Greensboro Children's Museum
Greensboro Children's Museum
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Designed to inspire hands-on learning through play, GCM offers a fun, energetic and safe environment for all ages!
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
377 within 3 miles
Attractions
122 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
261 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
56
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Cat girl64
11 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Generally, fun place better for toddlers or young elementary schoolers can be a little pricey, but is worth it. The outdoor play area is really fun and the climbing structure is fitting for older kids too. Everything is kidproof and the many times I’ve gone. It’s been a generally good experience.
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa W
Efland, NC188 contributions
May 2023
I love this museum! i take my grand daughter every week- she is 21 mos old, so things are always changing for her. her discoveries and motivations are always a wonder. She is fascinated by every section of the museum. We participated in the music group last Monday and she had a great time. even the snack area is so familiar. I bring a snack and drink and she tells me she is ready by washing her hands and sits down in the child sized seats. This is a great place for children. they will never be bored.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redbrandywine
Eastern NC4 contributions
We took the Amtrak from Raleigh to spend the day in Greensboro with a 7-yr old and 4-yr old. We arrived at the museum when they opened at 9am. The staff was friendly, and the admission cost is such a value! (pick up the Greensboro visitor's guide in the train station visitor's center and get a coupon for free children's admission)
The museum is very hands on and the children loved so much of it, they had a hard time telling us which was their favorite part. There is a real fire truck, nascar race car, airplane cockpit and mini "airport", village with pizza parlor, grocery store, house, post office, doctor's office, theater, crafts area and camping exhibit. Each exhibit is stocked with costumes and life-like items for the kids to play with. There is a special area for children 4 and under, and another enclosed area for 2 yrs and under. This allows them to play without intrusions of older children.
The kids enjoyed the exhibits tremendously. At the "beach", there is a lighthouse and sailboat, and very large sandbox where they dig for fossils. At the "theater" there are lots of costumes, a real stage with curtain, and the 7-yr old loved working the light/sound booth. In the grocery store, there are carts, shelves of groceries, a bakery, reusable grocery bags and cash registers.
The exhibits are also educational, and there are lots of opportunities to learn about math, practice reading, etc. There is an outdoor garden area with picnic tables if you want to bring your own lunch. There are only vending machines on site. Plenty of places for parents to sit back and watch, or join in the fun!
At the end of the day, it was 6pm, and we thought they might be bored by then, but we had to drag them away so we wouldn't miss the train back to Raleigh!
We walked a few blocks through the center city park and onto Elm Street for lunch. There is a diner there called Fincastle's where the waiter sings, and they have old-fashioned milkshakes. The kids enjoyed that also!
The museum is very hands on and the children loved so much of it, they had a hard time telling us which was their favorite part. There is a real fire truck, nascar race car, airplane cockpit and mini "airport", village with pizza parlor, grocery store, house, post office, doctor's office, theater, crafts area and camping exhibit. Each exhibit is stocked with costumes and life-like items for the kids to play with. There is a special area for children 4 and under, and another enclosed area for 2 yrs and under. This allows them to play without intrusions of older children.
The kids enjoyed the exhibits tremendously. At the "beach", there is a lighthouse and sailboat, and very large sandbox where they dig for fossils. At the "theater" there are lots of costumes, a real stage with curtain, and the 7-yr old loved working the light/sound booth. In the grocery store, there are carts, shelves of groceries, a bakery, reusable grocery bags and cash registers.
The exhibits are also educational, and there are lots of opportunities to learn about math, practice reading, etc. There is an outdoor garden area with picnic tables if you want to bring your own lunch. There are only vending machines on site. Plenty of places for parents to sit back and watch, or join in the fun!
At the end of the day, it was 6pm, and we thought they might be bored by then, but we had to drag them away so we wouldn't miss the train back to Raleigh!
We walked a few blocks through the center city park and onto Elm Street for lunch. There is a diner there called Fincastle's where the waiter sings, and they have old-fashioned milkshakes. The kids enjoyed that also!
Written July 11, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara A
Chapel Hill, NC38 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
We happened to be traveling through Greensboro on a Sunday and I found out that this museum charges half-price ($5) on Sundays, so we went. There are a lot of play areas for interactive-type, imagination-type play. I wouldn't personally call it a "museum", though. The only disappointment is it was a rainy day, so the outdoor play structure was closed. That was the main area my son wanted to play on. If we go back, it will definitely have to be on a sunny day!
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim H
Roanoke, VA1,585 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Awesome play space for kids that promises to occupy for hours. Interactive areas include a construction house, a post office, a grocery store, a medical clinic, an arts/craft area, a theatre, a train station, multiple real vehicles for exploring (fire truck, big rig, etc.), a play camping area, and more. Fabulous "outdoor classroom" space features chickens, bunnies, a set of "tunnels," great climbing trees. Indoor space includes a toddler area stocked with crawl tunnels, foam blocks, etc. Clean, accessible, welcoming; would make a wonderful venue for a kid's birthday party, company event, wedding reception involving kids. Enjoyable by many; perfect for ages 2-6.
Written April 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ncsearch
north carolina84 contributions
My grand daughter loves this place and we visit several times a year. Imagine my shock when we went the beginning of August-the entrance fee is now $7.00 per person-so it was $21.00 for the three of us. She loves the train layout,airplane set up and most of all the replica of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and sand box. Guess what -the train track layout, the light house and sand and part of the airplane exhibt are gone, gone, gone and nothing in its place. Also another whole section of exhibts are gone and there is nothing but a big empty room. The firetruck, police car and race car occupy a small section of the big open space.
