Discover the Enchanted World of Maine's Children's Museum: A Haven for Little Explorers and Curious Minds

Located in the heart of Portland, Maine, the Children's Museum is a must-visit destination for families, educators, and children of all ages. This interactive museum is designed to spark imagination, creativity, and a love for learning in its young visitors. As one of the premier children's museums in the country, Maine's Children's Museum offers an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational.

With a focus on hands-on play and exploration, the museum provides a unique environment where children can discover and learn through play. From interactive exhibits to live shows and performances, the museum offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and age groups. Whether your child is fascinated by art, science, or history, the Maine Children's Museum has something for everyone.

One of the standout features of the museum is its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors. The museum is designed to be stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators providing easy access to all exhibits. The museum also offers a variety of amenities, including a nursing room, play areas for younger children, and a café serving healthy snacks and meals.

About the Museum

History and Mission

The Maine Children's Museum was founded in 1987 with the goal of providing a safe and engaging environment for children to learn and grow. Over the years, the museum has expanded and evolved to meet the changing needs of its visitors. Today, the museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world of wonder and discovery for children of all ages.

Exhibits and Programs

The Maine Children's Museum features a diverse range of exhibits and programs designed to promote learning and creativity. Some of the most popular exhibits include:

• The Bubble Zone: an interactive exhibit where children can create and explore their own bubbles
• The Mini-Grocery Store: a play-based exhibit where children can learn about nutrition and shopping
• The Water Play Area: a interactive exhibit where children can engage with water and learn about science and engineering
• The Art Studio: a space where children can express their creativity through art-making

Special Events and Programs

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Maine Children's Museum also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. Some of the most popular programs include:

• The Museum's annual "Science Day" event, where children can engage in hands-on science experiments and activities
• The "Art Week" program, where children can participate in art-making activities and workshops
• The "Sensory Storytime" program, where children can engage with stories and sensory activities designed to promote learning and inclusion

Membership and Visitation Information

Visiting the Maine Children's Museum is easy and affordable. The museum offers a variety of membership options, including annual memberships, monthly memberships, and day passes. Children under the age of 12 months are free, while children between the ages of 12-24 months receive a discounted rate.

Exhibits and Activities

The Make-Believe Play Areas

The Make-Believe Play Areas are designed to encourage imaginative play and creativity in children. These areas include:

• The Village: a play-based exhibit where children can engage in role-playing and social interaction
• The Farm: a interactive exhibit where children can learn about farm animals and the importance of agriculture
• The City: a play-based exhibit where children can engage in urban planning and community development

The Science and Engineering Exhibits

The Science and Engineering Exhibits are designed to promote learning and exploration in science and technology. These exhibits include:

• The Water Play Area: an interactive exhibit where children can engage with water and learn about science and engineering
• The Light Lab: an interactive exhibit where children can learn about light and optics
• The Building Zone: a space where children can engage in hands-on building and engineering activities

The Art Exhibits

The Art Exhibits are designed to promote creativity and self-expression in children. These exhibits include:

• The Art Studio: a space where children can express their creativity through art-making
• The Mural Wall: a large wall where children can create their own murals and artwork
• The Printmaking Studio: a space where children can learn about printmaking and create their own prints

The Special Events

The Maine Children's Museum also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including:

• The Museum's annual "Science Day" event, where children can engage in hands-on science experiments and activities
• The "Art Week" program, where children can participate in art-making activities and workshops
• The "Sensory Storytime" program, where children can engage with stories and sensory activities designed to promote learning and inclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the hours of operation for the Maine Children's Museum?

A: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Q: What are the admission prices for the Maine Children's Museum?

A: Admission prices vary depending on age and membership status. Children under the age of 12 months are free, while children between the ages of 12-24 months receive a discounted rate.

Q: Does the museum offer discounts or promotions?

A: Yes, the museum offers a variety of discounts and promotions throughout the year. These include:

• Student discounts
• Senior discounts
• Military discounts
• Group discounts
• Special promotions and events

Q: Can I bring my own snacks and drinks into the museum?

A: Yes, but please be mindful of the museum's food and drink policies. Outside food and drinks are allowed, but not in the Museum's Cafe or certain exhibits.

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