Frequently Asked Questions at the Museum

HOURS, COST AND PARKING

How much does it cost to get into the Children’s Museum of Houston? Would I have to pay extra to see special exhibits?

All activities, exhibits, workshops, performances are included with admission. Admission is $9 per person; $8 for seniors 65 and up; children under one and CMH Members are admitted free of charge. CMH is also FREE every Thursday Free Family Night from 5 – 8 p.m.

Organizations may get free unlimited group access by becoming Open Doors members. What is the Open Doors Program?

Want to visit five famous Houston attractions for a 46% savings? Check out the Houston CityPASS program!

What are the hours?

We're open 7 days a week all summer!
Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.
Thursday: Free Family Night from 5 – 8 p.m.
Monday: We are open on select Mondays during the year and throughout summer beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Where can I park?

Parking for the Children's Museum of Houston is available across the street in the CMH parking lot. Metered and free parking are also available around the neighboring streets. Please do not park in a “no parking zone.” View parking rates.

What does CMH have planned for summer 2013?

Summer has taken on epic proportions! Superheroes will come to train during the Summer of Epic Adventure at the Museum. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, May 24, through Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013 the Museum will power up and transform into The League – an elite, superhero training institute complete with superhero teachers, action-packed activities, daily epic showdown skits, character appearances and extraordinary events, so that YOU (the superhero trainee) can beat boredom and all that stands against summer fun!

GEARING UP FOR YOUR VISIT

What can my family do at the Children’s Museum of Houston?

There’s something new to do every day at the Children’s Museum of Houston! CMH is packed with 90,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. With 14 hands-on galleries, there is plenty of fun and learning to be had. To see what’s going on during the day of your visit, please check our online calendar for event times and descriptions. Remember, there is plenty for tykes two and under too!

What’s going on today?

There are over a dozen exciting new activities every day, weekly themes and special events. Check out our online calendar to see what we’re highlighting today. Plus, don’t forget we have exciting permanent exhibits and new exhibits which are constantly changing.

What age range is appropriate?

The Children’s Museum of Houston is for the young and young at heart, but specifically, we target children from birth to age 12 and their families. Each of our exhibits, experiences and programs have been designed to engage a broad range of children’s ages and interests. Only the giant 3-story climbing structure, the Power Tower, and the climbing wall, Mt. Boulder, are limited to children 5 years and older — including adults! And Tot*Spot is limited to children younger than 35 months and their caretakers.

How long does a visit take?

There is no exact answer to this question. It all depends on your child’s age and interests. First-time visitors spend closer to four hours. Out-of-towners make us a destination and visit us for at least two days. We are a one-stop for family fun: play, eat and shop here!

Can I drop off my kid for the day and leave? Do I have to be with my child all the time?

We ask that all children under the age of 16 be accompanied by an adult at all times. Any child under 16 on its own will be escorted to the Information Booth to remain there until a parent or caretaker is located. The child will not be allowed to leave the Museum until a parent or caretaker is located.

When can I avoid crowds?

Arrive early to avoid crowds. However, the Tot*Spot exhibit is typically busier in the mornings, but this is an excellent time for infant/toddler group play and for parents to socialize with other parents within the exhibit! During the school year, a visit after 1:30 p.m. avoids school tours. The second Saturday of each month is Early Members Mornings and members may enter an hour early at 9 a.m. Our busiest times happen during Thursday Free Family Night.

What should we wear on a visit to CMH?

We’re action-packed, so dress comfortably. Wear closed-toed shoes only (no Crocs or flip-flops) if you want to climb the Power Tower or our climbing wall Mt. Boulder.

Can we bring outside food into the Museum? Is food available?

We ask visitors to not bring outside food into the Museum. You may choose from a healthy and varied selection of food items in our full-service Fresh Cafe. We also ask visitors to not eat in the exhibit galleries. There are plenty of tables at the Fresh Cafe, alongside Kids’ Hall and outside at the picnic tables. The Fresh Cafe offers a number of dining choices, hand-made with fresh ingredients and preservative-free breads:

Hamburgers, cheeseburgers and veggie burgers.
Corn dogs, hot dogs, pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Grilled chicken Cesar salad, Cobb salad and fruit salad.

Is there a place to park my stroller?

Yes, directly outside the Tot*Spot area is a place to park your stroller. Visitors may also store items in the locker room located beside the Admissions Booth. View our Museum Map for more information

How do I book Group reservations?

If you would like to book a Group Visit, please contact ldungus@cmhouston.org or call (713) 535-7238. Group rates of 15 people or more are $8 per person. If there are 15 or more children, two adults get in free.

Is the Museum handicap accessible?

Yes, all hallways, exhibits and restrooms are handicap accessible at CMH. Those requiring assistance or parents with strollers wishing to reach the second level of the How Does It Work? or PowerPlay exhibits may use the wheelchair/stroller lifts. Visitors wanting to use these lifts should locate a staff member in Science Station (for How Does It Work?) or PowerScience Lab (for PowerPlay) for assistance. View our Museum Map

Do you provide Special Needs tours?

Yes, we do. Please refer any special needs questions to Lydia Dungus at (713)535-7238.

THINGS TO DO FOR THE TWO AND UNDER CROWD

What do we offer for infants and toddlers?

There are many activities for young infants/toddlers at the Children’s Museum of Houston.

The Tot*Spot is an area specifically designed for toddlers ages 35 months and under.Older children will not be allowed in this exhibit. This interactive fun-filled wonderland offers tots the opportunity for exploration, discovery, experimentation and wonder within four distinct areas, all located on the second floor of our new wing where it is quieter.
The Tot*Spot also has stroller parking for easy stroller storage and a one-stop spot for great take-home activities and parenting resources.

