Children's Museum Cleveland
A vibrant hub of interactive exhibits designed for playful learning, sparking curiosity and imagination in young minds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play space
Children's Museum Cleveland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more play space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of interactive exhibits designed for playful learning, sparking curiosity and imagination in young minds.
"Kids often don't want to leave, with one family planning a return trip despite a 45-minute drive!"
💧 Water Play Prep
Bring a change of clothes for the water area! Protective gear is available, but kids still get wet.
🍎 Pack Your Snacks
Outside food is welcome and can be heated in their microwave. Great for saving money!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wonder Lab & Bubble Room
Water Play Area
Spark creativity and learning with interactive water exhibits and giant bubbles. Protective gear provided!
Massive Jungle Gym
Indoor Play Area
An expansive play zone featuring pretend gardening, a grocery store, nursery, and doctor's office.
Creative Craft Room
Upstairs
Unleash artistic talents in a spacious room filled with abundant craft supplies and activities.
Imaginative Theater
Theater Room
Step onto the stage for make-believe adventures with a pretend soundboard and endless role-playing fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Playtime
Best for Little Explorers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Water Play Prep
Bring a change of clothes for the water area! Protective gear is available, but kids still get wet.
🍎 Pack Your Snacks
Outside food is welcome and can be heated in their microwave. Great for saving money!
⏰ Check Hours
The museum often closes earlier than expected. Always verify operating hours before your visit.
🚗 Parking Info
Street parking is available, but can be competitive. Factor in a little extra time to find a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Water Play Prep
Bring a change of clothes for the water area! Protective gear is available, but kids still get wet.
🍎 Pack Your Snacks
Outside food is welcome and can be heated in their microwave. Great for saving money!
⏰ Check Hours
The museum often closes earlier than expected. Always verify operating hours before your visit.
🚗 Parking Info
Street parking is available, but can be competitive. Factor in a little extra time to find a spot.
👶 Toddler Zone
Dedicated area for ages 0-3 ensures younger siblings have a safe and engaging space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum of Cleveland for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that keep children entertained for hours. The water play area and pretend scenarios are particularly popular, though some feel it's best suited for younger children under five. The cleanliness and friendly staff are also frequently highlighted positives.
"This place is truly amazing! It is big ad there is so much to do!! We arrived at 10:15 and left at 1:30pm(closing time) and the kids didn't want to leave. My son is still talking about the museum and it has been a week since we have been there. I am definitely looking into a membership even if it is a 45 min drive for us. We were in the water area (basically a mini water park and they have some protective gear there to use) from 10:15 to noon after lunch. (You can take your own food with and they have a microwave to heat some food up with. Also some snacks like uncrustables, juice boxes, gold fish and a couple of other things to buy at the gift shop area. I thought their price was really reasonable.) After lunch we did the massive jungle gym area which includes a pretend gardening area, grocery store, baby nursery, a doctor's office and opposite all of that a big building block area. In a separate room there is a massive theater which is where we ended for the day and so many make believe opportunities with even a pretend sound board. A music area. A really big craft room upstairs which man the kids can go to town in there there is so much to do in the craft room and so much space! There is also an area for kids ages 0 to 3 years. Really well done Cleveland children's museum!! 10/10!"
Marlet Frank
"All my kids loved it from ages 4 to 13 2 boys and 2 girls. Something for everyone . Staff was super friendly even the people visiting were nice and polite. 2 adults 4 kids was 90$ price is ok not the best not the worst lol. Be sure to check hours they close rather early. Cute activities: building cars and houses, grocery store for kids , water works, bubbles and more. Plan on taking the kids again sometime. Cute gift shop and have food and snacks. We all had fun 😁"
Brian Barranco
"Felt like it was more for kids under 5. My 7 year old child wasn’t the most enthused. And charging for a parent I feel isn’t required. On the other hand the place was spic and span and even the washrooms were ultra clean and well maintained."
Nash V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Public transportation options are available, and street parking is generally accessible, though it can be competitive. It's recommended to check local transit schedules and parking availability before your visit.
Yes, street parking is available near the museum. Visitors often find spots, but it's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially on busy days, to secure a convenient parking space.
Yes, the museum is designed with safety in mind for young children. There's a dedicated area for ages 0-3, and all exhibits are geared towards interactive, safe play.
Besides the Children's Museum, Cleveland offers attractions like the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Great Lakes Science Center, and various parks. The museum itself is a top pick for toddlers and young children.
