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Educational Fun at Connecticut Museums

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Enjoy an educational visit to one of Connecticut's best museums. Learn about art, science, and history while letting your imagination run wild and participate in hands-on activities. The Nutmeg State features family-friendly selections, museums for art lovers, and so much more.


Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Pick a day with good weather to visit Mystic Seaport, as this is an extensive outdoor museum. Mystic Seaport, located in Mystic is the largest maritime museum in the United States and truly is a memorable place to visit for learners of all ages.

The Children's Museum, West Hartford, CT

West Hartford’s Children’s Museum is a colorful, mostly-indoor museum geared toward children of all ages. All exhibits are interactive and allow for creative thinking and individual exploration of the sciences.

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT

The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford is a newly-built science museum focused on STEM education and hands-on activities for children. Explore their rooftop garden, learn about muscles, get your hands dirty in their touch tank, or build with giant blocks in their young children's room.

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT

Mystic Aquarium is a favorite among parents and children alike. Marvel at the numerous tanks full of jellies, sharks, and species of fish, or watch the African penguins waddle around their above-ground habitat and swim gracefully in the water.

Mark Twain's House, Hartford, CT

Mark Twain, the author of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and many other novels, lived in this house (which is now a museum) from 1874 to 1891. Learn about his life and his family, and see preserved rooms.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's House, Hartford, CT

Near Mark Twain's House, you'll find Harriet Beecher Stowe's House, which is another excellent preserved house and museum to visit. Harriet Beecher Stowe was an author of numerous novels, perhaps her most famous was “Uncle Tom's Cabin.”

Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Mashantucket, CT

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum is an excellently executed educational museum about indigenous American cultures with a focus on Mashantucket Pequot people.

Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, CT

The Yale University Art Gallery was founded in 1832 and holds more than 200,000 objects from all over the world.

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, CT

Held in the former home of Florence Griswold, an impressionist artist, this art museum was the center for American Impressionism. See examples of this art style in the museum and learn more about their works on their website.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Mystic Seaport: The largest maritime museum in the U.S., offering an extensive outdoor experience with educational activities for all ages.
  • The Children's Museum: A colorful, interactive museum tailored for children, encouraging exploration and creativity in science.
  • Connecticut Science Center: Focuses on STEM education with hands-on activities, featuring a rooftop garden and various interactive exhibits.
  • Mystic Aquarium: Popular for its diverse marine life displays, including jellies, sharks, and an African penguin habitat.
  • Mark Twain's House: The historic home of Mark Twain, where visitors can learn about his life and literary work.
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe's House: Preserved home of the author known for “Uncle Tom's Cabin,” offering insights into her life and novels.
  • Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center: Educational museum focusing on indigenous American cultures, particularly the Mashantucket Pequot tribe.
  • Yale University Art Gallery: Established in 1832, this gallery holds an extensive collection of art objects from around the world.
  • Florence Griswold Museum: Dedicated to American Impressionism, housed in the former home of Florence Griswold, showcasing works and providing educational resources.
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