If it’s an indoor kind of day, Monmouth Museum in Lincroft is where kids will have a blast and sneak in some learning (mom win!). Thanks to the history, science, and interactive exhibits, littles can get busy without even realizing they are honing motor skills and gaining STEAM knowledge. And with 15,000 square feet of space, two children’s wings, galleries with rotating exhibits, plus a whale of a slide, the Monmouth Museum is an indoor activity go-to all year round. Read on for more details, and if you can’t make it to Monmouth, find one of the other NJ museums to visit near you. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Monmouth Museum

Explore the Wonder Wing

If your kids love to explore, climb, interact, and create, then The Wonder Wing is where they will want to hang out for a while. This wing is designed for children aged 6 and under, but there are paths so bigger kids can stay nearby. Kids will adore the under-the-sea theme that offers everything from a puzzle corner, stage area, treehouse, lighthouse, rope bridge, ship, and the adorable whale slide that is accessed by a stairwell, with a mouth opening at the bottom onto a padded landing. Need a minute? Take a break on one of the adjacent benches where you can keep an eye on littles and relax. 

The Becker STEAM Wing and The Garrett Reisman Center for Air & Space

Kids of all ages will want to head to the Becker Room, where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) exhibits and activities give them plenty of ways to discover and learn about the world around us. With exhibits as varied as fossils, dinosaurs, horseshoe crabs, a recycled arts studio, an innovation lab, and an aquaponics system, there’s plenty to keep kids engaged. Upstairs, The Space Center has TV displays showing the astronauts in space and a constellation station where you can match and form your name with stars. Downstairs, you can park toddlers and babies on the carpeted open play space with toys like musical instruments, soft plushies, and puzzles. If your kids want to create, don’t miss the recycled craft station that offers a daily craft activity. 

Holiday fun with Dino-mite exhibits and events

From December to early January, the Monmouth Museum is abuzz with holiday festivities and activities. Bring the family’s youngest members on select weekends where they can visit with Mrs. Claus for a delightful and memorable storytime. Once you get into the holiday spirit with the story, participate in holiday arts and crafts. And don’t miss the Dinosaur Exhibit, which is beautifully decorated with a dino-themed holiday tree and festive ornaments and garlands on the dinos. 

What to know before you go

The museum is closed on Mondays. The Becker STEAM Wing and Garrett Reisman Center for Air & Space are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are subject to change, so it’s always best to check them beforehand. Admission provides access to all areas; general admission is $14, free for children under 2. Buying tickets online ahead of time is recommended for a quicker check-in. There is stroller parking around the corner, but the museum itself isn’t stroller-friendly. Baby changing areas are available, and a private nursing area is in the ladies’ room off the main hallway. Food and drinks are not permitted inside, but there are two nature garden spots with picnic tables available, weather permitting; if you are coming with a larger group, make sure to call in advance to reserve the space. You can book a birthday party at Monmouth Museum in the Wonder Wing and Dinosaur Exhibit. Check out their special event calendar, including Storytime and Crafts and other events like Ocean Explorers and a Juried Art Show.

Monmouth Museum 
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738

Learn more about Monmouth Museum by visiting their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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