Hamilton Children's Museum
Learning Through Play
Events at the Children's Museum
The Hamilton Children’s Museum is currently closed for construction and re-opening in January 2026. More details to come!
Visit the Hamilton Children's Museum
Hamilton Children's Museum
Located in Gage Park, 1072 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1N6
The Children's Museum is currently closed for construction and re-opening in January 2026.
Call 905-521-3168
Email [email protected]
| AGE/GROUP | RATE |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 to 59 years) | $9.00 |
| Senior (60+ years) | $7.75 |
| Student (13 to 17 years) Must show valid student ID | $7.75 |
| Child (6 to 12 years) | $5.50 |
| Infant (5 years or younger) | FREE |
| Family (2 adults & unlimited dependent children under 18 years) | $24.75 |
The Hamilton Children's Museum is currently closed due to capital project work, re-opening January 2026.
Growing to better serve the community
The new Children's Museum will feature a 1500 square foot addition that is colourful, fun and whimsical in design; additional spaces for programming; new seating spaces, play rooms and quiet areas; a new larger family washroom and a barrier free front entrance
Opening January, 2026.
Museum re-opening frequently asked questions
The Hamilton Children’s Museum will officially re-open to the public on January 10, 2026.
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.
The original reopening planned for Fall 2025 has been postponed due to unforeseen construction impacts, an expanded project scope that includes installation of a new water line and sewer system and supply chain delays as the City prioritizes Canadian suppliers.
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.
The reimagined Hamilton Children’s Museum will be a bright, fun, and inclusive space for children and families to explore, learn and play together.
Hamilton Children's Museum: Expansion in Progress
Create & Celebrate
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
Check out our events listings for guided tours, workshops and other museum experiences. For museum events, click here
Weddings & Event Venue Rentals
Nationally renowned cultural sites provide distinctive settings for your special event. The revitalization of heritage buildings at some of the city’s finest historic sites has resulted in the creation of indoor and outdoor gathering places like no other. Presented in varying styles from the early 1800s to modern day, each venue exudes its own charm and appeal. Locations include:
- a Coach House on the estate of Canada’s pre-confederation ‘Prime Minister’
- a former Stable converted to a cottage-style retreat in the very heart of the city
- a modern Cellar beneath a Gage family homestead built in 1818
- an 1859 Woodshed with old-growth wooden beams and gracefully arching trusses
- one of the finest pieces of stone architecture in Ancaster built in 1871
- a classical pavilion crowned by a cupola
- Expansive green spaces, tended gardens and captivating landscapes
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.
