Discovery Museum

I am licensed daycare provider and I took two children with parents permission to the Discovery Museum. The first thing I noticed was no disability entrance doors and it was blistering hot out, (93* July 18, 2012) so we expected some AC. They had fans going, large airplane fans and may I add, they were not caged and on full blast. The glass doors, floors, windows could have used a cleaning before opening and all during the day, we saw scattered staff wondering the halls and riding on the elevator. There were some classes going but the most jarring experience was they claim to have 65 "hands on" exhibtions-inteactive-they were mostly broken and isntead of one terrific floor of a subject, they had too many topics and sparse is what comes to mind. They had a few rooms of "types of housing all over the world." I am not sure who put this exhibition together but the blocks used, were wooden cracked and splintered and the stain was peeling and looked like something they had dug up from the 50's. They had large fabric leaves over a stick frame and a larger example of what I call a Yurt. It was a self guided tour and can I tell you Boring, boring, boring. Few explanations of the subject matter and the exhibitions should have been free. It is not worth the drive. The previous day, I called to ask why there was not a Membership fee ont he website and also told them the contact information submit button did not work. The gal at the desk told me that a couple membership was $35. When I got there, the brochure said $50/couple. You know, the personnel answering any phone for any business is the front lines of your business. Ct is a rich state with many foundations that would support a local museum for educational purposes. I think this museum needs a fundraising group and a seious curator that can put together a monthy program that is innovative. Offer a movie like Nova quality. The film shown to my two charges ages 6 and 3-the three year fell asleep and the film was boring and long. This museum deserves no stars in my book. more

The Discovery Museum is a really fun time for kids of most ages. The planetarium is of coiurse the highlight of the museum, we saw the planet show geared towards younger kids, and my son had a great time, although it was a bit tough keeping him quiet! He also had fun shooting hoops, and checking out all the hand on exhibits. There is also a section for toddlers which is very hand on as well. And the building is very nice and contemporary. more

I had heard very little of the Discovery Museum but decided to take the kids on a blistering hot day. What a pleasant surprise, a nice modern building overlooking the woods (this is Bridgeport!). We enjoyed many offerings: The kids observatory show, the mini movies in the theatre (age appropriate and included with the admission), the germ, dinosaur & basketball exhibits, the children's play area (lots to do in a small area), the echo chamber and lots of hands on science. My kids are on the young side but enjoyed themselves so much we bought a membership. (A bargain compared to pricing at the Stepping stones Museum) Go you'll like it. more