Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum | Greensboro

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum, formerly known as the Greensboro Children’s Museum, is a premier educational and interactive facility located at 220 North Church Street in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. It serves as a vibrant, family-friendly destination dedicated to promoting learning through play for children of all ages. Since its founding in 1999, the museum has become a cornerstone for early childhood education and community engagement in the Piedmont Triad region.

Mission and Vision

The museum’s mission centers on fostering curiosity, creativity, and discovery through hands-on, experiential learning. It strives to create an inclusive environment where children can explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) while engaging in physical activity and imaginative play. The museum’s vision emphasizes nurturing lifelong learners by providing innovative and accessible educational experiences that benefit children, families, and educators alike.

Facility and Layout

Occupying a spacious 37,000 square feet, the museum is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, stimulating environment with over 20 interactive exhibits, indoor and outdoor play spaces, classrooms, and event areas. The facility blends vibrant colors, tactile materials, and interactive technology to create an immersive educational atmosphere that invites children to explore at their own pace.

Signature Exhibits

Our Town: This miniature cityscape exhibit encourages children to engage in role-playing and social interaction. It features detailed replicas of community elements such as a grocery store, theater, health center, post office, and construction site. Through this immersive environment, children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of everyday civic life.

Edible Schoolyard: A unique half-acre organic garden combined with an adjacent kitchen classroom where children learn about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food preparation. The garden provides hands-on experiences in planting, harvesting, and cooking fresh vegetables and herbs, fostering healthy habits and environmental awareness.

Outdoor Play Plaza: This expansive outdoor area boasts two towering 30-foot-tall Neptune XXL Climbers connected by a 25-foot suspended net tunnel. Designed to encourage physical activity, balance, coordination, and risk-taking, the climbing structures challenge children to test their limits while playing safely.

Water Wonders: An indoor exhibit dedicated to exploring the properties of water through interactive stations. Children experiment with water flow, pressure, and cause-and-effect relationships, enhancing their understanding of basic physics and environmental science.

Tot Spot: Designed for the youngest visitors, this secure, gated area provides soft padded blocks, ride-on toys, sensory activities, and age-appropriate play equipment tailored for children under two years old. It offers a safe space for toddlers to develop motor skills and sensory awareness.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The museum supports lifelong learning through a variety of regularly scheduled programs and special events. These include:

Pop-Up Programs: Short, themed activities focusing on art, science, engineering, and physical fitness. These programs are designed to complement the exhibits and engage children in focused learning moments.

Birthday Parties and Private Events: The museum provides customizable party packages that include guided activities, exhibit access, and party room rentals, creating memorable celebrations in an educational setting.

Field Trips: Designed for schools and youth groups, field trips provide curriculum-aligned, hands-on experiences tailored to different age groups, enhancing classroom learning with real-world exploration.

Workshops and Camps: Seasonal camps and workshops offer extended learning opportunities in subjects like robotics, gardening, creative arts, and literacy.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Members only)

Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Admission:

General Admission: $12 per person

Children under 12 months: Free

Discounted Friday evening admission: $5 per person (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)

Reduced rates available for WIC/SNAP/EBT cardholders to promote equitable access

Accessibility:

The museum is fully ADA-compliant, providing wheelchair access, sensory-friendly programming, and accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Parking and Location:

Free parking is available in the museum’s adjacent lot, with additional paid and free parking options nearby, including free weekend parking at the Church Street Parking Deck.

Impact and Community Role

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum plays a vital role in Greensboro’s cultural and educational landscape. It promotes early childhood development through experiential learning, supports family engagement, and collaborates with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand educational outreach. The museum continually adapts and updates its exhibits and programs to meet evolving educational standards and community needs, ensuring it remains a relevant and inspiring resource for families.

In summary, the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum offers a comprehensive, interactive environment where children develop cognitively, socially, and physically. Through its innovative exhibits and inclusive programming, it enriches the Greensboro community by making learning joyful, accessible, and meaningful.