The Children's Museum of Connecticut

The Children's Museum of Connecticut offers a place for children and families to explore and learn about a variety of topics. The museum opened in 1927, but was called the Museum of Hartford until 2006. The goal of the museum is obvious from their tag line, "Igniting Curiosity Through Science and Nature." It is the largest museum in the state and the fifth oldest of all of the children's museums in the entire country. Trout Brook Drive has been home to the museum since 1958. The museum features a variety of exhibits and exploration opportunities, as well as The Children's Museum Preschool, Gengras, the state's largest planetarium, UTC wildlife and the Roaring Brook Nature Center which is located in Canton. The museum boasts more science and nature-based offerings than any other children's museum in the country. Exhibits at the museum include the Kid's Corner which is designed for the museum's youngest visitors, the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Critter Crossing for kids four and younger, the Idea Zone, the region's largest Foucault Pendulum, the Star Station One Gallery and the Explore Store where kids can find an educational souvenir to take home. The museum offers a variety of outreach programs for the community and the school system, as well as educator training.