Best Children's Museums for Kids in America
From interactive science exhibits to hands-on art studios, these museums consistently get the highest ratings from families. Every museum on this list has been evaluated for age suitability, stroller access, and real cost for a family of four.
- 1
Play Street Museum - Lowry
Denver, CO · ★ 5
1-7
Play Street Museum in Denver's Lowry neighborhood offers imaginative role-play exhibits for toddlers and young kids in a safe, clean indoor setting.
- 2
Bill's Backyard
Santa Cruz, CA · ★ 5 (20 reviews)
0–10
Bill's Backyard at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose is an outdoor, nature-themed exhibit for kids — included with CDM admission.
- 3
Play Street Museum - Upper West Side
New York City, NY · ★ 4.9 (465 reviews)
Best for ages 0-6
Children's art studio and play space for ages 0-6 on NYC's Upper West Side. 4.9 stars. Pottery, painting, open play. Book sessions online.
- 4
Infinity Museum
Las Vegas, NV · ★ 4.9 (1,408 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
Immersive infinity mirror museum in Las Vegas with a 4.9 rating. Mind-bending light and mirror rooms. Great for kids 5+. Open until 10PM daily.
- 5
The Science Vortex
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.9 (42 reviews)
Toddlers to tweens (best for ages 3-12)
The Science Vortex in Cottonwood AZ is a 4.9-star rated hands-on children's science museum near Sedona. Open Thu, Sat, Sun. Best for ages 3-12.
- 6
The Peace Pavilion
Kansas City, MO · ★ 4.9 (52 reviews)
6 and up
Free cultural center in Lenexa, KS for peace education. Inspiring exhibits and garden spaces. Guided tours for school-age kids.
- 7
Rise Play Park
Branson, MO · ★ 4.9 (47 reviews)
0–7
Rise Play Park in Branson is a session-based soft-play space for ages 0–7. Clean, safe, and perfect for rainy days. Book sessions online before visiting.
- 8
Play Street Museum - South Loop
Chicago, IL · ★ 4.9 (153 reviews)
Best for ages 0-6
4.9-star children's museum in Chicago's South Loop. Play areas, pottery, art projects for ages 0-6. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM. Closed weekends.
- 9
Reading Science Center
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.9 (40 reviews)
Best for ages 4-12
Reading Science Center is open Mon and Sat only, 10AM-4PM. Hands-on science exhibits for ages 4-12. Affordable option near Philadelphia.
- 10
Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.9 (28 reviews)
Ages 5 to teens
The Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology in Sierra Vista AZ is a 4.9-star science museum focused on Sonoran Desert natural history. Thu-Sun only.
- 11
Mountain Farm Museum — Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.8 (1,800 reviews)
All ages — best for ages 4 and up
Mountain Farm Museum at Great Smoky Mountains NP: free, open-air Appalachian farm history with live demonstrations. 90 minutes from Asheville.
- 12
Billy Graham Library
Charlotte, NC · ★ 4.8 (4,600 reviews)
Best for ages 7 and up
The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte: free admission, interactive exhibits on American history, and a beautiful memorial garden. Family guide.
- 13
Paradox Museum Miami
Miami, FL · ★ 4.8 (3,442 reviews)
Best for ages 6 and up
Paradox Museum Miami in Wynwood has mind-bending optical illusions and interactive art for ages 6+. 4.8 stars, 3,400+ reviews. Book tickets online.
- 14
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.8 (130 reviews)
Best for ages 8 and up
Wagner Free Institute is Philadelphia's free Victorian natural history museum. Best for ages 8+. Open Tue-Fri only. A hidden gem for curious kids.
- 15
McKenna Children's Museum
San Antonio, TX · ★ 4.8 (1,565 reviews)
0–10
Top-rated children's museum in New Braunfels, TX near San Antonio. 4.8 stars from 1,565 reviews. Hands-on exhibits for ages 0-10. Closed Sundays.
- 16
Adventure Forest at the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Denver, CO · ★ 4.8 (22 reviews)
Best for ages 2-10
Outdoor nature play forest at Children's Museum of Denver in Jefferson Park. Rope bridges, climbing structures, and natural play. Included with museum admission.
- 17
Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
New York City, NY · ★ 4.8 (442 reviews)
4–17
The Richard Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History features a butterfly vivarium, insectarium, and Invisible Worlds theater. Family guide with admission tips and what kids love most.
- 18
Pottstown Children's Discovery Center
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.8 (26 reviews)
Best for ages 1-8
Pottstown Children's Discovery Center is an affordable community museum for ages 1-8. Open Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat. 45 miles from Philadelphia.
- 19
Osher Rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco, CA · ★ 4.8 (89 reviews)
Best for ages 3 and up
Four-story rainforest dome at California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park SF. Free-flying butterflies and birds — included with admission.
- 20
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Jackson Hole, WY · ★ 4.8
5–17 years; best for kids who enjoy art and nature
4.8-star wildlife art museum in Jackson, WY overlooking the National Elk Refuge. World-class collection, outdoor sculpture trail, and family programming.
