Young children LOVE this place and always have. Small museum with a clever play area the kids can't get enough of. Unfortunately rather expensive.
Love that it replicates the time when i was a child on main street in Manchester. Great time for kids for dress up and play
I remember going on field trips to the Lutz Childrens Museum when I was in elementary school and that it was so cool because I got to touch a snake. More of a play area than a museum, It is just as fun as I remember and great for younger children who like to play pretend, socialize, and see animals. Adults can enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship of the inside of the museum as well as the history of the area that it provides. What I also really appreciated that was different than other museums I have visited is that there are teenage volunteers who walk around and tidy up after the kids, putting toys back in the right exhibits so everyone gets a chance to play with them. One of their animal "experts" will often bring around a lizard or something that the kids can pet and learn about. The museum features frequent classes and special events (though they are a bit pricey) so check the website for times! If you bring a lunch or snack there's a nice area out back with picnic tables, a tire swing, and a big web to climb on. The staff are kind, attentive, and genuinely care about the children which made our visit even better. I'll definitely be back!
Lutz Children's Museum is a true gem in the Town of Manchester, Ct. A great place to introduce a very young child to special exhibits. There's a lovely learning and play room where children can play store and learn about various occupations. Very hands on. Occassionaly a staff member will walk around the room with a snake or a turtle for children to see and touch. There is also an animal viewing area, where resued animals live. There is also an outdoor play area. A best bet for the 2 -5 year old set.
Small establishment, but packed with some goodies. Staff are really friendly and relate with the children well. What really stood out to me was that I arrived shortly after opening hours, and I noticed the staff were sanitizing the play areas.I consider it a plus knowing that my family and other families health have a smaller chance of being infected with any germs. There is a very (very) small animal exhibit (petting) area were the children can get up close and see what would normally run or fly away. Some consider the membership expensive but, if your a stay home parent and go pretty often and utilize the free class vouchers, not to mention the discount entrance fees to other places the price rather fitting.
Certainly 10 year olds and younger would appreciate this place. Lots to see and do. But, do not bring your teen or preteen children. Really caters to the younger kids.
We took a friends 5 year old daughter. Not only she had fun, but we did also. This is well worth the visit. It isn't the fancy all inclusive museum you would find in a big city. Having said that, it also wasn't a mad house either. Nice displays and great staff. I would visit again.
My 1 yr. old granddaughter may have been a little too young to enjoy the museum. I heard that the volunteers took an animal out of their cage every 1/2 hr., but not the day that we were there. I'm sure we'll return.
Has been a wonderful place to take children for many years. Brought our daughters when they were young and now return wih our granddaughter.
Minimal charge to get in, lots of play areas, stairs to upper small area where kids can play in a pretend kitchen. There is a pretend train with a wheel that turns. There is fake fruit at a pretend stand. There are costumes to try on, learning areas with samples of outdoor items to name. There is a craft room where you can have parties, a stage to play on. In back are many little critters to see where staff can take out for you to touch when asked. There are little items to purchase and coffee for purchase. Great place.