All the years I lived in Westchester and i never heard of this place...go figured. My kids are older now and I visited while on a work assignment but from the looks of it this museum is welcomes everyone from medically complex, neurodiverse, children and young adults. and they had a great experience. They have tons of engaging activities and sites to see. I recommend you visit, specially of you jave small children or any one with medically complex diagnosis. They will enjoy it. read more

See all

I have been a member for a year now and truly this museum is rundown and not well maintained. Compared to NYC and long Island, the Westchester children's museum is no where near as fun, clean, exciting. We can spend hours at the NYC and Long Island museum, we're lucky if we get an hour out of our son at the Children's Museum. There's always something missing from each exhibit too. Probably won't renew our membership. read more

This museum is INCLUSIVE and welcomes everyone! Recently my colleagues brought extremely medically complex, neurodiverse, children and young adults to the museum, and they had a great experience. I was so thrilled to hear they had no issues with accessibility and had tons of access to engaging activities and sites to see. I look forward to bringing back more medically complex residents to this welcoming and educational environment. Thank you! read more

If you get the Groupon deal, I don't see any reason to have qualms about this spot. There's enough to spend a good hour here - or longer or shorter. There are ample bathrooms. Activities are kept in good order. Parents of kids are different ranges of attentive, but overall, most are doing a good job watching their kids. My favorite spots were the foam rollers on dowels on a wall and the foam mat with shapes to climb on (more for younger kids). Right on the boardwalk! You could make a morning of the whole excursion even if you don't go to Playland. read more

Westchester Children's Museum - Small eating area - does the trick - Children's Museums Near Me - Rye, New York

See all

My 4 yr old grandson was totally engaged the 3 hrs we were at the museum. Age wise: this is perfect for 3.5-5.5 children. Staff is attentive, it's pristine, lots of manipulatives, and well kept. A friendly site for exploration of some basic scientific principles and lots of space for children to explore& repeat tasks to perfection. Pack a lunch for a nice relaxing afternoon on the boardwalk & re-entry is permitted. An older child may be bored, but go engage those toddlers. The 2-3 yr olds will be busy as well as the more mature toddlers who will thrive! Enjoy- read more

We had a fantastic time at the WCM with our Little. You can definitely become engrossed and spend well over an hour in the museum. There are many hands-on projects for kids to participate in as well as some instructional events. Unfortunately, we missed the instruction event on this visit but we had loads of fun exploring everything else. This is by no means a huge museum but they do have many things to captivate a young child's mind. There's a little area near the entrance, where you could sit and read books with you kiddos. You are suggested to take a book or leave a book. We had a blast teaching our daughter about magnetism, making magic wands and building things with the educational toys they have for visitor use. We went during a cold season so maybe that's why we didn't have to worry about paying for parking. The boardwalk is right in front so you could walk around, and there also a section of beach that many bring their doggos to and allow off the leash so even just sitting and people watching is nice. We would definitely bring our kid back here 8m the future. I homeschool, so finding local places to take her and enlighten her mind is something I really cherish. read more

See all

Sadly this place seems a bit run down. We brought our 1 year old here and there wasn't much to do for her. Whatever was available didn't seem clean. She enjoyed story time but it was a quick one. Overall this place can be great with better upkeep and new attractions. read more

Parking nearby with Playland is $15, you could try street parking too but might be a long walk. The museum is pretty small, friendly staff and good option for toddlers if you're looking for some things to do. It's not that big and not too much stuff inside, check groupon for better ticket deals. Beach nearby is $15 per person for adults if you're none resident. read more

