children's hands-on museum

yooperkeith

At first, I was a bit skeptical taking 4 kids (ages 2-11) there. I was pleasantly surprised. It was bigger that I thought. we were there for 4 hours and still did not see everything. They had age appropriate exhibits for all the kids that excited them and engaged them. It was worth the 3 hour round trip.

MoneyMan70

This is a great playground but that is all it is. My 6 yr old had fun but it is not at all a scientific experience. For the price, I would expect a better learning experience.

SummerRae87

We took my 3- and 10-year old godchildren to the museum and they had a blast! To be honest, we probably had as much fun as they did, watching them play dress-up, put on a puppet show, ride in a space simulator, and so much more. We've been going since the smallest was 1, they even have areas for babies so they don't feel left out :)

nancyr988

When my grandchildren come to town, the Children's Hand's-On Museum is tops on the list as a place to take them. It's relatively inexpensive and has exhibits kids can enjoy. The children can care for you or their doll in a mock hospital setting, they can buy play groceries and pretend to ring up the sale, they can play "dress up" in early 1900's garb, or they can pretend to fix an ice cream soda at a real old time soda fountain. The museum is just a fun place to go!

travelin_mom28

I took my three kids (6, 3, 1) to the museum during a trip to Tuscaloosa. We could have easily spent the entire day at the museum. There were two levels that were perfect for my kids' ages. The bottom floor had really great hands on exhibits that were perfect for our younger kiddos. The museum had lots of teens there to keep the exhibits organized and to interact with the kids as they played.

cr_sparks

There's a story area with a real creek and puppets. There are crafts and old-fashioned attractions. It's simply fun for moms, dads, and younger siblings--and maybe, just maybe that teenager will read a story to little brother/sister in the "tree house"

atlantavoyagers

We spent about three hours here with our 1.5 and 3.5 year old boys along with a couple of our adult friends we were visiting from out of town. There isn't a whole lot to do in Tuscaloosa, so we thought we'd check it out. It was definitely better than I was expecting. There were many different centers for the kids to try out including a space center, an old pharmacy and soda bar, a boat, a native american area, a hospital, a fishing boat, and more. It was perfect for the 3.5 year old but there was still plenty to entertain the 1.5 year old. I'm sure if we lived here, we would be members. Yes, it's primarily a creative, indoor playground, but there's certainly plenty of learning to do if you pay attention with your children. It's comparable to other children's museums we've been to in that sense. Yes, the price is a bit steep. But the museum was clean and well staffed and the exhibits were all in good working area. It's not like they're going to be swamped with visitors given the location, and they need to make money to keep operating! I felt the cost was worth it.

jawhiskeyman

We had a wonderful time! Luckily, the museum has a reciprocal agreement with other museums…or the price would have been steep. As it was, we got half-price admission. This is definitely not a museum for older children. It is more of a play-place with a sprinkling of learning. There was not much information on the exhibits…but tactile learning was definitely encouraged. My children really enjoyed themselves…this could be a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Popocuba

The museum it's boring nothing chance.They don't let kit to wear clothers from the museum downstairs or any place.They have a xbox for kids with games for big kids and difficult to play for little kids.And more and more. But it's the only museum in tuscaloosa, the boring city.

Dan_the_Man_Staziak

Our one and three year old grandchildren had a great time. Unfortunately, that means that my wife and I each pay a full admission price to basically watch the kids have fun. I don't think they really learned much of anything; even though the displays were well done. In the dress-up area, there was nothing to fit small kids either. Plus, there aren't a lot of places in the neighborhood for taking the kids out for something to eat. Would take them again...but only if chaperons got in free.

myabeknbrismom

CHOM is great for smaller kids and kids with huge imaginations. Most all of their exhibits are for playing dress up and make believe. There is not alot of things to explore as there are at Mcwane in Birmingham. The price is high considering its dress up for an hour but the kids have a ton of fun on cold or rainy days.

lyndseyk

Our 2 year old loves this place. It has several floors, organized by age range, and everything is hands-on, thus the name. Lower floor is geared toward preschool age. Ground floor is elementary school, and upstairs is used for special exhibits, games, etc. The staff is very helpful and friendly. We saw them cleaning some of the exhibits with Lysol wipes while we were there which was comforting. The preschool floor has several exhibits including outdoor/animals, tugboat, grocery store, Asian house, farm, hospital, and several others. Great place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.

BryanB373

Not only is CHOM for kids but as an adult I have learned a lot about Tuscaloosa and West Alabama plus the way of life from years past. It is a wonderful place to take the kids as it is always opening their minds to what the world is all about.

GreenS613

The 'hands on' is what makes this place SO amazing. There are interactive areas of commerce, costumes for 'dress up' for tea parties. Also natural history, native American local history. The displays are all attractively done, and very inviting / intriguing to the children. Staff is very friendly and such a plus for the entire community.

GeneMaryland

It's an absolute must for children, toddlers to middle school, even high school. Many participatory experiences relating to history, culture, traditions, etc.