Chesapeake Children's Museum
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Chesapeake Children's Museum

3.9
·199 reviews·Annapolis, United States

An interactive nonprofit museum offering imaginative play, live animals, and outdoor exploration for children.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Chesapeake Children's Museum

Chesapeake Children's Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An interactive nonprofit museum offering imaginative play, live animals, and outdoor exploration for children.

3.9
(199 reviews)

"Tons of dress-up and imaginative play of every genre, plus a nice trail system behind."

Vertical photo
TIP

Rainy Day Savior

Perfect indoor spot for kids when the weather is bad in Annapolis.

Dress for Messy Fun

Wear clothes that can get a little dirty, especially for the outdoor digging pit! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 199 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Imaginative Play Rooms

Imaginative Play Rooms

Indoor exhibits

Step into themed rooms for dress-up, pretend play, and hands-on activities that fuel creativity.

Live Animal Encounters

Live Animal Encounters

Indoor exhibits

Discover a variety of live animals, offering a unique and educational experience for kids.

Outdoor Creek Trail & Digging Pit

Outdoor Creek Trail & Digging Pit

Behind the museum

Explore a nature trail leading to a creek and a fun digging pit for sensory play.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vintage Charm

While some exhibits might feel a bit dated, this is part of the Chesapeake Children's Museum's unique charm. Focus on the imaginative play and hands-on activities that spark joy and learning for young visitors. It's a nonprofit gem! InstagramReddit

Plan for All-Day Exploration

With engaging indoor themed rooms, live animals, and outdoor exploration areas including a creek trail and digging pit, allocate ample time. Many visitors spend 3+ hours here, making it a perfect full-day outing. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More interactive programs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Emerson and I had the sweetest day at the Be With Me Playseum 💕 Watching her explore, create, and imagine was pure magic. ✨ It’s such a special place where kids get to be kids and parents get to join in the fun too. If you’re looking for a memory-making day with your little one, this is the spot. 🌟 Plan your visit and see the wonder for yourself! 📍 Be With Me Playseum – Annapolis Mall, 2002 Annapo...
@emerson.dreamer
2.7K likes • 37.1K views

Rainy Day Savior

Perfect indoor spot for kids when the weather is bad in Annapolis. Reddit

Dress for Messy Fun

Wear clothes that can get a little dirty, especially for the outdoor digging pit! :athletic_shoe:

Check out more information & enter the giveaway on my instagram @paigem.norman or you can find it through my bio! 💕 #Annapolis #Playseum #Bewithmeplayseum #playannapolis #visitannapolis #visitannapolis #DTA #annapolismall
@paigenorman3
1.5K likes • 18.9K views
JKLC took over the Chesapeake Children’s Museum during our field trip! Our students were able to get a change of scenery and play while learning in multiple rooms! 🤗🛒🦕 Has anyone ever been to this museum? #JKLCROCKS #JKLC #earlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation #kindergarten #preschool #explore #fun #summer #maryland #largo #fieldtrip #chesapeakechildrensmuseum
jubilantkidslearningcenter
18 likes • 547 views

Engage with Staff

Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and enhance the learning experience. :bustsinsilhouette:

Explore Beyond Indoors

Don't miss the outdoor trail and creek access for more adventure. :hiking_boot:

Today we visited the Chesapeake Children's Museum. At 1st glance it wasn't a place that we would normally visit as some of the things there are not as modern or up to date, but that's what made it a gem plus Baby Love & her friend had a great time. We spent 3 hours playing, pretending, crafting, socializing & exploring. There were live animals, themed pretend rooms, lots of play and imaginary toys...
glamcouture4
1 likes • 60 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Rainy Day Savior

Perfect indoor spot for kids when the weather is bad in Annapolis. Reddit

Dress for Messy Fun

Wear clothes that can get a little dirty, especially for the outdoor digging pit! :athletic_shoe:

Engage with Staff

Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and enhance the learning experience. :bustsinsilhouette:

Explore Beyond Indoors

Don't miss the outdoor trail and creek access for more adventure. :hiking_boot:

Toddler-Friendly Zones

Features sensory stations perfect for little ones aged 1-5. TikTok

What Travellers Say

3.9
(199 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Chesapeake Children's Museum for its engaging, imaginative play opportunities and friendly, knowledgeable staff. While some exhibits are noted as being a bit dated, this vintage charm is often seen as a positive, contributing to the museum's unique character. It's a highly recommended spot for hands-on learning and family fun, with both indoor and outdoor areas offering diverse activities.