Strollers are generally permitted within the museum, but it's always a good idea to check their specific policies upon arrival or on their website, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically includes both children and adults, with prices around $90 for 2 adults and 4 kids. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is often recommended, especially for weekend visits or during school holidays, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
The museum's hours can vary, and they often close earlier than expected. It's crucial to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before planning your visit.
Yes, they offer memberships, which can be a great value for local families or those planning multiple visits. A membership can even be considered for those who live a 45-minute drive away due to the engaging exhibits.
The museum is designed for children of all ages, with a specific area for infants and toddlers (0-3 years). While older children can enjoy many exhibits, it's most geared towards younger ones.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive Wonder Lab and Bubble Room for water play, the expansive jungle gym with pretend play areas, the creative craft room, and the imaginative theater.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated area specifically designed for children aged 0 to 3 years, ensuring they have a safe and stimulating environment to explore.
Yes, the Wonder Lab and Bubble Room offer extensive water play opportunities. Protective gear is provided, but it's wise to bring a change of clothes for your child.
The museum excels in pretend play! Exhibits include a grocery store, gardening area, baby nursery, doctor's office, and a theater, allowing children to immerse themselves in various roles.
The craft room is a large, well-equipped space upstairs offering a wide array of art supplies and activities, allowing children to express their creativity freely.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, outside food is permitted, and there's a microwave available to heat up meals. This is a great way to manage food costs during your visit.
The museum has a gift shop area that also sells snacks and some food items, such as uncrustables and juice boxes, at reasonable prices.
While there isn't a full-service restaurant, there are designated areas where families can enjoy the food they've brought or purchased from the gift shop.
Snacks like uncrustables, juice boxes, and goldfish crackers are typically available for purchase at the gift shop area.
High chairs are usually available in dining areas to accommodate families with infants and toddlers. It's best to confirm upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed. Capturing your child's joyful moments is encouraged! 
While personal photography is fine, professional photography or filming for commercial purposes may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
The vibrant exhibits, especially the water play area, the colorful jungle gym, and the creative craft room, offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing short video clips of your children enjoying the exhibits is perfectly acceptable for personal memories.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits or if it might disturb other visitors or children.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children (0-5)
Key recommendations: Arrive early to beat crowds, pack a full change of clothes for the water exhibits, and utilize the microwave for packed lunches. The museum's focus on interactive, hands-on learning makes it an ideal spot for fostering early development and creating lasting memories.
💰 Budget-Conscious Families
Look out for any potential discounts or special event days that might offer reduced admission. The sheer amount of engaging activities means kids can easily spend hours here, maximizing the value of your ticket price.
👨👧👦 Families with Mixed Age Groups
Tip: Try to balance time between exhibits that cater to the youngest and those that offer more complex engagement for older siblings. The staff are friendly and can sometimes offer suggestions for navigating the museum with a diverse age group.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Learning Through Play
These interactive experiences are crucial for developing social-emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor skills. The museum provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them without pressure. The craft room, in particular, offers a vast canvas for artistic expression and creativity, allowing kids to bring their ideas to life.
For parents, the museum offers a chance to observe their children's development in action and participate alongside them. The staff are often noted as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive overall experience. The museum's commitment to providing a rich, play-based learning environment makes it a standout destination for families.
Navigating the Exhibits with Different Ages
For children aged 2-6, the jungle gym, pretend play areas (like the grocery store and doctor's office), and the water play room are usually the biggest draws. The water exhibits, in particular, are a massive hit, offering a mini water park experience where kids can splash and experiment. It's highly recommended to bring a change of clothes for this area!
While older children, like 7-year-olds or even 13-year-olds, can find elements to enjoy, some reviews suggest they might not be as enthralled as their younger siblings. The theater and craft room can offer broader appeal, allowing for imaginative play and creative expression that transcends specific age brackets. Planning for mixed-age groups might involve prioritizing exhibits that cater to the youngest while ensuring older kids have opportunities for more complex engagement.
Practicalities: Food, Hours, and What to Bring
Food-wise, the museum is quite accommodating. You are welcome to bring your own food and snacks, and there's a microwave available for heating up meals. This is a fantastic way to save money and cater to picky eaters. For those who forget or prefer to buy, the gift shop area offers a selection of snacks and drinks at reasonable prices.
Beyond food, a crucial item to pack, especially if you plan to visit the water play area, is a change of clothes for your child. While protective gear is provided, kids inevitably get wet. Comfortable shoes are also a must, as there's plenty of running, climbing, and exploring to do.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit