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September 2024 by Ally Small
Such a letdown after waiting so long with such fanfare. The larger room with the new displays is very underwhelming. There is alot of unfilled space and several broken or missing items including a race track unable to use as it wasn't built properly. The giant wooden rack one of only two major display peices in the middle of the room is quit confusing. It takes up alot of space and just has a bunch of tangles yarn bits tied around it and a bird nest up top. If it's intended for decoration it would be much better replaced with functional play area. The few complete play places are imaginative including a race car with removable wheels and a mechanic shop but in combination with the small space and little activities it's very crowded with more than 10/15 kids. There is also a slightly separated room where a very creative log sits with some padding and book nook areas. This area is great for quiet exploring. However while there children were leaping off the log as children do and they either hit or nearly hit their heads on the frame which is barely a foot away several times while we were there. They do have a dedicated eating space and claimed a quiet sensory space for kids who needed calming but the only space we saw was behind the stage curtain and it was filled with piles of stuff so couldn't have been intended for a quiet sensory space.
Now there is also a smaller room in front of the stage that had a few activities like a sequin board and Legos and fort building materials but these items looked like they came from my playroom everything was very shabby well worn and confusing for a brand new children's museum.
It genuinely feels like they blew their budget on a few massive peices and then had no other choice but to open and start bringing in income somehow. The finished areas are nice but the rest is so shabby unclean well worn and desperately in need of a coat of paint.
It's ludicrous to expect families to fork over 8 dollars for every person child to adult when this is what is available in the condition it's in. 8 dollars per child maybe and that's if you repair the broken displays and THOROUGHLY clean in all those little spaces and paint over the dirt and stains and cobwebs.
Also if you advertise on your website that you have a fund available for low income families then you need to provide that when asked, the employee at the desk claimed there was no such thing but your website advertises a fun fund for free entry.
This could have been such an amazing place I don't know how this went so wrong.
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September 2024 by Michalya Dorval
Our family really enjoyed the Children’s Discovery Museum. We almost didn’t check it out because of the poor reviews; however, we enjoyed the big open space and all the creativity that went into it. It left some thing to the child’s imagination.
People complained about the cost, but I actually find it affordable compared to the Portland Children’s Museum and the one in Bangor as well.
I’d recommend that you explore it for yourself and make the decision if it’s a fit for your family!
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August 2024 by Amanda B.
We took our 2 and 4 yr old here during our visit from out of state. They had such a great time that we came again later in the week! They had quite a few play exhibits as well as craft tables set up for kids to practice tying knots and making friendship bracelets. The price is quite affordable for both in and out of state residents as well. It’s still a work in progress as they are building new exhibits it’ll be exciting to see what will come the next time we are in the area!
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August 2024 by Cassandra Batty
We went to the new museum in Waterville and we were super excited to play at the new museum however, unfortunately it was a bit underwhelming. My kids, who are aged 6 and 3, got bored with it pretty quick. It was very overpriced for the amount of time we stayed. There’s not very many different activities and some of them don’t even work. They have a car track that my 6 year old thought was cool until all the cars kept getting stuck on the track and not making it all the way down. My 3 year old did enjoy the farm stand. Overall, the money you pay to get in isn’t worth it. Maybe it will get a little better the longer they are open.
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July 2024 by Linda Neubelt
Brought my grandson (age2) and his parents to the “discovery museum” and were charged $44. High price for a VERY minimal space. We couldn’t have been more disappointed. Insanely overpriced. As Maine residents one would think you would only pay just a few dollars at most. Nothing would keep any child entertained for more than an hour. Sadly you would be better off going to the play space at McDonald’s. Oh…and the images in the other postings below? That is not the space at all. Not even remotely close to what you will find in Waterville.
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January 2024 by Bridget Gehrling
Right now they have special events and Toddler Power Hour (Mondays only)Many of the toys and features set out are not designed or safe for TODDLERS so one must closely monitor their child's activity.It's a great spot to have a Play Date because it is not ever crowded. Wonderful also for children with developmental delays or special needs. I think it would be a great spot for a "Romper Room" sort of scheduled session.Progress is happening in the museum, proper but if there is a planned opening date, it isn't anywhere on their website.
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February 2023 by Sheep Davis
Cute place for kids to run around. The only downside is it is very small.
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October 2020 by Walter Lawrence
Nice place to visit. Kids will love to play
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September 2020 by Andrew Lewis
Great place to bring kids. Wonderful membership options. Just a bit small on repeat visits
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September 2020 by stegomon
Fun place for the little and kids at heart
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September 2020 by Faye Cookson
I mean it was ok. But I paid six dollars to stand there. Not impressed will not return.
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September 2020 by Jessica Berger
So much fun!
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September 2020 by dadee52909
I bought a card for the whole year my kids love this place so much :)
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September 2020 by Jim C
Great place to take kids on a rainy day!
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September 2020 by Esther Beauregard
Small, but a good way to spend an afternoon out with the kiddos on a cold day.