See all

Compared to Manhattan/Brooklyn/Long Island Children's Museum/New York Hall of Science, for example, this one's a dud. Pros: - My toddler loved the Toddler Playpen, the DIY Racetrack and Balls, and the super cool Ferrofluid Magnetic Displays. Cons: - WCM has no dedicated parking lot, you have to park at the huge lot for Playland Amusement Park and pay $15. We tried finding any street parking outside but had no success. - The entrance is hard to find. There are some signs when you enter the Park and Beach grounds but no clear wayfinding pointing to the actual entrance which is around the building (which is next to construction and bus stop) facing the beach. - The WCM building is huge and has so much potential! But it felt like random things were purchased online and just thrown around with no cohesive flow/story or thought for how to best optimize the space. The middle area was so empty and bare. Another review said $5mil was spent on renovations??? That's utterly ridiculous, more like $5mil in the admin's pockets. I do not understand what the leadership expects customers to feel when compared to other museums?? - They had a table with trays for water play and the water was not replaced during our time there. Got pretty nasty. Note: - There's a Groupon deal for half-off tickets. https://www.groupon.com/deals/westchester-children-s-museum-1 Overall, WCM could be great, especially with the space, but at the moment it's pretty sad. read more

See all

I probably wouldn't have written a review if I didn't see the other 1- and 2-star reviews. I want to balance them out with our positive experience. We didn't have a discount deal but I would gladly go again and pay full price. My almost-4 year old spent 90 minutes at WCM and probably could've spent more time if we'd packed a lunch! He was a great age to go but there are also some activities that were a bit beyond him, so I could imagine coming for another few years. We went on a weekday in November, so it was very quiet and parking was easy and free. There's a huge banner on the side of a wall telling you where to go - can't miss it. So I think some of the negative points other reviewers experienced have been addressed. I can agree with the sense that there isn't a smooth flow between areas and exhibits - some areas have a few different activities around a theme, while some seem more randomly placed. It was easy for my son to wander around and find things that he was interested in. His favorite was the rollercoaster track, and the wind tubes with silks (scarves) were a close second. If a kid spent 5-10 minutes on each activity you could be there well over an hour. read more

Just... nah. The only "museum" aspect of this establishment is seeing all the children make the most of the environment around them and thoroughly enjoying it... unless your child has even decent standards/expectations and isn't a fan of when things don't work properly. As others have commented, this place is practically impossible to find. You literally will have to park (parking is free, shockingly enough), then walk toward the boardwalk and you'll see the sign for it... yes, the other side of the building -- and EVERYTHING AROUND IT -- is under construction. Tarps, scaffolding, excavators, dirt, chain-linked fences, the whole nine. But the museum itself is not under construction... except for the bathrooms. I'll get to that later. For clarity, I will charge the difficulty in finding the museum to the fact that there is literally construction going on everywhere. Even in Playland itself. But. Speaking of not being able to find it -- I found it, but couldn't find a door/set of doors that was clearly labeled "entrance". There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the side of the building (probably the first side of the building that you'll see -- two big silver metal doors). All of the doors were locked. Lmao. So I was thinking "hm, maybe they aren't open." Gave them a call, and someone answered almost immediately. She was polite, and said they were JUST opening the doors because they had a "plumbing emergency" and was just "cleared" to reopen. There was very little... energy, it was rather quiet, awkward, deadpan, etc etc. There wasn't really any art, but more so things for the kids to play with and experiment on. Everything. Here. Is. D I N G Y. And reeks of the 90s. There was really no... direction or order to go in for anything, like in a traditional "museum". You/your child can just enter, and go literally everywhere. In fact, the only debatably "traditional" feature of this museum is the section of just paintings/drawings. What truly threw me off though, was that one of the staff members (who politely greeted my party and I at the front desk) continuously harassed this woman who was maintaining four young children, one being clearly under 2yrs old while they were hanging out in the area for 2yr olds and younger. This woman couldn't even keep her two smallest/youngest children in this area because of age/size. Had to send the other kids off to do other things close by and stay with the baby. Single parent or not, taking four kids out on your own is stressful enough -- then to PAY MONEY and take them all somewhere where they're supposed to be able to play around, and then being told they can't be together in a particular area... is just asinine to me. There was literally no one else in this area (like a playpen) except the woman and the baby. Occasionally one of the bigger kids (honestly the rest of them couldn't have been any older than like 5, maybe 6) would run in to say hi or for a hug. But here comes the staffmember, ADAMANT that this was prohibited. I also think this staffmember's name is the name of a gemstone whose name starts with "A" and ends with "-thyst". On the bright side though, there's a beautiful view of Long Island Sound from all of the front-side rooms throughout the establishment. The staff do seem to care about order (clearly), and they make "rounds"; coming through all of the different rooms periodically to re-place things that are out of place (i.e., ball pit balls outside of the ball pit, etc). But it's hard to see whether or not they actually clean and sanitize things because you can see crumbs, dirt, mold, old gum, and other things all over the place -- and you don't even have to look that hard. And there are these floating spheres in the middle area that kids, I guess, can run under or push? This just spells "l-a-w-s-u-i-t" to me. But generally if you're from the area, you're well off anyway. I try to see the good in all things, including new experiences... regardless of whether or not they ultimately sucked for me and whoever I was with. But this... I just can't. Even though, to be fair, this was a Groupon-sponsored day trip for $15 and a party of 3. So I didn't expect much, but, yet and still, somehow got... less? It looks as if MANY MANY moons ago, the museum was on and poppin'. I also imagine that the construction in progress is playing a huge role in this. But there is also very little proper marketing of this museum online. Most reviews are similar to mine (1-3 stars). I also heard/read that the museum was closed for renovations at some point -- WHAT renovations? Air conditioning and drywall? All of the exhibits and toys are stuck in 1990. I just... Nah. Just don't. Not until this place gets a proper facelift and newer "exhibits". I do sincerely wish the museum's team/staff all the best during these uncertain times, and I hope for a revitalized future for this establishment. read more

