One of the reasons we love to travel with kids is to expose them to history, nature, and art. And most of the time, the kids enjoy those things! But other times, kids just want to be, well, kids!
So we love visiting museums made specifically for them. No matter where you are in the United States, there is bound to be a children’s museum nearby. We collaborated with some of the best family travel bloggers to share insights and tips about some fantastic kids’ museums across the country. Check out the list below!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
California Children’s Museums
Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, CA
Sally from Little Hiccups
Stunning views over world-famous monuments aren’t usually the first thing you think of when it comes to children’s museums, but when it comes to the Bay Area Discovery Museum just north of San Francisco, stunning views are just what you’ll find. Located in Fort Baker, right at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, this children’s museum has arguably the most stunning location you could find.
With both indoor and outdoor play areas, Bay Area Discovery Museum is home to fun hands-on exhibits for children aged 6 months to 10 years.
Visitors can get creative in the art studio and outdoor painting garden, explore natural elements of the Bay Area in Look Out Cove, play at being scientists in the replica laboratory, create with foam blocks, and foam noodles in the Imagination Playground, and so much more.
There is a dedicated Tot Spot where crawlers and early walkers can explore without the big kids. For the big kids (ages 5 and up), the Fab Lab provides the chance to design and fabricate projects using high tech equipment, including 3D printers and laser cutters.
Daily STEM and art programs led by museum educators are available to all visitors and included in the entry fee. Summer camps are offered for school-aged children, and classes for preschoolers are available year-round. Bay Area Discovery Museum also offers birthday party packages.
Bay Area Discovery Museum is located at 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays year-round.
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, CA
Sierra from Free To Travel Mama
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County (CMOSC), located in Santa Rosa, California, is a fantastic place for families to spend quality time together engaging in fun, interactive activities.
The museum is made up of three main sections, an indoor play and creation space, an art studio, and an outdoor space for running and water play. The indoor museum space offers a pretend city with a dentist office, restaurant, and construction area, various hands-on activities to work with magnets, air, cameras, and building, a beekeeping station, and a Tots area specifically for little ones.
As one of the top things to do in Sonoma County with children, this museum also offers many activities that are specific to the area. This includes a replication of the Russian River with native plant species and flowing water for catch and release with pretend fish, an interactive Farmer’s Market with a real garden for tending and tasting, and a pretend train station that stops at all the local towns.
Open six days a week from 9 am-4 pm (Sundays open at 11 am, and they are closed on Tuesdays), CSOMC costs $12 per person (babies under 12 months are free). Check their calendar in advance of visiting, as there are often special events included in the admission, such as music classes and science experiment presentations. When visiting Sonoma, make sure to include the best children’s museum in the country in your itinerary!
Florida Children’s Museums
Miami Children’s Museum
Emily from A Mom Explores
The Miami Children’s Museum is one of our family’s favorite things to do in Miami when it’s too hot to be outside. The two-level museum is focused on learning through play, and there are so many hands-on exhibits for kids to enjoy. We spent a lot of time at the Sketch Aquarium where kids could color a sea creature, scan it, then watch it float with the other fish on the wall-size screen. We also loved the Music Makers Studio where kids could experiment with different instruments, including a giant floor piano.
As with everything else in Miami, you do have to pay for parking ($2/hour) at the Children’s Museum, but the good news is that you can pay from your phone while you’re still in the car. I appreciated that feature since I was solo parenting on our first visit to the museum. There are also two automated pay stations on the lot if you’re not comfortable using your phone. Admission is $22/person, $15 for Florida residents, and free for kids under the age of 1. Admission to the museum is included in the Go Miami Pass. The Go Miami Pass is perfect if you plan on visiting other attractions in Miami!
Great Explorations in St. Petersburg, FL
Great Explorations is a small, fun children’s museum located in the heart of St. Petersburg, FL. We recommend this museum as one of the things to do in St. Petersburg with kids! The museum is a large, open room with a massive climbing structure as its centerpiece. The surrounding exhibits allow children to pretend play as well as involve them in STEAM activities.
This museum is perfect for kids 6 and under, though older kids will enjoy themselves as well. The museum is open 7 days a week with varying hours. Admission is $9-$10 depending on age, with children under 1 being FREE! If you are a member of an ASTC museum, you will receive reciprocal admission. Parking at the museum is FREE. However, the museum shares a parking lot with the Sunken Gardens and a restaurant, so parking may be more difficult to find on the weekends, especially at lunchtime.