There is hardly any seating for adults anywhere-which is hard on the elderly person who was with me. We had to find her a seat neat the pizza play area-which meant she could not see her greatniece playing.
There is a large garden outside, but when it is 90 outside a open garden is not where you want to be. The cottage was still there and the stage area, along with the doctor/vet area and the art center-but still very little seating for adults.
$14.00 for two adults to stand around and watch a child play is way over priced. There is nothing for an adult to do, but stand and watch. Hard to interact in the play area when most things have been removed.
Save your money and go to the Natural Scince Center or Sciworks in W-S.
There is hardly any seating for adults anywhere-which is hard on the elderly person who was with me. We had to find her a seat neat the pizza play area-which meant she could not see her greatniece playing.
There is a large garden outside, but when it is 90 outside a open garden is not where you want to be. The cottage was still there and the stage area, along with the doctor/vet area and the art center-but still very little seating for adults.
$14.00 for two adults to stand around and watch a child play is way over priced. There is nothing for an adult to do, but stand and watch. Hard to interact in the play area when most things have been removed.
Save your money and go to the Natural Scince Center or Sciworks in W-S.
Written August 16, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren W
Greensboro, NC13 contributions
Jan 2020
My kids love it here! So many interactive activities! They especially love the water areas and the hospital section.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Bares
Pikeville, NC343 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Our granddaughters 3rd birthday party was at the Greensboro Children’s Museum. They had a great space for the party and the interactive museum with tons of fun and learning for all. Staff are friendly and super helpful. Great fun!
Written May 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Dayton, OH116 contributions
Jun 2018
Visited with an 8 and 10 year old who had a great time. The outside climbing nets provided a fun and sometimes frustrating challenge for the kids. Both managed to successfully climb up, over, and down causing them to be quite pleased with themselves. And rightfully so!
I do not think I would describe this place as a "museum." "Museums" are traditionally a passive type of experience. This was just the opposite. The children's creativity and imaginations were inspired by the very free flowing, unstructured environments the kids had the opportunity to experience: grocery, hospital, airplane, restaurant, performance stage, etc. I watched children of all ages immerse themselves in play and laughter. Very well done!
I do not think I would describe this place as a "museum." "Museums" are traditionally a passive type of experience. This was just the opposite. The children's creativity and imaginations were inspired by the very free flowing, unstructured environments the kids had the opportunity to experience: grocery, hospital, airplane, restaurant, performance stage, etc. I watched children of all ages immerse themselves in play and laughter. Very well done!
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you very much for your great review! We work very hard to offer positive hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages, and we’re happy to see that reflected on your last visit.
Written July 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BoardingPass407282
Fort Belvoir, VA23 contributions
Jul 2016
I wasn't sure if my 18 month old would be old enough to be interested. But she absolutely loved it! We saw every bit. She was able to enjoy just about everything. Very cute, clean, not too busy and free for military and dependents
Written July 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
are you open on saturday 8- 31- 2019 and what time you open and close and prices
Written July 31, 2019
They are open on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $10 per person.
Written July 31, 2019
"Ages 1 – 59 years: $10, plus nc sales tax a person
Ages 60 years +: $ 9, plus nc sales tax a person
Under 1 year: Free"
Every Friday from 5pm – 8pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm, it's $5 (plus nc sales tax) a person.
This is from the website.
Written July 16, 2019
Is the half price good for every Friday and Sunday for those certain hours?
Written June 27, 2019
Greensboro Children's Museum
Greensboro, North Carolina
Hi Tammy, Yes! We are half-price every Friday, 5p - 8p, and every Sunday, 1p - 5p.
Written June 28, 2019
Greensboro Children's Museum
Greensboro, North Carolina
Admission is $10 per person for ages 1-60. Seniors ages 60+ are $9 each. Children up to 12 months are free. Every Friday, 5p - 8p, and every Sunday, 1p - 5p, admission is half-price. Thanks for inquiring!
Written April 26, 2019
There is a baby/ toddler area of the museum. He might also enjoy the vehicles. There is a new water play area, but I have not seen it yet. The web site has pictures and descriptions of the current exhibits.
Written March 14, 2019
Is GCM still hosting the children's ball, where children would dress up in royal attire as a special evening event (fundraiser)?
I took my now teenager to this event when she was a preschooler. Younger siblings would enjoy attending such an event!
Written September 24, 2017
I'm not sure, but you can call the Greensboro Children's museum at 3365742898.
Written September 25, 2017
What's the price range for kids, and adults?
Written December 25, 2016
$ 8.00 adults
Free for children under 12 months
$7.00 Seniors (over 60)
Fridays 5 to 8 and Sundays 1 to 5 $4.00
First Friday of every month $2.00 from 5 to 8
$125.00 annual family memberships for 4
Written December 26, 2016
Not sure my little guy will like the foods in nearby resturaunts, can we bring a lunch and eat at the museum? visiting this saturday so would be great to know asap. Thanks!
Written May 16, 2016
The museum does allow you to bring in your own food. There is very limited seating (I think 1 reg sized table) in a small vending room right at the entrance of the museum. There are a few vending machines in the room if you need to buy a snack. According to their home page, there are also a limited number of picnic tables outside to sit at during the better weather.
When we visited, we had already had breakfast and let her play until lunch time. There is very limited restaurants in the immediate area and parking downtown is a pain. We just waited until the end of our visit and went to lunch on our way home.
Written May 17, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 14
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing