SEE Science Center

We went as part of a school field trip and they did 2 activities with the kids.We got to make silly putty , and we played race car engineer to see who could get a lego built race car to go the furthest distance. Then there was about an hour of free time, but honestly, we could have spent hours there, exploring all the standalone exhibits, super cool and I definitely would be going back with my other children.

This place is amazing for kids of all ages and adults! Lots of interactive and educational experiences. Was perfect for a 1.5 and 3.5 yo. Parking was pretty easy on a weekday and we could've stayed for hours.

Great displays and interactive stations to see how things work. There is a HUGE LEGO display on the 3rd floor, possibly the largest permanent LEGO minifgure scale display in the world, which shows the industrial building layout, details for that time period, funny situational scenes, and community resources which were part of that design.

It's a wonderful place for children targeting ages 4 to 8 years old (+/-). There is one large side room that can be rented for a childrens party while the Science Center is open. Folks can bring in their own food, drink there, and perhaps a birthday cake. Kids, lots of kids, but not overcrowded and pleasantly noisy. There is a largish open space for the children wander around in, in search of the next fun and entertaining quasi-science station that the children interact with. None are dangerous.

Great place to bring the kids. Lots of interactive things for kids to do and very educational. Really cool Lego display of the old mills in Manchester!

Great little museum, it's geared towards kids 10 and under I would say. I took my tween daughter and her tween cousin. They had interest in a few things there. The Lego model downstairs was very impressive.

I think it was definitely worth the price. It was fun. I did bring two toddlers so it was a little over their head but they still thought it was a blast. They have a kids kitchen science center teach you about DNA fun puzzles, brain teasers so much there we spent two hours there. Two floors. Make bubbles

Honestly this place was better than expected. Lots of fun activities to keep kids busy. The giant Lego model of old Manchester was extremely impressive. It’s worth it just coming here to see it.

Lots of cool experiments and science learnings to keep the small kiddos entertained easily for 2hrs; nice space, 2 full floors of activities and get your kids engaged with STEM

We had such a blast! They had things for kids of all ages and for adults too! Everyone had a really great time.

This was a great museum Esp on a rainy day. Very interactive and fun learning for all ages, even adults. If you can't make it to Boston, this is a good one!!!!

Hello so we're gonna be reviewing the sea science center such a good place to read read all you want with your kid a little bit of reading can't hurt every once in a while. It's very educational for when you need an educational fun place for kids. It's always on the go. It's always the best that you can take one minute or five or maybe 58 hours. You can take a very long time. The service is a good place and the value of it it's like the best part you know that you're gonna get a cheap experience with plenty of good money in it and it's gonna be the best experience you've ever had so it's not really gonna be that expensive And then the service on the other hand is like the best. They are so nice. They let you touch all the Vander graphs and air cannons you get to like you can like even like shoes like to look at the Lego city or like to have a certain person help you. It is so good there. I love it.

Don't bother! Most of the stuff didn't work or was not on. Waste of $20. Maybe more interesting for older kids as well. But disappointing and staff is there making sure to wipe down things but that's about it.

Very nice staff and great open space for a children's science exploration museum. The spaces size limits the amount of displays and experiments and most are geared toward younger children. Younger children will be entertained for several hours but grow restless thereafter. My favorite exhibit is the Lego recreation of the Mill Yard area. The mechanical features of the display are not longer working but the size and breath of the build is incredible.

We have been going here, probably, since 2007, if I had to guess. There was a dinosaurs-in-motion exhibit once many years ago that was absolutely mesmerizing. And there are many small exhibits that have remained steady throughout the span of time that have been very interesting, to both younger and older visitors. That's the forte of this underserved museum: Small hands-on experiences that are underwhelming when viewed from afar but become more interesting upon closer examination. Years ago we would have rated it four stars, but no longer. The ambiance isn't very inspired, and it seems, as it has always seemed, like it was intended to become something more than it actually became. Kind of like it was cast aside and somewhat forgotten by the founders and principles. The exhibits, however small and handcrafted, are lost within the uninspiring interior space. The Lego Mill City exhibit used to be more fascinating many years ago when the trains actually operated, but, sadly, they haven't worked for years, and never been maintained or repaired, indicative of a slide into irrelevance and decay. The exhibit is dusty and looks uncared for: How is that supposed to fire up anyone's desire to learn about it? If the powers-that-be don't care, if someone doesn't show that this is special enough to be cared for, proving that it should indeed be cared for, why would anyone else, especially kids and young people, care? The current DNA exhibit is not interactive enough, and not captivating enough. In fact, it's flawed. For example, there is one small spot that is supposed to demonstrate color-blindness, but there is no way to step back and view the exhibit as it is crammed against the wall. Also, there is another exhibit that is supposed to reveal various spots along DNA that are indicators of various traits or conditions, but there is no way anyone would be able to see it to learn from it! In another area, exhibits are just pushed against the brick wall so visitors cannot even access them if they were "inspired" to, which of course I doubt anyone would ever be. They took away the cool sound demonstration with the parabolic dishes, which was fun. They waste so much space here, for example, with things like the marine biology (?) exhibit that's a cardboard and silver pained tunnel with archaic and non-functioning submarine instrumentation and a 20 gallon fish tank. Hardly anything about space exploration, math, or technology. With a little TLC, art and science student input and creativity, some children's museum ethos, and - passion for science - this place would be much better off and there would be something to...SEE.

This was well worth the money. It's two floors with plenty of little activities for kids. My kiddo and his friend we're well entertained for a couple hours. Staff was very friendly! Also, they had plenty of seating for adults right next to the activities. I can stress enough how awesome it is to sit on a comfy couch while your child is a foot away having a blast. . They also do a few staff lead demonstrations throughout the day. The Lego display of Manchester was very impressive! There is free onsite parking in the lot or street parking for a fee. Very easy to get to.

Manchester's version of a children's museum; with an unexpected and wonderful twist, which I will get to. The children's/ science museum is thoughtful, if a little beaten up and fraying. I appreciate that the exhibits mostly try to tie in real science with the activity. I will compare this to some children's "museums" which are really elaborate playrooms. This place is in the mills and there is easy access with free parking. Because it's a little shabby it's usually not very crowded, even in rainy days. So you don't always feel like your squashed in an influenza culture. The twist, of course, is the Lego model. This blows my mind every time I see it. It's a to-scale model of the Amoskeog mill buildings circa 1920. The hundreds of brick buildings are perfect for Legos. There's trains, trolleys, water, boats. Did I mention it's huge? It has the distinction of being the largest something (can't remember what) of Legos in the world. Placards around it describe the history of the mills, which is pretty much a history of our country late 18th to early 19th centuries, with immigrants, labor strife, unions, the fall of rivers as power sources and the Great Depression. Super interesting and amazing to see.

I'm not one of "those" parents who HAS to take their stroller everywhere cause they're too lazy to carry a simple diaper bag with a few diapers, change of clothes, etc. So I have zero issues with their set-up & have never found it annoying or difficult. It's in an old mill building that was built centuries ago & the museum is not located on the first floor & there are stairs so if you find that annoying, this is not the place for you. Seriously, if you're bringing your child to a CHILDREN'S museum, let them out of the stroller & explore & have fun! That's the whole point! $8 admission is a steal. Other reviewers complained about how much there is to do here, or the lack of things to do - the only time we've had a 2-hour visit was during school vacation week & that was because it was so busy that 2 hours felt like 4 hours. Our kids could easily spend a 1/2 day here. A half day for $8 per person is a great deal! There's something for every age - my toddler-aged young child finds plenty to do as does my almost-tween older child. It's the "perfect sized" children's museum for a 1/2 day adventure. They frequently change exhibits too so if you haven't been in 6 months there's bound to be several new exhibits.

Crowds were minimal, exhibits were interesting and hands on. If your kids have a passion for LEGOs, then this is the place to go!!! The old Manchester Mills recreated in LEGO, was a great way to get my geeklings to form an interest in the history of the area! It's a small museum, but the content is exceptional!

It's always a pleasure to be surrounded by science! Really enjoyed the new updates. I prefer the weekdays when it's not so busy and as an adult can play as well. Still love staring at the Lego displays!

Free parking, reasonable admission rates, fun hands-on activities for kids and an amazing LEGO display of downtown Manchester. We took our two-year old and one-year old and both had a very fun time playing and exploring. It's a small museum, but when you have small children you don't need a very big place. We attended on a Saturday and their wasn't a huge crowd. This is a great place for a rainy day and for small children to burn some energy.

