Children'S Museum Of Manhattan

Children’s Museum of Manhattan: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to NYC’s Top Family Historical Site

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) stands as a cornerstone of family-friendly cultural and educational experiences in New York City. Established in 1973 by a group of passionate educators and parents, CMOM has grown from a modest storefront into a vibrant, 38,000-square-foot institution on the Upper West Side. The museum is dedicated to sparking creativity, literacy, and social-emotional development in children aged six months to ten years. With its interactive exhibits, immersive educational programs, and strong commitment to inclusivity, CMOM has become a vital part of New York City’s historical and cultural landscape (NYC.com; CMOM official).

This guide provides everything you need to plan an enriching visit to CMOM, including up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing options, accessibility services, community outreach, tips for families, and nearby attractions.

Origins and Historical Development
Mission and Core Values
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Exhibitions and Educational Programs
Accessibility and Community Outreach
Transportation and Parking
Facilities and Visitor Amenities
Practical Tips for Visitors
Nearby Attractions and Family Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Future Developments
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Origins and Historical Development

CMOM was founded in 1973 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side with a mission to create a hands-on learning space for children. What started as a small storefront has expanded into a premier destination for family learning and cultural enrichment, housed today in the Tisch Building at 212 West 83rd Street (NYC.com).

Mission and Core Values

CMOM inspires children and families to explore cultural diversity, personal growth, and creativity through interactive exhibits and programs. The museum’s core values emphasize early literacy, health, social-emotional skills, and lifelong learning. Caregivers and educators are actively involved, creating a holistic and inclusive environment (Give Freely).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Visiting Hours

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on major holidays
Special sensory-friendly sessions and accessibility hours are offered; check the official calendar for updates.

Ticket Prices and Purchase

General Admission: $15–$18 per person (children under 1 free)
Discounts: Available for seniors, students, NYC residents, educators, and military families
Personal Care Attendants: Free admission when accompanying visitors with disabilities
Group Rates: Available by reservation for schools/camps
Advance Purchase: Strongly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays (CMOM Tickets)

Exhibitions and Educational Programs

CMOM features five floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to inspire and engage children from infancy through age ten:

PlayWorks™ (Ages 0–4): Sensory and motor skill development, including an Art Lab
Adventures with Dora and Diego (Ages 2–6): Interactive play themed around animal rescue and environmental awareness
Inside Art: Climbable sculptures and collaborative art projects
Dynamic H2O (Seasonal): Outdoor water play exhibit demonstrating NYC’s water system
EatSleepPlay™: Rotating exhibit on healthy habits
Art Lab: Drop-in art-making sessions
Workshops and Performances: Over 80 weekly programs included with admission

Special and rotating exhibits reflect NYC’s diverse culture and contemporary themes in art, science, and music (Wanderlux).

Accessibility and Community Outreach

CMOM is deeply committed to inclusivity and community impact:

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible (except lower level of Dynamic H2O), ADA-compliant restrooms, service animals welcome, and special sensory-friendly sessions (WhichMuseum)
Community Outreach: Extensive programs reach underserved communities, including partnerships with schools, shelters, and correctional facilities. Notable initiatives include the Family Connections Program for incarcerated parents and their children, and dedicated programs for children in shelters and Head Start centers (CMOM Community Outreach; CMOM Family Connections)
Adaptive Programming: Continual improvements based on community feedback ensure all families feel welcome

Transportation and Parking

Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 86th Street; B, C to 81st Street
Bus: M7, M11, M79, M86, M104
Parking: Limited metered street parking and nearby garages; public transit is recommended (NYC Tourism)

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

Family restrooms with changing tables on all floors
Stroller parking near the entrance
Lockers and coat racks (limited availability)
Gift shop offering educational toys, books, and NYC souvenirs
No on-site café, but snacks/drinks allowed in designated areas; numerous family eateries nearby
Quiet zones for sensory breaks
Multilingual exhibit materials and assistive listening devices available upon request

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Times: Weekday mornings are least crowded
What to Bring: Water bottles, snacks, change of clothes for messy play, comfortable shoes
Duration: Plan 2–3 hours for your visit
Supervision: Adult supervision required throughout the museum
Check Calendar: For special events, rotating exhibits, and sensory-friendly sessions (CMOM official)
Lost Child Protocol: Robust safety procedures in place (Xplrverse)

Nearby Attractions and Family Amenities

Central Park: Playgrounds and picnic spots just blocks away
American Museum of Natural History: 10-minute walk south, perfect for multi-site family days (The Globetrotting Teacher)
Dining: Family-friendly restaurants on Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are CMOM’s visiting hours?
A: Typically 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with seasonal variations. Check the official website for current hours.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Buy online in advance or at the entrance; advance purchase is recommended.

Q: Is the museum stroller and wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with stroller parking and elevators throughout.

Q: Are sensory-friendly accommodations available?
A: Yes, with special sessions and quiet zones.

Q: Can I bring food?
A: Snacks allowed in designated areas; no full-service café.

Q: What age group is best served?
A: Primarily ages 0–10, with most exhibits for younger children.

Future Developments

CMOM is planning a major move to a larger, state-of-the-art facility at 96th Street and Central Park West, anticipated to open in 2028. This new location will feature expanded galleries, dedicated outreach spaces, and modern amenities to serve an even broader community (CMOM About Us).

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an essential destination for families seeking dynamic, educational, and inclusive experiences in New York City. With engaging exhibits, thoughtful visitor services, and a commitment to community outreach and accessibility, CMOM continues to enrich the lives of children and families citywide. For the latest updates on visiting hours, tickets, exhibits, and events, visit the official CMOM website, and consider downloading the Audiala app for interactive tours and exclusive content. Connect with CMOM on social media to stay informed and make the most of your museum visits.