If you’re looking for a family-fun science and nature based activity in New England, we highly recommend the EcoTarium at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, Mass.
The EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum featuring a trip through the galaxy at the digital planetarium, a narrow gauge railroad and hands-on scientific and nature exhibits.
We think you’ll also be thrilled to walk through the treetops (40 feet high in the trees, harnessed and clipped to a series of swinging bridges spanning 150 feet), and on the nature trails where you’ll meet wildlife. A bald eagle was the first form of wildlife we saw on our first visit. At the Ecotarium’s animal collection, you might just come across a barred owl, boa constrictor, box turtle, chinchilla, great horned owl, hissing cockroach, millipede, polar bear, rate snake, red fox, red tailed hawk, river otter, scarlet macaw, tiger salamander and wood turtle. Given the myriad animals residing at the EcoTarium, much emphasis is placed on animal care.
The look of the museum is absolutely beautiful — spacious, modern and easy to navigate. We found the staff to be extremely dedicated and truly in love with their jobs. That enthusiasm is passed along to kids, making the overall experience even that much better. We were particularly impressed on the “101” we received at a classroom on turtles — the challenges they face in a changing environment, how to care for them, the different types, etc.
Geared especially for children from kindergarten to 12, I can personally tell you that adults should be equally fascinated by this wonderful central Massachusetts museum! There’s an old saying that if you can come out of each day learning something new, you’ve accomplished something great. Well, I must have learned about 40 or 50 things — many of which were never taught to us in school (and yes, I was a good student!).
It’s hard to believe that such a secluded oasis exists in such a densely populated city like Worcester. Just goes to show how diverse Worcester is — a somewhat underrated New England city with myriad colleges, museums, and a growing arts and restaurant scene. The Ecotarium surely is at the forefront of the cultural greatness of this city!
General Admission to the EcoTarium
EcoTarium Members Free
Adults $12.00
Children/Youths ages 2-18* $8.00
Senior citizens (ages 65 and older) $8.00
College students (valid I.D. required) $8.00
Children under 2 Free
EcoTarium,
222 Harrington Way,
Worcester, MA 01604
Tel. (508) 929-2700
