Fun Meets Learning at EcoTarium, Worcester, MA
Explore hands-on nature and science exhibits today!
Jul 1, 2009
People are more apt to learn if they have fun while doing it, which is why the workers at the EcoTarium deliver entertaining education. Thought-provoking and hands-on exhibits are found throughout the three-story building, in addition to the three outdoor nature trails.
Interactive Exhibits Make Learning Memorable
One example of the creativity found within is the MicroDiner. Step up to one of the stools at this replica of a ‘50s style diner and peek through a microscope to view life found within day-to-day findings such as rotting wood and pond water.
With other permanent exhibits ranging from the Curator’s Workshop to African Communities, there is always something to see. A variety of traveling exhibits also arrive throughout the year for even more fun. Be sure to check out the calendar each month for upcoming events at ecotarium.org. Browse the museum’s gift shop to take home unique toys, puppets, science kits and jewelry not found in your average toy store.
Wildlife Habitats House a Variety of Critters both Large and Small
The EcoTarium is home to cuddly creatures, feathered friends, reptiles and fish. From an opossum to a river otter, and a cockroach to a polar bear, everyone will find at least one member of the EcoTarium to coo at. There are red signs outside of each display that describe the habitat written in both English and Spanish.
The majority of the residents inside this museum are no longer able to live in the wilderness. Some grew up in captivity and can no longer defend themselves in the wild, and others were injured and never quite healed. Here, these animals are offered food and safety while they teach the public about the importance of every species that shares this planet. While many of the animals and birds live at the EcoTarium on a full-time basis, there are also a few special guests that stop in for a brief stay of rest and relaxation, and are later released back into the wild. Speaking of wild, wild turkeys are also frequent passersby, so stay alert whenever on the museum’s grounds.
Enjoy Multimedia Programming Even on Rainy Days Inside the Planetarium
Visitors are invited to check out multimedia shows inside the full-dome Alden Digital Planetarium. Here, people are invited to view images from NASA and the Hubble telescope that appear on screen as a three-dimensional solar system. These pictures are projected using Digital Light Processing technology from Sky-Skan, Inc.
Featuring a Bose surround system, the Planetarium offers guests an opportunity to see up-close footage of moons, asteroids and planets during the movie(s) they choose. The shows delight audiences of all ages. The cost of each show is $5 per person for non-members (plus museum admission), $4 per person (plus museum admission) for members.
The EcoTarium is an Affordable Day Trip
Break up the day of discovery with lunch at the Sunny Food Pavilion. There are picnic tables available for snacking. If there wasn’t any time to pack a lunch the night before, fear not. There are a variety of vending machines inside the Food for Thought Café, offering light meal options, snacks and drinks for a quick fuel break.
Once energized, there are three different trails to walk through. The Vibram Walking Trail focuses on the landscape of the land. Next, travel the Meadow Trail and search for butterflies and insects that call this grassland home. Finally, there is the Timescape Trail that invites hikers to learn about the evolution of the land over thousands of years. Little ones tired of walking might prefer a 12-minute ride around the grounds as a passenger on the Explorer Express Train. Tickets are $2.50 per person (plus museum admission) for non-members and $2.00 per person (plus museum admission) for members.
Located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, MA., the EcoTarium is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For additional information, including show times and a calendar of events, visit EcoTarium's website, call (508) 929-2700 or email info@ecotarium.org.
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