Children’s museums are no longer just places to visit on rainy days. Today, they are fun destinations where kids can learn, play, and explore in exciting ways. The best children’s museums focus on hands-on learning, not long text boards. They help kids learn by doing while also giving adults a great experience.
From science and art to role play and outdoor fun, these museums offer something for every age group. Here are the 9 best children’s museums in the United States.
1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Indiana
This is the largest children’s museum in the world. It has five floors filled with science, history, culture, and play areas. Kids can see real dinosaur fossils, enjoy a historic carousel, and play sports at the outdoor fitness park.
2. Boston Children’s Museum – Massachusetts
One of the oldest children’s museums in the U.S., this museum is designed for kids of all ages. Toddlers have their own play space, while older kids can explore art, science labs, storytelling exhibits, and even a small garden inspired by Fenway Park.
3. The Strong National Museum of Play – New York
This museum celebrates play and imagination. It is home to the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Kids can enjoy exhibits based on famous shows, classic toys, reading areas, and creative play spaces.
4. Please Touch Museum – Pennsylvania
Made especially for kids under seven, this museum encourages children to touch, explore, and play. It includes water play areas, art rooms, a kid-sized grocery store, and a magical storybook garden.
5. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – South Carolina
Located in Greenville, this museum offers fun activities like water play, a grocery store, health exhibits, climbing zones, and STEAM learning. There are special areas for toddlers and older kids, making it perfect for families.
6. Exploratorium – California
The Exploratorium is more like a learning lab than a regular museum. Kids and adults can experiment with light, sound, motion, and science through over 600 interactive exhibits. Art and science blend together throughout the space.
7. Louisiana Children’s Museum – Louisiana
Set inside New Orleans’ City Park, this museum mixes indoor and outdoor learning. Kids can follow how food is made, explore nature, and enjoy sensory play areas designed especially for very young children. The bubble-making exhibit is a favorite.
8. Miami Children’s Museum – Florida
This colorful museum reflects Miami’s culture with bilingual exhibits in English and Spanish. Kids can play in a kid-run bank, explore a cruise ship, and enjoy a large sandcastle play area made just for younger children.
9. Children’s Museum Houston – Texas
This museum focuses on movement, creativity, and hands-on fun. Older kids love the spy games and science zones, while younger kids have their own safe play area. It’s a high-energy space loved by both kids and parents.
Final Thoughts
The best children’s museums make learning fun, interactive, and memorable. Whether your child loves science, art, role play, or outdoor exploration, these museums offer experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity.