Top 10 Children’s Museums in the United States: A Guide for Parents and Families

Visiting a children’s museum can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for hands-on science exhibits, cultural experiences, or just a place to let your kids burn off some energy, there are many great options to choose from across the United States.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 children’s museums in the country, including their standout exhibits and features. These museums are perfect for parents and families looking to make lasting memories and learn something new.

1. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world, with over five floors of interactive exhibits covering topics such as science, culture, and the arts. Some standout exhibits include Dinosphere, where visitors can learn about dinosaurs and their environments, and the Take Me There: China exhibit, which offers an immersive look at Chinese culture.
2. The Strong National Museum of Play. Located in Rochester, New York, the Strong National Museum of Play is a must-visit for families with children of all ages. In addition to its extensive collection of toys, dolls, and other childhood artifacts, the museum also has interactive exhibits on topics such as video games, the history of play, and the science of play.
3. The Exploratorium. Located in San Francisco, California, the Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that is perfect for curious kids. With over 600 interactive exhibits covering subjects such as biology, physics, and engineering, there is something for every child to explore.
4. The National Museum of American History. Located in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of American History is a great place for families to learn about the history of the United States. The museum has a wide range of exhibits on areas such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the history of transportation.
5. The Boston Children’s Museum. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Children’s Museum is an interesting place for families to learn and have fun. The museum has a wide range of interactive exhibits on topics such as science, culture, and the arts, and is especially well-known for its New Balance Climb, a three-story climbing structure that allows kids to explore and learn about physics and engineering.
6. The California Science Center. Located in Los Angeles, California, the California Science Center is a fantastic place for families to learn about science in a fun and interactive way. The museum has a wide range of exhibits on topics such as biology, physics, and engineering, and is especially well-known for its Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit, which allows visitors to get an up-close look at the retired space shuttle.
7. The Children’s Museum of Houston. Located in Houston, Texas, the Children’s Museum of Houston has a wide range of interactive exhibits on topics such as science, culture, and the arts. It is especially well-known for its Kidtropolis exhibit, which allows kids to explore and learn about different professions and roles in a miniature city.
8. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a great place for families to have fun while learning. The museum has a wide range of interactive exhibits on subjects such as science, culture, and the arts. It boasts a popular exhibit called Imagination Playground, which allows kids to build and create with foam blocks.
9. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for families to explore. The museum has an extensive range of interactive exhibits on areas like science, culture, and the arts. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is particularly noteworthy for its MAKESHOP, which allows kids to learn about design, engineering, and problem-solving through hands-on projects.
10. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a great place for families to learn and have fun. The museum features a range of exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Some of the popular exhibits at the museum include the “Construction Zone,” where children can build and create with real tools and materials, and the “Grossology Lab,” where kids can learn about the human body and how it works.

The top 10 children’s museums in the United States offer a wide range of educational and interactive exhibits for families to enjoy. From the world’s largest children’s museum in Indianapolis to the hands-on science exhibits at the California Science Center, there is something for everyone to learn and explore.

These museums provide a great opportunity for parents and families to bond and make lasting memories while also learning about new topics and ideas. If you’re looking for a fun and educational outing with your family, be sure to check out one of these top children’s museums.