The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, overlooking the Cochecho River in downtown Dover, is an award-winning family favorite destination, featuring two floors of hands-on exhibits and activities for kids ages 0–12. The museum, founded in 1983 by parents and educators, is all about hands-on play and discovery.
Here, learning happens as kids bounce from exhibit to exhibit. A Yellow Submarine teaches kids about ocean life. Dinosaur Detectives learn about fossils and land erosion. The Pattern Palace invites kids to build and learn with colors, shapes, and patterns. The Primary Place features puppets and a toddler-size train table. An outdoor Play Patio lets kids get messy with paint, bubbles, and water. A STEAM Innovation Lab challenges young engineers to design, build, and experiment. These are just a few examples of the fun exhibits and activities the museum offers.
Every year the museum serves over 100,000 kids and adults. Members get free admission year round. Admission is $14.50 for adults and kids over the age of 12 months, and free for kids under 12 months. EBT and WIC cardholders pay $3.50 per person. Veterans and their immediate family members pay half-off admission year round. Active military members and their immediate family members pay half-off admission during the school year and enjoy free admission Armed Forces Day through Labor Day as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
The museum asks that visitors book their visit online in advance. Hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 9am–Noon and 1–4pm, and Tuesdays and Sundays 9am–Noon. Summer hours include an afternoon play session on Tuesdays from 1–4pm.
