HARTFORD, CT, June 5, 2001 -- Today’s museums embrace visitors and offer ways for families to learn something new -- and yet still have fun. Building model rockets and exotic archaeology digs have replaced the images of intimidating museums of long ago -- best of all, the youngsters will have a cool time and won’t realize they are learning in the process. For a quick getaway weekend escape, the following Connecticut exhibits and hands-on-activities will fill up those hot, hazy days of summer, all just a short drive or train ride away:

Timexpo Museum – Waterbury, CT

Visitors can watch "time fly" at the brand new Timexpo Museum which debuted on May 4, 2001. The Museum traces the history of Timex and its predecessors in the watch and clock industry, dating back to the 1850’s. A variety of artifacts and memorabilia are showcased along with clocks of all shapes, sizes, and time periods, including a Timex watch that flew on a NASA space shuttle. A winding Time Tunnel takes visitors back in time to an archaeology exhibit; kids can "design watches" at the craft table; plus there are computer interactives and video clips, including the famous Timex "torture test" commercials. For more information call (800) 225-7742.

See Connecticut Family Attractions for more information.

Discovery Museum – Bridgeport, CT Courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism

Space Adventure will give children entering grades 5 - 8 the opportunity to become astronauts. They will learn to build model rockets, design space suits and participate in a mission to Mars in the Challenger Learning Center. The one week program runs from July 9 – 13 and August 6 – 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Program fee for the week is $250 per child.

Call (203) 372-3521 or see Connecticut Family Attractions for more information.

Bruce Museum – Greenwich, CT

Matters of the Mind: The Science of Illusion, presents an educational and entertaining, family-oriented exhibition that demonstrates the science of illusions. Hands-on interactives invite visitors to explore a variety of illusionary topics such as: holograms, mirrors, magic tricks, linear perspectives and principles of op art. A full-length fun house mirror and other interactives enable visitors to experiment with anamorphic images. The exhibition runs through September 1, 2001.  For more information call (203) 869-0376 or go to Connecticut Family Attractions.

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk – Norwalk, CT   Picture Courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism

The A-Mazing Sea creates a 40’x 65’ labyrinth that puts visitors on a marine-life adventure. Guided by a series of questions, visitors must answer each one correctly in order to navigate through the maze. The exhibition is a perfect family activity, especially since it has something geared towards all age groups and, as such, has created a 20’x 22’ mini-maze set-up for younger visitors. Toddlers can also put a "hand" into the exhibit in a space designed with them in mind. Colorful, soft structures crafted to engage and stimulate young minds through play will get their creative juices flowing. Admission is $8.75 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7.25 for children ages 2 – 12. Children under 2 years of age are free. For more information call (203) 852-0700 or see Connecticut Family Attractions.

Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center – Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, CT

This summer, the Museum will offer a Family Archaeology Camp. Participants in the camp will excavate an 18^th century farmstead site, and will learn the fundamentals of excavation techniques, laboratory analysis and archaeological interpretation. Parents, grandparents, and children 8 years of age and older have the opportunity to excavate along side a research department archaeologist. The camp will take place on July 16 and July 17, 2001, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fee per day is $12 per person and $10 for members. Those who register for the excursion must bring their own lunch. For more information call (800) 411-9671.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center – Stamford, CT Picture by Stuart Smith, Courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism

Fifty Years of Beetle Bailey Exhibition will be on display from July 12 – October 21, 2001 celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Beetle Bailey, the classic cartoon created by Stamford resident, Mort Walker. Admission for Stamford residents: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and children between 3 - 14 years of age. Non-Stamford residents: $6 for adults, and $4 for seniors and children between 3 – 14 years of age. For more information call (203) 322-1646

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art – Hartford, CT

Picasso: The Artist’s Studio, a traveling exhibition organized by the Museum in conjunction with the Cleveland Museum of Art, will open June 9 - September 23, 2001. Nearly two-thirds of the approximately 35 paintings, and all of the ten drawings featured in the show are loans from foreign collections. Photographs documenting Picasso at work will also be displayed. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and students with I.D., $11 for children 6-17 years of age, $8 for museum members, free for children under 6 years of age. To purchase tickets call VISTA Ticketing at (877) 600-MAIN.

For more information or a Connecticut Vacation Guide call 1-800-CT BOUND (1-800-282-6863) 

See the following sections for more information on Travel in Connecticut:  

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