Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT

Photo: Josephtbrophy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

Connecticut Science Center

250 Columbus Blvd · Hartford, CT

Why you should go…

The Connecticut Science Center fills a nine-story building designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates in downtown Hartford. You work through more than 165 hands-on exhibits on topics from space and engineering to DNA and energy, and catch live science demonstrations along the way. A traveling exhibition rotates through, and add-ons include a Butterfly Encounter with free-flying butterflies and 3D films in the science theater.

  • #science museum
  • #hands-on exhibits
  • #kids activities
  • #butterfly habitat
  • #3d theater

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Connecticut Science Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

    Under $25

    Walk through a castle-like Gothic Revival museum holding about 50,000 works, from Baroque paintings to contemporary art.

    0.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Public Art CT

    Free

    A free guide to public art installations, sculptures, and historic architecture around Greater Hartford.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Central Connecticut

    Free

    Connecticut's official tourism district for the central river valley and Greater Hartford region, spanning 60-plus towns.

    1.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    The Mark Twain House & Museum

    $25–$50

    Tour the 1874 High Gothic home where Mark Twain wrote Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, then browse the museum galleries.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    New England Air Museum

    Under $25

    Walk among more than 100 aircraft in three hangars next to Bradley International Airport.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Lake Compounce

    $50+

    Ride wooden coasters and classic rides at an amusement park in Bristol that has operated since 1846.

    16 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions