Hamilton Children's Museum
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.
Know Before You Go
- Regular museum operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. From October 6 to December 30, 2026, operating hours are extended. Please see more information below.
- Due to high demand, visits may be limited to a 1-hour time slot. Visitors must book their time slot in person at the museum on the same day as their visit. Spots will be held upon payment of the general admission fee or upon presentation of a Hamilton Library card. Visitors may select only one available time slot on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To help keep our indoor space accessible and comfortable for everyone, we are unable to accommodate stroller parking inside. Limited stroller parking is available outside, so we kindly recommend visiting without a stroller when possible.
- Please no food or drinks inside the museum. Water bottles are permitted and can be refilled at the water station.
- All children (ages 1+) and adults require a Hamilton Library Card to receive free admission. Please present each card at the admissions desk.
- For real-time announcements and updates, please stay tuned to our Instagram or Facebook pages.
More of the day to play!
The Hamilton Children’s Museum is extending play time this fall. As part of a pilot project, enjoy more time for hands-on fun and flexible hours for your family. Come try out our new hours and let us know what you think!
New Extended Hours: October 6 – December 30, 2026
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Updated Time Slots
For the safety of staff and visitors, we may limit visits to one-hour time slots during busy times.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- 10:15 am – 11:15 am
- 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
- 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday
- 10:15 am – 11:15 am
- 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
- 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
- 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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: Limited parking is available on site and additional parking can be found at 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/Group | Rate |
|---|---|
| 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 & up to 4 dependent children under 18 years) | $29.95 |
Hours & Accessibility
Regular hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fall 2026 extended hours (Oct 6 – Dec 30): Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.
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.
Why is the museum extending operating hours?
The Hamilton Children’s Museum has experienced strong community interest and attendance since reopening. The extended hours pilot will help us better understand whether there is demand for additional opportunities for families and visitors to access the Museum later in the day.
Can I use my Hamilton Library Card to visit during extended hours?
Yes! Each visitor (including children) must present their own card at the admissions desk to receive free admission.
How can I provide feedback on the extended hours pilot?
Please share your thoughts with a staff member at the Hamilton Children’s Museum or contact the museum team at [email protected]. We are looking forward to hearing your feedback!
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
Birthday Parties
Let's Party! Celebrate your special day at the Hamilton Children's Museum with your friends and family.
- Play in the Hamilton Children's Museum themed galleries.
- Challenge yourself with building blocks, gather food from the greenhouse, pretend to sail a boat and climb on the escarpment climbing wall.
- Explore Seeker Spaces, read a book and discover scientific equipment.
Ages: 1 to 7 yrs
Available: All year round (Bookings can be made now for September 1, 2026 and beyond)
Capacity: 25 guests
Duration: 2 hours
Time slots: 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Costs:
The maximum capacity is 25 guests, with a flexible mix of adults and children, subject to the following rates and limits:
First 10 children are $240.00 total
Additional children (up to 10 more) are $24.00 per child
First 5 adults are free
Additional Adults are $5.00 per adult
Facilities:
- The party rental is a two-hour time slot at the museum; this includes one hour of play time in the interactive and hands-on galleries and use of the rental space for enjoying food and opening presents.
- Child sized tables and chairs are available, fridge and microwave and the outdoor patio portion of the back yard.
- Guests are responsible for providing their own food.
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.
