Children's Museum of Manhattan

Elite '08

87

316

CB M.

New York, NY

I hosted a birthday party here for my 1 year old son.  Why would you have a birthday party for a one year old, in a rented space, you ask?  This is Manhattan, don't ask!

They did a great job.  The two women running the party kept a gaggle of 1-3 year olds entertained singing songs, playing games and going to the slide room, as adults ate munchies and played along.  And there were NO CLOWNS.  Because clowns are scary.  They helped with the set up and clean up of food we brought, which was great.

Minus one star that the non-partygoers have to walk through the back of the space to get to the ladies room.  Also that there were a couple stairs to navigate even if you took the elevator down to the space.

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Elite '08

17

228

Henry Y.

Palo Alto, CA

The 4 yr old nephew loves this. The director actually took the time to talk with us, which was great. The staff was nice and attentive. The gift store is small. (Probably a good thing as that was one of the few places we've been able to walk out of without getting him a pres.)

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Elite '08

139

201

Ameena G.

NY

The CMOM has saved me a couple of times this past winter. I guess the word "museum" kind of threw me off in the beginning as I hadn't expected a multi-level indoor park (which is basically what it is). The place is absolutely fabulous for two-three year olds (maybe even four year olds). The problem is that it can get really, really, really crowded here (if you think the lines at Sarabeth's are bad, wait till you see the lines here!). So the only time to go is first thing in the morning (actually, it's not bad on days when there's good weather - but who wants to be inside when there's great weather outside?). Lines can almost be aggressive. And beware of the Upper West Side Nanny. These ladies are a formidable force and are not to be messed with or they may make you cry along with the kids they're looking after.

At first, the $9 / per person over 1 year seems a bit steep, but once you've seen how easy it is to let you toddler loose here, the $18 is easy to part with. I ended up getting the membership on my second visit because it is so worth it if you're planning on going even just once a month (it also gives you a 10% discount at their gift shop, which is a really nice little store). I've definitely used my membership's worth; in fact, I'm wondering why it isn't open 24 hours because if it was, that's where I'd be on nights when my son isn't sleeping well (e.g. tonight, LOL). . Awesome place.

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Elite '08

13

102

Dani F.

Brooklyn, NY

I found CMOM while looking for a place to entertain my friend's three year old.  They were coming to visit so I wanted to find someplace fun that would keep his interest.  CMOM definitely lived up to my expectations.

There are 4 levels of interactive activities for children.  The first floor seems to house temporary exhibits.  When we went there was an exhibit on Greece.  There were computers with historical information as well as fun games to pique a child's interest.  There was a full size trojan horse for  the kids to climb in and a karaoke area for kids to sing along to some songs.

Before we made it to the second level we found an outside area with water activities.  There was a river set up with plastic boats for kids to play with that would teach them how a river works.  They had smocks for the kids to wear in order to keep them dry.  

The next level had a Dora the Explorer Exhibit which included a puzzle pyramid for children to solve,  a bridge with big building blocks for the kids to build up and destroy, an animal shelter area and an interactive house that replicated Dora's.

The next level had a large firetruck with clothes that the kids can dress up with,  and an area with a sand pit and tables and chairs for arts and crafts.  There was was also a dragon in the center of the room with blocks with letters for teaching kids their abc's.  

We had to take a food break so we didn't get to see the fourth floor.  Next time they visit I'm sure that I'll be taking them back to explore the rest of the museum

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Elite '08

281

1337

Irene F.

Morganville, NJ

My parents took me here when I was a kid, and my little brother too. We take my niece and my nephew will soon experience the joy, too. And when I have kids, this place better be here to take them to!!! So much fun for kids, and yes, it can be crowded, but that's half the fun for kids (although maybe not for parents).

I still love going here, I have the mentality of a seven year old, but I can't come without a small child or I'll look like a pervert, so if you've got kids that wanna go, gimme a call.

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10

121

Guan-Tai C.

Carle Place, NY

I remember my mother taking me to the Children's Museum back in the early-to-mid 80s and we were both a lil disappointed by it. But, man, has it changed. Its three or four floors (plus an outdoor area) of pure fun for kids.

The first floor deals with Greek history & mythology. The second floor is made up entirely of "Dora the Explorer"-related things. The best way to sum up the third floor is that it is an activity area. There is a slide, crafts table, various dress up areas, and plenty of room for them to run around. The outdoor section is located at the back of the first floor and contains water-related activities (mainly playing with water based toys).

I recommend this place for children 6 years old and under. Any child older than that might feel out of place since everything is aimed at a very young crowd. (The majority of children I saw were 3-4 years old). For the most part, the Children's Museum resembles a huge activity center with a few educational things here & there. So as a museum, it falls short but I guarantee that the kids will have a blast here.

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2

56

michelle t.

San Jose, CA

Great place to take kids.  Perfect for toddlers to explore.  Especially when it's too hot or cold out.  You, or rather, your kids, can spend hours here.

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70

1238

Diana B.

New York, NY

Cool place, esp. for kids 8 and under, with a small gift shop and permanent and rotating exhibits.

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