CT Mommy Blog

Wonder. Think. Be Inspired. This is the motto for the EverWonder Children’s Museum in Newtown, CT. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve already gotten a peek at our first trip to the museum for a morning of hands-on fun. The museum has exhibits perfect for school aged children, as well as a toddler area.

EverWonder is a one of the newer children’s museums we have visited in the state. It was founded by a group of moms in 2011 looking to bring hands-on fun to children in their part of the state. Way to go moms!

Days & Times

Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

*Closed on major holidays

Admission (2018 Prices)

Adults: $7, Children (ages 1+): $7, 0-12 months: Free

Museums for All with EMT Card: $3

EverWonder is part of the ACM Reciprocal Network that also includes museums like KidCity, Stepping Stones, Imagine Nation, and KidsPlay. If you have a membership to one of the museums in the ACM network your admission to EverWonder is half price.

TIP: Check with your public library on availability of museum passes for discounted admission

Parking

The museum is located in an industrial park off the main road. The public school buses park in the same lot so when I pulled in I was a bit alarmed that there were going to be a lot of school children inside, but thankfully that was not the case.

There is plenty of free parking adjacent to the building.

Exhibits

The museum space is a series of small rooms and hallways.  Each room has its own engaging exhibits that promote questioning and problem solving skills. Children (and parents) work together to explore and discover STEM themed exhibits. There are signs posted in the exhibits giving helpful tips, but the focus is to provide children with the tools to make their own discoveries.

Many of the children’s museums that I have visited have an emphasis on preschoolers and toddlers. I felt like most of EverWonder was targeted toward school-aged children. The toddler area was also great and a perfect spot for little ones to explore and be scientists too. I love visiting places that are suitable for a wide range of ages. It makes parenting multiple children easier and gives opportunities for children to visit for many years.

Photo Credit: EverWonder Children’s Museum

Young Explorer Zone

Since my kids are still on the younger side (3 & 6) we started our day in the toddler area. The toddler area is open to children 5 and under and their siblings. It’s made up of 3 small rooms with a center area that is gated off from the rest of the museum.

The center area has a small slide, soft foam blocks, chalk board, and a sand table. There are benches for adults to sit and watch little ones. It’s the perfect spot for pre-walkers to engage while older toddlers explore.

The other 3 rooms are divided into building, nature and kitchen themes. My kids loved exploring the different themes and all of the amazing toys. They were able to build their motor, questioning, and imaginative play skills all while having fun.

School Aged Exhibits

The main area of the museum is geared toward school aged children, but my 3 year old still enjoyed playing with the exhibits. The different exhibits truly encourage children to question, problem solve, and discover through hands-on exploration. I found the different exhibits to be engaging even as an adult. The posted instructions offered just the right level of support to get us started. There is a combination of permanent and rotating exhibits.

Below is a sample of some of our favorite exhibits.

Tinker Station

Along the hallway to the main exhibits is a tinker station. The goal is to take apart and see how things work. On this particular day they had stereos to take apart. It was interesting to see the inside pieces.

Ramps

Use tubes and pipes to create ramps for balls to race through. Directions and pictures are posted around the room for inspiration.

3 Wheeled Racers

Create your own car and race against your friends along the track.

Dinosaur Dig

Uncover dinosaur bones buried beneath the surface

Fliers

Create a flier using paper cups. Discover how different cuts and folds impact the flight patterns.

Rotating Exhibits in Yellow & Blue Rooms

Animals

EverWonder is home to a few animals including a bearded dragon, frogs, and fish.

Snack/Party Room

EverWonder has a snack room to enjoy snacks and lunch from home. You are asked to enjoy only nut-free foods.

The museum also offers science themed birthday parties for children ages 2 and up.

Special Events

The museum offers special events and activities. Refer to their calendar of events for specific dates and times.

We loved exploring EverWonder Children’s Museum. Being a newer children’s museum in the state, it deserves a great deal of recognition for creating a space that fosters discovery and problem solving skills in children. I loved that my children were learning through hands-on play. Hopefully planting the seeds today will inspire them, and all children who visit, to continue to “wonder, think, and be inspired.” I would recommend a visit to the museum for children of all ages.