Children’s Museum of Memphis | Memphis

The Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) is a premier educational and recreational institution designed to engage children through play-based learning. Located at 2525 Central Avenue in Midtown Memphis, adjacent to Liberty Park and the historic Memphis Fairgrounds, CMOM has become one of the most beloved family attractions in the city since opening in 1990.

Mission and Educational Philosophy

The museum’s guiding mission is to “create memorable learning experiences through the joy of play.” CMOM believes that when children engage in imaginative, tactile, and experiential play, they naturally absorb knowledge, develop skills, and cultivate curiosity. The museum caters primarily to children from infancy through age 10, but it also provides resources for parents, educators, and caregivers.

CMOM integrates principles from early childhood education, developmental psychology, and museum science. The exhibits and programs are designed to stimulate physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative development.

Key Features and Signature Exhibits

The museum spans more than 24,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and several acres of outdoor attractions, combining permanent interactive zones with rotating installations. Highlights include:

1. Memphis Grand Carousel

One of the museum’s crown jewels is the fully restored 1909 Dentzel carousel, originally housed at the Memphis Fairgrounds.

Hand-carved wooden horses, lions, and chariots rotate beneath a canopy of mirrors and lights.

It is not just decorative; it operates daily and offers rides for children and adults alike.

The carousel is housed in a custom-built glass rotunda, creating a dramatic architectural and historical centerpiece.

2. Going Places

Sponsored in part by FedEx, this exhibit introduces children to transportation and logistics.

Features a real airplane cockpit, conveyor belt package sorter, and shipping modules.

Children learn about travel, aviation, and how goods move across the globe.

3. Engine House 18

A fire safety and community service exhibit where children can:

Dress up as firefighters.

Climb aboard a real fire truck.

Operate hoses and learn about emergency services.

Emphasizes teamwork, safety, and public responsibility.

4. The Great River Exhibit

An indoor water-based experience that teaches kids about the Mississippi River, ecosystems, river trade, and pollution.

Kids control flow with locks and dams, float model boats, and examine aquatic wildlife habitats.

5. Bank, Post Office & Grocery Store

A realistic neighborhood block for role-play and social learning.

Children act as bank tellers, postal workers, or cashiers, handling toy money, stamps, and groceries.

Supports early math, reading, and interpersonal skills.

6. Art Smart Studio

A vibrant art room offering rotating creative activities like painting, clay modeling, collage-making, and textile arts.

Encourages children to express emotions, explore color and form, and develop fine motor skills.

7. Dino Dig

A giant, sand-filled excavation site where children use brushes and tools to uncover fossils and dinosaur bones.

Teaches paleontology and natural history in a sensory-rich environment.

8. Toddler Town / Castle and Garden

A specially designed area for children aged 4 and under.

Includes soft play equipment, crawl-through structures, and sensory activities.

The “castle” contains a treasure chest guarded by a dragon, with surrounding fantasy-themed gardens.

Outdoor Attractions

H2Oh! Splash Park

A seasonal outdoor water play zone with over 40 sprayers and jets, shaped like flowers, sea creatures, and jungle animals.

Includes shaded seating areas and splash-safe flooring.

Open during warmer months and included in combo admission tickets.

Playground and Picnic Spaces

The museum’s grounds include large, colorful play structures, swings, picnic tables, and garden areas for family relaxation.

Programs and Special Events

Field Trips: Aligned with Tennessee academic standards, offering guided educational tours and interactive lessons.

Birthday Parties: Hosted on-site with customizable themes and private rooms.

Summer Camps: Weekly sessions focused on science, creativity, nature, and community roles.

Special Needs Accessibility Days: Low-stimulation sessions for children with sensory sensitivities.

Seasonal Events: Such as Halloween at the Museum, Holiday Snow Play, and community festivals.

Accessibility and Amenities

Fully wheelchair accessible.

Nursing rooms, family restrooms, and changing tables.

Gift shop offering educational toys, books, and souvenirs.

Parking available on-site, free for members and $4 for non-members.

Café and vending areas for light snacks and drinks.

Membership and Admission

General Admission: $18 for visitors age 1 and older. Free for infants under 1.

Memberships: Starting at $150 per year for families, which includes unlimited admission, early event access, and discounts.

Combo Tickets: Include museum access, splash park entry, and carousel rides.

Group Rates: Offered for schools, camps, and large families.

Location and Hours

Address: 2525 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

Typical Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed Mondays and on select holidays

Summer and holiday hours may vary slightly

Summary

The Children’s Museum of Memphis is a vibrant, enriching destination that blends learning with joyful play. Through immersive exhibits like the Grand Carousel, Dino Dig, and the Great River experience, CMOM inspires children to explore their world, solve problems, and express themselves creatively. Its location, near Liberty Park, and its dedication to community programming make it not just a museum, but a developmental hub for young minds in the Memphis region.

It is a must-visit for families seeking both fun and educational value, and an essential institution in Memphis’s landscape of cultural and child-focused resources.