Visitor Guidelines and FAQs

Know Before You Go:

We’re dedicated to joyful learning, creativity, and community — a place where children and families come together to explore, create, and play. To help ensure everyone has a safe, fun, and welcoming experience, please review our visitor guidelines and helpful FAQs below.

You’ll find important information on tickets, hours, museum policies, accessibility, and more — all organized in easy-to-browse sections to help you plan your visit.

For additional questions, please email [email protected].

Safe Space Policy

Our shared commitment to kindness and respect

CMOM is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all children and caregivers. Our mission is to foster curiosity, early development, and joy through inclusive, hands-on learning.

We value the diversity of our community and expect all visitors to treat one another—and our staff—with respect and kindness, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.

To support a positive environment, we ask that visitors:

Avoid verbal or physical confrontations
Follow museum rules, including using designated stroller parking and no food/drink in exhibits
Refrain from behavior that is threatening, disrespectful, discriminatory, or disruptive

CMOM does not permit harassment, hate speech, racism, or any conduct that puts others at risk.

Visitors who compromise the safety or well-being of others may be asked to leave, and in serious or repeated cases, access may be permanently revoked.

Thank you for helping us ensure CMOM remains a safe and joyful space for all.

Planning Your Visit

When is the museum open?

October – June:

Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm and federal holiday Mondays

July – September:

Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Do I need a ticket to visit?

Yes! Tickets to CMOM are easy to purchase and we participate with many programs to provide discounted and free admission.

All visitors must have a ticket for entry.
Visitors are allowed to re-enter the museum throughout the day of their visit.
Members are required to show their membership card upon entry.

Information on admission rates can be found in our Visit section. You can save one dollar by purchasing online in advance!

Get Tickets!

Does CMOM have a cafe or dining facility on-site?

No, CMOM does not have a café or dining area. However, you are welcome to leave and return throughout the day to enjoy nearby dining options where we have discount available. Just ask for a return sticker from Security or Guest Services at the door!

Can I bring food and drinks during my visit?

No. For the safety and comfort of all visitors—especially those with food allergies—outside food and snacks are not permitted inside CMOM.

We do allow water, and baby formula. We kindly ask that you use spill-proof containers whenever possible to help protect our exhibits.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our exhibits clean and safe for all children.

Where can I store my stroller during my visit?

We provide complimentary Stroller & Coat Check using Chexology, a digital system. This provides a more streamlined process for our visitors and attendants and everything is connected to your personal phone number!

Is CMOM accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes! CMOM is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The museum is wheelchair accessible, however please note that the Lower Level of the Dynamic H2O exhibition has limited accessibility.

We offer a fully accessible restroom on the Third Floor and an ambulatory accessible restroom on the Lower Level.

We also have accessible elevators and stroller parking. If you need assistance during your visit, our staff is happy to help.

Personal care attendants accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free admission.

Where are the restrooms located?

Restrooms are available on the Lower Level and the Third Floor, both with infant changing tables. A fully wheelchair accessible restroom is available on the Third Floor, with an ambulatory accessible restroom on the Lower Level.

How do I use my Access Pass and get a discounted ticket like Cool Culture?

We are happy to work with a variety of programs like Cool Culture, etc. Just show your card at the desk and get your tickets. Currently you are not able to book these tickets on our website, but we always have tickets set-aside on-site for these partners! Check out our full list of partners.

How do I redeem my ACM Reciprocal Ticket?

All partner, discounted and complimentary tickets must be redeemed in person at our Admissions desk. For information on what programs we participate in and what offers each one provides, check out our page with more information.

I left / lost something at the museum!

We have all been there! If we find items that are missing their owner, we keep lost items for 30 days at our Stroller & Coat Check area.

To report or claim a lost item, please fill out our Lost & Found form. A team member will contact you if your item is found.

Visitor Guidelines

Can I help guide another child’s behavior if I see them doing something unsafe?

We ask that adults only supervise their own children. If you have a concern about another visitor’s behavior, please notify a CMOM staff member—we’re here to help!

First Aid kids are available on-site should they be needed.

