What is the Westchester Children's Museum? +

The Westchester Children's Museum is a vibrant, interactive learning space providing children, families and school groups the opportunity to nurture curiosity, enhance knowledge and ignite imagination through creative hands-on exploration. The Museum is committed to broadening knowledge of the arts and sciences, the environment, multiculturalism, and the local and global communities in an educational and recreational atmosphere.

The mission and higher purpose of the Westchester Children’s Museum is to provide STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, and math) experiences to the broadest audience of children possible, most particularly those without access to this kind of enrichment in their own communities and schools. The Museum welcomes among the most diverse audience in the region, and encourages critical thinking skills equally to cooperation and collaboration.

What age group is the Museum appropriate for? +

Our Museum exhibits are designed for ages ranging from 0-12, and we offer programming and volunteer opportunities for older children. All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

Where is the Museum located? Where is the entrance? +

The Museum is located in the historic landmark Bathouses on the Boardwalk at Playland Amusement Park in Rye, NY.

Please note: While we are located at the Playland campus, we are not part of the Amuseument Park. Ticketing is separate, however we do share a parking lot. Please park in the Main Lot - we offer memberships that include the summer parking fees. Our entrance is located on the Boardwalk side of the Bathhouses - identifiable by the two white towers overlooking the beach. Just head towards the beach from the parking lot and follow the signs.

Is the Museum stroller and wheelchair accessible ? +

Yes, the Museum is stroller and wheelchair accessible. We are constantly striving to make the WCM as accessible as possible for children with all abilities. We can make adaptations of activities/programming for field trips of groups with a particular need. We strongly advise you to call ahead and talk to us about your child's needs if you have concerns or issues. We can help you plan the most successful visit. Reach out to us at (914) 421-5050.

Is the Museum for little kids only, or can big kids enjoy it too? +

The Museum can be enjoyed by children with their caregivers from ages toddlers through 12. Our exhibits are designed to challenge children of every age group. Visitors of multiple ages can all participate in their own way. We do however have a dedicated area for pre-walkers called Toddler Beach for gross motor play and safe risk taking.

Can I drop my child off unattended? Is there day care? +

Our policy is that every child must be accompanied by an adult and every adult must be accompanied by a child. Please do not plan to leave your child unattended at all during your vist to the Museum. Additionally, we do not at this time have day care.

Do you have a cafe or food service on-site? +

We have dedicated space available for you to bring your own snacks and covered beverages. We ask that you keep all snacks and beverages within the designated snack area to keep our exhibit areas crumb and spill free.

Is the Museum air conditioned/heated? Are you open year round? +

Yes and yes! We are open all year long. It's nice and cool here in the summer and warm in the winter. Our site offers the best of being outdoors with our location along the Boardwalk of the Long Island Sound, but we are the only site in the region that provides a welcoming and safe indoor play and learning environment for children with their families, caregivers, schools or groups - no worries about rain, cold, snow, or extreme heat!

Are there special programs or activities in additon to the exhibits? Is there a separate fee to participate? +

We offer special drop-in programs throughout the week. It is best to check our calendar to see what is being offered. All our programs are INCLUDED with Museum admission.

Is the Museum appropriate for children with special needs? +

The Museum is accessible and appropriate for all children. We can make adaptations of activities/programming for visits/field trips for groups with particular special needs. We strongly advise you to call ahead and talk to us about your child's needs if you have concerns or issues. We can help you plan the most successful visit. Reach out to us at (914) 421-5050.

Where should I park and why is there a fee to park? +

Parking is available in the main lot adjacent to Playland Amusement Park. The parking lot is managed by Playland and at this time, we are subject to the fees determined by Playland during the amusement season May-September. Good news - We do offer memberships that include parking and will make repeat visits much more cost effective. There are no parking fees during the fall and winter.

Do you have changing tables, restrooms, water fountains? +

Currently we have 4 single-use restrooms, including 2 larger family restrooms that are handicap accessible and equipped with changing tables. We also have 2 multi-stall restrooms.

In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, we have temporarily closed our 2 water fountains and water bottle fill spout.

We understand that emergencies happen, but we do ask that you use the restroom to change diapers rather than out on the Museum floor.

You are located next to the beach, can we come in barefeet and swimsuits? +

While we do have a wonderful location along the boardwalk at Rye Playland and overlook the public beach of the Long Island Sound, we do not allow guests to wear only their bathing suits in the Museum. During the summer, we encourage you to make a day of it by visiting the beach together with the Museum, but please use the Playland Beach locker rooms to change from your bathing suits into your regular clothing. Shirts, shorts/skirt/pants and shoes are required.

We have a coatroom/stroller storage space where you can leave your belongings (space is unattended).

Is the Museum part of Playland? Can I buy a joint admission ticket? +

We share the same beautiful location along the Boardwalk and the Long Island Sound, and share a parking lot, but the Museum is independent from Playland Amusement Park. We do not have a joint ticketing program at this time.