Miami Children's Museum

Elite '08

25

134

Greg Q.

San Francisco, CA

We took our 2.5 year old son to the Miami Children's Museum on a recent visit, and had a complete blast. It reminded us very much of the Discovery Museum in Marin, California - but with a lot more corporate sponsorship evident.

If you are not familiar with a "Children's Museum" just think of them as interactive exhibits designed to engage kids in educational play. The MCM is pretty toddler and pre-school facing, and seven years old is probably at the upper end of the age spectrum for the exhibits, but not the educational programming we saw taking place.

The building itself is a haven from the heat of Miami: more than two stories high, and loaded with plenty of exhibits. If you only have one day to visit the MCM, plan on spending at least four hours and BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH. We went planning on getting a nice lunch at their cafe only to discover the only food was a Subway. Bummer.

The exhibits were AWESOME. In a span of a few hours our son fished off of the bow of a boat, shopped at a market, made his own money at the bank, "drove" a fire truck, "rode" a police motorcycle, helped dogs into a kennel at the vet, drove a model boat, loaded cargo on to a ship, and played/mixed music in a studio.

There was also a Dr. Suess exhibit that was incredible, with lots to read for the adults (including original rough drafts of some of the books I learned to read on), a large model of the train from Green Eggs & Ham, and much more. Not sure how long Suess is going to be there, but if you're in town for the holidays check it out.

We didn't manage to get through the whole museum in the four+ hours we were there. We didn't touch the enclosed playground, and we didn't make any art. If we lived in Miami we'd be members!

The only drawback to the MCM was the insane amount of corporate sponsorship *everywhere*. It was so bad I took pictures of it just to post here (see photos section!). MCM loses a star for the overabundance of corporate branding, and the pathetic choice for food.

Hey, whatever you have to do to pay the rent, I suppose. We certainly enjoyed ourselves, and I know our son will enjoy for the next four+ years as well. Just next time we'll be sure to bring our own food. You'd be wise to do the same.

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18

WonderWoman W.

Sherman Oaks, CA

Nice and stimulating but definitely for pre-school aged children.  It felt more like a indoor play space than a musuem. We breezed through in less than an hour.  Not much for my seven year old to do with so many three and four year olds taken up the fun interactive activities with their parents.  My suggestion, save your $10  per person and go on the free Friday nights sponsored by Target (every third Friday of the month).

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George M.

Hialeah, FL

what a cool place for kids and kids that look like adults (like me)

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2

Terry P.

Miami, FL

Finally a children's museum in Miami.  They have at least 10 interactive exhibit's that amounts to hours of fun.

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