Planning a visit to the Children’s Museum of the Shoals? We’re here to help! Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions so your family can spend less time planning and more time playing, exploring, and discovering.
Planning a visit to the Children’s Museum of the Shoals? We’re here to help! Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions so your family can spend less time planning and more time playing, exploring, and discovering.
The Children’s Museum of the Shoals is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. We are closed Sunday and Monday unless otherwise announced for a special event.
General admission is $10 per person. Children 18 months and younger are admitted free.
We are located at 2810 Darby Drive in Florence, Alabama, in the heart of the Shoals.
Free parking is available at the museum. Follow posted signage when you arrive, and please contact us if you need assistance with accessible parking.
Our museum offers hands-on experiences for children of many ages, with exhibits designed to encourage imagination, discovery, creativity, and play. Younger children can enjoy imaginative play while older children can explore science, music, nature, transportation, and other interactive experiences.
A lot! The museum features more than 20 refreshed and renovated experiences, including the Transportation Station, Science Center, Train Station, Ranger Adventure Camp, Shoals Sound, Agriculture Exhibit, Dino Dig, and much more.
Every family explores differently, but we recommend allowing at least two hours to enjoy the museum. Many children will happily stay even longer!
Yes! Membership is one of the best ways to enjoy CMS throughout the year. Our Family Membership is $100 per year and includes unlimited general admission for eligible family members, along with additional member benefits.
Reservations are generally not required for regular museum admission. Groups and field trips should contact the museum in advance so we can help plan your visit.
Absolutely! Birthday parties at CMS give children the chance to celebrate their special day while enjoying the museum.
Yes! We welcome schools, preschools, homeschool groups and other educational organizations. Field trips combine hands-on learning with plenty of opportunities to explore and play.
Yes! Throughout the year, CMS offers special programming including Curiosity Club, Little Music Makers, ExplorAbility, themed days, seasonal activities, and other special events.
Check our Events Calendar or follow us on social media for the latest happenings.
ExplorAbility is our sensory-friendly museum experience created to provide a more comfortable and welcoming environment for children and families who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation.
Please check with our front desk before leaving the museum so our team can let you know the current same-day re-entry policy.
Please check with our front desk regarding food and beverages. We want to keep our exhibits clean, safe and ready for every child to enjoy.
We want CMS to be a welcoming place for every child and family. If someone in your party has specific mobility, sensory or accessibility needs, please contact us before your visit and our team will be happy to help you plan.
Yes. Children must remain with a responsible adult while visiting the museum. Our exhibits are designed for families to discover and enjoy together.
Because CMS is a children-focused environment, adults visiting without children should contact the museum in advance regarding our admission and visitor policy.
Yes. Families are welcome to bring strollers. We simply ask that you be considerate of other guests when navigating busy exhibit areas.
Yes! A CMS membership makes a wonderful birthday, holiday or grandparent gift—and it gives a child something much better than another toy: a whole year of experiences.
Absolutely. The Children’s Museum of the Shoals depends on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in creating extraordinary learning experiences for children.
You can support CMS through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and other giving opportunities.
Yes—and every gift matters. Donations help us maintain and improve exhibits, create new educational experiences, provide programming, and continue investing in the children of the Shoals.
Visit our online calendar and follow the Children’s Museum of the Shoals on social media. We regularly announce special events, programs, new exhibits, and museum updates.
Find us on:
We’d love to help make your visit wonderful.
Children’s Museum of the Shoals
2810 Darby Drive,
Florence, Alabama 35630
256-764-3537