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples in Naples, FL
Harmony from Momma To Go
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, commonly known as C’MON, is an excellent museum for kids! On a hot Florida day (or rainy), you can escape the elements as most of the museum is indoors. However, if you are trying to enjoy the Florida weather, there is a great outdoor area with water play and a little garden maze.
Additionally, at C’MON you will find an art studio, an area to learn about the nature in the Florida everglades, a weather station, an indoor Banyan tree where you can climb to the top, and every kids’ favorite – the mock grocery store!
I also love how this museum always has a fun rotating exhibit. One year we went, it was Curious George themed, and on another visit, we were building (and racing) paper airplanes! Our annual favorites, along with something new to explore, is what always makes a visit to C’MON a part of our yearly trip to Naples, Florida.
You can find the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples in the North Collier County regional park. Parking is free. Although one thing to note – the museum is closed on Wednesdays – sadly, we learned that the hard way!
Georgia Children’s Museums
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Elizabeth from Dutch, Dutch, Goose!
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is located downtown as part of the Centennial Olympic Park Museum Complex. It is packed with hands-on fun for kids 8 and under. My three boys love the farm to table section of the museum where children harvest products on the farm, ship them to the store, unload them, stock them, shop for them, and then finally serve them up at the restaurant.
The open concept of this area means that you really can move the pieces around between the different areas. I’m also continuously impressed by the rotating exhibitions. They have taken advantage of every once of space, so check behind corners for smaller, quieter exhibits, and don’t forget to go up the piano stairs for some hands-on science fun.
Hands-on activities and shows are offered daily. Many require you to sign up but are included in admission, so check before you go. Grab your tickets online (even the same day) to save yourself a wait. On popular days entry is timed, so getting your ticket online ensures you won’t be left stranded. If you do end up needing to wait until an entry time, the playground across the street is perfect. Parking can be an issue, but there are plenty of paid parking places in the area. Expect to spend two hours here.
If you are looking for more kid-friendly fun in Atlanta, the play spaces at Fernbank Science Museum, the High Museum of Art, and the Georgia Aquarium are also excellent.
Idaho Children’s Museums
Children’s Museum of Idaho in Boise, ID
Amanda from Toddling Traveler
The Children’s Museum of Idaho opened in 2018 as an independent, nonprofit children’s museum. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Boise with kids, and it’s a great addition to the area. Throughout the museum, you can find different exhibits that allow children to learn about various professions and businesses through pretend play. Whether they want to be a veterinarian, a farmer, a carpenter, or an astronaut, there’s so much for kids to learn and discover. My son especially loved the train display, the pizza restaurant, and the mini Trader Joe’s display.
One thing that sets the Children’s Museum of Idaho apart from many other children’s museums in the US is that that a local organization sponsors every exhibit. So not only are the kids learning through pretend play, but they can also learn about Idaho and its primary businesses in the process.
The Children’s Museum of Idaho is located in Meridian, a suburb of Boise. Parking is free, and admission is only $8 for children and adults ages 2 and up. The Children’s Museum of Idaho also offers a punch card that includes 10 entries for $60.
Illinois Children’s Museums
Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, IL
Kelly from My New Danish Life
Children love the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, IL. It is a completely hands-on museum where they get to explore and play while using their imaginations. On the main floor, children of all ages have fun playing with shapes, machines and activities that show the wonders of math and engineering. There is also a farm area where children can climb inside a tractor or practice milking a cow. Outside, they can find a children’s garden, dinosaur sandpit, large wooden playground, and a fun water table.
The top floor of the Discovery Center is perfect for the little ones with its imaginative play area geared to let toddlers pretend to be “big” with a construction site, personal home, train station, and treehouse. A baby area within the toddler area is another nice touch for those babies who also want to play. The second floor also houses an area that lets the older children experiment with electricity and movement, all the while learning about circuits, physics, and the human body. This museum is also great for moms and dads who want to join in the fun!