Westchester Children's Museum - building block area, baby playpen - Children's Museums Near Me - Rye, New York

I came here with a Groupon deal with a group of five on a Friday afternoon in April. So it was only five dollars a person which wasn't terrible and parking was free because it was not in the season of Playland. I came here with my daughter and my goddaughter and The both girls had a good time. They are only two and three, so they were entertained for about an hour. However, the museum is a very small place and sells no food. They had a few activities for the kids to keep busy, but there was only about maybe five or six sections to keep them busy. I would not pay full price to come here but it's something for the kids to do to keep them busy. The staff was very nice and the place was very clean. They have a section for stroller parking and to hang your coats which was nice. Before walking into the museum you see the beach of Playland, which is so beautiful. I would come here for a day that the kids are bored and have nothing to do but don't expect to be impressed. read more

I wish I could give it zero stars. I can't believe how awful this place is. There was mold on a building block and the bathrooms aren't open. One of the staff was terrorizing this poor mother that was alone with an infant and three older kids. Very run down, not much of a museum, it gives the vibe of a run down hospital waiting room. Don't recommend, don't bring your children here, or yourself, or your enemy, or your money. How are they still open? read more

I absolutely love going to this museum with my children. It is small and extremely hands on. Children have the ability to build, create and watch as they explore with different science related activities. The art space is my favorite as children can create things with little to no hesitation. I enjoy the painting with water activity as it is a great conversation starter for children. My boys create cool things and after they tell me all about it. The infant area is a good way for babies and infants to move their body in a safe and cushioned space while exploring the different cushioned equipment. The employees are constantly walking around and assisting as needed. The space is well kept and clean but most of all this museum caters to the imagination of children. I would describe this museum using the statement "quality over quantity" they have transformed a small space into greatness. Don't forget to grab your free book on your way out from the loaner library! read more

See all

First of all, the entrance is very hard to find because there's no signage on the road, anywhere. Due to a large birthday party being hosted during regular museum hours most of the areas were taken and unusable by regular guests. A private space for a party would have made sense or not having it during standard business hours but neither of those things happen here. Regardless here is the breakdown of the "museum". The first room has track with balls. It could be really interesting but too soon for my 21-month old regardless we moved on. The second room includes books, a vet playset and and a check-out playset. Nothing of great interest that you can't find in most homes and nothing worthy of a "children's museum". The third room is the "toddler beach" which is basically cushions on the floor with no toys. The fourth room is for wooden blocks. Again, too soon for my son but could be fun for some. Finally in the last room there was a fan above which the children can place items that will go into a plexi tunnel and float. Items available were foil, paper towel tubes and toilet paper roll insert (pretty unsanitary). I must admit that this is where my son had the most fun and in a way it was fortunate because the rest of the "maker space" was filled with the birthday party children so we couldn't access it. In this museum, there is more empty space than arranged space. Most of it is either not thought out for toddlers, not different from what we can have at home or not available because there were too many kids in a too small space. we paid $28 for it... ($6.50 for both my kid's grandparents and $7.50 for me and my son). This was a total waste of money which is too bad because, after visiting the Children's museum in Poughkeepsie, I was excited to discover one close by. Sadly we won't be coming here again. read more