My child has special needs, are there areas of the Museum suited for them?

We know some children may need quieter areas. While CMOM can be lively, we encourage you to explore different spaces within the Museum or ask a staff member for suggestions on less busy areas.

How can I make sure my child plays safely at CMOM?

CMOM is designed for hands-on exploration, and we love seeing kids engaged and excited! To ensure a safe visit:

Keep an eye on your child at all times.
Encourage gentle play—exhibits and materials should be used with care.
Climbing is only allowed in designated areas built for active play.

Can my child run inside the Museum?

We encourage movement and active play, but for safety, we ask that children walk while inside the Museum. There are plenty of fun spaces for climbing and jumping in designated areas!

Why aren’t strollers allowed in exhibit areas?

To ensure clear pathways and safe spaces for all visitors to move and play, we provide complimentary stroller check at the entrance. This helps keep our exhibits open and accessible for everyone. We also want to be sure that we have emergency exists always clear and not cause any fire and safety concerns.

Health & Saftey

What happens if someone gets sick and we can't visit on the day of our tickets?

We understand that illness happens, especially with our audience being little ones. Please reach out to [email protected], and we will do our best to accommodate you to another date!

For General Visitation tickets only. Registered programs and special events not included.

Does CMOM properly sanitize the spaces and provide hand sanitizer for guests?

Yes! We take cleanliness very seriously and ensure that our spaces and facility are cleaned regularly. We also provide hand sanitizer in a variety of easy to access locations for those who would like to use.

How often does CMOM clean the exhibits?

We take cleanliness and hygiene seriously at CMOM! Our exhibits are cleaned daily throughout the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Our Clean Team is on staff, regularly checking and sanitizing exhibit spaces, restrooms, and floors. You’ll often see them making their rounds to keep everything fresh and tidy, so you can focus on having fun! If you ever need assistance or notice something that needs attention, just let a staff member know—we’re happy to help!

What happens if my child gets hurt?

In the case of anyone getting hurt, we have First Aid kits available on-site. Caregivers should ask any CMOM staff member for assistance and we are happy to provide help immediately.

Membership & Discounts

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance if I am a CMOM member?

We encourage all members reserve tickets online prior to arriving here at CMOM. Reserve your tickets here.

Can I apply my admission ticket toward the cost of my CMOM Membership?

Yes. 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?

You can access your digital membership card via the eMembership Card app using your Member ID for log in. Instructions to download your card can be found here.

Can my caregiver bring the children to CMOM with my membership?

Yes. Your caregiver can bring the children under your membership. Please provide the caregiver with a print or digital copy of the reservation confirmation email and the digital membership card.

How can I update the information on my membership?

Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-721-1223 ext. 215.

What if I cannot find my membership ID?

Please contact us at [email protected] or 212-721-1223 ext. 215 and we can retrieve your membership number.

Can we transfer or get a refund on our membership?

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

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 am a member of another Museum in the Association for Children’s Museums. Can I get discounted admission?

Yes. Please email [email protected] for more information.

My company is a corporate member. How can I reserve tickets?

We encourage you to reserve a ticket on our website using the member ID provided by your company. Upon arrival, please present a copy of your reservation confirmation email.

If you do not have a reservation, you must present a photo ID company badge upon arrival.

Your caregiver can bring the children to the Museum under your company’s corporate membership. Please provide the caregiver with a print or digital copy of the reservation confirmation email.

Does CMOM accept corporate matching gifts?

Yes. You can 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.

Education & Classes

Does CMOM provide classes?

Yes! We have year round registered classes for children with our wonderful educators. You can sign-up for email to stay notified when registration opens, and visit our Education page to learn more.

Are there drop-off camps?

Currently we do not provide drop off camps.

I would love to bring my school to CMOM!

We have programs throughout the year for School Groups and Camps during the Summer. Sign-up for email and bookmark this page to learn more about the offerings.

Would CMOM come to my school for a program?

CMOM hosts a variety of School Residencies where we come to your schools and bring selected curriculum into your facility, for your students! Learn more about options here.