Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum
A vibrant children's museum filled with imaginative play zones, educational exhibits, and a unique glow-in-the-dark solar system.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant children's museum filled with imaginative play zones, educational exhibits, and a unique glow-in-the-dark solar system.
"This place is amazing. Hands on, very fun. Gets very busy on weekend afternoons."
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on weekends! :smiley_cat:
✨ Military Families Free
Active duty military families get free admission. A great perk! :military_medal:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imaginative Play Zones
Various themed rooms
Explore a pretend store, treehouse, vet clinic, and more! Perfect for sparking young imaginations.
Under the Sea Adventure
Under the Sea Room
Dive into an aquatic world with engaging activities and props for little explorers.
Dinosaur Dig
Dinosaur Room
Unearth prehistoric fun with dinosaur-themed exhibits and interactive elements.
Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System
Downstairs Exhibit
A mesmerizing room with a painted solar system that glows, offering a unique sensory experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Peak Playtime
Embrace Imaginative Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on weekends! :smiley_cat:
✨ Military Families Free
Active duty military families get free admission. A great perk! :military_medal:
🧸 All Pieces Included
Activities are well-maintained with all pieces present for uninterrupted play. :teddy_bear:
💡 Educational Walls
Learn about the importance of play from informative displays on the walls. :light_bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open, especially on weekends! :smiley_cat:
✨ Military Families Free
Active duty military families get free admission. A great perk! :military_medal:
🧸 All Pieces Included
Activities are well-maintained with all pieces present for uninterrupted play. :teddy_bear:
💡 Educational Walls
Learn about the importance of play from informative displays on the walls. :light_bulb:
🎟️ Consider Membership
If you live nearby, a membership is well worth it for repeat visits. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum as an excellent, clean, and engaging destination for young children. The variety of well-maintained, imaginative play areas keeps kids entertained for hours, making it a perfect rainy-day activity. The friendly staff and special military discount add to the positive experience.
"Great rainy day boredom buster!!!! We arrived at opening to a line, so be prepared. A greeter was at the door, cheerful and counting each person entering.
Each room held more activities and things to explore. - Under the sea, princesses, dinosaurs, trains, a restarunt, a veterinarian office just to name a few. Everything was in good repair and clean - activity sets had all the pieces to play!
Our 2.5 year olds were kept busy for almost 2 hours and could have stayed longer! Even as crowded as it was there was plenty to do and see.
Extremely clean, friendly staff and military families are free!"
Elizabeth Tilton
"From the outside you would not expect a very big museum, but this place has tons of space and lots of different themed rooms. An excellent place to spend time with little kids and encourage their imagination! Lots of information on the walls about play and how it is good for children."
Mindy G
"This place is amazing. Hands on, very fun. Gets very busy on weekend afternoons. Great place to bring a little one to really connect and play with. Our family's roots run deep here :)"
Rick Merrill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the Mount Washington Valley area. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Parking information is usually available on their official website.
Yes, typically there is parking available for visitors. It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date parking details and any associated fees.
For families visiting North Conway, driving is generally the most convenient option, allowing flexibility to explore the wider Mount Washington Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but the museum is known for being family-friendly. Military families often receive free admission, and it's worth checking their website for current rates and any special offers.
Yes, military families are often admitted for free. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or call ahead for any other potential discounts or family packages.
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's best to consult the Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum official website for the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
While walk-ins are common, purchasing tickets in advance or arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended to avoid potential lines and ensure entry, as they count visitors entering.
Yes, many visitors find a membership to be a great value, especially if they live within driving distance and plan to visit multiple times. It offers unlimited access for a year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is ideal for children from around 8 months old up to about 10 years old, with a particular focus on toddlers and preschoolers who thrive on imaginative play.
Expect a variety of hands-on, imaginative play exhibits including a pretend store, treehouse, veterinarian office, under the sea room, dinosaur area, and a unique glow-in-the-dark solar system room.
Absolutely! It's described as a 'great rainy day boredom buster' and offers hours of indoor entertainment for children.
Many families, especially with younger children, can spend up to two hours or more exploring all the exhibits and engaging in play.
Reviews consistently mention that the exhibits are in good repair and clean, with activity sets having all their pieces, ensuring a positive play experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining is limited in reviews. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly to inquire about snack bars, cafes, or if outside food is permitted.
While not explicitly stated in reviews, many children's museums allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks to consume in designated areas. Confirming this policy beforehand is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in most children's museums. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and ask for permission before photographing children who are not your own.
The themed rooms, especially the under the sea, dinosaur, and the glow-in-the-dark solar system room, offer unique and colorful backdrops for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Arriving early is key to maximizing playtime, especially on weekends, as the museum can get quite busy. The free admission for military families is a significant benefit. Consider a membership if you're local, as the value for repeat visits is excellent. The glow-in-the-dark solar system room is a unique sensory experience that younger children often find captivating.
🎖️ Military Families
Plan your visit to coincide with opening hours to make the most of your time, especially if you have young children who benefit from less crowded spaces. The variety of themed rooms ensures there's something to capture every child's interest, making it a worthwhile stop for military families in the area.
💡 Educational Explorers
The glow-in-the-dark solar system exhibit offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about space in an engaging, sensory-rich environment. The attention to detail in maintaining exhibits with all their pieces ensures that children can fully engage with the learning opportunities presented.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Imaginative Play
The museum's commitment to providing a rich play environment is evident in the details. Reviews highlight that activity sets are complete and well-maintained, ensuring that the imaginative journey isn't interrupted by missing pieces. This focus on quality and completeness allows children to fully immerse themselves in the pretend worlds, making their learning experience both fun and impactful.
Beyond the immediate fun, the museum also educates parents and caregivers. Informative displays on the walls explain how play benefits children, reinforcing the value of the experiences offered. This dual approach—providing engaging play opportunities while also educating adults—makes the museum a valuable resource for families looking to support their child's growth.
A Sensory Delight: The Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System
This particular exhibit offers a different kind of engagement compared to the more role-play-oriented areas. It appeals to a child's sense of wonder and curiosity about space and the universe. The visual stimulation is captivating, and it provides a calming yet exciting sensory experience that can be particularly engaging for younger visitors or those who enjoy a more visually driven activity.
Parents often mention this room as a highlight, noting how their children are mesmerized by the glowing planets and stars. It's a fantastic opportunity for a brief, awe-inspiring break from more active play, and it often sparks conversations about astronomy and the vastness of space, making it both entertaining and educational.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit