Photo of Children's Museum Of Manhattan in New York1 / 3
Trampoline Parks

Children's Museum Of Manhattan

📍 Manhattan, NY

4.2(3,089 Google reviews)💰$👶0-6

Interactive museum on the Upper West Side designed for children ages 0-6 with hands-on exhibits exploring arts, science, and culture. Multiple floors of creative play with special programs throughout the week.

Perfect for toddlersHands-on activities
★★★★Featured review by Raquel Parra

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a nice, well-organized museum, especially suitable for younger children. In my opinion, it is ideal for kids up to around four years old. While older children can still enjoy some parts, the activities and exhibits are clearly designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. One practical aspect I really appreciated is that coats and strollers can be left at the entrance, which makes moving around the museum much easier and more comfortable, especially if you’re visiting with little ones. The space feels safe and manageable, and everything is set up to encourage hands-on play and exploration. There are also shows running at different times, which adds variety to the visit and gives children a chance to sit down and focus on something more structured for a while. This is a nice break from continuous free play. The toilets are fine and adequate for families, which is always an important detail when visiting with young children. Overall, it’s a pleasant experience and a good option if you’re looking for an indoor activity in Manhattan with small kids, particularly on cold or rainy days.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

This museum is best suited for families with toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-4) looking for indoor entertainment in Manhattan. While kids enjoy the hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, parents should expect an aging facility that can become overwhelming during busy periods. It's a decent rainy-day option but may disappoint families seeking a premium museum experience.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡You can leave coats and strollers at the entrance for easier navigation
Visit during off-peak times to avoid crowds and excessive noise
🎟️Expect to see everything in 2-3 hours due to the small size
🚗Bring hand sanitizer as some parents noted cleanliness concerns

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.2

3,089 Google reviews

Great for young kids (under 4)80%
Facilities need updating80%
Can get crowded and noisy60%
Interactive hands-on activities80%
Small size limits repeat visits60%
R

Raquel Parra

3 months ago

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a nice, well-organized museum, especially suitable for younger children. In my opinion, it is ideal for kids up to around four years old. While older children can still enjoy some parts, the activities and exhibits are clearly designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. One practical aspect I really appreciated is that coats and strollers can be left at the entrance, which makes moving around the museum much easier and more comfortable, especially if you’re visiting with little ones. The space feels safe and manageable, and everything is set up to encourage hands-on play and exploration. There are also shows running at different times, which adds variety to the visit and gives children a chance to sit down and focus on something more structured for a while. This is a nice break from continuous free play. The toilets are fine and adequate for families, which is always an important detail when visiting with young children. Overall, it’s a pleasant experience and a good option if you’re looking for an indoor activity in Manhattan with small kids, particularly on cold or rainy days.

E

Elisa Cogotti

4 months ago

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a wonderful place for kids to explore, learn, and burn some energy in a creative way. There are plenty of hands-on activities, colorful exhibits, and interactive stations that really capture children’s attention. It’s the kind of place where they can touch, play, climb, and discover — which is exactly what a children’s museum should be. My child had a great time moving from one exhibit to another, and it definitely kept her entertained. The staff was friendly and seemed genuinely invested in making sure kids had a positive experience. The only reason I’m giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because the museum can get crowded, and during busy times the noise level and limited space make it a bit overwhelming. Some areas could also use a refresh or better organization. Overall, it’s a fun and enriching stop for families in NYC — a great way to spend a few hours letting kids learn and play! 🎨🧸✨

K

Katherine Bernard

5 months ago

Fun for Kids, But Could Use Some Updates My son had a great time at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan—he really enjoyed every floor, and it’s a great place for kids to explore and play freely. It’s definitely a fun, safe space where little ones can burn off energy and learn through play. That said, I’m giving it 4 stars because I feel like some of the toys and exhibits need updating. I get it—it’s a busy place with a lot of wild kids (including mine!), but some areas felt a little worn out. Also, there are only three floors, and once you’ve explored each section, there’s not much else to do. Still, it’s a solid place to visit, especially if you’re looking for something kid-friendly indoors. Worth the trip for sure!

R

Rayon Munroe

a month ago

Its a fun spot for the kids. It has 4 levels of play for them. Its not very big and I look forward to their new location in a few years.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Located in the Tisch Building on West 83rd Street, this interactive museum features hands-on exhibits and programs designed specifically for children ages 0-6. The museum offers multiple floors of activities exploring arts, science, and culture, plus weekly programming including art, music, storytelling, and adventure activities. Open Tuesday-Sunday with pram access and discount programs available.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

📍 Similar Activities Nearby

View more in New York