What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Member of the Children's Museum of Manhattan?

Updated

Becoming a member of the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) gives your family unlimited visits for a full year with a single purchase, plus perks such as early access on the first Saturday of every month. It's the best fit for families who plan to visit more than once or twice, since the membership pays for itself across repeat trips. You can join through the museum's website.

What Membership Includes

According to CMOM, membership is described as "the best way to experience CMOM." The core benefits are:

  • Unlimited visits — one purchase covers entry for a full year, so you can come back as often as you like.
  • Early access on the first Saturday of every month — members get into the museum before general visitors, which means quieter play time for younger children.
  • Special perks — the museum notes that membership comes with additional benefits beyond unlimited admission.

CMOM is located on the Upper West Side and is designed for children ages 0–6, so a membership works well for families with kids in that range who want a regular, repeatable outing rather than a one-time trip.

Who Benefits Most

Family situation Is membership worth considering?
You live in or near NYC and can visit several times a year Yes — unlimited visits spread the cost across many trips
You have children ages 0–6 Yes — the exhibits and programs are built specifically for this age group
You want quieter visits Yes — early access on the first Saturday helps avoid peak crowds
You're visiting NYC once as a tourist Probably not — a single ticket is likely enough

What You Can Do With a Membership

A membership unlocks the full range of what CMOM offers, including:

  • Daily experiences — public programs and activities that change regularly.
  • Exhibits — hands-on learning in arts, science, and culture, including PlayWorks™, Adventures With Dora and Diego, Inside Art: Create, Climb, Collaborate, Dynamic H2O, and the Right to Vote installation featuring Superheroine La Borinqueña.
  • Classes — ongoing early childhood education classes (note that classes may have separate enrollment requirements; check with the museum).

Because exhibits and programs rotate, unlimited visits let you return for new activities rather than trying to see everything in one day.

How to Join

  1. Go to the CMOM website (cmom.org).
  2. Navigate to the membership section — the homepage includes a "Join Today" link under "Unlimited Access: Become a Member."
  3. Complete the purchase online.

For current membership pricing and tier details, check the museum's Plan Your Visit or membership pages, since these can change.

A Note on Fit

Membership makes the most sense if CMOM becomes a regular part of your family's routine. If you're unsure, start with a single visit, see how your child responds to the exhibits, and then decide whether the unlimited-visit model suits your schedule.