The EcoTarium is New England’s leading museum of science and nature, an indoor-outdoor experience dedicated to inspiring a passion for science and nature in visitors of all ages. The museum includes a building with three floors of interactive exhibits, the Alden Digital Planetarium: A National Geographic Theater, daily Science Discovery programs, live animal habitats, nature trails through its forest and meadow, a tree canopy walkway (open now until August 14th), an Explorer Train and its newest exhibit, Amazingly immature.
We arrived around 10:00am on a warm sunny day and made our way directly inside. We started on the third floor where we got to explore all kinds of exhibits about nature – fog, wind, plants and waves. Then we made our way to the second floor where we took part in the weekly preschool and toddler Wednesday story time event. At the end of the bird story, wonderfully read by employee Kathy who was so animated and engaging with the kids, they brought out a macaw named "Racket" to show the children.
Afterwards we visited the Planetarium for a private show called "Passport to the Universe." During the show, my daughter was captivated by the constantly changing constellations in the planetarium and I really enjoyed the commentary by Tom Hanks. We both learned more about stars and how they are born in batches, along with many other interesting facts.
We got to meet a Keeper and listen to information about otters. We happened to be at the EcoTarium on Otter Awareness Day and the otter in the exhibit was most definitely showing off for us!
We also checked out dinosaur tracks and the Amazingly immature exhibit! In this exhibit, you can test your skills with Tablecloth Trickery, Inventions, Quarter Snatching, Card Throwing and more! Then we made our way outside where we found bubbles – big and small, a red fox, a gorgeous playground and Nature Explore where we were able to build forts using logs and twigs and dug in dirt!
It was a wonderful day and we had a great time!
The EcoTarium is located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00AM-5:00PM and Sundays from 12:00PM-5:00PM. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children 2-18, seniors 65+ and students with ID. Planetarium shows and the Tree Canopy Walkway require additional admission. Parking is free. For more information, visit ecotarium.org
I received complimentary admission to the EcoTarium for purpose of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Noelle
