San Antonio Children's Museum

The San Antonio Children's Museum opened its doors to the public in September of 1995. It was one of the last major cities in the United States to establish a museum for children, but since its opening more than one million visitors have come to the museum to view the exhibits and displays. The museum has three floors of activities to engage and enlighten children of all ages. The San Antonio Children's Museum was designed with the vision of encouraging learning through interactive play. There are almost a hundred educational, cultural, fun, and interactive exhibits at the facility.

There are ten permanent exhibits at the museum, the latest one being the H-E-B Kids' Market. Some of the exhibits include a bank account where children can use a real ATM and learn about financial planning and saving. The Tooth Booth allows children to discover facts about teeth and learn what it would be like to work as a dentist or hygienist in a child-like office setting.

Toddlers are also encouraged to visit the museum. One permanent exhibit is set up specifically for toddlers called the Tot Spot. The area is a place for children under the age of five to build sculptures, play with building blocks and take in the sights at an aquarium and cloud room. Each year the museum hosts a special event where the children who visit the facilities can vote on their favorite permanent exhibit. One of the constant winning exhibits is the Bubble Ranch. At the Bubble Ranch, kids get the chance to literally stand inside a giant bubble.

The museum is opened Monday through Sunday and seeks to provide additional safety of kids by not allowing adults admittance without a child. Admission fees are $7 per person and children under the age of two get in free. The museum does have an outreach program called the Learn and Play Pass. The program was established in 1996, and created to make sure that all children would be able to experience the museum regardless of economic viability. The Learn and Play Pass provides funding that allows economically challenged families, schools, and day care groups to be admitted into the museum free of charge. The fun allows anyone the opportunity to take advantage of the educational and cultural resources the San Antonio Children's Museum can offer. Visitors who are in a financial position to contribute to the museum can do so by signing up for one of its membership programs. The membership categories differ in value but all offer free admission for up to one year. Visitors can also make donations to the museum to aide with an activity in the venue called the Creation Station.

The San Antonio Children's Museum is also known as a premier place for birthday parties. Parents can use the party sheet to plan a party for up to twenty kids at the museum. The museum provides private rooms with festive decorations and takes care of food, beverages, and even the cake. Parties must be scheduled up to three months in advance and a deposit is required.