OUR CLEANING PROCEDURES

What are your cleaning procedures? How do you prevent the spread of germs (H1N1)?

A full time cleaning team consistently cleans the restrooms, galleries and all hands-on items every 30-60 min. throughout the museum with a bleach and water solution recommended for use by schools.
The air in the building is circulated with fresh air to maintain clean air at all times.
Signs are on display in admissions, information booth, and restroom mirrors and doors to remind visitors to wash their hands.
Galleries which encourage children to get on the floor use antimicrobial carpet.
School and organized groups are required to provide signed confirmation that no student on a tour is ill.
Deep cleaning takes place when we are closed.
Staff is required to consistently wash their hands.
Staff is provided with free flu shots before flu season begins.

What are your sick child policies?

Our staff carefully monitors the Museum’s facilities around the clock. We work hard to ensure children enjoy play time in a safe and clean environment, and in return expect parents to screen their children’s health and play responsibly. Parents of potentially sick children will be addressed in a respectful manner. In addition, school and organized groups are required to provide signed confirmation that no student on a tour is ill.

Why don’t you provide hand sanitizer stations to visitors?

In order for hand sanitizers to kill germs, they must contain a high content of dangerous chemicals. If ingested, the hand sanitizer poses potential hazards for our young guests, so we choose not to have them. We encourage visitors to bring their own personal hand sanitizers and sell small bottles for $0.55 at Fiddle Sticks Toys.

How do you clean Tot*Spot?

There’s a full-time, dedicated Tot*Spot employee constantly cleaning.
Surgical room shoe covers are required at all times on adult feet.
Visitors are provided with “Dirty Toy Bags."
All toys are replaced every two hours with clean toys.
All toys go through a process of deep cleaning in which they are disinfected and washed.

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP

Why should I consider becoming a Museum Member?

Museum Members receive unlimited free admission to the Museum for a full year! Members receive a variety of benefits from discounts in Fiddle Sticks Toys and parking to invitations to special members-only events. And, a Family Membership pays off in just three visits!

If you would like to buy a membership, please visit the Admissions Booth before it closes at 5:45 p.m. for the day’s admission to be applied to your membership purchase.

Please note: Admission already paid will be applied to membership balance if purchased on the same day only. Click here to view Membership benefits.

Additionally, Gift Memberships of various levels are a great way to give the gift of innovative, child-centered fun to someone else!

Teachers: bring the Museum to your classroom with our special Educator Memberships that give you access to our Professional Development Workshops and other educator-focused benefits all year long!

PLAN A PARTY! BIRTHDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Can I host my child’s birthday party here?

Yes, we offer several options and party packages to host your child's special day at the Children's Museum of Houston. If you would like to book a birthday party, please contact the Birthday Party Coordinator at (713) 535-7212.

DISCOUNTS

Are there any special offers?

We have special offers weekly, but to receive them you're invited to sign up for our e-newsletter.

Lone Star Card

The Children’s Museum of Houston’s Lone Star Card admission program allows general free admission for up to 6 individuals receiving SNAP and WIC benefits. Card holders must present their award letter for the current month they are using the card, and their valid state issued photo ID. The Lone Star Card holder of record must be present to gain admission. * Excludes school field trips and special events. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Does the Museum have any discounts for low-income families?

The Open Doors policy ensures that any child or family who wishes to visit the Museum but cannot afford to pay the admission fee receives access to the Museum’s exhibits and programming. The policy is administered through the following activities:

Open Doors passes are distributed to 700+ non-profit community agencies that serve low income families. These agencies distribute the passes to the people they serve. An Open Doors pass allows a family of four to enter the Museum free of charge.
Open Doors passes are distributed to families and caregivers who participate in off-site or sponsored activities. These activities include a variety of special events, such as the tours and trainings conducted through our Adventures After School program and the Museum’s Family Adventures program, a program which offers facilitated tours to families whose children attend selected Title I schools. The passes allow the families to come to or return to the Museum at their leisure.
Open Doors admission is granted to persons who enter the Museum and request free or discounted admission due to an inability to pay the standard admission fee of $9.

For more information, please contact Fernando Perez at (713) 535-7240.

FOR TEACHERS

What does CMH do to support teachers?

The Children’s Museum of Houston runs a School Tours program in which teachers can use to enhance their school curriculum. CMH offers a searchable database of activities for use in the classroom. Activities are aligned to TEKS and may be used independent of a Museum visit. Professional Development Workshops led by Museum educators and aligned to TEKS are held throughout the year.

SUPPORTING THE MUSEUM

How can I volunteer at the Museum?

There are many ways to support the museum. The Children’s Museum of Houston greatly appreciates donations and volunteers. We believe volunteers are vital in supporting us to transform and touch the community. While having direct contact with children and families, our volunteers have an opportunity to express their passion for learning as well as shape the lives of our adults of tomorrow.

Junior Volunteers must be between the ages of 14 and 17 years old to participate in the JV program and are asked to complete a minimum of 75 hours of volunteer service to the Museum during the summer months or throughout the school year.
Adult Volunteers must be over 18 years old and contribute at least 30 hours within one calendar year.
Group Volunteers must have a minimum of five participants volunteer at least 4 hours per shift.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities, contact Ed Bermudez at (713) 535-7209.

Where does the Museum get its financial support?

The Museum is supported by income generated by usage fees and generous contributions from Houston’s philanthropic community. Approximately 65 percent of the operating budget is earned through admissions, memberships, rentals and concessions, while 35 percent is contributed by corporations, foundations and individuals. Approximately 86 percent of CMH’s operating budget is devoted to education and visitor services.

Any donation, whether great are small, is always appreciated. To make a donation, please contact the CMH Development Office at mgarlington@cmhouston.org, call (713) 535-7218 or support us online.

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