Worcester’s EcoTarium to Host Casino For Kids Next Month

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Adults aren't the only ones looking to get in the casino gaming action in Central Mass. Worcester's EcoTarium will be holding its own "EcoCasino" festivities during your child's February school vacation week. Students and parents are invited to try their hand at the new versions of classic games at New England's leading science and nature center from Tuesday February 19th to Friday February 22nd, 10a.m. to 5p.m.

The EcoCasino will challenge visitors to try an all new version of "Go Fish," a biological spin on the traditional card game; or they take a chance and learn about animal skeleton in the meantime with "Bone Bingo," where the bingo pieces and numbers on the Bingo card are replaced by various animal bones.

Visitors are also welcome to test their skills with "Scat-tleboard," discover the incredibly interesting and surprising way a board game can impact nature by playing "Beetle Checkers," and place bets on the "Chinchilla Craps Table."

"We are always looking for ways to engage people in active learning," says Julieane Frost, Manager of Communications and Marketing for the EcoTarium. "Our mission is to inspire a passion for science and nature."

This special week is being held in conjunction with the "Playing Together: Games" exhibit also being held at the EcoTarium. Visitors can enjoy and compare games from across cultures and time in this popular traveling exhibit, which ends on March 31. Games include checkers, air hockey, oversized chess, and games that Caesar played in ancient Rome.

The EcoTarium decided this February school vacation week was the ideal time to add an "eco-twist" to these activities.

"During school vacation week, families are looking for things to do. We want them to come for the fun, and in the process learn something about nature," says Frost.

In addition, while you're there, check out a number of other fun continuing exhibits at the venue. You can explore DinoTracks and come face-to-face with what might have been living right here in Central Mass during the Jurassic Period; take a journey through space in several films showing in the Alden Digital Planetarium; ride on the Explorer Express Train; go sledding ; visit with a variety of animals indoors and outside, and much more.
The EcoTarium, located at 22 Harrington Way in Worcester, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10a.m. to 5p.m., and Sundays noon to 5p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $8 for children 2-18, $10 for seniors 65+ and students with ID. WOO card holders receive $2 off one adult admission and $1 off one planetarium show. For more information, visit the EcoTarium's website.