Children's Museum of Manhattan with kids

This is a play museum for small children, and the museum itself says it is designed for ages 0 to 6. Everything is at toddler height and made to be touched. It is the answer to a rainy morning with a two-year-old on the Upper West Side, a short walk from the natural history museum.

IndoorLots of movingPlayArtBook ahead

Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York

Upper West SideSubway 1 to 86 St or 79 St

Tickets

$17per child (1-18)

Adults $17 · free under 1

Go to the official site

There is no ticket partner for this one, so the button goes to the official site.

Best time

Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Go at opening on a weekday if you can.

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More in New York

American Museum of Natural History Central Park Central Park Zoo Bronx Zoo

The family card

Family card

Minimum ageNo minimumNo minimum. Under 1s enter free

Enjoys from1 year

Duration1h30 – 2h30

StrollerNo strollersNot allowed in the exhibit areas. Free stroller and coat check at the entrance.

Child priceFree under 1 · $17 online or $18 at the door for adults and children 1-18 · $14 or $15 senior

Toilets and changingToilets on siteAccessible restrooms on the Third Floor and Lower Level. Baby-changing tables are not confirmed on the official pages.

QueueShort queuesWalk-up tickets are sold, but the museum recommends booking online to be sure of entry.

☀

Best timeTuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Go at opening on a weekday if you can.

Verdict by age

Not a general rating. How each age band actually experiences it.

0-2

Great

3-5

Great

6-10

Fine

11+

Skip

Great for ages 1 to 5, who can touch everything and move at their own speed. A six- or seven-year-old will come along for a sibling. Do not bring anyone older.

Everyone from age 1 pays the same price, adults included, which feels steep for 90 minutes. Strollers cannot go into the exhibit areas, but stroller and coat check is free. Outside food and drink are not allowed inside, apart from baby formula and water. Buying online is a dollar cheaper and holds your place on busy days.

Tips for the visit

It is at 212 West 83rd Street. Closed on Mondays.
Feed everyone before you go in. Only formula and water are allowed inside.
Sensory kits can be borrowed free of charge.

Sources

Facts checked on Oct 5, 2026 against these pages:

cmom.org