Frequently asked questions
Children's Museum Tucson General F.A.Q
On average, many of our visitors explore the Museum for about an hour and a half. Your time in the museum will be determined by how hard it is to tear your kids away from the exhibits!
Children’s Museum Tucson is geared to children 10 years and younger. Parents and older siblings can also have great fun (and learn a few things!) by guiding younger visitors through the exhibits.
Any time is a great time to visit the museum! If you are looking for a less crowded experience, please note that group tours are usually scheduled on weekday mornings between 10 am and noon, and more commonly in the spring.
There is paid metered street parking all around and across from the Museum. It costs $1 for two hours at a meter, and they do accept credit and debit cards as well as change. You can also download the GoTucson Parking app and pay using your mobile phone.
Parking meter hours are 8 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday with free street parking on Sundays. There are also several garages within walking distance; visit ParkTucson.com for full parking information.
You can also park and ride the Sun Link Streetcar, which stops just 2 blocks from the museum.
Visitors may use either a hand stamp or their printed receipt to come back to the Museum on the same day.
A limited number of lockers are available near the lobby for a nominal fee. Please inquire at the front desk for locks and keys.
Our Museum does not have a restaurant. You are welcome to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it our courtyard. We ask that food not be taken into the exhibits. There are also many restaurants within walking distance offering a wide variety of food options.
Check out some local dining options.
There are ramps at either side of the courtyard that allow stroller and wheelchair access into the Museum.
There is a small parking area in Wee World (look for the meters!) if you want to leave the stroller while you visit. Children’s Museum Tucson is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
The Museum offers half-price admission after 3 pm every weekday during MyTime.
Admission is free on Thursday evenings from 5 – 7 pm for Discovery Nights.
Check our events calendar and our hours and admission for other available discounts.
Birthday Party F.A.Q
Fun-Size Fiesta and Daytime Birthday Bash are available Saturday and Sunday.
- Sunset Room: 9:30 am or noon
- Rainbow Room: 10am or 12:30 pm
- Mountain Room: 10:30am or 1pm
VIB Party Package is available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
(barring museum events)
- Entire Museum (Available for VIB parties only): 5:30 – 7:30 pm most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (barring museum events)
Book your party online by selecting the party room of your choice.
You will be prompted to select your desired date/package. Unavailable dates will be gray.
You can also call 520-792-9985 ext. 103 to book.
We highly recommend that you book your party 2-3 months from the day of the party.
Final guest count guest counts should be sent to [email protected] no later than 1 week before the event.
We will try to accommodate a different date for you; however, the payment is non-refundable.
The cost of the party is final. Members receive 20% discount on the party when booking.
All members, the birthday family and birthday child count toward the guest count.
According to our Fire Safety Code, a MAXIMUM of 50 people can fit in the Sunset, Mountain and Rainbow rooms.
If you are planning to have more than 50 guests, please book an after-hours VIB package. Daytime parties may not exceed 50 guests due to capacity. If your guest count exceeds the room capacity some of your guests may not be able to enter. Please plan carefully.
Everyone over the age of 12 MONTHS old is counted.
You may arrive 30 minutes in advance to start setting up. You also have 30 min at the end of the party to break down.
VIB parties can be extended one hour (ending at 8:30pm) for an additional $250. For daytime parties we can try to accommodate on special circumstances.
Tablecloths are provided but you may bring your own if preferred. You may decorate the rooms but no decorations can be hung from the ceiling or taped to the walls and please, no piñatas or open flames. Birthday candles are the exception.
Daytime birthday party hosts will have two parking spots in the parking lot at the Education Center at 130 S. Scott Ave.
VIB hosts can park next to our emergency exit door on the southwest side of our building. Someone on staff will be there to open the door for you.
Guests must use metered parking or park in one of the nearby garages.
No alcohol, nothing that has to be hung from the ceiling or taped to the walls and no piñatas or open flames aside from birthday candles.
Oro Valley Children's Museum FAQs
Children’s Museum Oro Valley is geared to early education (newborn – 5 years old). However, older siblings and adults do enjoy being the play guide to younger children.
Yes we are! We are a satellite location of Children’s Museum Tucson.
All children need a grown up at all times during their visit, for the safety of the child and so the adult can join in on the fun! Although our Discovery Guides do an amazing job maintaining a safe, fun environment, we are not a childcare facility and are not staffed adequately to supervise your child while they play in the Museum.
We do not have a public Wi-Fi to use. We’re all about screen-free play.
Yes you can! You have a full-day admission that allows you to go grab something to eat, go play outside, or take a nap. Just show us your receipt or your hand stamp when you return.
Yes, we understand that the little ones may need a snack. Bottled milk and bottled water is welcome inside the Museum. Please enjoy food and snacks at the picnic tables in the in the courtyard area.
We do have two changing tables and diaper genies in our restrooms.
We want to engage the minds, muscles, and imaginations of children and the grownups that care about them. The museum is designed for you and your child to play, learn and discover together. We encourage you to explore and experience our museum with your child and we are certain that you will play, too.
Admission is half-price after 1:30 pm every weekday for MyTime, an inclusion program for families and children who are in need of supportive experiences.
The Museum is free on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
Check our events calendar and our hours and admission for other available discounts.