FAQs

General Information

When is the Children’s Museum of Manhattan open?

• CMOM is open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm, with extended hours, Saturday 10am – 7pm.
  CMOM is closed on Mondays for school and outreach programs.
  View Exceptions

• Join us for TARGET Free First Friday Nights at CMOM. On the first Friday of every month, CMOM is open from 5-8pm and admission is FREE!

What is the admission for CMOM?

• $11 for children (age 1 and over) and adults, $7 for seniors. Children 0-12 months are free. CMOM members are free.

Are there additional charges for performances, workshops or special exhibits?

• No, admission price includes all daily programs, performances, workshops and hands-on exhibits.

May I bring food and drinks into the Museum?

• Food and beverages are not allowed inside the Museum. However, there are several child-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood. Visitors may leave for a meal and return to CMOM as long as they retain their admission stickers. We have water fountains on the third floor and lower level. Babies and children under 4 may use bottles and sippy cups.

May I drop my child off?

• Children must be accompanied at all times by an adult age 18 or older.

Is there a children’s park or playground nearby?

• CMOM is located between two great parks. Two blocks west is Riverside Park. Riverside Park’s entrance on 83rd Street has a beautiful playground and ample benches for picnics. Three blocks east of the Museum is Central Park where there are ball fields, fountains, playgrounds and the Central Park Zoo.

Are there days when the Museum is open late?

• We are open until 7pm on Saturdays.
• Please join us for TARGET Free First Friday Nights at CMOM! On the first Friday of every month, CMOM is open from 5-8pm and admission is FREE!

Is there a mailing list?

• Yes. Visitors can sign up to receive information about upcoming events at the yellow Visitor Services Desk in the lobby or join our e-mail list!

Comfort and Safety Issues

Are there doctors or nurses available at the Museum?

• There are nearby doctors on call for the Museum every day in case of an emergency.

Do you have a lost and found?

• Most lost and found items are brought to the front desk. However, items of worth such as cell phones and cameras are brought to the fourth floor administrative offices for safe keeping.

Is there a diaper changing area in the building?

• CMOM has changing tables in all its restrooms. Restrooms are located on the lower level and on the third floor. Health regulations require that diaper changing be done in restrooms. Parents may not change their children outside of these areas.

Where may I nurse my child?

• You may nurse anywhere in the Museum. 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. The Museum 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. We are constantly striving to make CMOM as accessible as possible for children with disabilities and their families. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s specific needs, please contact us at access@cmom.org.

Why do I have to check my stroller?

• A large number of strollers in the building would prevent a safe fire evacuation. The only strollers allowed 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. All strollers should be collapsible, and should be checked upon entry. If the stroller cannot be collapsed, CMOM reserves the right to store it in a safe outdoor area, weather permitting. We suggest that for a more enjoyable visit, skip the check line by leaving your strollers at home.

When is the least crowded time to visit CMOM?

• Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during the school year tend to be our quietest times. 

Are Museum maps given out to visitors?

• We do not have Museum maps. However, floor directories that list exhibitions and activity centers are posted by and within each elevator.

Fees and Member Benefits

May I re-enter the Museum after I leave?

• Yes, at admission guests are given a hand stamp that will entitle them re-entry throughout the entire day.

What special benefits do Museum members receive?

• Museum members may visit CMOM free, as many times as they like, over the course of their membership. Members receive discounts for birthday parties, CMOM store purchases and enrollment classes and at numerous area establishments. We have several membership levels. View more about CMOM membership »

Can my child have a birthday party at the Museum?

• CMOM has a popular Birthday Party plan offering several options. Generally, parents should contact the Museum two to three months in advance to find out if their desired date is available. Day parties are held on the Lower Level and are coordinated with one of our exhibitions. After-hour parties also include exclusive access to an exhibit space. View more about birthday parties »

Will CMOM donate a membership or free passes for my school’s fundraiser?

• CMOM recognizes that there are many wonderful organizations supporting children in the tri-state area. We are happy to donate a limited number of complimentary memberships and museum passes for fundraising purposes to local organizations each month, as per our Donation Request Guide. Download the Guide »

Programs and Classes

May 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 of 15 or more may receive guided tours of one exhibit plus enjoy a hands-on workshop. Groups of 15 or more wishing to visit the Museum Tuesday through Friday must make reservations and tour the Museum along with the public. View more about groups »

Do I have to make reservations for a group?

• Yes, groups of 15 or more must make a reservation. Ninety minute guided tours for these groups are arranged through the School Programs department. The reservation includes a tour of one exhibit and a hands-on workshop lead by a CMOM educator.

Are there classes for children?

• There are popular parent-child classes available for Member children 6 months to 3 years old. These classes emphasize art, music and early childhood development. After-school classes are available to older children (ages 4 and older) in various subjects such as biology, art, theater, health and nutrition. View more about classes »

What types of outreach does CMOM provide?

• CMOM educators conduct programs focusing on biology, health, nutrition, art, literacy and conflict resolution. View more about CMOM in the Community »

Can I volunteer at CMOM?

• CMOM has 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 or Exhibits Departments. View more about internships »

What is there to do at the Children’s Museum?

• You and your child can explore our five floors of hands-on exhibits. View more about CMOM's exhibits » You and your child can participate in daily workshops and activities.