Montshire Museum of Science

After visiting Quechee Gorge, we decided to check out some local attractions in Norwich, Vermont.  The kids saw a brochure for the Montshire Museum of Science and really wanted to check it ou.  The museum is easy to find (just off exit 13 of Interstate 91), and while it doesn’t look particularly big from the outside, it is very impressive both indoors and out.

Montshire Museum of Science

My kids headed to the Bubble exhibit first, drawn in by tubes of bubbling foam, drifting bubbles, and a bubble booth.

Montshire Museum of Science Bubble Booth

Right away they were involved in hands-on experiments.

Montshire Museum of Science

Next, the kids had a blast at the Tinkering Lab, where there were supplies to create a marble run that triggered a chain reaction.  The kids got really creative and could have spent hours putting together contraptions (if it weren’t for the fact we had a long drive home!).

Montshire Museum of Science Tinkering Lab

There are many exhibits as well as programs and events, so each time you go, there are new things to see.

Montshire Museum of Science

We explored the whole museum, from aquarium tanks with turtles and fish, to trying out different musical instruments.  I found myself enjoying the museum and learning a lot too, from the live leaf cutter ant display to games to test your puzzle-solving abilities, just to name a few.

Montshire Musuem of Science

The gift shop is large and hard to miss, and it has lots of great stuff to choose from.  While my kids aren’t one to pass up an opportunity to spend money at a gift shop, it is nice that there are things available for purchase other than toys and stuffed animals.  There were quite a few science-based products that were interesting.

Montshire Museum of Science Gift Shop

What I love about this museum is that it isn’t limited to indoor exhibits.  Outside, there is much more to explore, from a splash pad and water features to interpretive trails and more.

Montshire Museum of Science

There is a pavilion with a summer cafe where you can purchase food, drinks, and frozen treats.  This is a great place to take a break and refuel when the kids get hungry.

Montshire Museum of Science

We didn’t have much time to spend outdoors, but the kids had fun with the outdoor exhibits, playing this piano and checking out a trail on our way out that explored the solar system.

Montshire Museum of Science

There are many trails on the property, and plenty of signage, which would be great from toddlers to older kids as well, since the trails range from 0.1 miles to 3 miles.  How great that you can take a break from spending time indoors and stretch your legs, let the kids burn off some energy.

Montshire Museum of Science

Our whole family had fun exploring the museum.  Everything was so well thought out, and it was fun for both the kids and adults.  The exhibits and trails are thoroughly labeled and well-designed.  I love that there is an outdoor component, and I wish we lived closer, because this is a place you could really spend the day, and it would make sense to get a membership and be able to explore all the trails, exhibits, and events on a regular basis.

Visit the Montshire Museum of Science website here.