Children's Museum Tucson Guide - Tickets, Parking, Special Events

Childrens Museum Tucson | Children's Museum Tucson Guide - Tickets, Parking, Special Events

Children's Museum Tucson is a vibrant, playful, educational space for babies up to age 10 in Downtown Tucson.

The 17,000-square-foot museum has 11 indoor exhibits, party rooms, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard with additional exhibits.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where is Children's Museum Tucson located?

Children's Museum Tucson is located in Downtown Tucson, directly across the street from Armory Park. The museum is within close walking distance of Arizona Theatre Company, the Tucson Convention Center, and numerous excellent eateries. 

The address is: 200 S. 6th Ave, Tucson.

What are the hours?

The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00am- 5:00pm and Thursdays from 9:00am to 7:00pm.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Monday-Sunday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Extended hours on Thursdays from: 9:00am-7:00pm.

Where do I park?

There is mostly surface street, metered parking around the museum. It is 25 cents for 15 minutes. Meter time limits vary by street so be sure to check your available time. Meters accept change or credit/debit cards. Alternatively, you can download the GoTucson Parking app and pay on your phone. There are also several parking garages nearby with varying costs.

For a special adventure, you can also park anywhere along the route and ride the Tucson Streetcar. The nearest streetcar stop is one block east at 6th and Broadway, for the eastbound streetcar. For the westbound streetcar, the nearest stop is two blocks away at 6th and Congress.

Why would I visit Children's Museum Tucson?

  • To wander the exhibits with your small children
  • To attend a program such as WeeGrow, WeePlay Bilingue, Generation Creation, WeeRhythm, Brain Boost, or Wee Explore
  • To go to a birthday party or other celebration

How much does it cost?

Admission is $12 per adult/child. Children under 12 months are admitted free. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Can I purchase a membership instead?

Yes!

Annual Membership Benefits

Free Admission Every Day
4 one-time-use guest passes (electronic)
20% off birthday parties
10% off facility rentals
Monthly e-newsletter subscription
Members-only guest admission discount, available when member is present

Annual Membership Rates

  • Family Fun: $135/year (2 named adults + 4 named children)
  • Just For Grandparents: $125/year (2 named grandparents + all grandchildren)
  • Three For All: $115/year (any named party of three)

Does Children's Museum Tucson have discount or free admission days?

The Museum offers discounts and special events throughout the year. Current promotions are listed below:

  • Admission is half-price after 3:00pm on weekdays for the MyTime Inclusion Program.
  • Admission is free from 5:30pm-7:30pm on the second Saturday of each month for Art after Dark.
  • Admission is free from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Thursdays for Discovery Nights.
  • Military families can get one child in free for each presented Military ID.
  • Museums for All: Discount admission of $3 per person, up to 4 people, is also available for families with SNAP or WIC cards and valid IDs through the Museums for All program.

How much time should I allot for my visit?

All families are different, but 1 to 3 hours should be ample time to meander through the museum.

What should I wear?

Children's Museum Tucson is air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. Most of the museum is indoors, but the outdoor courtyard and exhibits are fun to explore when the weather is nice.

What should I bring with me?

Bring Water bottles and snacks. Perhaps a picnic lunch?

Where are the restrooms located? 

Yes. There are two sets of restrooms - one near the center of the museum and one at the south end that includes a family restroom.

What are the most and least crowded days/times to visit Children's Museum Tucson?

Weekends are always busier than weekdays, although any day during the summer can be a busy day.

If you are hoping for a quieter experience, afternoons tend to be less busy on any given day of the week.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM TUCSON: NEW IN 2024

Children’s Museum Tucson | Oro Valley has received a $200,000 Challenge Grant from the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, augmenting $400,000 in donations raised by the Museum, to help renovate the Museum’s new building at 130 S. Scott Ave.

Renovations on the Scott Avenue building, which sits just adjacent to the Museum’s current downtown location in the historic Carnegie Library, are expected to be completed in 2024. The Museum will relocate its administrative offices and expand its program and event space, which will meet the increased demand for programs, events, and school tours at the Museum.

Space in the existing museum building will then be renovated to become 6,000 square feet of new exhibits, plus a new entrance, gift shop, and café. Current exhibit space will be updated throughout the museum. Finally, an outdoor Science Garden will be added, creating an exciting new campus.

DINING

Is outside food allowed?

Food and drinks are not permitted in the Museum. Food may be eaten in the outdoor courtyard.

What dining venues are available on-site?

There is no on-site snack bar or restaurant, but Children's Museum Tucson does have snack options in the gift shop.

What restaurants are located NEAR Children's Museum Tucson?

You’re in luck! There are gads of terrific restaurants in the downtown area. Try one of the below options - all within walking distance of Children's Museum Tucson!

  • Cafe a La C’Art (inside Tucson Museum of Art), 150 N. Main Ave (less than a mile away) – Monet inspired garden patio, pastries, breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Maynards Market & Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave (less than a mile away) – indoor + outdoor seating, sandwiches, salads, beer + wine
  • Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery, 266 E. Congress St (less than a mile away) – fun atmosphere, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, beer + wine, ice cream

BABIES & KIDS

What ages would be best suited for a museum visit?

All ages are welcome, but the museum is best for babies up to age 10. The "sweet spot" is probably ages 2-8.

Note that unaccompanied adults may only visit the Museum with a CMT staff member, depending on availability.

Should I bring a stroller?

Children's Museum Tucson isn't huge so a stroller probably isn't necessary, but you are welcome to bring one.

Is there a designated area for nursing moms?

Children’s Museum Tucson welcomes caregivers to feed their children in any public visitor spaces of the museum, regardless of the use of a privacy drape/cover.

The Nest is also a secluded room at the south end of building, which is a more private space for nursing, changing, or relaxing in a quiet spot before returning to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the museum. Ask staff for help in locating the room, if needed.

Are changing tables available?

Yes. Changing tables are available in both the men’s and women’s restrooms.

EVENTS

Can I have my child's birthday party at Children's Museum Tucson?

Absolutely! There are three different party packages available. Bring in your own snacks, drinks, cake, or ice cream.

MISCELLANY

Are wheelchairs available?

The museum is wheelchair-accessible. There is one complimentary wheelchair onsite, which is available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is Children's Museum Tucson active on social media?

Yes! You can follow Children's Museum Tucson on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

What else do I need to know before I go to Children's Museum Tucson?

That just about covers it. Have a great time!


Check out the complete list of Tucson Museums.

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