We’re also proud to offer our award-winning Children’s Museum Guide for Families of Children with Disabilities. Developed with funding from the Noble Trust and in collaboration with experts in learning and disability, this guide is a valuable resource for families and caregivers, helping them navigate our PlayWorks™ exhibits and make the most of every visit.
Visitor Accessibility
CMOM is a a museum for everyone, and committed to Universal Design and accessible play for all New Yorkers.
Accesibility Programs at CMOM
At CMOM, we believe every New Yorker and every child deserves to explore and enjoy the transformative world of art and play. We’re dedicated to ensuring that economic challenges or differences in ability never stand in the way of a joyful, enriching experience. Through inclusive admissions partners, flexible membership options, and thoughtfully designed exhibits and programs, we work to remove barriers so all children can participate fully in our programming. Our mission is to nurture the creative spirit and development of our city’s youngest minds, making access to the arts a reality for everyone.
Free and Reduced Admission
We have always been committed to providing access to our exhibits and programs to all New York’s children, regardless of socioeconomic status. We participate with a wide variety of programs including Museums for All, Cool Culture, and exchanges, local Libraries and more. To learn more about these programs, how to qualify, and to get access admission, check out our page with all the admission opportunities.
Need-Based Membership
In addition to our partnership with Cool Culture, we work with community-based organizations (CBOs) and New York City agencies to provide low-income families with access to the Museum’s cultural and educational resources through discount and free Museum memberships.
Among the groups with which we’ve partnered are the New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Education, Department of Correction, and the Department of Homeless Services.
Our Museum Space
At our museum, every child is welcome. Our goal is to provide access to all children—those with and without disability—and this philosophy guides us. We design our physical space, exhibits, and learning levels with disability inclusion in mind, ensuring that children with disabilities can engage fully through tactile, visual, and auditory experiences. We work closely with local schools to provide guided group visits that emphasize disability inclusion.
Accessibility Online
We believe digital accessibility is just as essential as an accessible physical space. We’re committed to continuously enhancing our digital content so that every parent, caregiver, and family can effortlessly access and plan their visit to CMOM, ensuring a seamless experience both online and in person.
Sensory Kits
Sensory Kits are also available to borrow at no additional cost during your visit. Each kit is designed to help children regulate, refocus, and feel at ease, and includes:
- Over-the-ear headphones for noise reduction
- A sand timer to support transitions
- Fidget toys to encourage self-regulation and focus
Kits are available at the Admissions desk and in PlayWorks on the 3rd floor. Simply check one out at the start of your visit and return it before you leave. If you have questions about Sensory Kits before your visit please email us at [email protected].
Your Mobile Guide to CMOM
Explore the Children’s Museum of Manhattan with our mobile guide on Bloomberg Connects. Our guide offers new educational activities for parents and children, a tour of CMOM’s signature exhibit PlayWorks™, and insights into the connection between play and learning. Use the guide and access the museum anywhere you are, anytime you like.
Our Bloomberg Connects guide features special audio tour of PlayWorks. Hear from CMOM word eating dragon Alphie, get at home art projects, and more! This guide provides information for your visit as well as how to take the best of CMOM home with you.
Need Assistance?
We want every visit to CMOM to be a great one — for your child, your family, or your school group. If you have additional questions about accessibility our team is here to help. Reach out to us at and we’ll work with you to make your visit as smooth and joyful as possible.