NOTE: This Post was written in 2016. As such, the content and exhibits in the review below may be outdated.
I love children’s museums. There is something so magical about watching a little child explore and discover the world around him in a fun way. I grew up going to Boston Children’s Museum, but living out here, I’m not too familiar with many kid’s museums in the area. So when we get to visit one, it’s a whole new discovery for me too!
My son visited Amelia Park Children’s Museum in Westfield, Massachusetts last year with his grandparents and from the pictures they took, he seemed to really enjoy it. But this was my first visit to Amelia Park.
We attended on a busy day during a special event, but usually Amelia Park is not this jam packed. Regardless, we still had fun exploring everything the museum had to offer.
Amelia Park is kind of tucked away from the center of town in Westfield. It is located on Broad Street; however, the museum is a short drive from the street, just past the ice skating rink. There are signs pointing you in the direction of the museum.
As I mentioned, on the day we visited, it was REALLY busy. They actually had a wait list. But they had plenty of things to keep the kids entertained!
When you enter, they have a small foyer with signs regarding keeping your shoes on and not bringing any food or drinks into the museum.
The front desk and gift shop are right inside the entrance. This is where you’d purchase your tickets. The prices for Amelia Park are very reasonable: $7 for kids and adults, $3.50 for seniors, and children under 1 are free. They also post their rules: no running, keep your shoes on, be respectful, clean up and no food! Pretty straightforward!
The first thing you see when you enter the museum is the massive spaceship!
They also have a fun ball shooter up on top of the balcony, and balls fall down from this big container. Plus, a big slide came down from the balcony. It looked pretty fun.
Unfortunately, because it was so busy, there were a lot of big kids up there and it was practically impossible for my 2 year old to get a turn. So, we stayed down below and checked out the other exhibits.
Off to the side of this room is a quiet room intended for toddlers and those with sensory sensitivity. It had books and puzzles, and it was just a nice quiet refuge.
The main area of the children’s museum is off the other side of the spaceship. I had no idea what to expect when we entered, but I was shocked at how much was packed into this museum! There was a lot going on!
Of course, first things first…. the train table! We stayed here for a while… in fact, tearing my child away was near impossible and resulted in many tears. But there was so much more to see and do! Whenever he had the chance, he ran back to the train display. It was a pretty incredible set of Brio train tracks and accessories!
Right next to the trains is a cow, that you can actually milk. Okay, so milk doesn’t come out, but if you give those udders a pull, you get water.
They have a toddler area with foam building blocks and lego blocks called the Construction Zone. 
Right next to it is a model construction house with tools, building blocks and other fun activities.
They have a mock Berkshire Bank, with a vault and other learning activities.
Big Y sponsors the pretend grocery store, stocked with groceries, shopping carts, a scanner and a register.
There is also a pretend restaurant, called Amelia’s Cafe. There is a fridge, stove and table to play with, as well as pretend food.
There are many areas with pretend play, including a doctor’s office, a dentist’s office, dress up costumes and a stage, and a puppet theater.
There is also an exhibit about movement and motion – it included some fun things to jump on and pedal!
The museum also has a small animal room, with reptiles, turtles, hamsters and guinea pigs.
They had a little area to color and do crafts at as well.
The museum is small, but smartly organized. And it is also pretty clean, but it only stays that way by the help of the patrons cleaning up after themselves. You will find these signs all throughout the museum, as a kind reminder to keep things tidy!
The restrooms are also located in the main room, just behind the Construction House. They have a men’s, women’s and family restroom. The changing table is located in the family restroom.
The Museum also has a large room that you can rent for parties. They have more information on their website regarding parties.
Of course, no visit is complete without a look around the gift shop. We were good though, and didn’t buy anything!
We spent about an hour and a half at Amelia Park Despite how busy it was, I am not sure we would have spent longer. Two year olds don’t usually last that long anywhere, let alone a fun-filled place like a children’s museum. Usually within an hour, they go into sensory overload. We did have time to experience everything the museum had to offer in that short amount of time though. With older kids, you probably should allow the whole morning, or a good chunk of the afternoon.
I thought Amelia Park’s Children’s Museum was super cute, and it was perfect for a little toddler and a young child. There are so many different things to do that they will all find something they enjoy!
This about sums it up…
29 South Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Hours:
Monday: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday: Closed (open for groups)
Wednesday: Closed (open for groups)
Thursday: 10am – 4pm
Friday: 10am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Please see the Museum’s website for a list of holidays and other museum closures.
Costs:
Adults: $8.00
Children: $8.00 (12 months and older)
Senior Citizens: $4.00 (60 and older)
Military Personnel & Teachers: Receive a 10% discount off the price of your regular admission.
Members: Free
Infants: Free (under age one)
If you live in Massachusetts, make sure to check with your local library for a museum pass to Amelia Park’s Children’s Museum!
Additionally, on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit the museum for just $2 per person!
Features:
- Stroller accessible
- Handicapped-accessible
- Seating for adults is located throughout the museum
- Free Parking
- Bathrooms & changing tables