Chicago Children’s Museum
Catherine from Traveling with the Littles
Located on Chicago’s Navy Pier, the Chicago Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Chicago for children. It has a diverse range of exhibits, including the Cloud Buster, the Art Studio, the Dinosaur Expedition, Kids Town, the Climbing Schooner, ‘Play It Safe,’ Skyline, a Story Hub, a building lab, Treehouse Trails, and Waterways (to name a few). Highlights of the museum include Waterways- an interactive water exhibit, ‘Play It Safe’-an interactive exhibit on fire stations, fire trucks, and fire safety, the Dinosaur Expedition- a future archaeologist’s dream, and Kid’s Town.
The best thing about the Chicago Children’s Museum is that there is truly something for everyone. Most of the exhibits are open to all ages; however, some of the climbing exhibits are only for children over 5. Kid’s Town and Treehouse trails are geared towards kids under five, and Kid’s Town includes a semi-private area for nursing. The Pritzker Playspace has limited hours and is a safe space for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Lastly, for children with sensory issues, the museum provides picture books and noise-reducing headphones.
Parking can be expensive on Navy Pier, so if it’s a nice day, consider parking off-site and booking a spot though SpotHero.com. The museum offers ‘play late Thursdays,’ from 4-8 pm on Thursdays, and is only $20 for up to 4 people. Additionally, the first Sunday of every month is free for children under 15. Veterans, military, teachers, and those receiving food assistance also receive a discount. The Chicago Children’s Museum is included in the Go Chicago Card. If you are planning on visiting other attractions in Chicago, the Go Chicago Card can save you up 55% off admission prices!
Indiana Children’s Museums
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Lori from Maps Memories and Motherhood
You don’t need a time machine to walk among Tyrannosaurus Rexes, explore an Egyptian Pyramid, or journey back to Ancient Greece – you can do all and more at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Want to visit a space station, race in a mini-version of the Indianapolis 500, and get your hands wet learning about the ecology and the natural world? All that is possible, too!
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, and one of the best places to take your kids. With nearly a half-million square feet of incredible hands-on exhibits and experiences that are both inside the building and (mostly) outside in the gigantic Sports Legends Experience.
There’s so much to do at the museum; it’s hard to know where to begin. There are five levels of the main part of the museum, and separate areas for special exhibits, the Dinosphere (a dedicated section to dinos with exhibits and interactive areas) and the Sports Legends Experience. My advice is to either start at the top and work your way down, or vice versa.
Parking is free and accessible via a skywalk, and there are several options in the cafeteria for hungry kiddos, as you will want to plan an entire day to maximize your experience. Pricing varies based on the day of the week and is cheaper if you order your tickets online.
Massachusetts Children’s Museums
Boston Children’s Museum
Amanda from Patsey Family Travels
The Boston Children’s Museum is located waterfront in the Fort Point neighborhood of the city of Boston in Massachusetts. Admission to the Boston Children’s Museum is under $20 a person, and on Fridays, after 5 PM, it is only $1 to get in. This children’s museum is perfect for all kids, but kids will enjoy the most between the ages of 2-10. There are three floors of fun, including a giant rope climb activity that stretches from the first floor to the third floor. Each level is broken up into themed rooms based on the activities. Some of the best highlights of the Boston Children’s museum include rope climbing, the art room, the interactive physics exhibits, and the construction zone.
Plan to spend anywhere from 2-4 hours at the Boston Children’s museum. There is garage parking located about a block away from the museum entrance and is reasonably priced for the short time needed. Outside the Boston Children’s Museum, you will find the Children’s Wharf Park which, with the city and water views, is an amazing place to hang outside and let the kids play. Additionally, the museum is in an area with awesome restaurants, breweries, and other things to do. Some must-try restaurants or breweries nearby include Flour Bakery, Trillium Brewery, bartaco, and Row 34 – all of which are kid-friendly!
The Boston Children’s Museum is included in the Go Boston Pass. If you are planning on visiting other attractions in Boston, consider purchasing the Go Boston Pass to save up to 55% off admission prices!
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA
Ann from KidsTravelBooks
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a must-do for families who read to their kids. It’s a magical place that treats kids, and books, with care and reverence not often seen.
What I like most about the museum is that visiting families will be familiar with the items on display because they come from our favorite picture books. The library is filled with picture books only, with a whole shelf dedicated to Caldecott books.
