For $6, today's side deal gets you one general admission ticket (up to a $12 value) to EcoTarium in Worcester off the MassPike. Worcester Magazine named this indoor-outdoor science and nature museum the "Best Family Fun Destination" in 2010.

EcoTarium’s three floors of exhibits creatively use wildlife, scientific concepts, and the museum’s natural history collection to help children discover the natural world. "Cyberchase—The Chase Is On!", a new interactive exhibit based on the PBS KIDS GO! math mystery cartoon and running for a limited time, allows visitors to protect the virtual universe by cunningly solving puzzles and math problems. "Bubbles," a seasonal exhibit, lets children discover different bubble shapes and stand inside a humungous bubble. Many animals such as a polar bear, bald eagles, and otters frolic peaceably within the museum grounds, which also features 55 acres of nature trails. Regular museum events, a digital planetarium, and free parking are also available.

Reviews

WCVB News featured EcoTarium as a "staycation destination." Four Yelpers give it a five-star average, and TripAdvisors give it an average of 3.5 owl eyes. Parentsconnect parents give it a four-star average.

• We drove here from RI and it was well worth our time. My 2 year old and my 6 year old loved this place. It was a beautiful day - so we got to also enjoy the many outside exhibits available, like the bubbles and the playground. – fugere1, TripAdvisor
• What a great place! Plenty for young kids to do, indoors and out. We brought a picnic - they have a huge tent set up for shade - and explored the museum inside and took the walk outside. ¬– concordcook, Parentsconnect