If you live in the New York City suburbs, sometimes making it into the city for a museum visit is not in the cards; perhaps not a big enough time window, not in the mood for crowds, whatever the reason is, it’s just not happening. Which is why I like to explore museum alternatives outside of the city. I’ve written about the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History in Connecticut (see post here), which is a great, smaller alternative to the Museum of Natural History in New York. Another fabulous Connecticut museum completely worth checking out is the Bruce Museum in Greenwich.
Highly regarded for its collections in art, natural history and science, there is a bit of everything for the curious mind. It’s a small museum, but a good one. With both permanent and temporary exhibitions, there is always something to interest adults and kids alike. It has a terrific natural history section, which is always a huge draw for the kids. Comprised of fossils, mammal and bird mounts, minerals and rocks, and reptiles and skeletons, my girls are engaged from the minute we walk in. They especially love the water tank with crabs, lobster and fish, as well as the diorama of the animals in the woods, a big, intriguing display.
What I really love about the museum is that it also has an art collection, in addition to its science collection, with art mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries. We loved the Hans Hoffman exhibition, which was recently up this past fall. In general there is a good mix of art, science and natural history – a nice, well-rounded collection.
The Bruce Museum has a bunch of Youth and Family programs, such as the Tuesday Toddler Tours (Tuesdays, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.), Stroller Tours (one Wednesday a month, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.), Sunday Family Gallery Tours (most Sundays, ages 6 – 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.), Family Studio Workshops (two Sundays a month, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., $7 for members, $15 for non-members) and School Vacation Workshops (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., grades K-5, $7 for members and $20 for non-members, advanced registration required). For more info., see the museum’s website here.
One final note – across the street is the Bruce Park playground, a huge, awesome playground your kids will be sure to squeal over, and a good way to combine both indoor and outdoor play.
Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203.869.0376, Tuesday- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays (EXCEPT for MLK, Presidents and Columbus Days) and most major holidays. Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children 5 and over, 4 and under FREE. Tuesdays: FREE individual admission.
Thanks Cory!- this will be our Monday activity:)
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Hillary – it’s closed Mondays!
Hmm, when I called today they said open on mon – I’ll call again tomo to double check. Thx!
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I just went onto their website – upon closer look, they’re closed Monday’s EXCEPT MLK, Prez and Columbus Days. Enjoy!
I love these sort of places, which locals know about but tourists often don’t. Looks a wonderful place and great for kids. Have never been to New York – some day hope to make it there! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks Rosemary! Yes you have to visit NYC some day! Thanks for reading:).
Natural History and art – sounds fabulous! I love these smaller places too outside of the city, usually they’re little gems, this one sounds like it is.
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Completely, Joy, and without the crowds. I’m sure you can appreciate with your son!
Museums these days are great, aren’t they Corey? Not the dusty old things I remember from my youth. Today’s youngsters are so encouraged to join in and discover things for themselves and they love it. 🙂
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It’s so true, Jo. There’s so many more interactive things for kids compared to my childhood! And now with all the children’s museums too – I always tell my girls – you have no idea how good you have it!
Looks like an amazing place for kids. When mine were young a playground inclusion was a big bonus. Your two girls are adorable!
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Thanks so much Sue! Blogs always include the adorable pics maybe I should start posting some girl caddiness to keep things real:).
How handy that there’s a playground across the road. This place looks right up our street – my two kids love learning about nature and the world.
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Thanks so much – I know, there’s so many great little museums for kids these days to learn and explore.
What a lovely museum xx
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Thanks so much for stopping by:)
Stroller and toddler tours sound so great! They should really do more of that here in the UK – although our museums are very child-friendly. The Bruce looks like a brilliant collection and a mix of both art and science
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Thanks Ting – I know I wish they had these tours when my girls were in strollers I think they might be new. Such a great way to get out of the house and take in some culture while not having to chase your tot away.
This looks fab, like it will suit all ages, our boys love interactive Museums, and a playground across the road it perfect to let them run off steam afterwards x
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Thanks so much Christie – yes having both the museum and playground next door makes it the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. Thanks for stopping by!