Skip to main content

Hamilton Children's Museum

Stretch your imagination as you play and learn!

Learning Through Play

Home to interactive, hands-on galleries, the museum encourages learning through self-directed play. Play inspires imagination, and imagination helps children to understand their world. 

Housed in an 1875 farmhouse in beautiful Gage Park, the museum  has been providing family-friendly learning opportunities to the public for more than forty years. 
Toys at the Hamilton Childrens Museum

Events at the Children's Museum

For a full listing of events at all Hamilton Civic Museums sites, check out our events page.

Visit the Hamilton Children's Museum

Contact & Site Info
Hamilton Children's Museum
Located in Gage Park, 1072 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1N6
Phone Number 905-521-3168
Email [email protected]

Note: Parking is available on site and in Gage Park located on Lawrence Rd.
Admission

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Museum. All rates include applicable tax.

Hamilton Public Library cards are accepted in person at the museums. Cardholders receive free general admission.

AGE/GROUPRATE
Adult (18 to 54 years)$6.25
Senior (55+ years)$6.25
Youth (13 to 17 years) Must show valid student ID$6.25
Child (1 to 12 years)$9.25
Infant (Under 1 year)FREE
Family (2 adults & dependent children under 18 years)    $29.95
Hours & Accessibility

Museum open year-round

Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Closed on Mondays as well as Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.

The Children's Museum is fully accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Children's Museum closed?

The Hamilton Children’s Museum first closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic, along with other Hamilton Civic Museums. When the civic museums reopened in February 2022, the Children’s Museum remained closed to allow for planned exhibit updates. During this time, the City secured grants to support a major expansion project, shifting the focus from a refresh to a full redevelopment.

The Hamilton Children’s Museum expansion and renewal project was funded through multiple sources:

  • ICIP (Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program): $3.52 million (federal, provincial, and municipal funds)
  • CCRF (Canada Community Revitalization Fund): $450,000 (federal, provincial, and municipal funds)
  • Municipal Capital Budget: $2.43 million over several years
  • Ward Councillor Funding for Exhibits: $300,000

Construction began in February 2023, and museum staff continued offering free community programming at local venues such as the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and Hamilton Public Library.

What is new at the Children's Museum?
Visitors can look forward to an exciting transformation, including:
  • Expanded visitor space: From approximately 2,500 sq. ft. to 6,300 sq. ft., plus outdoor terraces and a fenced play yard.
  • Preservation of heritage house: The charm of the 1875 farmhouse has been preserved while adding modern features and more than doubling capacity.
  • Extended operating hours: The museum will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm year-round.
  • Improved accessibility: Fully accessible entrance, elevator, and washrooms.
  • New exhibit areas: Fresh, engaging exhibits and quiet spaces.
  • New classroom space and enhanced programming.
  • Safe outdoor play area for families to enjoy.
Can I use my Hamilton Library Card to access the Children's Museum?
Hamilton Public Library cards are accepted in person at the museums. Cardholders receive free general admission.

Create & Celebrate

Programs & Workshops
Hamilton Civic Museums is proud to offer a variety of different programs and workshops - from curriculum based learning adventures, to group tours and specialized experiences for Scouts, Guides and community groups. 
For curriculum based school programs, click here
For group tours, click here
For event listings, guided tours, workshops, and other museum experiences, click here
Venue Rentals
More information on rental space at the Hamilton Children's Museum will be available soon.
Photography

The purchase of a $205 permit is required for all outdoor photography involving 10 or more people. Please call the museum to book your time.

Let's stay connected!

There are three ways to reach Hamilton Civic Museums

1. Sign up for “The Linc”, the Hamilton Civic Museums newsletter, to learn more about upcoming programs and events.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: City of Hamilton - Hamilton Civic Museums, 28 James Street North, 2nd Floor, Hamilton L8R 2K1, CA, http://www.hamilton.ca/museums. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the Unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

2. Follow us on Social Media.

3. Share a story of Hamilton’s history.

Contact Us
crossmenuchevron-down