A young child with pink confetti in her hair sits on the shoulders of an adult. Both smile at the camera. In the background there is confetti and a crowd of people.

Welcome to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan!

Welcome to CMOM, NYC’s premier destination for interactive learning and play! Located on the Upper West Side, our engaging exhibits and programs inspire children ages 0-6 to explore arts, science, and culture through hands-on experiences. For over 50 years, CMOM has nurtured curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in a joyful, safe environment designed specifically for the development of young minds. Plan your family’s adventure today!

Plan Your Visit Get Your Tickets

What’s Happening

Join us for exciting educational experiences that bring learning to life through play.

A woman guides a young toddler at Children's Museum of Manhattan, both examining a hat on a table.

Daily Experiences

Access to unique public programs and activities.

Three small children play at a water table. They all wear matching blue smocks.

Exhibits

Inspiring children ages 0-6 to explore through hands-on learning.

A smiling child in rubber gloves, an apron, and chef's hat, mixing together ingredients in a bowl

Classes

Immersive learning through unique ongoing early childhood education classes

Unlimited Access: Become a Member

The best way to experience CMOM? Becoming a Member! With one simple purchase, enjoy unlimited visits—and special perks including early access on the first Saturday of every month.

Join Today

A young, pre-school aged girl smiling at an adult man.

A row of children appear to be using their hands with an art project on the wall. The wall and many of their hands has a thick white paint that may be shaving cream or soap.

PlayWorks™

A child sits at bongo drums and has her hands in the air, mid-drum. Behind her is an illustrated version of Dora from the Dora The Explorer cartoon. Dora holds a guitar, and an additional illustrated guitar is included at the top of the frame in the background behind the child.

Adventures With Dora and Diego

A child has a paint brush to a small canvas on a stand on a table. Next to the child is a palette with different colors of paints. The child smiles at the camera.

Inside Art: Create, Climb, Collaborate

A group of seven children are featured in the front. They all wear matching blue smocks and hold toy fishing poles, playing with them in a water table in front of them. more children are seen in the background.

Dynamic H₂O

Two young children at a mock desk in a mock Oval Office

Right to Vote

A young child and adult man both hold a certificate that says "Superhero!"

Installation: Superheroine La Borinqueña by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez

There’s Always Something To Explore

At CMOM, every exhibit is designed with purpose, guided by research, and developed in collaboration with expert advisors in early childhood learning. Unlike traditional play spaces, our exhibits go beyond entertainment; they are scientifically crafted to support cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through the power of play.

Exhibits

Four small children watch adults in front of them, who have their backs to the camera.

Families in Temporary Housing

Through community programs and partnerships, we bring arts education, early childhood development, and joyful learning experiences to children and families for children and caregivers living in temporary housing.

Family Connections

Through hands-on workshops and dedicated learning hubs at Rikers Island, CMOM’s Family Connections Program strengthens family relationships and fosters hope for the future.

A young child with a large red bow in her hair, assembling crafts together on a table.

Support Our Mission

Every visit, every class, and every smile at CMOM is made possible by people like you. Explore all the ways you can get involved and help us build brighter futures for New York City’s kids.