Attention NYC parents: It’s time for play and learning because a new children’s museum just opened on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Located at 805 Columbus Ave., the Play Street Museum UWS opened on Feb. 17 and features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and play spaces for children ages 8 and younger to enjoy.
The new 1,800-square-foot museum is based on a business model not often used in the museum world. It is the 19th location of a nation-wide museum chain of the same name. As a franchise, it opened in a storefront that was empty since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harlem resident James Payne, along with his wife Kristina, got the idea to open a Play Street Museum in NYC after visiting one in Texas.
“That was April 2022,” Payne said. “Two years later, almost to the day. It’s a really cool full-circle moment.”
As a father of two young children in the city, Payne said he understands the need for having a fun and safe indoor space for kids to play and learn.
“We feel privileged that we get to provide the neighborhood with a space that will allow young children to not only grow and thrive, but also allow their caregivers to rest, recharge and experience the gift of community,” he said.
What to expect at the Play Street Museum UWS
The museum has a variety of themed areas for children to play, create and use their imaginations. The centerpiece of the museum is a miniature town that kids can explore. It has the feel of a town square that includes a veterinarian office, grocery store, an at-home office, even a mini studio apartment.
“I would liken Play Street Museum to a micro-size format museum for kids,” Payne said. “We appreciate looking at the Mona Lisa, but my oldest child is 3 years old and he wants to enter the scene. And that’s exactly what kids are able to do here. They’re able to enter the exhibits and interact with them. It’s really cool to see this come to life.”
In addition to the town square exhibit, kids have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on enrichment activities that change each day, Payne explained. These themed activities focus on a variety of topics, including music, art and science. The museum also offers lessons in practical skills for kids that show them how to do basic tasks, such brush their teeth or pour water into glass.
There is also a space designed for children who are neurotypical or neurodivergent. It is a quiet corner, Payne said, where kids can play with building blocks and sensory toys to help them relax if they feel stressed.
What you need to know about visiting the Play Street Museum UWS in NYC
Where is the museum located?
The museum is located at 805 Columbus Ave. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
What are the hours?
Visitors must reserve a session in advance. Session times are Monday through Friday 9-10:30 a.m., 11a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Weekends are usually closed for private events. At the end of each session, children receive a healthy snack, which can be juice boxes, Goldfish crackers or popcorn.
How much is admission?
Admission to the museum is $35 per child, ages 1 to 8; $10 per adult. Older children and younger children are admitted free if accompanied by a paying sibling.
For more information about the museum, visit uws.playstreetmuseum.com.
