Admissions
Children under 3 are admitted free to the museum complex. All visitors are admitted free after 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information on admission fees or for general information contact information@civilization.ca or go to Plan Your Visit.
Adult Accompaniment
One adult must accompany every 5 children. All children 10 and under need an adult escort.
Assistance
If you need help during your visit check with our animators – they are the smiling people in red aprons. They will be able to answer questions, direct you to special activities and provide information on exhibits and daily unscheduled events.
Coat Check
Please leave coats, bags and backpacks at the Coat Check near the main entrance of the Museum complex. You can bring a diaper bag into the Canadian Children’s Museum.
Food
Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in all indoor and outdoor exhibit areas. For lunch, try the Voyageurs Cafeteria. Light snacks can be purchased at Café Express in the Marius Barbeau Salon.
Getting the Most from Your Visit
Play is an important part of learning; it is an essential ingredient in all our activities. As parents, you are encouraged to use play as another means of communicating with your child(ren).
Here are some suggestions to help you and your family get the most from your visit.
- Use the floor plan to create an itinerary. Keep your travelling time in mind. Be flexible. Above all, have fun – oh, and don’t forget to pick up your passport when you arrive at the Travel Bureau.
- Ask your child(ren) to lead you through the exhibits. What is she/he looking at? Enjoying?
- Talk! Museums are social places. Share ideas and questions with each other. “When I was a child…”
- Imagine with your child. “What would it be like if…”
- Help your child connect experiences with something in their life. “Remember the bus ride we took downtown?” “Where do we shop for our food?”
Infants
A nursing station and diaper change are available in the Canadian Children’s Museum.
Museum Membership
If you are a frequent visitor to the Museum, you can benefit from an annual membership.
Parking Suggestion
Our underground parking lot has a limited capacity. Keep in mind that peak hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the busiest days are Thursdays to Sundays inclusive.
Safety
Review a “lost child strategy” with your children. Remind them that staff are there to help if members of your group become separated.
Snacks
These are a good way to re-energize a tired group. A light snack can be purchased at the Café Express in the Marius Barbeau Salon.
Strollers
Visitors will find that children prefer to wander freely throughout the Museum. To avoid traffic congestion, we urge you to check strollers at the Coat Check. All unattended strollers will be placed in the Museum stroller park at the Embassy.
Youth Advisory Committee
Canadian Children’s Museum Youth Advisory Committee
For youth ages 10 to 14, the CCM Youth Advisory Committee provides opportunities for youth to provide input into the development of exhibitions, programs and services for kids, and to act as ambassadors in their schools and communities for the CCM.
- Role: help staff plan exhibitions, programs and services; act as ambassadors of the CCM in schools and communities; participate in programs and activities.
- Membership: maximum 14 members, selected from applicants for a period of 2 years
- Selection Criteria: must be 10 to 14 years of age; residents of the National Capital Region; have permission of parent or guardian; able to attend minimum of 3 annual meetings.
- When: during the school year. Up to four half-day meetings are held on Saturdays
For information or to register: Please call Head, Training and Visitor Support at 819 776-8287
Youth Volunteers
Canadian Children’s Museum Youth Volunteer Program
Up to 90 young people, ages 12 to 17, annually lend their support to Children’s Museum programs and activities while they learn more about the Museum, become familiar with a work environment, learn new skills and socialize with their peers.
Washrooms
Washrooms in the Canadian Children’s Museum have child-sized facilities. Facilities for people with a disability are located next to the boys’ and girls’ washrooms. Washrooms with standard-sized facilities are located near the Canadian Children’s Museum entrance.
What to Watch For
Special activities, workshops and performances that highlight exhibits, seasonal events, festivals and celebrations. These programs are designed for family participation, and are listed in our Passport to Adventure.
