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Westchester Children's Museum

2.7 (31 reviews)
Open 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

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Rita L.

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.

Entrance is really hard to find, which is on the left of this building facing beach.
Ann L.

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.

building block area, baby playpen
Montel G.

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.

Silvia G.

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!

Elle N.

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.

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Ask the Community - Westchester Children's Museum

Review Highlights - Westchester Children's Museum

Pack a lunch for a nice relaxing afternoon on the boardwalk & re-entry is permitted.

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Long Island Children's Museum - Exterior Sign

Long Island Children's Museum

4.0(174 reviews)
16.9 mi

I had went to the Long Island, Childrens museum twice and absolutely loved it. I want the first…read moretime around with just me and my son. I was there for an hour and a half. He had a really great time and talk about a 2 to 3 hour nap. He didn't fully understand everything, considering he is 16 months old, but he did have a fun time while he was there. There is an area for children his age so he can play around there, but I was able to have him run around and play everywhere else. He didn't care for the bubbles area, but absolutely loved the sand corner that they have. There is a little sandbox for the kids so that way toddlers can go and play it if they wanted to. He loved going up and down the stairs and playing in the block area as well. When I first went, I didn't use what the library offered. Which if you put in that you have a library card, you and a child can get in for free for the day. My husband did come with us when I made the day through the library, but considering he got the library card and showed them that he had it, he was able to pay half the price. Which was nine dollars for us. Otherwise it would have been $18. It was a great time for my son and we were there for almost 2 hours as he was running around the place. If you do want to go more often, I know they offer a family packages. I also know that you can get a two-year package and a one-year package. The basic one-year package is $200. Which if that is the only thing you can afford is totally worth it. Especially on days where it is too cold to stay outside or it is raining. I know the other packages offer more stuff, but they are a little bit more expensive. This place is great considering that they do have events each week. That is great for all different ages. This is a place. I will definitely be taking my son more and once I have more kids will be taking them there as well.

One of the better children's museums we've been too. Located next to a bunch of other family…read morethings, this is on the big side and should burn a few hours for most kids. Lots of interactive exhibits, play areas and the obligatory climbing structure. Will inevitably be busy like most things on Long Island. Staff is friendly enough however mostly in the background. Good balance of different types of things to do, including a few animals upstairs. The town play set area is very cool, and I love that they have a rotating exhibit space. It was trains when we were there, themed to Thomas the train with both a ton of tracks to play with, as well as life sized Thomas train characters. Had to drag my son out of there, however luckily their gift shop is decent with legitimate toys versus just cheap crap. Would definitely come back here.

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Long Island Children's Museum - Exterior Mural

Exterior Mural

Long Island Children's Museum - LICM Exterior Sign

LICM Exterior Sign

Long Island Children's Museum

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Kidcity Children's Museum - The Ship

Kidcity Children's Museum

4.7(117 reviews)
67.4 mi

Kidcity Children's Museum is a children's museum that opened in Middletown, Connecticut in…read moreSeptember 1998. It was founded by Jennifer Alexander. She originally founded Kidcity as a homegrown non-profit organization in 1994 in attempt to make Middletown a more desirable place for families with young children. The circa 1835 historic Camp-Sterns House was donated by St. Sebastian's Church after the building retired from a 70-year career as their convent. The City of Middletown donated a portion of a public parking lot as a new site for the house. In March 1997, the old house moved 400 feet down Washington Street. Extensive renovations were done to the house and permanent hands-on exhibits were created by local artist Ted Esselstyn. The museum opened to the public the following year. The museum doubled in size in 2003 when a new addition was put on. My family and I have visited Kidcity a number of times since my wife and I began having children. We've been to a lot of children's museums over the years, but we think that Kidcity is easily the best one in Connecticut. Not only do our two sons have a lot of fun, but also my wife and me! Our most recent visit was this past August. There are so many different rooms and exhibits for children to engage in pretend play. Some of the rooms include The Ship, The Farm, Main Street, Video Theater, Space Age Roadtrip, and The Cornfield. There's even the Toddler Sea Caves on the basement level that our younger son enjoyed exploring. We usually end up staying for at least two hours, but I'm sure that our two boys could be engaged there for much longer. If you're looking for a fun indoor activity for families with young children, then head to Kidcity!

Best children's museum we've ever been to, hands down! They have wonderful interactive exhibits…read morethat have kept my kid engaged on each of our visits. They also go above and beyond--kiddo had an accident and I realized that we didn't have a change on hand, but there was a stash of supplies in the bathroom that included extra pants! What a lifesaver. Excellent and friendly staff as well.

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Kidcity Children's Museum - Fake bed

Fake bed

Kidcity Children's Museum - Space Age Roadtrip

Space Age Roadtrip

Kidcity Children's Museum - Exterior, looks like an old mansion

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Exterior, looks like an old mansion

Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum - Fire station with costumes

Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

4.1(54 reviews)
53.2 mi

Went on the weekend on a Saturday with my grandson and daughter. Don't let the size fool you it was…read morepacked with so many activities. We were there almost 4 hrs! I would come again. Only complaint is that I am in a wheelchair and the ramp going in was not cleared wide enough of the snow and the one part was ice.

