Frequently Asked Questions at the Museum

How much does it cost to get into the Children’s Museum of Houston?
The Children’s Museum is a great place for affordable, educational fun. Effective March 15, admission to the Museum is $7per person; $6 for seniors 65 and up; children under one and Museum Members are admitted free of charge. The Museum is also FREE every Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m.

What are your hours of operation?

Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.
Thursday: Free Family Night from 5 – 8 p.m.
Monday: The Museum will be open on select Mondays during the year, including Memorial Day - Labor Day. Click here to view the dates we will be open.

• The Tot*Spot is an area specifically designed for toddlers ages two and under. This interactive fun-filled wonderland offers tots the opportunity for exploration, discovery, experimentation and wonder within four distinct areas.
• The Tot*Spot also has stroller parking for easy stroller storage and a one-stop spot for great take-home activities and parenting resources. 
• Plus, there are weekly early childhood activities. Join a CMH Early Childhood Educator, available for questions on the areas of development for tots of all ages during Toddlers Take Over Tot*Spot every Wednesday from 10:15 – 11 a.m.

I’ve been thinking about getting a membership to the Children’s Museum, but am not sure whether I should get one. Do you have any suggestions on what to do to make sure I will enjoy the Museum?

Museum Memberships are a great way to enjoy your experience at the Children’s Museum. Members receive all sorts of benefits from FREE year-round admission to discounts in the Gift Shop and parking to invitations to special members-only events. The best thing to do (especially if you have never visited the Museum) is to check out all exhibits and programming offered on the day of your visit. If then at the end of your visit, you have enjoyed your time at the Museum and would like to purchase a membership, what ever admission paid that same day will be applied to the total cost of the membership. 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.

Can I host my child’s birthday party there?
Yes, but only Museum Members will be allowed to host birthday parties at the Children’s Museum. If you would like to become a member or learn more about birthday parties, please call the Membership Department at (713) 535-7238. Parties are usually booked 4 to 5 months in advance.

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

Where does the Museum get its support? Can I make a donation?
The Museum is supported by income generated by usage fees and generous contributions from Houston’s philanthropic community. Approximately 45 percent of the operating budget is earned through admissions, memberships, rentals and concessions, while 55 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 call the CMH Development Office at (713) 535.7218 or support us online.  

Is there any other way I can support the Museum?
There are many ways to support the museum. The Children’s Museum 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 must contribute a minimum of 50 hours per JV session. Guild 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.

How do I book group reservations?
If you would like to book a Group Visit, please contact (713) 535-7238. Group rates of 15 people or more are $6 per person. If there are 15 or more children, two adults get in free.

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 540+ 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 six 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 $7.
  

Is the Museum handicap accessible?
Yes, the Children’s Museum is handicap accessible. All hallways, exhibits and restrooms are handicap accessible. Those requiring assistance or parents with strollers wishing to reach the second level of the How Does It Work? exhibit may use the wheelchair/stroller lift. Visitors wanting to use the lift should visit the Admissions Booth for a lift key, but must leave identification at the booth.