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Places of Interest
The following collection of science centers, museums, nature centers, and parks is not an all-inclusive list. Learning experiences in science may be found everywhere, from one’s backyard to more formal learning institutions.
The sites listed are just some of the diverse and plentiful opportunities for learning that Connecticut offers. For additional sites it is suggested that you contact local Chambers of Commerce, local business and industry, and continue to explore the resources, and sites/links listed at the end of this section.
Science Centers
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The DNA EpiCenter is a leading science educational institution, offering intellectually challenging programs, involving cutting-edge techniques and provocative subject matter that stimulates life-long learning. |
DNA EpiCenter 33 Gallows Lane New London, CT Phone: (860) 442-0391 www.dnaepicenter.org |
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Planetarium and observatory. Shows open to public. One of the U.S.’s largest public telescopes. |
Copernican Space Science Center Central Connecticut State University 1615 Stanley St New Britain CT 06050 Phone: (860) 832-3399 |
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Hands-on exhibits include interactive video displays on nuclear energy, the marine environment of Long Island Sound, radiation, radioactive waste disposal, electrical safety, and more. Outside nature trail on-site. |
Millstone Energy Center 278 Main Street Niantic, CT 06357-0278 Local Phone: (203) 691-4670 Toll Free (CT Only): (800) 428-4234 Visit website |
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Hands-on science center that explores the worlds of science, math, nature, and technology. Features a planetarium with daily shows, a mini zoo, marine-life touch tank, computer lab, discovery room, traveling exhibits and educational programs. |
Science Center of Connecticut 950 Trout Brook Rd. West Hartford, CT Phone: (860) 231-2824 http://www.sciencecenterct.org/ http://www.thechildrensmuseumct.org/ |
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Talcott Mountain Science Center "TMSC" is a regional science education facility founded in1967, and dedicated to the enhancement of instruction in science, mathematics and technology through exciting, hands-on and 'minds-on' experiential learning. We champion putting-edge student instruction, teacher training, and the development and use of effective methods and technologies. |
Talcott Mt Science Center Montevideo Road Avon, CT 06001 Phone: (860) 677-8571 Visit website |
Marine Science / Maritime Centers
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Explore the Mystic Aquarium’s exhibits ranging from the coral reefs to the Alaskan coastline. Marine Theater shows, beluga whales, penguins, sea lions, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visit “Challenge of the Deep” an interactive exhibit, hosted by Dr. Robert Ballard, discoverer of the Titanic. Experience this “one-of-a-kind” oceanographic expedition that features the state-of-the-art technology used to open new frontiers in deep sea exploration. |
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: (860) 572-5955 http://www.mysticaquarium.org/ |
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Seaport museum village occupying 17 acres along the Mystic River, the Seaport contains tall ships, a complex of historic buildings, a preservation shipyard, planetarium, and many exhibit buildings. Stepping back into the 19th century, visitors can see actual restoration work being done on the ships, and craftsmen practicing their skills. With over 160 activities each year, the Seaport is alive with programs for individuals, families and groups. |
Mystic Seaport P.O. Box 6000 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355-0990 Phone: (860) 572-0711 Visitor Information: (860) 572-5315 Toll Free: 888-9-SEAPORT (888-973-2767) http://www.mysticseaport.org/ |
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Project Oceanology is a marine science and environmental education organization operated by a non-profit association of schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Project Oceanology provides boats, oceanographic equipment, a waterfront laboratory, instructional materials and staff to enable more than 20,000students and adults each year to learn about the ocean through first-hand, on-the-water experiences. |
Project Oceanology Avery Point Groton, CT 06340 Phone: (860) 445-9007 http://www.oceanology.org/ |
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One of the few aquariums in the country to focus on one body of water -- Long Island Sound. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers a whole day's fun and adventure for individuals and families, as well as great educational programs for students from Kindergarten through grade 12. The Center's 20 habitats contain over 1,000 marine animals representing more than 125 species. Different tanks represent successive levels of life in Long Island Sound, from oysters, sea horses and small fish to nine-foot sharks, bluefish, striped bass, rays and other creatures found in the Sound and the ocean beyond. |
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk 10 North Water Street Norwalk, CT 06854 Phone (General Information) : (203) 852-0700 Group Reservations: (203) 852-0700, ext. 206 www.maritimeaquarium.org |
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Museums in Connecticut
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The Bruce Museum bridges the arts and sciences for people of all ages and cultures to foster learning and to preserve the past for the future. The Bruce serves the general public through exhibitions, lectures, family and children's programs, gallery and group tours and its summer adjunct museum, the Seaside Center. |
Bruce Museum 1 Museum Drive Greenwich, CT 06830 Phone: (203) 869-0376 www.brucemuseum.org |
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The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is an interactive, hands-on, educational opportunity in the Arts, Sciences, Safety & Health, and Culture and History for children ages 1-12. The Discovery Room and Outdoor Garden, CAN-STRUCT building exhibit, and many other exhibits that change regularly. |
Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut 409 Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: (860) 691-1111 http://www.childrensmuseumsect.org/ |
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This museum for today and tomorrow presents the arts and sciences in an exciting, sophisticated way that is sure to thrill families and groups from pre-K through college levels. An interactive science and art museum with over 100 exhibits, planetarium, and Challenger Learning Center. |
Discovery Museum 4450 Park Avenue Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604 General Phone: (203) 372-3521 Workshops: (203) 371-1903 http://www.discoverymuseum.org/ |
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Museum of natural history and science for children. Live animals, hands-on exhibits and nature explorations. |
LUTZ Children's Museum 247 South Main Street Manchester, CT 06040 Phone: (860) 649-2838 http://www.lutzmuseum.org/ |
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The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center presents the rich history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the histories and cultures of other tribes, and the region's natural history. |
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Route 2 PO BOX 3777 Mashantucket, CT 06339-3777 Visit website |
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The museum offers and extensive dinosaur collection, including some of the first skeletons to be collected in North America. The Great Hall is also home to prize-winning mural: The Age of Reptiles. More than eleven million specimens and objects are held by the Museum's curatorial divisions. Exhibits include Birds of Connecticut , Natural History Dioramas, minerals, Neolithic, Mesoamerican, ancient Egyptian cultures, Native Americans of CT and changing, featured exhibits. |
Peabody Museum of Natural History Yale University 170 Whitney Avenue New Haven, CT 06520-8118 Phone: (203) 432-5050 http://www.peabody.yale.edu/ |
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19th century working farm, woodland trails, wildlife, and a museum that features exhibitions of fine art, natural history, farm tools, Americana, and Native American culture. Observatory and planetarium shows. |
Stamford Museum & Nature Center 39 Scofieldtown Rd. Stamford, CT 06903 Phone: (203) 322-1646 www.stamfordmuseum.org |
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The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut offers exciting and unique ways of learning about nature and culture. The Office of State Archaeology is located within the museum. Programs include special events, the nationally-recognized BioBlitz, workshops, lectures, multicultural events, field trips, day and night nature hikes, day trips, and international travel. Students and faculty create exhibits and lead Museum programs. |
The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History University of Connecticut 2019 Hillside Road Storrs, CT 06269 Phone: (860) 486-4460 http://www.mnh.uconn.edu/ |
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The Museum's mission is to preserve, study and communicate the legacy of Eli Whitney. The site, its buildings and water mark the origins of the modern American factory and the products and tools that ignited an Industrial Revolution. Exhibits highlight the resourcefulness of the individual innovator, inventor and entrepreneur. That legacy includes a tradition of self-guided, hands-on problem solving – learning. The Museum's exhibitions and education programs reflect this unique tradition of learning. |
The Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517-4036 Phone: (203) 777-1833 http://www.eliwhitney.org/ |
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Aircraft and engine displays, many fascinating exhibits on such diverse topics as the History of Sikorsky Aircraft, Early French Aviation, a History of Air Mail, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Flying Mollisons. A jet fighter cockpit simulator, aviation films and over 75 aircraft on-site. |
The New England Air Museum Bradley International Airport Windsor Locks, Connecticut Visit website |
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Explore Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine and the first ship to go to the North Pole. She has steamed more than a half million nautical miles and made more than 2,500 dives. Nautilus is a National Historic Landmark and Connecticut's State Ship. The museum includes historical displays of submarines and includes two mini-theaters. |
US Naval Submarine Base Nautilus Memorial and Museum Route 12 Groton, CT 06349 Toll Free Phone: (800) 343-0079 http://www.ussnautilus.org/ |
Nature & Environmental Centers
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The state’s largest zoo with exhibits of North and South American animals, exotic animals, indoor and outdoor facilities. Petting zoo, farmyard, and rainforest. The zoo offers education, conservation and research programs and learning experiences for Connecticut’s students and families. |
The Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06610 http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/ |
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650 wooded acres, trails, and swamp boardwalks. Science and natural history exhibits including wetlands and dinosaur exhibits. |
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The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, established in 1946, is a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling its mission: To inspire and nurture appreciation of the natural world and foster a personal environmental ethic.A combination wildlife sanctuary, museum and educational facility. The Center features all-new exhibits that highlight the habitats and wildlife of southeastern Connecticut. |
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 109 Pequotsepos Road P.O. Box 122 Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: (860) 536-1216 http://www.dpnc.org/ |
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The James L. Goodwin Conservation Center is an education facility owned and operated by the Connecticut DEP. The Center was a gift to the people of Connecticut from James L. Goodwin, to be used for education about "general, wildlife and forest conservation.". Programs for the public, school groups, educators, and special interest groups. |