What a wonderful children's museum! With many hands-on exhibits and a pretend-play town. Located on…read morethe Poughkeepsie waterfront, it was a great stop for us to cool down and for my kiddo to take a fun break after we did Walkway Over the Hudson. There are two levels: the first floor is geared more toward younger kids and has several play areas including a fire station/fire truck with dress-up costumes, play-pretend market and cafe, a maker studio, a play room with a train track, foam blocks and some structures, and a couple of other exhibits. The second floor is suitable for both younger and older kids and is STEM focused, with exhibits that demonstrate scientific principles in a fun and educational way. My toddler was so excited to explore everything and could have spent hours in here. I'd say it's best suited for kids under 10. The website says up to 12yo but honestly I think the tweens of today would be quickly bored. Admission is $13 whether for kids or adults (under 1 free). The museum wasn't very crowded, and has seating all around for parents to sit and watch while the children played.

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Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum - First floor as you enter - play town

First floor as you enter - play town

Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum - Waves: (Sand)

Waves: (Sand)

Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum - Waterfront park

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Waterfront park

Hudson River Museum - Matthew Lifflander Gallery

Hudson River Museum

4.2(39 reviews)
11.4 mi

*** 5,500th review ***…read more I don't know what took me so long to check out the Hudson River Museum. The views, alone, would be reason enough to visit. I was initially drawn to the impressive dollhouse, but there are also so many other cool paintings, sculptures, and photographs here. The museum building itself is very bright and welcoming. Check out the courtyard, too, where there were some lawn games over the summer. We also explored the education center, which seems to have an ongoing activities for kids. Next time I visit, I'll check out the planetarium!

Mark Twain called the late 19th century the "Gilded Age." It saw the creation of a modern…read moreindustrial economy, a national transportation and communication network. In the HBO drama "The Gilded Age," the characters are keenly aware that they live in interesting times, and this establishment was featured as Mrs. Astor's home. Built for millionaire banker John Bond Trevor and his family, Glenview Mansion has been painstakingly restored by the Hudson River Museum, which is a hidden gem located in Yonkers. Guided tours are offered to six fully restored rooms (Great Hall, Sitting Room, Parlor, Dining Room, Ebony Library, and Billiard Room), which my partner and I had the pleasure of today at $20 per adult and can be purchased on their website. Since his primary residence was in NYC, this 19th-century seasonal home was used from April to December each year and sits on a 23-acre estate. The owner commuted into his office on Wall Street in New York City, about 23 miles away. Upon entering the mansion, it showcases late Victorian with the colorful tiles on the floor, the high ceilings, and the furniture and fixtures such as the Tiffany and Co. grandfather clock, a Victorian recliner chair, or the storybook tiles over the fireplace in the Great Hallway. The original home featured a wraparound balcony that could be accessed through the Sitting Room, but it was later removed in order to lower maintenance costs. Besides the mansion, the museum is a complex of galleries that present changing art exhibitions, a permanent Hudson River School collection, a planetarium, an amphitheater, and educational spaces for all ages. The staff was friendly. The interior was very well kept and organized. With great views of the Hudson River, this is a relatively short day trip, which we can recommend.

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Hudson River Museum - The Billiard Room

The Billiard Room

Hudson River Museum - The Front Desk

The Front Desk

Hudson River Museum - At the entrance

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At the entrance

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Brooklyn Children's Museum

3.7(241 reviews)
24.4 miCrown Heights

We visited this museum for the first time today with our toddler. We bought the tickets online and…read morethey were scanned once we entered the museum. The only ticket that was $0 was for kids under 1 year old. My toddler was not. For the 3 of us it was $45 which I thought was a bit much. They also have annual memberships starting at $120. That may be something to consider if you plan to visit the museum multiple times. There was a Lunar New Year celebration at the museum today so we went to check it out. They had a museum wide lion dance parade as well as activities for the kids which included: Kung fu moves demo, ribbon dance workshop, calligraphy, and storytime with Author Michele Wong McSween of "Gordon and Li Li: Celebrate Chinese New Year. We also got to meet City Council member, Susan Zhang who had a booth there. Our little one enjoyed the lion dances and the exhibits as well as walking outside on the 2nd floor outdoor area. I'm looking forward to bringing her here again for other events. Things to consider - it did get a bit crowded because of the event and also the cafe that served food was alright. They ran out of some food items and the quantity of the food they were giving for the prices was not okay. I'll be bringing my own food for my toddler and us next time. Otherwise, it was a fun day for the family.

The oldest Children's Musuem in the world is one you should check out! Yes, it isn't really the…read morenewest but it has some really worthwhile exhibits and playspaces that will occupy your kids. Everyone 1+ is $15. I'd say the perfect age is somewhere around 2.5-3 yo to really enjoy all the areas here. The bottom floor features a bunch of storefronts including a very popular grocery whichwas packed. My kids loved making phone calls, grocery shopping, driving the bus, making bread, watching a taped performance, and honestly just running around. There is a small nature section and tons of toddler sections for littler ones. Upstairs, there is a great enclosed area to engage in art project and then some more rotating exhibits. There was also a cafe area to buy or bring snacks. It's not huge but definetly kept my kids occupied for 2+ hrs on a very frigid winter day.

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Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum - November 18, 2023; Mo Willems Exhibition.

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November 18, 2023; Mo Willems Exhibition.

Westchester Children's Museum - childrensmuseums - Updated May 2026

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