City: Hamden, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (203) 777-1833

Address: 915 Whitney Ave.

Description: Although you’ll find Eli Whitney’s unique barn across the street (remarked on by two early US presidents) and Eli Whitney Jr.’s dam still holding back a huge lake, this is not really a historical museum. Rather, it is an experimental learning workshop for kids, with a number of hands-on activities, including a Water Learning Lab. You should register in advance for the many workshops and activities, although walk-in visitors can participate. The summer camp program is legendary. If you’re here for more than a week and want to explore the sights of New Haven County, but feel guilty about leaving the kids, you won’t if you leave them here. If you’re just here for an afternoon, check out the reconstructions of the first-ever covered bridge (invented and built right here!) and a blacksmith shop. A trail also leads from the museum east up to the top of East Rock Park (you can also drive) and spectacular views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. You can check all that out, as well as the exhibits in the armory about Whitney’s many inventions. Meanwhile your kids will be playing happily, unaware that they are absorbing scientific principles and ideas.