A science and nature museum with live animals and outdoor trails in Worcester, partnered with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest, with sensory kits at the Information Desk on request and quieter visit times on weekday afternoons.
Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; closed Mondays. Admission ticket sales close at 4 pm daily. From November through March, the outside grounds close at 4 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day only. Open on these Monday holidays: MLK Day, Presidents Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
“We are proud to partner with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest to better support visitors with sensory processing needs.”
“Sensory kits are available at the Information Desk upon request. These kits include tools to help create a more comfortable experience during your visit.”
“For guests seeking a quieter experience, we recommend visiting during our off-peak hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.”
The Autism Alliance trained the museum's staff, and employees are trained to direct guests to the services offered, such as the sensory kits at the Information Desk.
The Information Desk is on the Upper Level. Wheelchairs, a scooter and strollers are rented there.
Food: the café is open 11 am to 3 pm (outside at the Trailhead Café in warmer months, and on the Lower Level outside the Hirsh Center in colder months). The Hirsh Center on the Lower Level is an indoor lunch space in bad weather and in winter, and there are picnic tables on Sundial Plaza and tables on Siegfried Plaza. No dinner is served.
Restrooms include two wheelchair-accessible family bathrooms with infant changing stations on the Upper Level, two more family restrooms in the Classroom Wing on the Middle Level, and an accessible family/companion restroom with an adult changing station in City Science. Several restrooms have no door openers; the accessibility page lists every restroom.
Lockers (19 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches) rent for $4; there are 12 a day.
Admission: adults $24, children 2 and up $18, students $18, seniors $18, under 2 free. Planetarium shows are $7 ($6 for members, under 2 free) and need EcoTarium admission. The Stoddard Exhibition Hall is included Tuesday through Friday; on weekends it is $7 per non-member. Otter Encounters are $35 ($25 for members).
All discounted and reciprocal membership tickets must be bought in person when you arrive. Members visit free. Card to Culture: $5 per person for EBT or WIC cardholders, up to 4 family members, with a valid card. Wonderfund: $5 per person with a valid card. ACM: 50% off, up to 6 people, with a membership card. ASTC and NARM reciprocal members: free for up to 4 people, with the card rules on the visit page.
More discounts: Bank of America Museums on Us is free for the cardholder only, on the first weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Seniors 65 and up and students with ID get $6 off. Active duty military, National Guard and Reserve plus up to 5 family members get in free each summer, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, with military ID. AAA: $2 off for up to 4 family members, not combined with other coupons, discounts or special event pricing.
Groups of 10 or more (including family groups) can book group rates in advance; restrictions apply. Call 508.929.2700 or email reservations@ecotarium.org.
Parking is always free. Accessible spaces (state plate or placard required) are in the Upper Lot, the Lower Lot and the Shipping Area; from the Shipping Area, walk across Siegfried Plaza to enter, since the Shipping & Receiving doors are not an entrance.
Rentals at the Information Desk: motorized scooter $9 (1), wheelchair $7 (2), single stroller $7 (3), double stroller $9 (3).
Planetarium (hearing and wheelchair access): four wheelchair spaces with companion seats, a limited number of assistive listening devices, and closed captions on some shows. Ask planetarium staff when you enter, or at the Information Desk before the show.
Only service animals are allowed on the property, including in vehicles. Questions: info@ecotarium.org or 508.929.2700.
