Oct. 22, 2015

Children’s Museum, No. 3 in the Nation

Smelling the flowers in Room for Under Threes

Children's Museum of Phoenix ‘¨ranks third best

children's museum ‘¨in the United States.

In a recent ranking of the 25 Best American Children's Museums across the nation, the Early Childhood Education Zone recognized the Children's Museum of Phoenix as one of the top three children's museums in the United States.

Methodology for the ranking included team evaluation of many facilities from around the country. Points were given to the museums based on the following criteria:

-> Hands-On Activities

-> Food: Are parents able to bring in food? Does the museum have a cafeteria?

-> Cost and Parking: Can a family of four enter for under $50 (including parking)

-> Memberships: Cost, benefits, privileged events

-> Restricted areas for toddlers/preschoolers

-> Educational options i.e. camps, day classes, family nights

-> Traveling exhibits: Access, costs (additional or included with ticket or membership)

Although the Children's Museum, which opened just seven years ago, is still relatively young when compared to its counterparts across the nation, this recognition is the second that the Museum has received as one of the best children's museums in the country.

The Museum focuses on early childhood education and school-readiness, providing over 300 hands-on activities which encourages learning in young children through open-ended, imaginative play. The Museum also offers over 500 educational programs during the year as well as summer, winter and spring break camps. Designed for children birth to 10 years, the mission of the Children's Museum of Phoenix is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them.

The Early Childhood Education Zone highlights the top Early Education degree programs around the United States, creating a useful tool to those that are involved with the education of young children. For more information visit earlychildhoodeducationzone.com.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, is located in the historic Monroe School Building at 215 N. Seventh St. in downtown Phoenix. The Museum offers three full floors of hands-on, fun and educational activities for children ages birth to 10. The mission of the Museum is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit ChildrensMuseumOfPhoenix.org.

CLICK HERE for a full list of the top 25 children's museums around the country.