Science and nature attractions in New Haven CT can enrich your vacation

Museum describes Eli Whitney's life and inventions and his legacy. There is a heavy focus on experimental learning through experiments that demonstrate the principles of design and invention. Summer workshop & nature programs available.
Fall/Winter Hours: From Labor Day to Memorial Day - Saturdays 10am - 3pm and Sunday 10am - 3pm.
Spring/Summer Hours: From Memorial Day to Labor Day - Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 4pm. Water Learning Lab is open on the weekends from May through October.
Admission: There is no charge for admission. There is a fee of $5-$18 to build Walk In Projects.

Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. The adjoining Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary is open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 3:30pm, Sunday Noon - 4pm.

This center sits at the foot of West Rock Ridge and includes 40 acres of woods and fields, and hundreds of different plant species located along interpretive trails that have been strategically located. Wintergreen Brook, with a waterfall, gorge, and pool, moves through the property Good place for bird watching. Picnic grove. Open sunrise to sunset. - Park Map (PDF)

Once a small family-owned dairy farm, the park is laced with two and one-half miles of nature trails. The land encompasses 104 acres of wooded hills and grassy fields bisected by streams, a two acre pond, wet meadows, and an upland swamp. A butterfly/hummingbird garden and a woodland wildflower and fern garden grace the visitor center. Also, soccer, baseball, and softball fields; several acres reserved for community gardening; and a large playscape for younger children.
Hours: Daily sunup to sundown; interpretive center open 9 a.m. t o 5 p.m. daily except holidays.
Admission: Free.