-
October 2023 by Chloe Reynolds
For what it is, a smaller museum geared mostly towards children, I found it charming and fun. I thought seeing the sturgeon was really cool! We went to a short presentation on local frogs and how to identify them, and I learned a few new things. Again, geared mostly to small kids, so a few areas got skipped on my trip, but not gonna take any points off for that because if I had kids, I'd definitely take them here. Fun little science experiments on the upper floors too.
-
September 2023 by Ian Proctor
This was a cute little aqua center. It's mostly geared at children, but if you're an adult in the area I think it's worth checking out. There section I enjoyed the most is the lake where they teach you about the native species in the lake and some of the invasive species that are particularly problematic. There's also several kinds of fish, turtles, frogs, salamanders, and a snake. Next to this section upstairs are also some fun science experiments you can do which include floating ball mazes, a topography map, water and flashing light, and a rotating table. So, there's plenty to keep your kids busy here for several hours. They also have a rotating exhibit and there are several movies you can go watch as well.
-
September 2023 by Suzanne K
This was the second time visiting. The first was about 6 years ago. Can confirm that this is a great place for all ages. Lots of hands on activities (again all ages) and great science tools (loved the microscopes with larger display screen) to educate with fun! The exhibits provide information on Lake Champlain and animal life within. Also has a beautiful setting right on the lake. Go to the roof deck for great photo ops!
-
August 2023 by Adam Matthew
Great family spot and a lot of fun!!My family and I came here on a rainy day while we were visiting Burlington and we weren't disappointed. It's a little bit small but they use the space very well. They had exhibits for different age groups as well as a 3D theater. We caught the dinosaur one and my 4 year olds loved it.
-
August 2023 by Katt Ward
A really great center for families eith little ones. There's quite a bit to do. Even on week days (we went on a Monday) they're pretty busy but we still had a good time.
-
August 2023 by Danielle Little
I brought a group of students here (1st-4th graders) for a full day field trip. I was impressed with the engaging exhibits (turtle demonstration) and especially the engineering and STEM/science activities. My students were challenges and engaged in many of the stations. I would like to return and explore the museum more on my own sometime soon.
-
July 2023 by Sara LeClair
We try and go here each year on summer break as it is a bit of a drive from us but always a great time. Hands on science that the kids love to explore for hours. We also get a discount pass from our local library which makes it a very affordable day trip. Can be very busy and a little chaotic, even during the week, but we haven’t had a problem being able to explore everything we want to.
-
May 2023 by Autumn Jells
We had a fantastic time! For a smaller center, this was incredibly interactive. Great experience for all ages! The kiddos had a wonderful time. It was very educational and there was plenty of areas with a vast variety of activities. They also had plenty of seating available for senior citizens to take a break. I would highly recommend!
-
May 2023 by Haley G
ECHO was so fun! The staff is so engaging and eager to share. There was so much to see and do, we spent about 2hrs there as adults but plan to spend longer if you are with kids who can play with more of what there is on offer. We loved seeing all the different animals but I think the goofy sturgeons in the lake room really captured our heart the most!We were worried about accessibility but had no problem navigating every single thing in a wheelchair. No missed opportunities! However, we were disappointed as this day had been advertised by ECHO as a masked day at ECHO which was important as one of us is immunocompromised, however we only saw one staff member and no other patrons in a mask. In the future, if you intend to offer masked days, please consider that you put folks at risk by not giving them the accurate information to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
-
November 2022 by Danelle Weaver
We had a wonderful time with our five year son. The exhibits had lots of interactive features. The Engineer It had volunteers from local engineering firms doing fun projects. It was also MOLE week so chemistry grad students and their professors were there with thought provoking games and crafts. My son was also the perfect age for the play area with the airplane, water table, stores and tree slide. We enjoyed two of the 3D movies that were 20 minutes each. These were $5 extra per person above the admission price. The lake resource room was packed with fun things to do. I think my son enjoyed this area the best. It was my favorite as well. It has an unassuming entrance so dont walk by without checking it out. It is staffed by someone who has an office in the back of the resource room. She is very friendly and pulls out puzzles, challenges and coloring pages that all have to do with the lake. This area is a hidden gem and a learning mecca. The gift shop was cute and we picked up a few souvenirs. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly and helpful. We were entertained for over 4 hours. Don't miss the deck with a beautiful view of lake Champlain!
-
September 2022 by Janet Moses
I visited the museum and was absolutely blown away by the variety of exhibits to interest all age groups and the overall friendly, welcoming atmosphere. There is even an outside area on the upper floor, with seating overlooking the lake, where you can take a moment away from all of the stimulus, if you or your child need a breather. Lovely experience.
-
August 2022 by Silvia
Good place to go while in Burlington. This place isn't an aquarium. It's a children's museum with a water theme. There's a lot of turtles and some fishes. We liked the 3D show and the demo/class teaching us about rat snakes. The children love the play areas where there are grocery store, cafe, water tables, boats. The grownups enjoyed sitting outside on the deck and enjoying views of the lake. And the soft serve ice cream outside was so good, try the orange flavor! Overall it was a great time for the children and lots of hands on learning to take advantage of.
-
July 2022 by Jay Su
Absolutely amazing place with so much to see, for the young to adults. Grab a map and figure out what’s your move. I found myself having to stop the kids from just running up to an exhibit and touching everything and if it would interact in any ways, and if not then they’d run to the next thing- there is a some of reading involved so you know the instructions before you can do the actual activity for most of them. So, I had to call them back, read the instructions to them, then it was actually a cool thing to do. I have two kids ages 4 & 6. They just wanted to physically do everything without really knowing what they were supposed to be learning about and I tried to explain few things from science prospective. So, adults, keep up and get engaged along with them so they know how to complete the activities and maybe learn something from them.they have indoor water activity a lot of other play activities including slides and play areas. The aquatic animal exhibit is also awesome. A mesmerizing view of the lake Champlain from this place is so great that you can’t compare with anything else. If you visit this place in the evening he can probably get a chance to take the sunset pictures from upstairs which is breathtaking. There’s a cafe and gift shop. So much to do and see, could be an all day thing if you want to get your money’s worth.if we visit Vermont anytime in filter, this is gonna be our first thing to do for the kids and for ourselves.
-
July 2022 by Jun Simons
Enjoyable kids museum even for adults. I recommend looking at the the museum pass that covers other science museums as well. The live animal exhibits are great, and the interactive science displays are interesting, informative, and well made.The whole museum doesn’t take too long, so its a good stop between activities in Burlington.
-
April 2022 by TheBudgetFamilySykesAgain
On a road trip with my 9 year old son, we decided to stop here. So glad we did. This was fun for all ages! Great displays and hands on activities. Very educational and fun. AMAZING location and views of the lake. Lots of parking near by. At this time it was $3/hr. It a $5 lot. Great experience and I would HIGHLY recommend stopping here! Lots of animals.
