Still nuts for the Lutz! (A new look at an old favorite)

Please note: This post was originally published in 2019, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please be sure to visit the Lutz Children’s Museum website for the most current information, especially about things like hours & pricing, and ticketing procedures.

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2019 Post:

When Mandy and I started this blog eight years ago, we always used to say that there were so many things to do with kids in Connecticut that by the time we finished documenting them all we’d have to start all over again because all those early posts would be outdated. Little did I know that I’d be starting all over for a different reason.

This is a post for all the new moms out there…and the moms like me who have been out of the toddler game for a while and now find themselves back in it. Oh, how quickly we forget. Ha!

When my boys were small, the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester was a go-to destination for us. It was an easy 15-minute drive from our house and the perfect way to keep my busy toddler/preschooler occupied for either an entire morning or just a spare hour.

We had a membership there for years, which, because of this museum’s affiliation with the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTM), also got us half off at other participating children’s museums (like Kidcity in Middletown, another one of my favorites) and free admission to qualifying science museums.

So when our Little Miss went mobile around 15 months, I knew just where to take her!

Fast forward a year and I’ve now been spending more time at the Lutz than any other kid-friendly destination. The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?

Now, of course we wrote about the Lutz back in the day (here in 2012 and here in 2013), and while not a whole lot has changed about this museum, there are some new features. So today, I thought I’d give you a new tour of an old favorite, and offer my top 5 reasons why the Lutz Children’s Museum is a new mom must.

Reason #1: It’s basically one big room

Yes, there is a separate space for animals and a program room (more on those later), but the main play area is one big space. This is helpful if you have two mobile little ones to looks after, or if you have a baby in a stroller, or if you just generally don’t feel like walking the equivalent of a marathon while trailing your tot. It also greatly increases your odds of actually being able to talk to a friend if you’re there for a playdate 🙂

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Reason #2: Animals!

I haven’t found another local museum that has both such extensive imaginative play elements (like a mini Main Street) and also a room full of intriguing animals (before you ask, all of these animals were rescued by the Lutz and for one reason or another were not able to be returned to the wild). And show me a toddler who doesn’t like animals. Little Miss always enjoys visiting her favorites. Actually, they’re all her favorites 🙂 Sometimes they even come out of their enclosures for a close encounter.

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Reason #3: Classes & programs for a range of ages

The Lutz offers classes on a range of topics including the arts, history and natural science. There are special events and as well as ongoing class series. Details for upcoming classes and events can be found in their quarterly newsletter.

I also love that classes are FREE with admission. They are on a first come, first serve basis though, so arrive early and don’t forget to dress your child in play clothes in case the activities are messy (and maybe bring another set of clothes for anything really messy so that you can stay and play afterwards!). Parents are not required to stay for classes unless otherwise noted in the class description.

This is such a great option when you have kids of multiple ages– you can have your older one enjoy a class while you and your little one hang out and play in the museum. It’s so nice to find activities that are engaging for different ages in the same place!

Reason #4: Outdoor picnic and play area

So this may not be as exciting to you now, as we stare down the start of winter, but having this little outdoor area ensures the kids burn off any extra energy before the ride home. And of course it makes a nice spot for a picnic lunch or a snack. Or, if you really need to run them ragged, you can head down the road to nearby Charter Oak Park with its amazing new playground. I’m all for outing extension whenever possible 🙂

Reason #5: Membership Options

As I mentioned before, the Lutz reciprocal membership gives access to free or reduced admission at dozens of other children’s museums and science centers across the country. It’s rare to find that dual reciprocity! And it makes this membership a super value. The Lutz also prorates their membership for any part of the calendar year. So if you decide to join in June, you can pay for just 6 months. And right now, their fall newsletter is offering FREE membership for the rest of this year. It’s like taking the membership for a test drive!

So if you’re new to parenthood, or just back for the next round, be sure to put the Lutz Children’s Museum on your list. I promise you’ll be a regular too 🙂

The Lutz Children’s Museum

247 South Main Street, Manchester, CT

Phone: 860.643.0949

Email: frontdesk@lutzmuseum.org

Hours (2019):

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Pricing (2019):

Children (age 1+) & Adults: $7.00
Members & Children Under One Year Old: Free

Details:

Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES 
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES; some prepackaged snacks and coffee (Keurig)
Outside Food Allowed: YES
Cash Required: NO
Dress Code: Nothing specific for the general museum, but classes can get a bit messy so plan accordingly.
Age Recommendations: If your little one can walk, he or she will love exploring! Older kids (up to age 10) will enjoy a variety of classes (and maybe playing pretend with their younger siblings too). Babies under 1 are FREE and the museum is very baby-friendly so it’s easy to bring your newbie too!
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: N/A
Birthday Party Venue: YES; see their website for details.

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