Great, 2 floor museum with interactive exhibits that entertained my 2 year old & my 4 year old niece for a few hours. We probably could have spent more time here except we left for lunch & nap time. The website describes how to get to the free parking but on the weekends, the park & pay is also free (sign says only pay m thru f). Range of exhibits from bubble blowing to "walking" on the moon. Admission was $8/person (my 2 year old was free but we did have to pay the $8 for the 4 year old). Totally seemed reasonable to me. This one is excellent and superior to the science center in Rye, NH if you're only looking to go to one.

Nice alternative to the Boston Science Museum - more open, smaller crowds, so the kids got more time on the exhibits. I found some of the exhibits really caught my interest and usually I get a little bored at these places. Good for a short (few hours) day but not a full day though there is plenty to keep you occupied. If you are driving a distance couple a visit here with something else.

My two sons (ages 3 1/2 and 6) enjoy the occasional visit to the SEE Science Center. The hands-on exhibits and enormous LEGO Millyard make it a good place to kill a couple of hours. It's a good value for the money--$6 per person, with free parking--makes this much less expensive than a visit to the Museum of Science in Boston. But, don't expect to spend the whole day, since it is rather small--most of our visits have been in the 2 hour range. We've been visiting for the past couple of years, and I've seen the boys' interest grow as they have. There's definitely not much for the under-3 crowd, and the location of the toddler area at the *top* of the stairs isn't really a good choice. Elementary school aged children, and their precocious younger siblings, will find much to hold their interest.

NO PARKING available - drive around twice, very disappointing, have to park in town and walk a mile, so we left. Came all way from Seattle:(

I liked this place for my one year old. He was a little young, so I would recommend this place for 3-8 year olds. They do offer a AAA discount for $1 off, so make sure you take advantage of that. They opened later than I would have liked as I am an early riser nowadays with a toddler. Every exhibit was in good working condition and there wasn't an overwheming amount of people, so it was easy to enjoy.. I don't recommend bringing in a stroller. The gift store was inexpensive and had many options for under $5 for a memento of the occasion. The host was nice. The only fall back was the horrendous stench and state of the women's bathroom downstairs. I opted to change my kid outside rather than bring him in there. yikes! Overall, I am a fan. I would come once a year.

Great place for younger kids to play. Not a lot of learning exhibits though for the older kids.

This is a descent place to bring your child to on a rainy day. The number of exhibits are limited but what they have is quality,. It is all hands on and the staff is great with helping explain things to kids. Parking is available out front and it's $8/pp.

I took my 21 month old here this morning. It's $9/person for 3 and above and free if under 3. This science center is 2 floors and had plenty for my son. He was definitely on the young side for a lot of the exhibits, but still had a good time. It wasn't overly crowded, especially for a weekend day. There is plenty of meter parking spots which are free on the weekend.

What a pleasant surprise!!! My family from California came to visit with their 3 little girls and along with my Massachusetts family of 2 little girls (everyone under age 5) we had planned to go to the Children's Museum in Boston. But circumstances sidetracked us and we somewhat half-heartedly chose Manchester. Of course it is not as big and awesome as Boston. But is is excellent!! There was plenty to do for all the kids - even the one year old. And there were lots of interesting things for the adults to experience and learn about. And, of course, the amazing LEGO display. Anyone who appreciates history (bonus if you have some connection to the area) would love seeing this. I think kids of all ages can find plenty to do here. And the best part of all... no crowds! Even on a Saturday right after Thanksgiving. I am so glad we chose to go here. We actually spent so much time that my California family almost missed their flight back from Logan. (Luggage didn't make it!) More people need to become of this great resource for kids.

