Discovery Museum — Attraction in Acton

I had a really nice time with my son here yesterday. Even though it was very busy, we still found a place to park and were able to spend time at each exhibit that we wanted to. The exhibits are new, so things were mostly working. Lots of fun things to do and explore inside and out. I enjoyed the fact that they were not the same old exhibits you see at all the other children/Science museums in the area, they felt 'fresh'. I think the space is well used too, as far as how the layout is. There were only a couple of areas where I felt very crowded, which is pretty good, considering how many people were there. We were able to leave, have a nice lunch, then come back and finish our visit. Parking is free. My complaints are not directed at the facility and are of a personal nature in that we experienced multiple incidents where parents made the experience unpleasant. Some parents were letting their kids use the exhibits in ways that can be destructive, or disruptive to other children trying to use them. I also saw some parents were so involved in the building process at some exhibits, they were telling their kids to go get more pieces, then the kids would go and take pieces from other kids. There were a couple of times where I had to tell kids to stop taking building materials from others, just so their parents could build huge structures. Seriously, one parent in particular seemed to be intent on using every single building block available, without any concern to the crying children whose blocks were being taken from them. He would tell his kids 'more pieces', his kids would go over to structures that other kids were in the middle of building, and just start dismantling their work and take the pieces, leaving them all upset. I even wondered aloud at one point "Am I the only adult over here?". The same thing happened (twice) upstairs at another building exhibit (different adults). Very frustrating experiences with selfish adults. The only thing I can suggest to the facility is to add signs to the exhibits that remind patrons to play...

2nd generation Acton Discovery Museum family! Today (the Friday before school vacation week), I took my daughter, her husband, and their 9 month old, visiting from Colorado, to this amazing children’s ‘museum.’ What started some 30+ years ago on first principles — that learning IS fun and a child's fertile mind and body must be carefully cultivated — still prevails.

Our particular interest this time — the infant section — was fabulous. It was right up the stairs from admissions, behind a pretty yellow picket fence. My grandson loved the floor time to interact with the mirrors, textiles, curated (and sanitized!) infant toys, us, other babies and parents, all in a safe, clean, well-padded, and carpeted setting. It was the most perfect way to see how far he and his personality have come (he’s extremely friendly), marvel at how well his parents were mastering the great art of parenting, and make my own special connection (which included teaching him how to play “pat pat” on a padded bench). After a solid hour and a half of exploration (yes, “discovery!”) and play in the infant section (with not even a hint of fussiness), we decided to visit the other nearby exhibits. The ‘hearing’ exhibit, in particular, was a hoot for us all!

Other details: Parking was ample, free, and not far from the main building. It did require some step and little hill walking. Any busses drive right up to the building, load or unload, then get out of the way. I’m guessing access is thoroughly ADA compliant. Once in, wherever we went, it seemed restrooms were well-signed and close. Wall-mounted sanitizers were everywhere, though sometimes were empty. We used them. In the infant area and most exhibit areas we visited, there were staff to help with any questions, needs, and guidance. Because the museum has become so popular, they do require reservations to prevent congestion and limit potential ‘ruckus.’ Infants get in for free! There are family-friendly restaurants nearby, including Benjarong (Thai food), if you’re hungry...

Super packed but still great. We came in winter so the outbuildings and all of the outdoor stuff was closed. I'm sure that contributed to the crowding. But even still it was just 1-3 kids at a time on the different things. Still plenty to do and see without having to wait in lines or anything. We didn't really wait at all all day. We did have to like go do something else until the thing we wanted to do was clear but that's pretty normal and it's not like we were bored. But if crowds bother you I recommend a weekday.

They did have a sign with available things to borrow to help make your trip more accessable. Like noise cancelling headphones and adult wheelchairs and such. If you are wheelchair bound good news. I think everything is accessible. There might be a small section upstairs that is tough just because it's so crowded. It's a little train station, restaurant, and campsite. The isles are quite narrow there and with the kids running around it would be nigh impossible to get a chair in there. And again the whole place was crowded on a weekend. But even so it would still be okay in a wheelchair. You'll get bumped a lot but I bumped into a lot of standing people today so I don't think that's too noteworthy. But the things are designed for kids so it's not like the counters are super high or the things are too far to touch from sitting down. It should be fine I'd say. You can even pull your car right up to the door for drop offs so you don't need to worry about getting up the hill in a chair.

We stayed two hours and didn't get everything done inside. Looking forward to returning in the summer to see what else is available.

Oooooh one thing. There aren't lockers just cubbies. And they do fill up. So if you want to leave your bag in the car that would probably be best. Unless you need diapers I'd ditch it and run out for whatever you needed. It's only a 3 minute walk from upstairs to the farthest corner of the lot I'd say. Have...