FIRST TIME
VISITORS
Welcome to Modesto Children’s Museum!
We are so grateful that you’ve decided to spend time with us. “MoChiMu” enriches the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning, and we’re honored that you would choose us as a resource for you and the children you care about.
What is a children’s museum?
You probably have a picture in your mind of what an art museum, a history museum, or a science center is like. A children’s museum has pieces of them all, but isn’t focused on any one “content” area.
Instead, a children’s museum is focused on process – a place where children (and their adults!) practice “big picture” skills our world needs – like curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of lifelong learning. A children’s museum is filled with experiences that center on making observations, asking questions, testing ideas, using imaginative play, growing in independence, and stepping into the shoes of adulthood to try it out.
Yes, a children’s museum is filled with kids laughing, climbing, sliding, splashing, dressing up, crawling, and crafting… but a children’s museum is not a “play place”! It is a space designed by child development experts and staffed by educators who are trained in play-based learning. Our children’s museum is a non-profit focused on creativity, critical thinking, and developing a life for lifelong learning. You can see that in MoChiMu’s Field Trips, Outreach programs, family nights, camps, community events, and more – all supported by the community it’s designed to empower!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
We offer a limited number of tickets each day to ensure that your visit is safe and enjoyable! If you’re visiting on a weekend or a “school’s out” day, we recommend pre-purchasing tickets. Be sure to check the museum’s operating hours, too, as MoChiMu is closed on most Tuesdays and some holidays.
Did you know? Ticket sales alone don’t fully cover our costs of operating! Admission tickets are just one way our non-profit raises funds that power classroom outreach, Field Trips, accessibility programs, community events, new exhibits, staff training, and more!
The Modesto Children’s Museum is made of ten interactive hands-on exhibit areas, primarily designed for children ages 0 to 11 and their families. Expect to spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours exploring together!
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… Memberships? Yes! A “MoChiMu Membership” can pay for itself in just five visits across the year, and provides discounts on Camp MoChiMu, Family Parties, in the MoChiMu Mercantile, and (through the Association of Children’s Museums) 50% reciprocal admission to hundreds of children’s museums across the world!
…tools for sensory-inclusivity? Yes. We are certified through KultureCity – a sensory-inclusion focused non-profit. This signifies that we offer sensory-inclusion training for our team, have sensory inclusive kits available for borrowing, and have a Calm Room available by request. Just ask a Team Member!
… water fountains, restrooms, etc.? Yes, there is a drinking fountain and bottle refill station on the second floor, and we have two sets of restrooms: “single-stall” family restrooms on the first floor, and gendered bathrooms on the second floor.
… a gift shop? Yes. The “MoChiMu Mercantile” is open to the public (no ticket required!) and offers gifts starting at $1. Purchases in the Mercantile support our non-profit and mean so much to our team!
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In general, when you arrive, our team will go over some very simple tips for your time at the museum:
Stay together, play together – In other words, kids should stay with their adults the whole time (and vice versa), and adults should “stay engaged” and “play along” – not stand back and watch.
“Part of play is picking up!” Just like you do at home, we ask that adults hold their children to the standard of cleaning up before moving on from a space – recycling craft materials, resetting our “grocery store” shelves, rehanging costumes, etc.
Play safe. For example, use walking feet, be mindful of others, and when you slide, slide one at a time, feet-first, sitting on your back pockets.
Like all visitors spots, we also have a formal list of Rules, Reminders, and Policies we ask visitors to review before they enter, and that our team will ask you to uphold during your visit.
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The museum is typically open every day except Tuesdays.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Note that these hours are subject to change and may be different on or around holidays and school breaks.
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The museum is located 928 11th St. in downtown Modesto, with convenient options for parking:
11th St. Parking Garage – Located directly across from the museum’s entrance, this parking garage is “pay-to-park” and operated by the city, offering hourly or fixed rates depending on downtown events.
Street Parking – Located throughout downtown (including on 11th St.), street parking is generally free, but time-limited (i.e. “two hour parking”) so please be mindful of signs
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A visit to the Modesto Children’s Museum is filled with play, motion, and activity (for kids and adults), so we recommend loose-fitting clothing that a child can run, jump, slide, climb, and “splash” in.
Please note that we unfortunately do not have lockers, snack tables, or designated “stroller parking,” so it’s best to leave larger items (including strollers) at home or in the car.
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Don’t let the name fool you – a “children’s museum” isn’t just for children. This is a space for your family to learn, grow, question, and play together. Everything a child can do, their adult can do, too, and in fact, you should ”play along” and co-explore with your child. Don’t “stand back and watch” – get involved, and let your inner child out.
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Yes! Just stop by the Front Desk on your way out for a hand-stamp and you can return same-day for more play.
How should I play along?
We’re glad you asked! It might have been a long time since you played, so we have a tool to help. Download our Adult Explorer Guide using the buttons below, which can give you great questions to ask your child as you investigate. It’s okay not to have the answers! Instead, come into this space knowing that you are modeling constructive play, investigation, and discovery in ways that will enrich your child’s world!
At MoChiMu we ignite curiosity, fuel imagination, and transform lives. We cannot fulfill our mission without your help. Support us and our mission by making a donation.