EcoTarium’s 200th Birthday Party

Arrival & Parking Info:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, no vehicle parking or drop-off will be allowed on the EcoTarium property during the event. We’re offering free shuttle service from nearby locations to make your visit easy and convenient.

General Visitor Parking
Location: Biotech Two – 373 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Free parking is available at this location. Continuous shuttle service will run every 10–20 minutes to and from the EcoTarium throughout the event.

Accessible Parking & Volunteer Decal Parking
Location: North High School – 140 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01605

Accessible (ADA) parking and parking for volunteers with event decals will be located at North High School. Shuttle service from this location will also run every 10–20 minutes.

Shuttle stops will be clearly marked, and staff will be available to assist you at both parking sites. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the EcoTarium campus safe, walkable, and welcoming for this special celebration!

Schedule of Activities

Enjoy a full day of discovery at the EcoTarium!

In addition to free programs and activities scheduled throughout the day, the EcoTarium has two experiences that require the purchase of a ticket. Ticket kiosks are located at the upper level lobby, outside of the planetarium, and outside of the train station:

REPLICA STEAM ENGINE TRAIN: The Railers Explorer Express train runs every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 am. Tickets for the train can be purchased for $5 (members) or $7 (non-members).

PLANETARIUM: Alden Planetarium Show tickets can be purchased for $6 (members) or $7 (non-members).

Don't miss this free experience available for the entire day - "IN YOUR TIME: 1825 LIVE HISTORY THEATRE"

Visitors will embark on a journey to help solve an EcoTarium mystery. Begin by finding the historical reenactor storytellers outside the Museum at Animal Corner, Siegfried Plaza, Bubbles Plaza, near the Train and Nature Explore Path, and inside at the Lower Level of the Museum.

As part of our 200th celebration, "In Your Time" invites guests to explore the EcoTarium’s past, present, and future through a fun, interactive game. Presented by Live History, this award-winning performance brings the Museum’s story to life as visitors help uncover lost moments in time. Look for the interactive storytellers and begin your immersive, interactive theatrical experience either solo or with a group.

200th Birthday Party Schedule of Timed Activities:

Enjoy a delicious selection of food trucks and local food vendors offering tasty treats and meals to fuel your day of exploration at the EcoTarium!

The Trailhead Café, operated by Garden Fresh

The Dogfather Food Truck

Easy Street Tacos

Mac Daddy

Donut Lab

Grill Daddy

New England Dairy

Trolley Dogs

Mrs' Moriconi's Ice Cream

George's Coney Island

Monte’s Candy Clouds

Say Cheese

Travelin’Bones BBQ

Sugarcane Hut

Come visit our partners from across Central Massachusetts and beyond, each hosting a table at the EcoTarium to share their mission and connect with our community.

• Safe Homes at Open Sky Community Services
• The PLACE for Empowerment at Open Sky Community Services
• Girl Scouts of Central & Western MA
• Worcester Family Partnership
• EcoTarium Membership Team
• New England Dairy
• Girls Inc. Worcester
• Divine Dough Bakery
• ABA Centers Of America
• WXLO
• Old Sturbridge Village Cow
• Polar Beverages & Orson
• YWCA Central Massachusetts
• Central Mass Housing Alliance
• Elder Services of Worcester Area
• Love Your Labels
• CASA Project Worcester County
• Center for Living & Working
• Debbie Davey Books and Toys
• Copperdragon Metal Arts
• WooSox Foundation
• Bumpa Built LLC
• ABA Centers Of America
• The CinnaLady
• Wahi Creations LLC
• BORO Sugar Shack
• Abby’s House
• Discover Central MA
• Worcester Public Schools - Nutrition Department
• Worcester Emergency Services CRT Team

Interested in having a display table at the EcoTarium for the day? If so, please fill out this form, and a member of our planning committee will follow up with the next steps. We’d love for you to join us in celebrating this exciting milestone with great food, community connections, and plenty of fun—hope to see you there!

Interested in volunteering for the day? The EcoTarium is seeking over 100 volunteers to make this day a success. Volunteers must be age 14 and older and can assist with a variety of tasks. 

Event hours are 10 am – 6 pm, with the busiest times being setup (8 am - 10 am) and breakdown (6 pm - 8 pm). Groups from schools, businesses, and organizations are welcome!

Sign-up here to join the fun and help make history! If you have immediate volunteer-related questions, please contact volunteer@ecotarium.org. 

Interested in our 200th Anniversary Sponsorship Opportunities? Contact David Zeutas-Broer at 508.929.2715 or dzeutas-broer@ecotarium.org for more information!