neam.org/

Peabody Museum (New Haven, CT) "The Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University opens a window of discovery into our world's natural heritage-its flora, fauna, geology and people." http://www.yale.edu/peabody/

Stamford Museum and Nature Center (Stamford, CT) "Family-oriented exhibitions at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center feature interactive components that invite visitor participation." http://www.stamfordmuseum.org

Stepping Stones Museum (Norwalk, CT) "Stepping Stones mission is to broaden and enrich the educational opportunities for children ages ten and under and to enhance their understanding of the world. The museum seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning, and supports parents, caregivers and educators as facilitators of children's explorations. To achieve its mission, the museum builds collaboration and pursues strategies that welcome all families to join in the Stepping Stones learning community. As a multidimensional resource in the region, the museum offers exhibits, programs and services that take an interactive approach to promote early learning." http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org

Soundwaters (Stamford, CT) "The mission of SoundWaters is to educate children and adults about the wonders and beauty of Long Island Sound and its watershed. Through education, SoundWaters provides people with an understanding and awareness of the changes they can make in their lives and communities to restore, protect and preserve Long Island Sound and the Environment." http://www.soundwaters.org/

Woodcock Nature Center (Wilton, CT) “Located on 149 acres of state-protected land, the Woodcock Nature Preserve includes a pond, wetlands and 3 miles of publicly accessible woodland trails. The Center is home to a variety of living local and exotic creatures including snakes, frogs and lizards. We also house a handful of injured birds or prey."

The Preserve is a haven for aquatic life and a remarkable variety of birds. Along our trails you’ll find historic stone walls and stands of old maple, beech, oak and hickory trees. An Everglades-style boardwalk allows rare access through part of the rich, abundant wetlands nestled in the woods. In these graceful surroundings, young and old can experience the rich, renewing world of nature. Our woodland trails are open to all, sunrise to sunset, everyday of the year.” http://woodcocknaturecenter.org/