An adult holds a starfish up for a child to investigate with a magnifying glass. The adult is smiling at the child.

Experiences

CMOM’s exhibits are designed to spark learning through play and exploration, with hands-on experiences rooted in research. Our permanent exhibitions bring children’s natural curiosity to life and every visit offers new ways to discover, learn, and grow! Learn more about our weekly lineup of changing programming, and plan your visit today!

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A young infant pulls himself out of a colorful pit of toy balls at a museum exhibit

Public Programs and Events Calendar

At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, there’s always something new to explore! Designed for children ages 0–6, our hands-on programs encourage creativity, learning, and play through art, music, science, and storytelling, all rooted in research-backed methods that support early brain development.

From ever-changing themed activities to PlayWorks, our dedicated space for our youngest visitors, every experience is designed to engage children at the right developmental stage. With a rotating schedule of interactive programs, there’s always a reason to visit and discover something exciting!

Public Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. Programs are also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.

Explore Our Programs and Events

Highlighted Programs

Children's Museum Of Manhattan photos by @StewPhotographyNYC

Back to School at CMOM

September 1–30

School’s back—let’s make it magical! Explore a season of sky-inspired art, water play, and hands-on invention as everyday moments become tools for creativity. Check out all the programs this month!

A child in a smock and paper hat at a table with prepped and chopped fruits and veggies in front of her.

Celebrate the Upcoming Jewish Holiday’s At CMOM

Rosh Hashana: Friday & Saturday, September 11 – 12

Yom Kippur: Sunday & Monday, September 20–21

Sukkot: Sunday, September 27

A young child at a craft table painting while an adult supervises

International Dot Day: Celebrate Creativity, Courage & Collaboration!

Tuesday, September 15

Celebrate International Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynold’s imaginative book The Dot with an exciting visit from the author himself

A mid-dance action shot features two of a group of dancers, twirling bright red skirts as they dance.

Latinx and Hispanic Heratige Month

September 15–October 15

Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month through music, storytelling and hands-on creations inspired by the countrysides, neighborhoods, and traditions throughout Latin Americ

Permanent Exhibits

A child smiles at the camera while playing with an exhibit at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Behind the child, the exhibit includes a photo of an adult fireman in uniform.

PlayWorks™

We’ve designed every aspect of PlayWorks™ to help families prepare children to enter school ready to learn, grow and thrive. By combining play and learning, PlayWorks creates a fun and rewarding experience for children ages birth–4.

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

Join Diego on a series of high stakes animal rescue missions. Learn facts about animals and their habitats by helping Diego rescue animals in trouble. Best for ages 2–6.

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

Inside Art: Create, Climb, Collaborate is inspired by creative placemaking, which uses the arts to shape a location and promote social change. The pieces selected for this show encourage community, collaboration, and immersive exploration of new ideas. Best for ages 3–10.

Young woman and toddler child at interactive drum toy in a children's museum exhibit

Superpowered Metropolis™

Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City™ is a hands-on, interactive, and colorfully, immersive exhibition where you are the heroes! Step into a playful, comic book version of New York City where a lively team of pigeons, Zip, Zap, and Zoom, serve as your guides to superpowered fun and learning. Best for ages birth–6.

Two children smile at the camera. They are in matching blue smocks and hold water toys. They are standing at a water table. More children in smocks are visible in the background.

Dynamic H2O

Dynamic H2O is the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s splashy seasonal outdoor exhibit in the Sussman Environmental Center where children learn about New York City’s amazing water system and the importance of water to us all. Best for all ages; weather-dependent.

A child sits at a toy desk in a toy replica Oval Office with his legs crossed. He pretends to be on the red phone on the desk.

Right To Vote

The best photo spot at CMOM! To commemorate the centennial of women’s suffrage, the installation explores what voting is and why it matters, how people effect change by working together, and the role of the president of the United States. Best for ages 2–6.

An illustration of Wonder Woman with La Borinquena. Both superheroes hold a Puerto Rican flag together.

Superheroine La Borinqueña

La Borinqueña, featuring the Puerto Rican superheroine of the same name from Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez’s graphic novel series, opened in September 2022. Best for all ages.

Child smiles at camera while adult watches child. They are both seated on the floor at a toy block version of a mosque.

Past Exhibits

Over the years, we’ve created immersive exhibits that spark curiosity and discovery — exploring culture, food, art, science, and the human body — all through the power of play. Looking back at these past exhibits shows not only our creative and educational legacy but also the inspiration that shapes our future as we prepare for our new home.

Explore Our Past Experiences and Exhibits