Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT (4 smiles)

 We went to the Montshire Museum of Science today and here is my review.....

Date:  10/7/2009

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admission:  [$$$$$] View their admission here.

Birthday Parties:  Yes.  See info here.

Bathrooms:  They are located on the main floor.  They have changing tables & stools at the sink.

Cleanliness:  The museum is clean.  The trails and outdoor exhibit were also very clean.

Store:  There is vending machines by the bathrooms for water and snacks.  There is also a souvenir shop that has a lot of really neat stuff.  A lot of educational toys and games you don't see everywhere.

Overall:  We really enjoyed the museum.  It is not very big, but there is a lot to see and touch.  My son really enjoyed the children's area with the balls and the tunnels.  I was so impressed with the view and the building itself.  It is three floors with great exhibits that kept 2 three year old and their moms very busy.  The dinosaur exhibit is really fun.  My son spent a lot of time playing with the simulators!  The outside exhibit is really nice.  They use a lot of natural materials.  I definitely want to back in the summer where my son can get wet.  It was a bit too chilly to walk in the water.  We went on a walk down one of the trails and saw 3 deer!  The trail overlooked a beautiful river and right now the foliage is breath taking.  We had a fabulous day.  You can bring food into the museum, but only eat in designated areas.  We ate outside.  The train also picks up and drops off right there.  You can get more info one the train here.

We will be back.  We really enjoyed our visit!

KidsPLAYce, Brattleboro, VT (2.5 smiles)

We went to KidsPLAYce in Brattleboro today, October 11, 2008 and here is my review.....

Parking:  Plenty.  I noticed a metered parking lot directly across the street.

Gate/Admission:  [$$]  There are a lot of granite steps to go down to get to the entrance.  I had a bit of struggle getting my son and the stroller down them!  Luckily, there were some nice people around to help!

Birthday Parties:  Not sure...I will find out

Bathroom:  I saw two large bathrooms both had changing tables.  They were pretty old, but they work!

Cleanliness:  I would not say this is the cleanest facility we have been to.  It was just okay.

Store:  They sell snacks and ice cream!  There is a table in the craft area that you can sit at and have drinks and snacks.

Overall:  My son liked the sand table.  I thought the two story townhouse was neat.  The toys are worn and the rug was pretty old and stained.  The climbing maze is very small and it's old school.  It's a small facility.  It's okay.  If I was in Brattleboro and was looking for a spot to hang out I would go, but I would not make the trip if you live quite a distance from it.  Keep in mind it is also seasonal.  It opened October 1st for the season.

Santa's Land, Putney, Vermont (3.5 smiles)

We went to Santa's Land in Putney, VT today and here is my review.....

Date:  8/25/2008

Parking:  Plenty

Gate/Admission:  [$$$]  Friendly and informative.

Birthday Parties:  I saw a 3 hour park rental on their website.  No mention of actual birthday parties...

Bathroom:  There is only one, but the park is pretty small.  It does have a changing table!

Cleanliness:  For an older park I was surprised how clean it is.  It is in need of minor repair on buildings and maybe a complete sprucing up, but it's clean.

Store:  I was also very happy with the variety of food that they sell.  They have a concession stand with lunch items.  They also have an ice cream / candy / fudge store and a drink cooler in the main building by the parking lot.  They sell a variety of drinks (milk, water, juice boxes, etc.)  The main building has souvenirs, toys and Christmas ornaments.  There is a book and quiet toy building also!

Overall:  I was surprised.  I have to say the park itself is old and a bit run down, but they have a little bit of everything for the little ones.  There is a train ride, a couple of small rides, animals, two playground areas, small buildings that the kids can go into and write letters to Santa or walk through Santa's house.  There is a deer feeding/petting area that my son enjoyed.  The park was almost empty today.  I am not sure if it is always like this, but if felt like it was open only for us!  The staff is extremely friendly.  The gentleman that runs the train also runs the three other rides so when the train stops he opens the other rides then heads back to the train!  I would go here again.  Especially at my son's age (he's two).  The park is small, but he doesn't mind and there is plenty for him to do and I don't have to worry about him in crowds of people.  I would recommend it at least once!