Mixed reviews here. First off no ATM in the building. Gift shop was horrible only two items that says see science. Some exhibits were really complex and engaging and some were just blah stuff I have at home. Workers were really nice and helpful. More large motor exhibits would be nice and that Lego replica is just crazy. It's nice but maybe have the children build something in the replica would be nice. Overall my kids age 6 and 2 had fun but there is room for improvement here with just a little effort. Http://www.travelbymera.com

Went here for a birthday party for my 4 yr old and rented a room for two hours. The room had about 20 tables and we were the only ones and I can see why now. This is the same room they store the janitorial cleaning supplies in. Was originally told we would have three event demonstrations for our party. Get there and told it was only going to be two. Red flag. As soon as our time was up these two high school girls start cleaning around us without even a Hello how was your party? My son was still sitting at the table and they were spraying it down with bleach. We felt very rushed. We got our stuff to the car we were going to go back and pay but they were in such a rush they locked the door already. We were going to call Monday when they reopened but on the way home we got a phone call from one of the little high school girls with a very sarcastic and accusatory tone of why we didn't pay. Maybe if you didn't rush us out of there we would have remembered. First and definitely last time. Awful attitudes and should be fired.

It's our first time here and they have some very interesting exhibits. Of course, my kids always spend extra time in the kitchen area. I really enjoy reading all the cool facts. It's a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

Nice size exhibits for our 3 year old. Plenty of hands on activities, with chances for kids to do more experimentation than anything. For slightly older kids, I assume that it would be good for those that can read the short descriptions. Very enjoyable, and a reasonable price for spending a couple hours.

My 5 and 7 enjoyed our visit. We've been going for at least a couple of years now. Their favorites are the play kitchen and Imagination Playground (lg foam building blocks) but we visit just about every exhibit. Hands-on, fun, and reasonably priced.

We came here for the Lego Millyard. It turned out to be better than what we expected. The recreation of the Manchester Mills is really neat. I love lego's! I love this place!

This place is great for the younger crowd. And you get free admission if you are a member of another museum. My 4year old loves coming here. Always asks when we are going back.

Today my has his birthday party at the SEE Science Center. He invited all of his friends, but sadly only one kid showed up. As a mother I was heartbroken that his party had flopped all at the last second, but it didn't want to show it around my son because I wanted him to have a great time anyway with his friend who thankfully did come. The very kind staff had recognized what happened with the party and did the kindest thing for us. They all came in to wish my son a happy birthday, they handed us two bags of toys from the gift shop and a signed handmade birthday card. They told us it was they're gift to him, to make up for things. Then they told us they would not be charging us the for the party rental. I was so surprised and thankful I started to tear up. They did this out of the kindness of their hearts to help a kid out who had a lonely birthday party. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff members who helped us, especially my son have an amazing time today!

My 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 year olds enjoyed their 2 hour visit. They loved the pulley seats and some of the scientifically oriented instruments. My son wasn't as interested in the Lego setups as I thought he'd be. My major gripe is with the price. It's $6 per person, so a family of 4 is $24 for what's basically indoor play space. Probably best for rainy or cold days, when you need to admit only one adult, to keep costs down.

The museum was a nice way to spend a few hours. My girls are 8 and 9 and while many of the exhibits were geared for younger kids, they found plenty to do. We were able to catch two live shows - moon walk and electricity show) during our visit. Th LEGO display is amazing!

We liked the SEE science center but I was surprised that so many of the exhibits were broken or not offered. Be careful with little ones - the tot exhibits are near a very scary open staircase - so could never relax.

Fun little museum to spend a couple of hours with my 4 and 2 y/o boys. They were very entertained and particularly liked the chairs where you can pull yourself up with the pulley. The suspended ball in the air and magnets in water exhibits were a hit as well. The lego factory was pretty awesome too. There is enough here to keep your little ones entertained for a while, and the price is reasonable with free parking. Regarding another reviewers comment about no ATM in the building, they do take debit/credit cards.

While in the process of relocating to the area from sunny Southern California, I was panicked about how to help get my little kids' wiggles out on a rainy day, when I couldn't find any other activities nearby. I was so happy and relieved to find this science center. My kids had a blast and didn't want to leave. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The place was very well organized and not overcrowded. I had to buy a membership on the way out- which was a good thing since the kids begged to go back the next day! Look forward to many fun visits

I love this place they have the most amazing employees they are wonderful with children and they are also very knowledgeable about anything you want to know about ... I have a 2 year old who had left a toy there and was crying nonstop because he wanted it so one of the employees stayed late so I could go back and get it I was truly surprised that they would do that for me ... I will definitely be visiting again soon .. also the price us not bad at all and it kept my 2 year old entertained for 5 hrs