Designed to imitate the layout of a small town and featuring the elements of a global village, the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic contains a scaled-down post office, Chinese trading post, Mexican restaurant, and local television station. A signpost in the town square notes the mileage to cities such as Moscow and Paris. Special monthly and seasonal offerings augment the everyday programs. March events include an Eric Carle Picnic where preschoolers are invited to bring their favorite Eric Carle book and paint a page in the manner of the distinctive author/illustrator. Rock Hounds is a chance for 3- to 5-year-olds to explore the museum’s rock collections and play rock games. Dr. Seuss’s birthday and St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with books, games and activities, including a green snack for the latter (although green eggs and ham sounds appropriate for either!). Families with older children through 5th grade can enjoy Free Family Nights through May with live entertainment, guest speakers and storytellers, or a field trip to Burreau’s Sugar House to learn how trees are tapped and to watch sap boil. In the warmer months, many exhibits are outdoors and visitors are encouraged to picnic. Staff- and volunteer-directed activities include a daily art project and a weekly toddler playgroup. The museum is worth the trip on its own, but the long drive may be taxing on younger children. It is, however, ideally suited as a stopover on the way to or from points further north, such as Mystic, Block Island and Providence. Parents can antique or window shop in the village of Niantic, and after visiting the museum, the entire family can have a relaxing lunch before getting back on the road. The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut is located at 409 Main Street and can be reached via I-95 to exit 72. Make a left at the end of the exit ramp, and the museum will be approximately 2-3 miles on the left. Admission is $5; $3 for groups of 10 or more. Members and infants under one are free. The museum is open daily Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30am-4:30pm; Friday until 8pm; Sunday noon-4pm. Closed Mondays excluding school holidays other than New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, call (860) 691-1111 or visit www.childrensmuseumsect.org.