However, make sure to plan your visit around storytime. Storytime is special there. It’s so much more than just reading the book. Our storyteller got the kids involved, asking them questions for every page. He did an activity immediately afterward that had strong audience participation – no response was wrong or too silly. It also includes art discussions in the exhibit room and crafts in the craft room. Even cooler, kids can take their creations home as a souvenir or put it on display at the museum.
When we were done, we could head to other exhibitions and the best museum bookstore in the world. Making picture book art museum art, bringing kids in, and giving them this special treatment helps them appreciate books more, art more, and value their own opinions.
Missouri Children’s Museums
Discovery Playhouse in Cape Giradeau, MO
Jessica from Boundless Bakers
The Discovery Playhouse is a wonderful Children’s Museum in downtown Cape Girardeau. With 7,500 sq feet of exhibit space, it is ideal for children 11 years old and younger to play and learn! The museum’s mission is to create fun, educational and interactive experiences for children and caregivers as they play, discover and learn.
Children can shop in the grocery store, become a dentist, splash in the Secret Water Garden or learn about money at the bank. “Grandma Ruth’s Farm” where you can milk a cow, harvest veggies or sell your produce in the nearby grocery store! Kid’s four and under can play and explore in Pollywog Pond where activities are geared towards the littlest explorers.
The entire second floor may be geared towards kids eight and older , but it is still fun for all. Here you can have fun in Mr. Mike’s Science Lab, learn about Pedal Power, or climb Tire Mountain. Street parking and the large lot just across the street from the museum are free. Admission is just $8 for everyone 1-year-old and up. The museum offers a number of programs and special events each month including Zumba dance classes, Trivia Night, baby education classes, and much more.
Montana Children’s Museums
Wise Wonders Children’s Museum in Billings, MT
Jessica from Boundless Bakers
Located in downtown Billings, MT, Wise Wonders Children’s Museum may be small, but it has hours worth of fun and educational playtime inside. The best part about it being on the smaller side is if you go with multiple children, you can let them play where they want and still keep an eye on everyone! Exhibits focus on STEM education. While exhibits frequently change, some include water play, role-playing such as the mock grocery store, and STEM table with multiple experiments for little scientists.
Frequent programs and events are offered for children of all ages. Don’t miss Miss Patti Wednesdays for science, reading, or art themed activities. This program suits children ages 4 through 9. Also, every first Friday night of the month, Wise Wonders is open for free! These events are great for working caregivers and older children who are in school during our regular business hours, or for curious visitors who just want to see what the Museum is about.
Nebraska Children’s Museums
Omaha Children’s Museum
Tiffany from Mommy and Me Travels
Mommy And Me Travels spent an entire day exploring every nook and cranny of the fun Omaha Children’s Museum. If you are a first-timer with young kids, our recommendation for the two areas you should not miss are Imagination Playground and Science and Technology Center. Plan to spend a lot of time in here as kids seem to love, love, love the fun hands-on activities.
If you visit these two spots and have any time left on your trip, then we recommend venturing up the stairs to check out the traveling exhibit that is on display. This exhibit is sure to entertain your kids. When we visited, the traveling exhibit was Enchanted Kingdom. The exhibit included a train ride, carousel, a dragon reading stories, and much more. A few of these activities cost additional money to partake in, so keep that in mind. To get more tips and tricks on this museum, visit Mommy And Me Travels hands-on perceptive in our article at Review of Omaha Children’s Museum.
Omaha Children’s Museum is located in the area of Old Market Omaha and can easily be accessed by car or hotel shuttle (if available). The museum boasts having many permanent and traveling exhibits that are geared entirely for hands-on activities for children. During the summer months the museum is open 7 days a week, but during the winter months, it is closed every Monday. Parking on-site is normally easy to get and will not cost you anything. Be sure to double-check all the hours and fees before your visit.
New York Children’s Museums
The Strong Museum: National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY
When visiting Rochester with kids, you must visit the Strong Museum! As one of the largest museums in the United States, the Strong boasts several large rooms dedicated to imaginative play. Kids will love shopping at Wegman’s, launching a rocket, and even traveling back in time to 19th century New York. While you are there, check out the National Toy Hall of Fame to see if any of your favorites made the cut.
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the Strong Museum. The museum is open Sunday-Saturday with varying hours, and admission starts at $16 per person over the age of 2. On-site parking is plentiful and FREE. There is also a large cafeteria in the museum that has PizzaHut, Taco Bell, and Subway stands. There is also a 1950’s diner in the museum serving up burgers and fries!