"A wonderful indoor and outdoor space for elementary aged children or anyone who wants to feel elementary aged for the day! Tons of dress-up and imaginative play of every genre. There is also a nice trail system behind that leads to a creek and a truck pit where you can dig and play with small pebbles. The staff were very kind to our kids and also very helpful with providing information or rule reminders to both the children and adults ."

Nikki Grove

"This museum was a brilliant and engaging stop for my son and I exploring Annapolis from out of state. There was more learning through play sparked in these small rooms than most of our weeklong trip! His favorites were the boat and pier inside, which he imagined repairing with several toy tools, and the small theater where he tried on many costumes and characters we would gladly return to visit with.

Dr. Deborah Wood greeted us at the door and despite the busyness of the spot on a weekday morning she kindly paused her work to let us tour the space, including event rental space and their music room. I was so encouraged to learn about her team's experience intersecting play and education for kids, parents, caregivers, and educators. It was really the highlight of my trip."

r f

"Such an awesome experience for children - live animals, story telling, craft making, and lots of theme rooms. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and creative. It was an amazing day for a 3-year-old and a 13-month-old."

Julie M

What People Like

Imaginative play and themed rooms
Friendly and helpful staff
Live animals and outdoor exploration

What People Dislike

Exhibits are a bit outdated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 25 Silopanna Rd, Annapolis, MD. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is typically available on-site. Reddit

Information on public transportation routes to the museum is not widely available, but it's recommended to check local Annapolis transit schedules if this is your preferred method of travel.

The museum generally offers on-site parking, which is convenient for families arriving by car. Reddit

While specific accessibility details are not detailed in all sources, the museum aims to be inclusive. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific needs regarding stroller or wheelchair access.

Yes, the Chesapeake Children's Museum is a great stop when exploring Annapolis, with other attractions like the historic downtown and waterfront nearby. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but the museum is a nonprofit organization. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information. Reddit

Operating hours can change seasonally or for special events. Always check the official Chesapeake Children's Museum website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

While not always required, booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, can save time and ensure entry. Check their website for online booking options. Reddit

As a nonprofit, the museum may offer discounts for groups, educators, or specific programs. Inquire directly or check their website for any available promotions. Instagram

Many visitors find that 3+ hours are needed to fully enjoy the indoor and outdoor exhibits, but you can certainly visit for a shorter duration if time is limited. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum offers a wide range of activities including imaginative play in themed rooms, dress-up, crafting, story time, and interaction with live animals. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are specific sensory stations and play areas designed for toddlers and younger children aged 1-5. TikTok

Children can learn through play, focusing on imaginative play, fine motor development, social skills, and even STEM concepts through special events. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! There's a nature trail leading to a creek and a digging pit, offering a great outdoor play experience. Reddit

Visitors often describe the museum as clean and well-maintained, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum does not typically have a full-service cafe. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, or plan to dine at nearby Annapolis restaurants. Reddit

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy. Check for designated eating areas. Reddit

Yes, Annapolis has a variety of family-friendly restaurants within a short driving distance from the museum. TikTok

Specific storage facilities for food are not usually mentioned, so it's best to keep items with you or in your vehicle. Reddit

Since outside food is permitted, families can easily cater to children with dietary restrictions by bringing their own meals and snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or professional shoots. TikTokInstagram

The themed play rooms, live animals, and the outdoor creek area offer great photo opportunities. The dress-up stations are also popular for fun shots. Instagram

Professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Contact the museum directly if you plan to conduct any commercial or extensive media recording. Instagram

Yes, capturing your children's enjoyment is a highlight for many visitors. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy. TikTok

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient for capturing the vibrant indoor exhibits and outdoor scenes. TikTok

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