List of children's museums in the United States facts for kids

Children's museums are super cool places designed just for kids and families! They are different from regular museums because they let you touch, play, and explore everything. Instead of just looking at things, you get to be part of the exhibits. These museums help you learn about science, art, history, and the world around you in a fun, hands-on way. It's all about discovering new things through play and exciting activities.

Discovering Children's Museums Across the U.S.

The United States has many amazing children's museums. Each one offers unique ways to learn and have fun. They are found in cities and towns all over the country. Let's explore some of these special places.

The Oldest and Largest Museums

Some children's museums have been around for a very long time, teaching generations of kids. Others are huge, offering tons of space to explore.

• Brooklyn Children's Museum in Brooklyn, New York, was the very first museum made just for children. It opened way back in 1899! Imagine all the kids who have learned and played there over the years.
• The Boston Children's Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, is the second oldest. It started in 1913. This museum is also known for being very eco-friendly, earning a special "LEED Gold" certification.
• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the largest children's museum in the entire world! It opened in 1924 and has huge exhibits for you to discover.
• The National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, is the second largest children's museum in the country. It's a fantastic place to learn about the history and importance of play.
• The Children's Museum of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, is the fifth oldest children's museum in the U.S. It was founded in 1927.

Museums with Special Focuses

Some children's museums have unique themes or focus on specific types of learning.

• The Arizona Museum for Youth in Mesa, Arizona, is special because it's the only children's museum in the U.S. that focuses on fine art. It opened in 1980, helping kids explore their artistic side.
• The Bronzeville Children's Museum in Chicago, Illinois, is the only African-American children's museum in the U.S. It celebrates African-American history and culture.
• The A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon, is named after Alfred Carlton Gilbert. He was the inventor of the famous Erector Set toys!
• The Children's Museum of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, is located in a historic building called the Monroe School. It was renamed in 2008 and offers many hands-on activities.
• The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is located in Memorial Hall. This building was built for a big event called the Centennial Exposition in 1876.

Interesting Locations and Features

Many children's museums are found in cool or historic buildings, or have special features that make them stand out.

• The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, California, is located on land that is part of a National Park. How cool is that?
• The Chicago Children's Museum is located right on Navy Pier in Lake Michigan. You can enjoy amazing views while you learn and play.
• The Children's Museum at La Habra in La Habra, California, is located in an old train depot. It opened in 1977.
• The Children's Museum of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, is located in a building that used to be a National Guard Armory. It opened in 1990.
• The Lincoln Children's Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, was the first "green building" in Lincoln. This means it was built to be very good for the environment.
• The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast in Stuart, Florida, is in a former chapel and auditorium building. It's located in Indian Riverside Park and opened in 2008.
• The Wizard of Oz Museum in Cape Canaveral, Florida, opened in 2022. It has a huge collection of items from the Wizard of Oz and is ranked as one of the top children's museums in the U.S.
• The Virgin Islands Children's Museum in St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, was founded in 2015 and helps kids across all the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Other Notable Museums

Here are a few more children's museums with interesting facts:

• Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children's Museum in Lynchburg, Virginia, opened in 2001. It's in a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History in Fort Worth, Texas, was the first children's museum in Texas, founded in 1941.
• Galveston Children's Museum in Galveston, Texas, opened in 2012 and is located on the historic Moody Mansion grounds.
• Kaleideum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was created in 2017 when two museums, the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem and SciWorks, joined together.
• Science City at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, opened in 1999 and is a great place for science exploration.
• The Thinkery in Austin, Texas, opened in 2013 and was formerly known as the Austin Children's Museum.

Children's museums are fantastic places where you can learn, play, and discover new things every time you visit. They are designed to make learning an adventure for everyone!

See also

• Children's museum
• Science museum
• List of nature centers in the United States