Frequently Asked Questions

Are water fountains available to the public?
Yes. Touchless water bottle fillers are available throughout the Museum. Please plan to bring a water bottle with you for your visit.

Are restrooms available to the public?
Yes. All Museum restrooms are open. Bathrooms are disinfected multiple times throughout the day.

Are hand sanitizing stations available to the public?
Yes. There are 60 sanitizing stations available for use throughout the Museum.

If visitors are not following Museum policies, how will CMOM respond?
CMOM reserves the right to remove any person who is not following the Museum’s Code of Conduct.

General Information

What are the Museum's hours?
Our hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

How long can I stay in the Museum?
You can now enjoy your favorite CMOM exhibits and activities all day long.

Do visitors and members need a reservation or timed-entry ticket to visit?
No, but we encourage you to book tickets in advance.

Can I buy tickets at the Museum?
Yes, but we encourage visitors and members to pre-purchase or reserve tickets in advance.

I cannot go on the date I selected. Can I reschedule for another day or get a refund?
All ticket sales are non-refundable, however, you can change the date and time of reservations by contacting (212)-721-1223 or emailing [email protected].

Can I leave the Museum and re-enter on the same day?
Yes. Your ticket allows you to leave and re-enter the building on the date of your ticket. Please ensure you receive a stamp on your hand when leaving the building, as this will be required to re-enter.

Is proof of my ticket required to enter?
Yes. Members and guests must have their tickets ready upon entry. Tickets do not need to be printed, showing them on your device is suitable. Members must present tickets, valid member card and photo ID for Museum entry.

Are strollers allowed in the Museum?
Strollers are not allowed in CMOM’s exhibit areas and must be checked at the Museum’s stroller check. If you are driving to the Museum, we suggest that you leave your stroller in your car. Stroller and Coat check is complimentary.

May I drop my child off?
No. Children must be accompanied at all times by an adult age 18 or older. If you are looking for a fun and educational place to drop your child off, CMOM offers several drop-off classes that you are welcome to enroll your child in.

May I bring food and drinks into the Museum?
No. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the building. CMOM does not offer a cafeteria or a place to eat. There are several child-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood. Water bottle fillers are available throughout the Museum. Please plan to bring a water bottle with you for your visit. Babies and children under age four may use bottles and spill-proof cups.

Is there a park or playground nearby?
Yes. CMOM is located between two great parks. Two blocks west is Riverside Park. Riverside Park’s entrance on 83rd Street has a beautiful playground and ample benches for picnics. Three blocks east of the Museum is Central Park where there are ball fields, fountains, playgrounds and plenty of space for picnicking.

Will CMOM donate a membership or free passes for my fundraiser?
CMOM recognizes that there are many wonderful organizations supporting children in the tri-state area. We are happy to donate a limited number of complimentary memberships. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Health and Safety Issues

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
CMOM has a ramp entrance and open lobby for free movement. The Museum is wheelchair accessible in all locations except the lower level of the Dynamic H2O exhibition. The elevator in the lobby allows for at least two wheelchairs, and can be locked off for multiple uses by a school group, etc. We are constantly striving to make CMOM as accessible as possible for children with disabilities and their families. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s specific needs, please contact us at [email protected].

Do personal care attendants accompanying people with disabilities have to pay admission?
Admission to the Museum is free for personal care attendants accompanying people with disabilities. If you have questions or concerns regarding this, please contact us at 212-721-1223 or email [email protected].

Is there a diaper changing area in the building?
CMOM has changing tables in all its restrooms. Restrooms are located on the lower level and on the third floor. Health regulations require that diaper changing be done in restrooms only. Parents may not change their children outside of these areas.

Is there a place where I can breastfeed my child?
You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the Museum. For a more private or quieter space, please ask Museum staff for assistance.

Why do I have to check my stroller?
A large number of strollers in the building would prevent a safe fire evacuation. The only strollers allowed are for children with special needs. Any stroller left in the lobby or found in the building without a special tag will be removed by the Museum. All strollers should be collapsible, and should be checked upon entry. If the stroller cannot be collapsed, CMOM reserves the right to store it in a safe outdoor area, weather permitting. For a more enjoyable visit, skip the check line by leaving your strollers at home.

