EcoTarium, Worcester

Best for kids aged 3-6, these value priced (compared to other full sized museums and zoos) tickets are good for a *half* day of fun. You must buy tickets in advance for a specific day, and pray for good weather as half of the attractions are outside. Live 'events' are simple but well done by truly enthusiastic staff. Train rides on the mini open-air-seating gas-powered (pretend steam) are the biggest unique attraction for young boys and girls alike. That said, the short track is just end to end with tiny loops to turn around at each end, so to an adult the $7/person extra cost may feel like an unnecessary tax. Do head straight for the 'station' to buy tickets in advance of a scheduled run, and show up 5 minutes early to get a front row seat. Autistic kids beware, there is some screaming in a small tunnel that may necessitate hands-over-ears. The place attempts a large number of interactive exhibits which will entertain kids in the 3-6 age group but with a few notable letdowns (especially with the buggy touchscreen exhibits). There's only so much touch (and break)able options they can come up with. There aren't a huge number of living animals and cages are medium sized (not small but not big either). The big cats (and ravens) are easy to miss if you don't look for the path. Expect quite a bit of taxidermy, but at least it is well done in terms of realism. Outdoor playgrounds will entertain some kids more than the exhibits. Food options are quite limited, bring your own and you'll find both a large indoor and several outdoor seating areas. Wasn't terribly busy on a Saturday in May 2022, so I still consider this a hidden gem worth the price. That said, the majority of folks aren't wearing masks these days.

Overall pretty amazing. I just wish there was more big cats in the big cat area as currently there is only pumas. Though, my one year old niece has a very interesting conversation with the crows and she loves them. It was also incredibly tiring for the little ones because they had so much fun with the activities inside. The otters and other animals were absolutely precious.