The Newly Expanded KidsPlay in Torrington, CT
61 Main Street – Torrington, CT 860-618-7700
Disclaimer: My family was given complimentary admission to KidsPlay in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The last time I visited KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington, CT my kids and the museum were all itty bitty. Two years later, and everyone has grown. The museum has gone through a whole renovation and seems to have doubled in size. If you haven’t been in a while I would highly recommend planning a return visit to see all of the expanded space. Better yet, enter the giveaway below to enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the museum!
Days & Times
Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Admission
The price of admission is $8 per person. Children under one are free.
KidsPlay is part of the ACM Reciprocal Network that also includes museums like Imagine Nation, KidCity, Lutz Museum, and Stepping Stones. If you have a membership to one of the museums in the ACM network your admission to KidsPlay is half price.
TIP: Periodically Groupon offers discounted tickets. Check for discounted tickets before your visit.
Parking
The museum is located in downtown Torrington. They have a private parking lot at the back of the museum. There are 22 free parking spaces that are first come, first serve. I had no trouble finding a spot on a Friday morning but I imagine that on the weekends and school holidays the parking lot fills up quickly. Thankfully, there is plenty of metered street parking available too.
TIP: KidsPlay parking lot is on Water Street
When I last visited I was able to enter through the back entrance but you now have to walk around the corner to the entrance on Main Street.
Exhibits
KidsPlay has been completely rearranged and expanded since our last visit. The museum is full of vibrant colors and clearly defined areas. The exhibits are spread out around the museum and there is plenty of space to accommodate large groups on busy days. They’ve done a wonderful job creating engaging hands-on exhibits.
When you first enter the museum you are greeted with the admission desks. In the lobby are lunch tables (outside food is permitted), the Lego water table, and a large bubble maker.
Theater
The focal point in the lobby is the large stage where children can participate in dramatic play. There are costumes, props, a large mirror and stage perfect for a performance. Chairs are positioned around the stage for parents to observe as an audience.
Market
One of the original exhibits in the museum is the KidsPlay Grocery. It’s a pint-size grocery store with shelves stocked with grocery packages. Bags, baskets, and mini shopping carts are available to wheel around purchases. Kids can bring all of their items to the register where a friend can ring them out and bag their groceries. The area is adorable and a huge hit with the kids. I love that everything is so realistic; they use empty boxes of name brand products so little ones can recognize brands from home. There are even real price tags, just like at the store!
Diner
Another favorite exhibit is the KidsPlay Diner. Little ones can wear an apron and pretend to cook up a tasty treat in the retro black and white diner. Friends and parents can sit at the counter waiting to be served.
The Literacy Tree House
Being a former teacher, the literacy tree house was my favorite exhibit. During my last trip it was still under construction so I was very excited to see the final product. The tree house is the perfect combination of gross motor play mixed with children’s literature. Children are encouraged to take a “book walk” through a beloved children’s book, in this case The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
The tree house is straight out of a fairy tale with hidden caves, a clubhouse, a wooden bridge, a rope slide and plenty of nooks to hide and play. At the top of the tree house is a secret room full of children’s literature with cozy reading spots. There is a bench at the foot of the tree house for caregivers to sit while little ones have fun. The tree house is a one-of-a-kind treasure and should not be missed!
Music Room
The music room is still under construction but you are allowed to play inside while they put on the finishing touches. The room is decorated with large horns hung on the wall, small handheld instruments scattered around, and a large earth shaped drum in the center of the room. Kids can get a hands-on experience making their own music. My son loved playing with the large piano. Where else would he be allowed to play with a piano? I’m excited to see what this room looks like when it is complete.
Makerspace
In the expanded section of the museum is an area for creative arts. It is full of supplies and inspiration for children to use their own creativity as they transform ordinary objects into art. There are Makerspace challenges throughout the week where caregivers and children can work together. This area is still under construction.
Toddler Area
In the heart of the expanded area is the toddler area. This area is ideal for toddlers 2 years old and under only. There are plenty of soft foam mats and age appropriate toys for the youngest guests. I like that it’s conveniently located in a spot where mom or dad could play with baby while still keeping an eye on older siblings playing nearby. This is a no shoes areas.
Firetruck & Totville Express
Kids will love riding aboard the firetruck, cars, and train. They can dress up as conductors and firemen as they ring bells and press buttons.
Ball & Scarf Shoot
There are 3 large air shoots that will send balls and scarves soaring through clear plastic tunnels. My son LOVED this area. You can manipulate the way the air flows and make a great science conversation about it, but we mostly just enjoyed watching the balls and scarves fly through the tubes. If I had the room to replicate this at home it would keep him busy for hours!
Activity Room
The museum has a list of daily activities that meet in the activity room. While we were there they had “messy art.” I love a museum that includes a special activity with the price of admission. It’s like getting two things for the price one.
Birthday Parties
KidsPlay specializes in kid’s birthday parties in Connecticut. They offer 2-hour birthday parties throughout the week. Most party packages have 15 children and additional guests can be added for a fee. Parties start at $250 for select days.
KidsPlay has done a fantastic job expanding their children’s museum. There are some wonderful new exhibits with great space to move around. Visit during their upcoming Family Fun Fair on February 18, 2018. The day will feature special activities and plenty of exciting attractions.
Giveaway
Now I want to share the fun of KidsPlay with you! I will be giving away a family four pack of tickets to one lucky reader! Read the contest rules below and enter for your chance to win. Good luck!
- Enter below using your email address, Facebook or Instagram login for your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington, CT
- Must be at least 18 years old to enter
- Only one entry per person
- Contest closes on January 31, 2018 at 8 pm
- One winner will be chosen at random
- The winner will be notified through email
- The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email with his/her name and mailing address to claim prize.
- If the winner does not respond in the designated time they forfeits their chance at the prize. A new winner will be chosen.
- Tickets will be mailed directly by KidsPlay Children’s Museum
- CT Mommy Blog is not responsible for prizes late, delayed, misdirected, lost, damaged or improperly mailed
- Entry into this contest constitutes your acceptance of these contest rules
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