Impossible to find and it's been closed (again with no sign) . The message on the phone says it's still open. Ugh, do you want people to come there or not?! read more

Such a disappointment! They could make this museum so great because they have the space. This museum is not geared towards younger children. I have taken by 1.5 and 3 year old they asked to leave after 25 minutes (which they never do when we go places). There needs to be more hands on exhibits for younger children. They used to have some "toys" such as a grocery store, and "vet" shop but they have been removed. My older daughter was also kicked out of "toddler" beach even though there was no one else in there. She was being very respectful and just helping her younger sister. I hope they make some changes soon and add some things for the younger age group! read more

Very very disappointed with this children's museum. We have been to several children's museum. This is by far has the least amount of hands on exhibits. A typical 3 year old will have more fun at a local library. I really hope that they will add more exhibits in the future as it is in a great location. My daughter was more entertained by the dogs passing by on the boardwalk outside. read more

Westchester Children's Museum - Children's Museums Near Me - Rye, New York

See all

Pretty much a dud. They've really put minimal effort into the space, which is large and only about half filled. Toddler beach was ok, but as my older kid is over two, he was kicked out. Younger kid enjoyed playing on the cushions, but of course found a spot to fall where it was justt bare concrete floor. Payed full price., which was way too much. Won't be coming back. read more

Looking forward to this place expanding. A bit small but good for kids who like arts and crafts. My 3 year old son is not into arts and crafts so hard to keep him entertained as the "toddler beach" is only for 2 and under. Wish they had space for boys his age who don't have the attention to sit and build things. The first exhibit with tracks is fun. Decent option for winter time read more

We celebrated our son's birthday at the Westchester Children's Museum yesterday and had a great time. The staff were very friendly and responsive, the group activity was well thought out and executed, and the space is large and stimulating for siblings of different ages. We will definitely book another event here, and look forward to the exhibit expansion. read more

I am very surprised by the negative reviews. This museum is small and intimate, and is a space where kids can truly create. My daughter has had fun here from baby all the way to now as an almost 5 year old. And there's plenty for older kids, too. The renovations another reviewer mentioned were not complete at the time he posted, so he wouldn't have see any of those exhibits. I'm not sure if they've been completed by now, as it's been a while since we've been. read more

This place is fantastic. If you are looking for a hands-on museum where your children have to use their imaginations, hands and brains, this is it. I think the negative reviews are from people who expect a huge, whiz-bang museum with lots of screens. This museum is not it. This museum is a maker space - where you have lots of materials and the kids get to lead, explore and design. They can explore physics as they try and create a track that leads a ball from beginning to end, design a rocket ship that hovers in a jet stream, build as tall a structure as they can with wooden planks, and so much more. They also have a gated baby/toddler area but we just let our 15 month old explore with the big kids. I highly recommend this museum! read more

This museum hasn't really been updated. We went back recently after some time away and nothing has changed. The girls were a bit underwhelmed and I'd rather pay for chuck e cheese if it's between the 2. read more

My biggest concern here is safety. The floors at Home Depot are more kid friendly. Not only is it concrete, but it's cracked concrete. They threw scraps of thin carpet (almost more like the stuff you put under carpeting, not even real carpet) and built exhibits on it for kids. Didn't even bother to tape it down with duct tape. My one year old tripped once and caught herself, but was still wailing afterward because the floor was so hard for her little knees. Secondly, I fear it must be quite mismanaged. Several staff members seemed to just be wandering around with nothing to do. Certainly weren't interacting with any kids or improving any of the exhibits. Felt a bit like artists with no children and zero business/practicality trying to run a museum based on ideals. Dealing with kids is a concrete affair. This is the opinion from a mother of three (4yrs, 2 yrs, 1 yr) and work experience in logistics and management. read more

