The following museums feature different exhibits and have a variety of focuses. Some offer exhibits intended for toddlers and preschoolers, while others offer experiences for all ages.
Magic House – St. Louis, MO
Interactive Science & Art
- Best for ages: 3-7 years old
- Focus: Imagination and creativity
- Cost: Free, 1 and up; $15 for adults & children 1 and up
- Free Family Night: every 3rd Friday of the month from 5-8pm (up to 2 adults & 4 kids)
- Hours of Operation: Summer Hours – 9:30am-5pm (school hours/seasonal varies)
- Parking: Free
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging children through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Since its opening in 1979, the museum has expanded to 55,000 square feet, featuring exhibits like the Jack and the Beanstalk climber, a Van de Graaff generator, and the Children’s Village—a miniature town where kids can role-play in various community roles.
The Ark Encounter/Creation Museum – Williamstown, KY
interactive History &
- Best for ages: All ages
- Focus: Biblical and Earth history
- Cost: Free, 10 and under; Youth, $31.99; Adults, $64.99; Group passes available
- Hours of Operation: 9am-5pm; Closed on Sundays; Seasonal hours vary
- Parking: $15, standard vehicles; $20, oversized vehicles; Free with Ultimate Bouncer Pass
The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum are two separate museums that provide insight into the biblical history of Earth. The Ark Encounter features a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible: 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. The park also offers further attractions such as the Ararat Ridge Zoo, zip lines, and a virtual reality theater. The Creation Museum is a 75,000-square-foot facility designed to engage visitors of all ages, providing an immersive experience that supports a literal interpretation of biblical creation.
The Strong National Museum of Play – Rochester, NY
Interactive toys, games, & history
- Best for ages: 2-10 years old
- Focus: Human developement through playing
- Cost: General admission starts @ $25
- Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm (8pm Fri. & Sat.)
- Parking: $7 per vehicle (non-members)
The Strong National Museum of Play is a one-of-a-kind experience dedicated entirely to the history and exploration of play. Spanning over 150,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, it offers immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. With its vast collection of toys, games, and play-related artifacts, The Strong provides an engaging environment that celebrates the importance of play in learning and human development.
Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia, PA
Interactive Art, Music & Imaginative Play
- Best for ages: 8 and under
- Focus: Hands-on exhibits
- Cost: $22 per person; reservation required
- $2 per person from 4pm-7pm on select first Wednesdays
- Hours of Operation: 9:30am-4:30pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Parking: Free curbside parking, $16 for gated lot
The Please Touch Museum is a premier children’s museum dedicated to enriching the lives of children. Designed to foster creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking, you will find a variety of exhibits that allow children to explore imaginative environments while promoting cognitive and social development. Featuring a collection of over 25,000 historical toys and games, there’s something to spark a little creativity in every child.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN
Interactive History, Space Exploration & More
- Best for ages: All ages
- Focus: Education and engagement
- Cost: Free, 2 and under; Youth, $23; Adult $28
- Hours of Operation: 10am-5pm; Seasonal closures vary.
- Parking: Free @ 3000 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is renowned for being one of the world’s largest and most interactive children’s museums. Spanning over 5 floors and 7.5 acres of outdoor experiences, there’s something for everyone! The museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, including “Dinosphere”, featuring life-sized dinosaur fossils; “Treasures of the Earth”, where visitors can explore archaeological sites; and “The Power of Children”. Art enthusiasts can admire Dale Chihuly’s “Fireworks of Glass,” a 43-foot-tall blown glass sculpture that spirals through the museum’s central atrium.
The Crayola Experience – Multi Location
Interactive Art Workshops & Exhibits
- All Locations: Chandler, AZ; Easton, PA; Mall of America, MN; Orlando, FL; Plano, TX
- Best for ages:
- Focus: Art & creation
- Cost: Free, 2 and under;
- Hours of Operation:
- Parking:
The Crayola Experience is an interactive, family-friendly attraction that brings the magic of Crayola to life through hands-on creative play. Visitors can personalize and wrap their own Crayola crayon, star in a coloring page, create melted wax art, and learn how crayons are made in a live manufacturing show. Recognized as one of the top children’s museums, it provides a vibrant environment where creativity and color come to life.
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