children's museum of history, science & technology

It needs to make massive improvements to re-open, sorry to say. At this point, it would be dangerous. Years ago, my son was a member and went every day.

The museum has been shut down since May for multiple code violations..I believe they are trying to get funding so they can remediate the code issues, but it still needs a lot of work in terms of providing a better experience for kids.

Safety hazard for children and adults. Stairs creek, building itself doesn't feel safe. The floors aren't even, the banister isn't sturdy. The Lego area isn't sanitized. The magic show was pathetic. Don't bring your children to Utica to see this museum. Stick with Strong Museum in Rochester.

I was really disappointed in the fact that I haven't been able to get in. I purchased a groupon special for the museum and every time I tried to use it the place isn't open. Talk about a joke - it's not convenient at all. I wanted to take my grandson there but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I am, however, grateful that I saw the reviews on this place because now I won't waste my time trying to get in as the coupon is about to expire.

We have tried to go to this museum which the grandkids love for several years now and by now you would think we would get it through our heads they are not serious about having an advertised attraction that is open when they feel like it. If you are lucky to go on a day that there is a group you might be able to enjoy the time there since they close it down if only a few are there. We drive from Old Forge to Utica only to find out they are closing it because they don't have enough visitors. It's run by volunteers and I appreciate that but if you make a commitment to volunteer then by all means stick to it. The one time we were able to get it, it was a lot of fun for the kids and adults as well, but we have tried different days, different times, etc. and always get run out because of poor attendance. Duh, if you can't get in on advertised times, etc. then people will stop coming. This is our last attempt. Good luck to those who make it on a "BUSY" day. And by the way, they don't refund your money when you have to leave early.....

Overall, this little museum is not a bad way to kill a few hours with small children, but don't go in with great expectations.The museum is a bit of a hodgepodge of museum exhibits from the 1970s-80s, odd collections of things donated by community members, and very tired and worn out "interactive" toys (e.g., a grocery store and a post office). Many exhibits were held together/repaired with duct tape.The staff were less than friendly (I asked a staff member what was on the 4th floor after hearing the announcement that it would only be open for 20 minutes. She responded by telling me in an admonishing tone that the info was listed on the handout.)My two-year-old had fun, but I'm not sure an older child would learn a whole lot. Many of the "exhibits" didn't seem to have any immediate educational value. The wooden climbing train was fun and the exhibit on local Native Americans was one of our favorites. Overall, for $8 (2 yr old was free), it was a good deal, but don't go in expecting a modern science museum. It would get pricey fast for a big family.Two other little things:It's dirty in there, so skip it if you're a clean freak. Also, the grocery store is sponsored by some herbal supplement company, so there is a TV in the store playing advertisements for the pills and empty bottles of them are featured prominently on the shelves.

We went out as a family for Easter to children musem to have a good time and let kids be a kids. That didn't happen. They make us wait 1.5 hours before they let kids hunt for eggs the rest of the floors were closed for some odd reason so there's not much to do on the first floor for hour and a half. I wanted to leave but because of kids we waited. When it was time for egg hunt there were barely any eggs there so my kids ended up with not a even one egg. Scam. We paid 28 dollars and not a single egg that we waited hour and a half for? On the way out I stopped at the desk and raised my concern legit one. They call the lady in the scooter very unprofessional and rude. She told me that was fine that my kids didn't got any eggs. I demanded a refund she gave me a look that melt everything around me. She didn't even care for me or my crying kids. Didn't even tried to resolve this problem that they are absolutely at fault, so much for egg hunt organization. Never again I will visit this place not with that attitude and hospitality. People don't end up like me you deserve better. You be the judge. P.S. by the way lady in the scooter is the director her name is Ed Marlene they put her on the women hall of fame she should be on the wall of SHAME.

Time was spent well at this museum. It was an educational and unique experience for my families kids. I recommend this museum to anybody looking to take visitors and their kids.

Located next to the beautiful Union Station in the Historic Bagg's Square neighborhood of Utica, the Children's Museum has plenty of activities and exhibits for children, and I am sure 'their adults' will enjoy the experience too. If it's a rainy day in Utica, this attraction along with the Munson Williams Proctor Institute and the FX Matt Brewery, with lunch in between at one of the city's many affordable ethinic restaurants is a fine way to spend the day.

Always take visitors with children there. A delightful find for a relatively small city.