Connecticut Science Center

📍 Hartford, CT

4.6 (2,933 Google)

📍 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, USA, Hartford, CT

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The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford offers a wonderful opportunity for grandparents and grandkids to explore science in a hands-on and engaging way! Kids will absolutely adore the T Rex Encounter, building and testing structures in the Engineering Lab, and getting up close with playful river otters in the aquarium – sparking curiosity and creating shared moments of discovery. To make your day smoother, arrive shortly before opening to snag a closer parking spot in the Trumbull Street Garage and consider focusing on the exhibits geared towards younger children (ages 3-8) for a shorter, more manageable visit.

Grandparent-Friendly Details

Fun Things to Do Here

Ideas to make the most of your visit to Connecticut Science Center

Museum Bingo

Spot: something 100+ years old, a painting with animals, a black-and-white photo, a map, and an artifact from another country.

Pick Your Favorite

Each person picks one exhibit as their day's favorite and explains exactly why at the end — makes the whole visit more active.

Ask 3 Questions

Grandkids find one exhibit and make up 3 questions about it. You have to try to answer all three.

Guess the Year

Point to artifacts and guess how old they are. The docents love helping settle debates.

Slow Look

Spend 5 full minutes on one single painting. Really look. Then talk about what you each noticed.

Free printable: Museum Bingo Card

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Budget & Insider Tips

Grandparent Money Tips

• Many museums offer free or reduced admission on specific weekday mornings — check the website before booking online.
• Annual memberships pay for themselves in 2 visits and usually include a free guest pass. Worth it if grandkids live nearby.
• Science centers and children's museums often honor ASTC and reciprocal membership programs — your member card from one may get you into another for free.

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