North Carolina Children’s Museums
Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC
Julie from More than Main Street
Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, is a must-visit if you’re traveling to the Tar Heel state with children! Your children’s imaginations will run wild in Marbles Kids Museum’s two stories jam-packed full of fun! Marbles was a staple day trip in our family for years, and we have some very fond memories of our children growing up playing and learning there.
Marbles is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of admission is $7 and is free for children under one year old. They do offer annual memberships, as well. You will often find the busiest hours at Marbles to be between 10 am – 1 pm, so you may want to avoid those hours if possible. In addition, Mondays are group free days, so you won’t have to worry about school groups and field trips if that is important to you.
Inside there is a small café, gift shop, and IMAX theater too! Mainly geared at children under 10 years old, kids are learning through play every day at Marbles! From the dress-up area and stage, to the outdoor real garden and water play area, to the pretend pet hospital, there is something for every child at Marbles. My kids always loved giant Legos, tools and building center, and getting fit sports area. Marbles is such a fantastic facility, and it is my number one recommendation to families traveling to North Carolina with children!
The Rocky Mount Children’s Museum & Science Center
Julie from More than Main Street
The city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has a real gem in their Children’s Museum located within the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences. Why would one visit the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum? Rocky Mount, NC, is located right at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Highway 64 in North Carolina, making it the perfect stop on a road trip up and down the east coast of the United States. There really are a lot of fun things to do in Rocky Mount, including the Imperial Center! The cost of admission is $6 per person, free for children under 2 years old, and free on Sundays for local residents.
The Rocky Mount Children’s Museum permanent exhibits include hands-on learning stations, a Planetarium and astronomy center, a large imaginative play area for children, and an animal viewing and learning area.
The main exhibit rotates seasonally and has included everything from sports to the human body to the newest exhibit called “Spin”, which explores the study of rotation. Another wonderful benefit is the attached arts center which is currently hosting “Family Sundays”, where you can get your creativity flowing and let your artistic side shine! The Rocky Mount Children’s Museum is a perfect place to connect as a family, engage your children’s curiosity, and develop a love of learning!
Oregon Children’s Museums
The Portland Children’s Museum
Cath from Passports and Adventures
The Portland Children’s Museum is located in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, adjacent to the Oregon Zoo, making it an ideal place to combine with a visit to the zoo. This interactive children’s museum was the first of its kind we visited and ignited our interest in visiting more children’s museums around the world.
The Portland Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Portland with kids and has so many different areas that your kids will be spoilt for choice. From a Water Works room, to a Groundworks room where our son enjoyed pretending he was a builder, to a climbing wall, indoor treehouse and more, there is something for every child’s imagination at this children’s museum.
There is a huge car park outside which is payable but at a reasonable price for the day, entry is payable to non-members and free to members, and there is a free day generally on the first Friday of each month, but it can change, so check the website for details. As well as the indoor areas, there is an outdoor area and an on-site café which allows families to use the tables to eat their own food too. It’s a great place to visit with kids and highly recommended if you are in Portland, Oregon.
Pennsylvania Children’s Museums
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Amanda from Toddling Traveler
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is one of the best things to do in the Pittsburgh area if you’re visiting with kids. The museum aims to encourage kids to explore and get creative in a hands-on way. Some of the awesome exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh include the Garage, the Attic, and the Theater. Each of them has interactive displays, including a gravity room, a smart car, and a ball pulley system, to name a few. If your child wants to get more creative, the MAKESHOP and Studio offer places for them to build and create things, often to take home.
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh with a toddler, The Nursery is a great place for babies and toddlers to have fun and explore. There’s also a huge water play area on the 3rd floor of the museum that kids of all ages seem to love. Visiting Pittsburgh with older kids? The Museum Lab in Pittsburgh was just opened with kids ages 10+ in mind. Both museums can be accessed with one entry fee, which is great if you have kids spanning across age ranges.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is located in the Northside of Pittsburgh and you can find metered parking across the street. Admission to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is $14 for children 2-18 and $16 for adults. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is also affiliated with both ASTC and ACM reciprocal networks. That means you can receive free or discounted admission of you belong to museums in one of those networks. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh regularly has special exhibits as well, which have included Curious George, Thomas the Train, and Eric Caryle in recent years.
Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope, PA
About 45 minutes northeast of Philadelphia is the Bucks County Children’s Museum. Located in historic New Hope, PA, this museum is a perfect place to bring kids for a few hours of fun, while learning about Bucks County and its history. Exhibits include a dinosaur dig, learning about canals, and working in a general store. Plenty of STEAM exhibits teach kids about wind power and electricity.
Admission to the Bucks County Children’s Museum is $8 per person over 1 year old, although discounts are offered to veterans and EBT cardholders. Plenty of metered parking is available in the adjacent lot. The museum is open Tuesday-Sundays at varying hours and closed most Mondays except for some school holidays.
Texas Children’s Museums
The Thinkery in Austin, Texas
Jenna from Alpha Omega Family Adventures
Our family has been to our share of children’s, museums and we have found The Thinkery to be one of the best! We even included it on our blog post Top 8 Places to Visit with Kids in Austin! It is a decent-sized museum without seeming too overwhelming. It is obvious that the designers of this museum wanted something unique with the different exhibits they offer. These exhibits range from scientific elements such as lights exhibit where you can play with and change light, to a wind exhibit, to an airplane design and launch exhibit.
If you head upstairs, there is an entire farmers market set up, including an adorable chicken coop for kids to learn with. The infant and toddler area, ages 0-3, is also upstairs. Upstairs also includes a water current play area where kids adorn waterproof aprons and play with boats, water sprayers, and musical instruments to learn how water currents work.
If there is still time after exploring the inside areas, the outdoor section also offers a cute water current area as well as a fun jungle themed play area. This museum also offers unique learning experiences called Innovators’ Workshop and a kitchen lab where experiments are performed together.
The Thinkery is located on the Northeast side of Austin, Texas. Parking can be validated for three hours in the parking garage located just to the back of the museum. If you are looking for a free museum visit, they offer a community day every Wednesday from 4-8 pm. They do ask for donations, but admission is free. Children ages 0-23 months visit for free.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum in The Woodlands, Texas
Jenna from Alpha Omega Family Adventures
If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate setting for a children’s museum, then The Woodlands Children’s Museum is perfect for you. This museum is set up in a similar fashion to an old-time Main Street. There is a fire station with fire suits to try on and a fire truck to drive. Next door is the grocery store with lots of food and a cash register to pay for it. There is a huge wooden train station and a fun rubber pit with dump trucks and dinosaurs (think sand, but not so messy). Right in the middle is a home, including a kitchen full of food to play with.
This museum keeps my kids, even my older elementary-aged kids, entertained for quite a while. This museum has a variety of different workshops and fun events that happen each month. They post these events on their website calendar so you can be aware ahead of time.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum is located about 40 minutes north of Houston in The Woodlands. Parking is free and abundant. Children under 1 are free to visit.
Virginia Children’s Museums
The Children’s Museum of Richmond
Lee Anne from The Hable Way
The Children’s Museum of Richmond has four locations in Central Virginia, including Downtown Richmond, Short Pump, Chesterfield, and Fredericksburg. Each location has convenient on-site parking. Their wide-open floor plans make it easy to see all of the exciting exhibits they have to offer. They have partnerships with many well-known businesses to create an inspiring environment for kids of all ages to learn through play.
Each museum has art workshops, family engagement days, and special events throughout the year. On select days, they offer free admission to first-responders, military, and families with challenges or disabilities. Carmax presents $1 Family Night on the 2nd Friday of each month at the Downtown Richmond location!Washington Children’s Museums
Washington Children’s Museums
Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia, WA
Tairalyn from Tairalyn.com
Make sure you leave yourself ample time when visiting The Hands On Children’s Museum, one of the best things to do in Olympia, Washington with kids. With over 150 hands-on exhibits spread among two floors, including an outdoor discovery center, you’re going to need an entire day there.
Be sure to check out their website before your visit. With seasonal events and programs, coupons and deals, you will want to make sure you plan and budget accordingly. Paid parking is ample both on the street and in the large parking lot behind. Keep in mind it does get busy, so arrive early.
Thank You!
Without the amazing travel bloggers who contributed to this post, we wouldn’t have been able to compile this list of the best children’s museums in the US. Please take the time to visit their family travel blogs. All of them have great tips and ideas to share. Click on their names to access their blogs!
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