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Frequently Asked Questions on...
Comfort Issues
Fees and Membership Benefits
What is there to do at the Children's Museum
Programs and Classes
Comfort Issues
Is there a public pay phone in the building?
There is no pay phone in the building. Public pay phones are located near the south east corner on 83rd Street and Broadway.
Is there a changing area in the building?
CMOM has a unisex changing room in the lower level next to the ladies room. There is also a changing table in the ladies room on the 3rd floor. Parents are not allowed to change their children outside of these areas.
Are maps given out to visitors at the Visitor Services desk?
We do not have floor maps. Floor guides are posted at each elevator, inside the elevators, and on each stairwell landing which list all exhibits and activity centers and the appropriate ages for each area.
Can I bring food and drinks inside the building?
Food and beverages are not allowed inside the Museum. This is posted at the admissions desk and listed in our literature. There are several child-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood and visitors may leave for a meal and return to the Museum as long as they retain their admissions stickers. We have water fountains on the 3rd floor and lower level. Babies and children under 4 are allowed to use bottles and sippy cups.
Is there an area to breast-feed my child?
Women are free to nurse their children in any space of the museum. However, for a quieter space we suggest the fourth floor.
Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
CMOM has a ramp entrance and open lobby for free movement and is wheelchair accessible in all locations except the lower level of the City Splash exhibition. The elevator in the lobby allows for at least two wheelchairs, and can be locked off for multiple uses by a school group, etc.
Why do I have to check my stroller?
We cannot allow a large number of strollers in the building at any given time because they prevent safe fire evacuations. We have a very high population of stroller-aged children and would consistently be over the limit if strollers were allowed. The only strollers allowed in the building are for children with special needs. Any stroller left in the lobby or found in the building without a special tag will be confiscated by the Museum. CMOM is not responsible for any personal belongings left in the stroller.All strollers should be collapsible the coat check line!
Consider leaving your stroller at home.
Do you have a mailing list?
Yes. Visitors can sign up to receive information about upcoming events at the Visitor Services desk or send us an email and we will gladly send you our brochures and current calendar. Don't forget to include you name and address in the email!
When is the least crowded time to visit CMOM?
Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during the school year can be very light and manageable for a family visit, The Museum can be busy on weekday mornings with guided school groups and younger children. Weekends are also a busy time with member families and new visitors. If you prefer quiet times, it is probably best not to come to CMOM during the holiday period as we are very busy - however there is a plethora of creative workshops being offered during those times.
Is there a children’s playground or park nearby?
CMOM is located between two great parks. Two blocks west is Riverside Park. The entrance on 83rd street has a beautiful playground and ample benches for picnics. Three blocks east of the museum is Central Park. There are ball fields, fountains, playgrounds, and the Central Park Zoo.
Are there days when the museum is open late?
Unfortunately, evening hours is not available for the general public. There may be special programs in the future where increased hours are available. Guests should refer to our brochure for these announcements.
Fees & Member Benefits
Do I have to pay for readmission to the museum?
Admissions stickers entitle visitors reentry to the museum throughout the entire day, so visitors must keep them on if they are planning on returning later in the day.
What special benefits do museum members receive?
Museum members may visit CMOM as many times as they like over the course of a year. The basic membership is the Family level beginning at $175 per family. Members receive birthday party and gift shop discounts, and are able to register for all parent/child and after-school enrollment classes. CMOM members also receive discounts at several neighborhood businesses such as EJ’s eatery, and Memories In Color film processing lab. Members may also upgrade to the Upper Level category to receive invitations to special exhibit previews and parties throughout the year. The membership brochure at Admissions provides further details. Click here to view membership information.
Can my child have a birthday party at the Museum?
CMOM has a popular Birthday Party Department offering several party options. Generally, parents should contact the museum 2–3 months in advance to find out if their requested date is available. Day parties are held in the Lower Level and then if themed in one of out exhibit floors. After-hour parties also include exclusive access to an exhibit space. For further information click here to view our birthday parties page.
Are there days when the Museum is open late?
CMOM does have special members only evening parties for exhibit openings offered at certain times during the year for upper category members (Friend and Supporter levels).
Additionally, the first Friday of every month Target offers all our guests free admission from 5pm to 8pm.
You and your child can explore our five floors of
exhibits:
§
In Gods,
Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient
§
In
the Dora
the Explorer exhibit (for ages 2-6) on the 2nd floor: Explore Dora’s world as you crawl through the
Pyramid, visit Diego’s Animal Rescue Center or slide out of Boots’
Treehouse.
§
In
the PlayWorks™ exhibit (for ages birth to 4) on the 3rd floor: Everything is child-sized in this colorful and fun environment where
younger children can play and learn at the same time!
§
In
the Little
West Side (ages birth to 4)
on the 4th floor: explore
a little town area, “drive” a mail truck, or learn colors at the grocery store.
A smaller exhibit that is perfect for curious toddlers.
§
In Block
Party (best for 5 and older) on the Lower Level use blocks to build a skyscraper, a train track or a
whole town! Children and adults can build together in space where imagination
rules.
You and
your child can participate in fun workshops and activities:
Every day
§
Children
(ages 4 and under) can drop by the art and science lab in the PlayWorks™ exhibit and do a collage or drawing, or play at the
sand table.
§
Come
to a Circle Time in PlayWorks™ (at 12:30 and 4:00) where you and your child can hear stories, sing and
dance together.
On weekends
§
Participate
in performances and special programs for all ages. For more details, check on our website calendar, ask at the Museum’s
Visitor Services table, check the calendar brochure, or view our monthly
calendar posted in each elevator and at the bottom of the Museum’s entrance ramp.
§ Sign up for a special workshop (for children ages 5 and older). When you arrive, go to the yellow visitor services desk at the back of the first floor lobby to find out more when you arrive
Programs and Classes
Can I bring my child’s class in for a tour during school hours?
Yes. The Museum is closed to the public on Mondays so that school groups may receive a guided tour in one exhibit and a hands-on workshop. Groups wishing to visit the Museum Tuesday through Friday must make reservations and receive guided tours while the Museum is open to the public. For more information on group programs please click here or send us an email.
Do I have to make a reservation to bring a group?
Visitors must have a reservation in order to enter the Museum as a group of more than 15 children. Ninety minute guided tours for these groups are arranged through the School Programs Department. Tour of one exhibit and a hands-on workshop lead by a CMOM educator.
Are there any special classes for children?
There are popular parent & child classes offered through our Early Childhood Department. Classes are available for children 14 months—3 years old. The classes emphasize art and music in early childhood development and are open to members only. After-school classes are available to older children (4 and up) in various subjects such as biology, art, digital photography, theater, and television production. Click here for further information on member's classes.
What types of outreach does CMOM provide?
CMOM has an extensive outreach education program involving several school districts and other community institutions. CMOM educators conduct programs in classrooms focusing on biology, art, literacy, or conflict resolution. We also offer several after-school programs both at CMOM and at schools. In addition, CMOM conducts outreach with hospitals and shelter programs throughout the year.
Can I volunteer at CMOM?
CMOM has many volunteer and intern opportunities for high school and college students. CMOM offers spring high school internship programs. Undergraduate and graduate students may intern in the Education, Development, or Exhibits Departments. For further information please click on High School Internships or Undergraduate/graduate internships.
For more information please call 212 721 1223 or send us an email.
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