Children’s Museum of Phoenix: A Playful Learning Experience for Kids

A Visitor’s Guide to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Exhibits, Activities, and Hands-On Fun

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a vibrant, interactive space designed for children to learn through play. Located in downtown Phoenix, this award-winning museum offers a wide variety of hands-on exhibits and activities for children aged infant to 10 years old, though visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy its creative and engaging environment. With its focus on fostering imagination, creativity, and curiosity, the museum is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Phoenix.

Covering three floors and more than 48,000 square feet, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is filled with exhibits that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and physical activity. Whether your child loves climbing, building, or creating art, the museum provides a stimulating environment where they can learn through play and discover the world around them in a safe, fun, and supportive setting.

A World of Imagination and Play

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is unique in that it focuses on the power of play as a tool for learning. The museum’s exhibits are designed to be interactive and open-ended, allowing children to take the lead in their own learning. Whether they’re climbing through a giant treehouse, riding tricycles, or experimenting with art materials, kids are encouraged to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to explore the world in their own way.

What to See and Do at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

1. The Climber:
   • One of the museum’s most iconic features is The Climber, a massive, three-story climbing structure that’s located in the museum’s atrium. This towering structure is a maze of ladders, tunnels, and platforms where children can climb, crawl, and slide. The Climber encourages physical activity, balance, and coordination while offering a thrilling adventure.
   • Safe and Supervised Fun:
     • The Climber is designed with safety in mind, with padded floors and secure structures to ensure that children can explore with confidence. Parents and guardians can watch their children from designated viewing areas as they embark on their climbing journey.
2. Art Studio:
   • The Art Studio is a creative haven where children can express themselves through various forms of art. The studio offers a range of materials, including paint, clay, collage supplies, and crafts, allowing kids to explore their artistic side. Projects in the Art Studio change regularly, ensuring that there’s always something new for young artists to try.
   • Process Art:
     • The museum emphasizes process art, where the focus is on the creative process rather than the final product. This approach encourages kids to experiment with different materials, take risks, and enjoy the act of making art.
3. Building Big:
   • In the Building Big area, children can use large foam blocks, ramps, and other materials to construct their own architectural masterpieces. This exhibit fosters problem-solving and engineering skills, as children learn how to build structures, work with balance, and experiment with different designs.
   • STEM Learning:
     • Building Big introduces children to basic concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in a fun and hands-on way. Kids can test their creations, work together with friends, and experience the joy of building something from scratch.
4. Noodle Forest:
   • The Noodle Forest is a whimsical exhibit where children can navigate through a forest of giant, colorful foam noodles. This sensory-rich environment encourages tactile exploration and imaginative play, as kids weave in and out of the noodles, creating their own stories and adventures along the way.
   • Sensory Fun:
     • The Noodle Forest is perfect for younger children, offering a soft and engaging environment that stimulates their senses and allows them to move freely.
5. The Market:
   • The museum’s Market exhibit allows children to step into the role of shoppers, clerks, or cashiers in a kid-sized grocery store. Equipped with shelves of pretend groceries, a checkout counter, and shopping carts, The Market encourages role-playing, social interaction, and early math skills as children learn to count, sort, and organize items.
   • Real-World Play:
     • The Market is one of many exhibits designed to mimic real-world experiences, helping children practice skills they’ll use in everyday life, such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.
6. Pedal Power:
   • In the Pedal Power exhibit, children can ride tricycles on an indoor track, developing gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. The exhibit is designed for kids of all ages, with different-sized tricycles to accommodate toddlers and older children alike.
   • Physical Activity:
     • Pedal Power is not only fun but also promotes physical fitness, encouraging kids to stay active while honing their coordination and strength in a playful setting.
7. Book Loft:
   • The Book Loft is a cozy, quiet space where families can enjoy reading together. With a variety of children’s books available, the loft encourages literacy and fosters a love of reading. The comfortable seating areas and tranquil atmosphere provide a perfect spot to relax and take a break from the museum’s more active exhibits.
   • Storytime:
     • The museum often hosts storytime sessions in the Book Loft, where children can listen to engaging stories read by museum staff. Storytime events are scheduled regularly and are suitable for children of all ages.
8. The Texture Café:
   • In the Texture Café, children can engage in imaginative play by running their own café. Complete with pretend kitchen equipment, play food, and dining tables, this exhibit encourages creative role-playing and social interaction as children take turns being chefs, waitstaff, and customers.
   • Imaginative Play:
     • The Texture Café allows children to explore different roles and develop their language, communication, and social skills through cooperative play.
9. Baby Zone:
   • The Baby Zone is a specially designed area for infants and toddlers (ages 3 and under) to explore and play in a safe, age-appropriate environment. This exhibit includes soft surfaces, tactile toys, and sensory-rich experiences that support early childhood development. Parents can relax in this space while their little ones explore, crawl, and interact with their surroundings.
   • Developmental Learning:
     • The Baby Zone focuses on sensory development, fine motor skills, and early socialization, providing a nurturing space for the youngest visitors to play and grow.
10. Camp Children’s Museum:
    • The Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers Camp Children’s Museum, a series of day camps that take place during school breaks, including summer and winter holidays. These camps are designed for children aged 5 to 8 years old and focus on fun, hands-on learning in areas such as art, science, music, and theater.
    • Educational Enrichment:
      • The camps offer structured activities that engage children’s imaginations and foster skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. They are a great way to keep children learning and entertained during school vacations.

How to Get There

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix, near several other popular attractions.

• Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
• Public Transport: The museum is easily accessible by Valley Metro Light Rail, with the 3rd Street/Jeffersonstop located nearby.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site, and additional paid parking can be found in surrounding areas.

Visiting Hours and Admission

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is open year-round, though hours may vary depending on holidays and special events.

• Hours: Typically open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on some weekends and holidays.
• Admission Fees: General admission fees apply, with discounts for children under 12 months old, seniors, and military personnel. Memberships are also available for frequent visitors.
• Official Website: Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Best Time to Visit

The museum can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s best to plan your visit with the following in mind:

• Weekdays: Visiting on weekdays, especially in the mornings, can help avoid larger crowds.
• Special Events: The museum frequently hosts special events, camps, and workshops, so check the museum’s calendar for unique programming during your visit.

A Must-Visit for Families with Young Children

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a joyful and enriching environment that fosters learning through play. With its wide range of interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and special programming, the museum provides a space where children can explore their imaginations, build important skills, and simply have fun. For families looking for an educational and entertaining outing in Phoenix, the Children’s Museum offers an unforgettable experience that children will treasure.