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Indoor exhibit hall, outdoor and indoor exotic and farm animal displays, walking trails on an 80-acre wooded lot, wild and cultivated flower gardens, and a gift shop. The Museum provides programs for school and other groups as well as after-school and evening programs for individuals. |
Hungerford Park Outdoor Education Center
191 Farmington Avenue Kensington, CT 06037 Phone: (860) 827-9064 |
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Established in 1960, the Center occupies the former estate of Miss Susan Dwight Bliss. 40 acres of diverse habitats, including wet and dry meadows, 2 ponds, a cattail marsh, an apple orchard, herb garden, and a small arboretum, support a wide variety of wildlife and offer an ideal setting for the study of our natural environment. Trails, a Discovery Center, classrooms, a solar greenhouse, apple cider house, maple syrup shed, and Naturalist's Garden |
New Canaan Nature Center 144 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan, Connecticut 06840 Phone: (203) 966-9577 Visit website |
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Interpretive building, nature center with dioramas, Native American longhouse, changing seasonal exhibits and dioramas, live animals including bald eagles. |
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Bald eagle observation area. Open mid-December through mid-March. Tours also available at the Shepaug Hydroelectric Station, Southbury. |
Shepaug Eagle Observation Area Northeast Utilities P.O. Box 1337 Stamford, CT 06094 Phone: (203) 325-4381 Visit website |
Connecticut State Parks/Forests/Nature Centers
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One of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath a geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. Surrounding the 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. Dinosaur State Park is part of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. |
Open Year Round Dinosaur State Park 400 West Street Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3506 Park Phone: (860) 529-8423 FDPA Phone: (860) 257-7601 http://www.dinosaurstatepark.org/ |
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The Kellogg Environmental Center is a place for teachers, students, families and community leaders to learn about and experience the natural environment Offer a variety of CEU-accredited teacher workshops on many environmental curricula, including Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Project WET, Project Feeder Watch, Aquatic Project WILD and Food, Land and People. |
Open Year Round The Kellogg Environmental Center & Osborne Homestead Museum 500 Hawthorne Ave. Derby, CT Phone: (203) 734-2513 Visit Website |
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James L. Goodwin Conservation Center in Hampton, Connecticut. Call for group reservations and information. Open Year Round |
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Meig's Point Nature Center, Hammonassett Beach. Seasonal Nature Center |
Meig's Point Nature Center Phone: (203)245-8743 |
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Rocky Neck Nature Center & the Rocky Neck Campground. Seasonal Nature Center |
Rocky Neck Nature Center Phone: (860)739-5471 Visit Website |
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Other Links to CT State Parks, Centers and Forests. |
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The Nature Conservancy / CT
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The mission of the National Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of the Earth's biological diversity and humanity. |
Audubon in Connecticut Audubon Center in Greenwich Tom Baptist, Executive Director 613 Riversville Road Greenwich, CT 06831 Phone: (203) 869-5272 |
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Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this small and intimate natural history museum with its adjacent private songbird sanctuary (the oldest in the U.S.) represent the historic heart of Connecticut Audubon. Changing exhibits, informative lectures and the teaching bridge and pavilion provide a unique environmental experience. |
CT Audubon State Centers / Sanctuaries 314 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT 06430 Phone: (203) 259-0416 Visit website |
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The Sharon Audubon Center is a nature center and wildlife sanctuary owned and operated by the National Audubon Society. The Sharon Audubon Center has over eleven miles of scenic hiking trails, and includes 860 acres of mixed forest, meadows, wetlands, ponds and streams. The Sharon Audubon Center offers educational programs for all ages, a seasonal newsletter, nature programs, wildlife rehabilitation, research, live animal exhibits, a children's adventure center, a nature store, and a natural history library. |
The Sharon Audubon Center Route 4 Sharon, CT 06069 Phone: (860) 364-0520 Visit website |
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The Center consists of 280 acres of open woodlands, meadows, ponds, and streams. Eight miles of beautiful trails, and a model backyard wildlife habitat, the Center offers visitors the opportunity to observe more than 900 species of ferns and flowering plants, and up to 35 species of mammals and 160 species of birds. The bird blinds around Mead Lake offer the chance to watch and photograph water birds without disturbing them. During the fall, the annual hawk migration can be seen from the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch Site. |
Greenwich Audubon Society 613 Riversville Road Greenwich, CT 06831 Phone: (203) 869-5272 Visit website |
For Additional Online Resources
| Connecticut Nature Conservancy Sites |
Visit website |
| The Science Education Center Resource Guide
Website for many links to Science Education Centers, Nature Centers, Museums and Planetariums in CT. |
Visit website |
| Are We There Yet? Places of Interest - Website with many places of interest in CT. |
Visit website |
Other Resources
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