The Connecticut Science Center
If you’re looking for an enjoyable activity to keep the kids (or yourself) occupied on a dreary winter day, The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford fits the bill. With 150 hands-on exhibits, a 3-D theater and exhibits that will make your heart pound, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
"Kid Space," on the first floor for children ages 3-7, encourages water play (or experimentation with water, if you prefer). Colored balls travel through vortexes and fountains and are lifted by laminar jets. "The Forces of Motion" exhibit features a downhill racetrack and cars with square wheels. Race against gravity, levitate trains and test pilot new helicopter designs.
"The Sight and Sound Experience" on the fourth floor is loud but fun. Use your eyes, ears, emotions and bodies to hear, see and feel the energy forces behind all light and sound. Don't miss dancing in the light chamber.
Then get blown away by 78-mile-an-hour category I wind speeds in "Hurricane Force," a hurricane simulator in the Planet Earth Gallery.
The new exhibit "Mindbender Mansion" opens Jan. 29. The quirky interactive exhibit is made up of puzzles, brainteasers, and heady challenges guaranteed to test even the most experienced puzzlers.
The Connecticut Science Center is open every day until 5 p.m. Last tickets are sold at 4 p.m. Plan your time wisely—it can take three to four hours to see everything. Open daily 10-5. Admission $17; seniors $15.50, youth 3-17 $13, 2 and under free. For more information, call (860) 724-3623 or visit ctsciencecenter.org/visit/.