Not sure if they were under renovation or not, but this place only has 3 rooms. $7 per person, not worth it at this time. Best for 2 and under right now, we only stayed half an hr. Sheesh. The building itself is huge so I really hope they fill up all the rooms at some point. read more

See all

Real Engagement & Creative Play . If you want your kids to engage in their environment and play creatively for hours, this is the spot. Truly child lead and puts kids experience first. Some negative reviews are clearly from people who expect this to be yet another overstimulating science museum. However, if you're a parent that believes children thrive in creative and innovative spaces, rather than another form of tech-entertainment for your kids, this is a phenomenal spot. Get your kids away from the screens, and let them be in the moment. Finally some healthy authenticity for children in the area. read more

We took my 3 year old here today. My friend brought her 12 year old as well. The place is small, and if you are looking for high tech educational activities, this is not the place. There are 3 main rooms, plus a toddler area. The activities revolve around building and creating. There is a maker space area, with several different stations, most that involve some kind of art activity. My three year old was engaged for over two hours, and enjoyed many of the activities. The museum was probably too babyish for my friends 12 year old, but even he found some stuff to do while he was keeping us company. I think the ages that would enjoy this the most are about 3 - 8. read more

Very clean. Very open. Not crowded. Fun for young kids. Took my almost six year old and her three year old brother with a Groupon. Joined by their cousins who are 4 and 1 and everyone had a great time. Basically three rooms but it was very easy to watch them and relax - almost like being in someone's big house. No cafeteria though so bring your own snacks and food. The activities for arts was very cool too- great assistance from staff members. Babies had a pretend "beach" area that had only soft objects and was gated for kids 2 and under and parents can feel safe that they are in there. read more

Horrendous! I would never recommend this place to anyone! We had our daughters birthday party back in February . The staff was extremely rude, they rushed everything, they took food away from people hands and chairs form pregnant women stating that this was a party for kids. It was such a horrible experience, that we felt like our daughter didn't have a chance to celebrate her 2nd birthday. They need to train the staff, because you can't treat guests the way they did. Everyone was complaining, because they just were rude to everyone. To make things worse, they set up the cake and the candle without the birthday girl!! I asked for a few minutes to clean her face, how they went ahead with their own plans and sang happy birthday without my daughter! At that point I distributed the party bags because I wanted everyone to leave and I was already disgusted with the staff and the terrible way they behaved. I will never visit the place ever again! My guests either. I contacted the person in charge and she stated that this was probably not the place for me or my guess. You can make your own interpretation. I wish I could give it a negative star! read more

Small, boring, dirty. Was hoping to try it out and be impressed enough to buy a membership. Don't waste your time and go to Stepping Stones instead. This place has so much potential, but it lacks interesting toys and exhibits, gets too crowded because it's railroad style rooms, and it has a very cold feeling inside. Not inspiring or creative. No facilities such as changing rooms or cafe. The boardwalk is nice to let the kids run, so there's a positive. read more

Super small, not much to do. Although it was only $7 admission, I would recommend them having "suggested donation" instead. They need to add more exhibits and areas for toddlers. read more

The children liked it, and that's what matters. However, with the display of financial contributions to the museum, by no means does it seem like the money was used to improve the appearance nor to purchase innovative and creative items for children to enjoy. For example the tube, sealed and placed on top of a fan laid on its side to create a wind tunnel, is a nice idea for someone to make for their playroom... doesn't seem like something of this quality and simplicity should be a display in a museum. read more

I have the opposite opinion of many expressed here. The museum is completely hands-on with challenging age appropriate activities. I've been to many museums for children and this is the cleanest and most well kept. Many of the museums I've visited often feature activities that are incomplete or have broken parts, and the spaces are dirty. It's disappointing that we haven't seen the museum expand because I'd like to see what they come up with. The people who work here are great. Great story time. Also, makes for an awesome summer day to go to the beach or pool, the museum, and the park! read more