FAQ
FAQ — Visiting the Museum
Below you will find answers to the frequently asked questions about The Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
Q: When are you open and what are your hours?
A: The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm. The second floor of the Museum closes briefly at noon to clean and reset. The lobby, first floor classrooms, and the playground (weather dependent) remain open during this time.
See our hours here.
Q: What are your guidelines for inclement weather?
A: In the case of closing due to inclement weather, the Museum will make an announcement via social media.
Q: Can I bring in friends/family as guests under my membership?
A: Your membership only covers those included on your membership. Any friends or family you bring who are not members must pay regular Museum admission.
Q: Why does the exhibit floor close daily at noon?
A: During that time, the staff works hard to clean and reset. It’s typically reopened by 12:30. You are welcome to enjoy the lobby, first floor classrooms, and the playground (weather dependent) during this time!
Q: When is the Museum less busy?
A: Weekday afternoons and Sundays tend to be less busy than mornings and Saturdays.
Once a month (typically), we offer Sensory Sundays, where the Museum is a quieter and calmer place with no flashing lights and no loud sirens. Families can take their time and explore in a way that feels more comfortable and relaxed. Sunglasses, noise muffling headphone, and weighted vests are available for anyone who would like them. Adults with an aide or guardian are always welcome, too! Make sure to check the monthly calendars!
Q: Will my child like it at the Museum?
A: The Museum has lots of fun activities for kids! We usually see guests between the ages of 0-10 years old.
Q: When is a good day to come to the Museum?
A: Any day is a great day to come!
Q: Do you allow strollers in the Museum?
A: You can bring your stroller, but we suggest you park it in the coat area near the admissions desk. When many guests bring them, it can get very crowded. Strollers are not permitted in the outdoor playspace.
Q: Can I eat in the Museum?
A: We ask that you do not eat or drink anything other than water in the upstairs exhibit floor. We have snack tables in our Lobby Train Exhibit. Let staff know if you have a snack with peanuts/tree nuts so that we can wipe the tables down when you are finished.
Q: Can I bring my coffee into the Museum?
A: We love coffee too, but not on the exhibit floor! You’re welcome to drink it in our snack area. Most of the spills we see are from coffee getting knocked over. The Museum sells coffee in the lobby – it’s fabulous and every cup supports the Museum.
Q: Does the Museum have diaper changing tables?
A: Changing tables are available in every bathroom at the Museum, as are diaper disposal bags, and waste receptacles. Please do not flush wipes (or anything besides toilet paper) down the toilet.
Q: What if my child has an accident in the Museum?
A: Please let staff know.
Q: We want to explore the Spa State Park too, can you tell us what’s going on there?
A: Yes, the Park’s website can be found here: (Saratoga Spa State Park). There is so much to do in the Park at any season, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, golfing, etc.
Q: What is outreach education?
A: Museum educators bring educational programs into the community, schools, libraries, and community centers. You can learn more here.
Q: Can I arrange for an education program at my school/library/organization?
A: Yes, Museum program descriptions and prices are found on the education page here.
Q: Can I rent out the Museum for a private event?
A: Yes, the Museum is open for private visits and events. Please email info@cmssny.org for more information.
Q: Do my tax dollars support the Museum?
A: The Museum receives less than 5% of its operating budget through competitive government grants. The remaining 95% of our operating budget comes from admission fees, programs fees, and charitable donations.
Q: Why does the Museum ask for donations?
A: The Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Museum asks for your support through donations which help pay for operating costs, educational programming, and exhibit repairs/updates. The Museum also raises funds through grants, corporate sponsorship, and special events. You can find our donation page here.
Q: Who owns the Museum?
A: The Museum is a nonprofit organization that is held in trust by a board of directors. These board members consist of community members who volunteer their time and talents to serve the Museum. The Museum is led by an executive director who oversees the operation of the organization.
Q: What does the Museum do to help the community?
A: The Museum is committed to helping kids and families who need it the most. In our community and our region, we partner with organizations who serve food and housing insecure children, students and families. The organizations provide the necessities, the Museum provides the educational resources.
Museum help includes:
· Distributing free hands-on learning kits to children of all ages.
· Created the Open Arms membership at the Museum.
· Works with Title I schools in the Capital Region for reduced/no cost field trips.
· Partnering with Red Bookshelf to distribute free books to every child who visits.
Q: Is my membership a donation?
A: No, but we are so glad you are a member! Membership is a service that you purchase, in exchange for your purchase you visit without paying admission and get additional perks, like discounts for events and birthday parties.
A Museum membership is not just a way to visit the Museum, it also represents your belief and commitment to the hands-on learning and inspirational play that the Museum provides. Members are the Museum’s most generous donors. Members know the Museum the best, they value it, and they want to see it continue as an outstanding resource for children, families, teachers and caregivers.
Q: I love the Museum! What can I do to help?
A: Simple! You can give your time or your financial support. Any donation of any size is important, it will be used immediately, and it is appreciated. If you would like to donate to the Museum click here.
The Museum loves its volunteers. They give their time and talents to do everything from teaching art classes, to mulching the gardens, to building exhibits, and giving guidance by serving as board members! If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities at the museum click here.
Q: What discounts do you offer?
A: We offer discounts for EBT card holders. See our admissions page here. Occasionally the Museum will offer special admission promotions throughout the year. We also have 50% off admission for ACM reciprocal members.
Q: What do the Library Passes include?
A: Each Library Pass provides free admission for one child and one adult. Any additional guests must pay admission. Library passes can be found in many Capital Region libraries.
The Museum is closed on most major holidays.
You can check our social media for additional information for specific holiday hours.