Staten Island Children's Museum
A vibrant, hands-on museum on Staten Island offering interactive exhibits, arts & crafts, and play areas for children of all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Staten Island Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, hands-on museum on Staten Island offering interactive exhibits, arts & crafts, and play areas for children of all ages.
"Unreal that it is still $8 admission with free parking! Kids had a great time."
Pack a Picnic 🧺
Enjoy the spacious grounds and save money by bringing your own food. Free parking available!
Toddler-Friendly Fun :baby:
The soft play room is perfect for little ones. Arrive early to enjoy it before it gets crowded.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Engage with hands-on displays covering fire fighting, giant chess, arts, crafts, and insects. Fun for all ages!
Soft Play Area
Ground floor
A safe, sensory haven perfect for babies and toddlers to explore and play.
Climbing 'Beehive' & Slide
Top floor
Older kids will love crawling through the enclosed 'beehive' and zooming down the epic swirly slide.
Outdoor Play Area & Grounds
Exterior
Spacious, well-kept grounds offer ample room for running, playing, and picnicking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Maximize Fun
Affordable Family Outing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🧺
Enjoy the spacious grounds and save money by bringing your own food. Free parking available!
Toddler-Friendly Fun :baby:
The soft play room is perfect for little ones. Arrive early to enjoy it before it gets crowded.
Check Event Schedule :calendar:
Look out for free concerts like 'Boogie Woogie Wednesdays' for extra entertainment.
Stroller & Wheelchair Access :wheelchair:
Elevators make navigating the museum easy for families with strollers or wheelchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🧺
Enjoy the spacious grounds and save money by bringing your own food. Free parking available!
Toddler-Friendly Fun :baby:
The soft play room is perfect for little ones. Arrive early to enjoy it before it gets crowded.
Check Event Schedule :calendar:
Look out for free concerts like 'Boogie Woogie Wednesdays' for extra entertainment.
Stroller & Wheelchair Access :wheelchair:
Elevators make navigating the museum easy for families with strollers or wheelchairs.
Affordable Admission :money_with_wings:
At $8, it's a budget-friendly option for a full day of family fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Staten Island Children's Museum for its affordability, cleanliness, and engaging interactive exhibits suitable for a wide range of ages. The friendly staff and ample free parking add to the positive experience, making it a highly recommended spot for family outings.
"Is a great place for small kids, has Interactive games, a huge chess game and many more. Nice AC inside and out door games for small kids too. A small cafeteria with vending machines, a floor dedicated to arts and craft and insects. Really clean and the staff were pretty nice. Elevators for people with strollers or wheelchairs."
Luisa Paulino
"The Staten Island Children's Museum is a great place for kids ages 3 to 10. The Hands-On arts and crafts area lets children make fun and creative projects. There are lots of fun things to do and explore all around the museum."
B Allan
"What a wonderful spot for children to learn and play! This space is perfect for children of all ages. The soft play room is a perfect for for babies and toddler to immerse themselves in a safe sensory experience. The top floor is better suited for older kids, with a large enclosed climbing "beehive"for kids to crawl through and a sensationally epic swirly slide. There outdoor play area was a big plus as well. We bought the membership and can't wait to return!"
Andrea Laren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. While some TikToks mention Staten Island being disconnected from the rest of NYC,+1 driving is a common option with free parking available. Public transport options may require transfers, so check local transit apps for the best route from your starting point.
Yes, there is free parking available on the grounds, which is a significant plus for families traveling by car.
The Staten Island Ferry offers incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and is free, but it will still require additional transportation to reach the museum from the ferry terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable at $8 per person, a price that has remained consistent for years, making it a great value for families.
While specific free days aren't widely advertised, the museum does offer free concerts like 'Boogie Woogie Wednesdays',
It's generally not required to book tickets in advance, especially for weekday visits. However, for special events or busy weekends, checking their website or calling ahead is advisable.
Absolutely! The museum features a dedicated 'soft play room' perfect for babies and toddlers to explore safely.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Staten Island Children's Museum website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a variety of interactive exhibits, including a fire fighting station, a giant chess game, arts and crafts areas, and displays on insects. There's also a climbing 'beehive' and a swirly slide for older kids.
Yes, the museum caters to a wide range of ages, from babies and toddlers in the soft play area to older children who enjoy the climbing structures and interactive displays.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers hands-on arts and crafts sessions and sometimes hosts special events like cookie decorating classes
Reviewers consistently praise the museum for being super clean, with friendly staff and well-kept grounds.
Yes, the museum is equipped with elevators, making it accessible for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small cafeteria with vending machines and reasonably priced snacks. Many visitors also opt to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the grounds.
While the museum itself has snack options, the surrounding Snug Harbor Cultural Center grounds offer beautiful picnic spots. For more dining variety, you might need to venture a bit further into Staten Island, though specific recommendations are scarce in online discussions.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific museum policies regarding flash photography or recording.
The interactive exhibits offer colorful and engaging backdrops. The outdoor play areas and the expansive grounds of Snug Harbor also provide scenic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children (Babies & Toddlers)
Beyond the soft play, the museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits that can engage even the youngest visitors. The clean facilities, including accessible elevators for strollers,
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize savings, consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the museum's spacious grounds. This allows for a full day of entertainment without the expense of on-site dining. The museum's accessibility and engaging exhibits make it a perfect choice for a memorable and budget-friendly family adventure.
Day-Trippers from Other Boroughs
Combine your museum visit with a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry for iconic skyline views,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to combine a museum visit with a stroll through Snug Harbor's grounds. The well-kept fields and gardens are perfect for a picnic or simply letting kids burn off some energy after exploring the museum's indoor exhibits.
While the museum itself is the main draw for younger families, the broader Snug Harbor area offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate Staten Island's history and green spaces. It’s a reminder that Staten Island has more to offer than some might initially assume.
Events and Special Programs
These events often provide unique opportunities for children to learn and interact in fun, dynamic ways.Keep an eye on their schedule for special classes, such as cookie decorating sessions that have been held for holidays like Mother's Day.
These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster creativity and community engagement. Some events even have a philanthropic angle, with a portion of proceeds going to local charities.While most events are geared towards children, the museum has also hosted events that have drawn public attention and discussion, such as Drag Queen Story Hour.
These events highlight the museum's commitment to inclusivity and offering diverse programming, though they may also attract protesters.Value and Affordability
Beyond the low admission fee, the museum offers free parking, which is a significant cost-saver for families traveling by car. This, combined with the option to bring your own food for a picnic on the extensive grounds, makes a day trip to the museum incredibly economical.
The affordability doesn't mean a compromise on quality. Visitors consistently report a clean, well-maintained facility with friendly staff and plenty of interactive exhibits that keep children entertained for hours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit