Children's Museum of Manhattan

Address:212 W 83rd St.
New York, New York
Tel: (212) 721-1234

Tired of the "No touching!" policy at most museums? Looking for a spacious place for your children to learn and explore in the bustling city of New York? Come to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, where youngsters can learn about the world around them in a creative, kid-friendly environment.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is very hands-on and geared towards young children ages 2-6, with exhibits specially designed for toddlers as well. The museum's exhibits draw from the arts, language, science, math and humanities, and are designed to be simultaneously educational and fun. The PlayWorks™ exhibition, for example, is keyed to all of the skills children need for school, while the Healthy Living Programming encourages positive daily health habits. The museum also offers daily art classes and storytelling, as well as various performances on weekends. Call the museum in advance to find out what special activities will be going on when you are at the museum!

Originally named GAME (Growth through Art and Museum Education), the Children's Museum of Manhattan was founded in 1973 when New York City's financial problems threatened school art, music and cultural programs. Today, the museum is housed in a five-floor facility on the Upper West side, a convenient location for parents looking to mix a little sightseeing or shopping with an educational experience for the kids. The Children's Museum of Manhattan offers guided exhibition tours and hands-on interactive workshops, ideal for visiting groups. In fact, 30,000 children visit the museum as part of school groups each year.

No food or beverages are allowed in the museum, so don't arrive on an empty stomach. A variety of American and international foods are available at nearby restaurants. Inquire at the Visitor Information Desk.

To reach the museum by subway, take the 1 to the 79th or 86th Street Station, or the B and C to the 81st Street Station.