Membership Information

Can I get my member tickets when I arrive at CMOM?
We strongly encourage all members reserve tickets online prior to arriving here at CMOM. Admission is included with the price of membership. Reserve your tickets here.

If I purchase an admission ticket to CMOM, can I apply its value towards the cost of a membership?
Yes. The amount paid for admission tickets can be applied towards the cost of a membership. This can be done within two weeks of your visit. Please visit our admission desk with your receipt or contact us at [email protected] or at 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

Can I upgrade my Mini Membership?
Yes. Up to one month after expiration, please contact us at [email protected] or at 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

Can I purchase a membership as a gift?
Yes. You can purchase a gift membership online here or contact us at [email protected] or 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

What are the membership levels and benefits?
Please visit the Membership page for more information.

How do I find my digital membership card?
CMOM has transitioned to digital membership cards via the eMembership Card app. Instructions to download your card can be found here.

Can my caregiver bring the children to CMOM with my membership?
Yes. Your caregiver can absolutely bring the children to the Museum under your membership. We kindly request that you provide the caregiver with a print or digital copy of the reservation confirmation email and the digital membership card.

If you would like to add a caregiver to your membership record please contact us at [email protected] or at 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

How can I update the information on my membership?
Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

Help! I cannot find my membership ID.
We are here to help! Please contact us at [email protected]or 212-721-1223 ext. 215 and we would be happy to retrieve your membership number.

My company is a corporate member. How can I reserve tickets?
All corporate members are eligible for free admission for two adults and four children per visit.

Please contact us at [email protected] or at 212-721-1223 ext. 215 and be prepared to share your corporate email address. Upon verification we would be happy to reserve tickets for you and share instructions on how to reserve future visits.

We highly recommend that you reserve your tickets ahead of time. However you can bring a valid corporate identification badge to the Museum. You must be the individual on the ID in order to reserve tickets.

My company is a corporate member. How can I access other member benefits?
Employees of corporate members can purchase discounted premium family membership for $295! Premium family members receive invitations to members-only in-person and virtual events and priority registration and 10% off enrollment classes.

Please direct any inquiries about this membership program at [email protected] or call us at 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

My company is a corporate member. May my caregiver bring the children to the Museum with the corporate membership?
Yes. Your caregiver can absolutely bring the children to the Museum under your company’s corporate membership. We kindly request that you follow the above instructions for reserving tickets and provide the caregiver with a print or digital copy of the reservation confirmation email.

I am using my local library’s CMOM membership. What do I need to do?
We encourage you to reserve a ticket on our website using the member ID provided by your library. Upon arrival, please present a copy of your reservation confirmation email and the pass provided to you by your library.

I have a membership with another Museum in the Association for Children’s Museums. Can I get discounted admission?
Yes. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Does CMOM accept corporate matching gifts?
Yes. You may be able to double the amount of your membership contribution through your employer’s matching gifts program. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

Are memberships transferable or refundable?
No. All memberships to the CMOM are nontransferable and nonrefundable. We are appreciative of your support as members, your membership helps fund our mission and keeps CMOM accessible to all families.

Can I pause or freeze my membership?
No. All memberships to the CMOM are in effect when purchased and cannot be paused. We are appreciative of your support as members, your membership helps fund our mission and keeps CMOM accessible to all families.

Programs and Classes

Do I have to make reservations for a group?
Yes, groups of 15 or more must make a reservation. Ninety minute guided tours for these groups are arranged through the School Programs department. The reservation includes a tour of one exhibit and a hands-on workshop lead by a CMOM educator. Learn more about guided group visits.

Are there classes for children?
Yes. The Museum offers popular parent/child, gentle separation and drop off classes for children from ages 6 months to 4 years. These classes emphasize art, music and early childhood development. There are also summer and after school programs for children from ages 4 and up. Learn more about classes.

What types of outreach does CMOM provide?
The Museum has many different types of outreach programs. They include In-school Residencies. However, we also offer outreach programs in libraries, Head Start centers, hospitals, and homeless and domestic violence shelters.